After the Harbingers divide, Torin and Vyr travel through Karn and fly into the Sheared Peaks in search of the dragon's treasure. Deep within a mountain, they discover Veyan ruins filled with the remains of those who challenged the ancient gold dragon sleeping inside. Torin invokes Valence Avarith to open the first sealed gate, while Vyr names Kypheron as the mother and creator of dragons to open the inner passage. The dragon awakens in a state of madness, recognizes Sethis's magic, recoils from the Crystallic, and insists that the Vey are dead and forgotten. Torin and Vyr flee through the citadel until Torin enters a chamber meant only for one who is worthy. There, the shattered Spear of the Ithelion, also called the Bane of Kypheron, reforms in his hands. When the dragon fills the chamber with fire, the spear turns the flames aside and protects them both.

Helena and Bjork fly into the Staring Woods to seek an alliance with the Shadow Claws. Bjork reveals that his mother was once the clan's chief, but she was exiled after bearing Bjorn's child and was later rejected by the Nornians when Bjorn was absent to defend her. The Shadow Claws initially refuse the pair entry, but Helena defeats the gatekeeper Wolfgar in a trial of first blood. Elder Gullfist then demands proof that Skjold's Helm is authentic: it must be heated until red hot and struck with a hammer. Helena secretly enchants the helm while presenting the spell as a blessing. The first blow cracks it, but a second strike shatters Wolfgar's stone hammer and leaves the helm whole, convincing the outpost that Bjork's claim deserves further consideration.

At Keph, Normandy travels to the Twilight Temple and returns with Tamarack Vale, Silas, Kink, Snake Eye, Mate, and the pirates, while Marek and Graham remain behind to protect the sanctuary and its children. During the night, Emrys warns Normandy that the flame within him has been infiltrated and must be cleansed. Normandy can either find a source of true fire capable of restoring it or allow Emrys to consume his life and reignite the weapons of his allies. The following day, Normandy and Bjorn organize the Knights of Ithelias, Blood Sorcerers, pirates, Lythans, and other defenders. Ilk calls them a lighthouse against despair but warns that all light casts a shadow, then returns to the Twilight Temple rather than join the battle. When the Chain arrives with three Rusticulum golems, its leader demands that Keph surrender Whisper and Ernan. The defenders refuse, and their shared belief in Skjold protects them from the Chain's attempt to break their wills. As the siege begins, Normandy prepares to sacrifice himself, entrusts Bjorn with the eye of a giant glint, and asks him to kill the Velpin if Normandy does not survive.