Loth sails aboard the Elegant toward the Bonehouse Trench, where he is to transfer to the Rose Eternal for the journey to the Empire of the Twelve Lakes. In the background, Sabran has won the Virtues Council's approval for the Eastern Proposal after fierce debate, invoking a holy call to arms and writing to the sovereigns of Virtudom and the South to besiege Cárscaro on the second day of spring—hoping to divide the Draconic Army so the Nameless One can be struck the moment he rises. Loth carries Sabran's coronation ring on a chain around his neck as proof of her authority, and he reflects on how her determination is partly a way to honor the comatose Ead.

At the Bonehouse Trench, Loth boards the Rose Eternal and reunites with Estina Melaugo, who is surprised he survived Yscalin. Captain Harlowe briefs him on their route: south through the Abyss to catch the westerlies, into the Sundance Sea, and finally to a closed Lacustrine port on the southwestern coast—a former trade site meant to signal a desire to reopen relations. Harlowe warns about the Seiikinese navy and the fire-breathing wyrm Valeysa in the East, and charges Loth to ensure the Unceasing Emperor is worthy of Sabran's hand. Loth shares his Yscalin story with Melaugo, omitting all details about the Priory, and mourns Kit's death, blaming himself. Melaugo cautions that the Unceasing Emperor may not find an alliance with Sabran attractive, since her religion vilifies the very dragons his people revere.

During the crossing, a Lacustrine gunner named Thim tutors Loth in Lacustrine customs, court protocol, and the nature of the House of Lakseng—a dynasty claiming descent from the first human to bond with a dragon from the celestial plane, presided over by an Imperial Dragon who chooses each ruler's successor. Loth learns never to use the word "wyrm" for Eastern dragons, reserving it for Western fire-breathers. He also learns that Seiiki's harsh sea ban stems from a devastating Draconic plague.

One night, drawn on deck by an eerie song, Loth finds Harlowe at the prow. They listen to syrens singing—not to lure sailors, but to call the sea itself. Thousands of bioluminescent fish bloom beneath the surface in rainbow light, and Harlowe quietly observes that beauty can be found anywhere, even in the Abyss.