Having traveled to Nelpha, Ryner and Ferris run into Toale Nelphi while researching the hero relics in the town library. Meanwhile, dissent in Roland escalates to the assassination of Fiole Folkal, a commoner who was made secretary to the king, reported during a royal banquet. While Ryner and Ferris stays at Toale's house for dinner, Ryner meets Iris Eris, sister of Ferris, who deems herself to be a the only source of contact to Sion. Soon Miran Froaude arrives, offering to aid Sion for whatever means necessary, even to such desperate measures.