The protagonist wakes up next to Diago, an ailing alupi (a creature of some kind) and feels concern for its wounds before it disappears into the forest.
The protagonist deals with his own injuries, including a bite on his arm and cuts on his forearm. He contemplates about a mysterious helper who assisted in his escape.
The protagonist takes a swim in the river, builds a fire, and cleans cloths around his injuries, despite his concerns about being seen. He also discovers the tracking device with almost all the stones reattached.
He meets up with companions Callidus and Aequa. Aequa forcefully insists on cleaning and bandaging his bite wound. They discuss various aspects of their strategy for an event called the Iudicium.
Aequa discovers that the protagonist's wound looks infected and recommends medical attention at their earliest convenience.
Callidus wins a bet to be the one to take their group's trackers ahead while Aequa and the protagonist ambush a team in the Iudicium event. They bid him farewell as he leaves.