Valdir’s warriors deliver Ephraim to Eagle Rest, where shaman Ozgard—who earlier aided his survival—guides him up the repurposed Bellona ludus. Among thousands of Obsidian youths training, Electra leads her trio to a disciplined win under instructor Freihild as Sefi the Quiet watches. Ozgard explains the “Three Seasons” of war and notes the Queen’s approval of balance.

Pax enters the square and refuses the Season of Wind by stepping out, then returns to dismantle three larger opponents with precise, bored cruelty, even pinning one with a bone shard. He publicly condemns Sefi’s host as deserters blinded by tradition, insists the current conflict is annihilation, and warns of doom for Darrow on Mercury. He leaves the assembly in uneasy silence while Valdir broods.

Presented to Sefi, Ephraim notes her augments and Aja’s razor. She challenges his zoladone habit, declaring berserkers abolished and Fever Cloud vile, and explains he was recovered by Brothers of the Ice before she claimed him from the Syndicate. The White logos advisor, Xenophon, hovers nearby.

Sefi tours him through hangars turned schools where Obsidians learn forbidden trades. She declares a break with the Republic to unite the Alltribe and found a homeland, “Volkland,” citing years of exploitation and empty promises. She wants Ephraim to transform her sacred skuggi—sterilized, fiercely loyal assassins who have been eradicating the Red Hand—into versatile infiltrators able to sow discord and build alliances. Valdir opposes abandoning the Reaper and such “shameful” arts; Ephraim balks at enabling deadlier covert force.

Sefi then applies leverage: Volga and Lyria are alive on Phobos, abducted by the Julii using the Figment. She shows a holo of Volga and offers their release if Ephraim commits. He rejects fealty but accepts an Amani-spec contract: no zoladone, rich compensation in diamonds and a ship, and the girls in six weeks. After negotiating hazard pay, he seals the deal. Sefi adds one task—bring Pax close as potential insurance—while Ephraim resolves to use the arrangement to save Volga and Lyria.