Niclays Roos returns to Brygstad, the capital of Mentendon, after years of exile and adventure. High Princess Ermuna has invited him to court, hoping his knowledge of the East will help strengthen diplomatic relations with Seiiki and the Empire of the Twelve Lakes. Though reluctant to face the ghosts of his past, Niclays knows he cannot refuse a royal invitation. He rides through the familiar streets, taking in the sights and scents he had dreamed about during his years in Orisima, his left arm now ending below the elbow after his injuries aboard the Dancing Pearl.

Niclays reflects on the battle's outcome: Eadaz uq-Nāra mortally wounded the Nameless One with the True Sword, and she and Tané finished him with the jewels—all while Niclays slept through it. He also recalls that his friend Laya was found alive in the Dreadmount after the Siege of Cárscaro and has returned to Nzene. Before presenting himself at court, Niclays insists on visiting the Old Quarter and then the Silver Cemetery, where Jannart utt Zeedeur is entombed alongside members of the House of Lievelyn.

Inside the mausoleum, Niclays confronts his grief at last. He speaks to Jannart's tomb, confessing his resentment at being left behind, his guilt over failing to protect Jannart's grandchild Truyde, and his brush with suicidal despair after the battle. He resolves to honor Jannart's love by continuing to live and becoming the person Jannart believed he could be. Niclays touches the alabaster effigy one final time and leaves.

Outside the cemetery, Niclays encounters Aleidine Teldan utt Kantmarkt—Jannart's widow. The two share a long-overdue conversation. Aleidine reveals she always knew about Niclays and Jannart's love, and rather than harboring resentment, she thanks Niclays for giving Jannart happiness, explaining that their marriage was arranged and she honored her vow to love and defend Jannart by letting him love freely. Niclays asks about Truyde's resting place and learns her remains were sent to the family plot at Zeedeur.

Aleidine encourages Niclays to seek a professorship at the University of Brygstad rather than a court position, suggesting he could share the extraordinary knowledge he gained from his travels. She offers to reintroduce him to society, mentioning a friend named Alariks who teaches astronomy, and warmly declares Niclays family. The two agree to walk along the River Bugen so Aleidine can catch Niclays up on years of missed news before his audience with the High Princess.