The group departs from Amalcross in good spirits. Sarkis walks beside the wagon, reflecting on his intense desire for Halla and his belief that the attraction is mutual. He walks to hide his physical arousal, which his tight clothing would reveal. He reflects that once Halla has her inheritance and their relationship is less one-sided, he will finally be able to act on his feelings, though he worries about her reaction to the sword’s inscription.

After Sarkis rejoins the wagon, Brindle stops for a man waving frantically in the road, even as Zale correctly identifies him as a decoy for highwaymen. As Halla expresses indignation at being robbed after everything they’ve endured, an arrow strikes Sarkis in the side. He pulls Halla off the wagon and tells her that sheathing the sword will heal him. Zale announces his identity as a Rat priest, causing confusion among the bandits, who realize they shot at a protected person. As Sarkis grows faint, Halla sheathes the sword, and he vanishes in blue light.

Zale questions Halla’s decision, as Sarkis was their only fighter. The highwaymen force the group to surrender.