Nine years ago, humans arrive near the listeners’ lands, thrilling Eshonai with their survival and strange ways. She notes their single unchanging “form,” their metal “carapace,” and the dullform-like people with them who have no songs. Eshonai, Klade, and others help bridge the languages; a ring-adorned human woman questions Eshonai about spren, noting listeners seem to see spren closer to their reality.

Eshonai leads a small human group onto the Shattered Plains, avoiding the ten ancient cities. At a rope bridge crossing, they proceed cautiously. On a plateau, the curious woman asks about stories of windspren acting like people; Eshonai calls such tales fanciful. The king and his hardened brother join them, assessing the terrain and asking about greatshells.

While helping set camp, Eshonai reveals an heirloom knife from ancient ruins. The woman urgently involves the king, who examines the blade and presses for its origin, mentioning the False Desolation. Their talk is interrupted by the approach of a massive chasmfiend. The group watches in awe and fear as it emerges, regards them briefly, then slips back into the chasm, leaving the humans subdued—except the king.

Afterward, Gavilar questions Eshonai about ruins, songs, and lore from the listeners’ past, including stories of people with spren companions and abilities—possibly Knights Radiant. Eshonai admits the knowledge survives in songs and mentions ancient cities. Gavilar’s interest intensifies as he probes for records and locations.

When the expedition departs, Gavilar gifts the listeners crates of fine steel weapons and secures a promise: upon his return, he expects to find them living in a city at the Plains’ edge, so he can hear directly from their keepers of songs. His request reveals a determined interest in the listeners’ heritage and sites.