Harry struggles to sleep after receiving Gonturan, and she dreams of Aerin. In the days that follow, Harry stays mostly within the palace, sleeping heavily from the effects of sorgunal. Mathin visits and reassures her that her role as a Rider, though unprecedented for an Outlander, was chosen by Corlath and affirmed by Aerin herself. He also tells her that Corlath did not abduct her of his own will, but was compelled by the kelar. When Harry asks him about Corlath’s family, Mathin responds that he doesn’t have a wife or children.

Harry then continues her training with Tsornin and Gonturan. During a rare shared meal, Corlath joins her and answers her questions. When she questions why the scar from her initiation as a Rider isn’t fading, he says the salve they used on it will keep it forever as a symbol. When she presses him for more information about Aerin, he refuses to share too much, saying Harry’s destiny is tied to her and that interfering could be dangerous. To appease her, he promises that he will tell her everything should they both survive the coming battle.

Soon after, the Hillfolk army, including Harry and Corlath, head westward toward the mountains and the desert beyond, preparing to face the invading Northern army. They follow a winding path along the edge of the Hills, where they are joined by additional fighters, including many women inspired by Harry. 

One evening, they are joined by Murfoth and his son Terim, who brings a company of 80 men. Terim, once defeated in laprun trials by Corlath, is impressed to meet Harry and praises her duel with the king.

The army makes camp in a hollow after meeting with Murfoth and his men. The king’s tent is set up and Harry sleeps inside it with Corlath, Mathin, Murfoth, and the other Riders. 

The next morning at breakfast, Corlath outlines their strategy: The army will soon split up to conceal itself in the forest before ascending toward the Lake of Dreams. Most of the army will remain hidden below while Corlath and a small group, including Harry, go consult a man named Luthe, who Mathin explains is an immortal seer. Corlath further elaborates the planned defense of Damar, focusing on the one major mountain pass the Northerners must use. Their goal is not outright victory, which is unlikely, but to inflict enough damage to hinder the Northern advance. 

Harry, however, realizes they are overlooking another, narrower pass to the northwest, Ritger’s Gap. It could allow the enemy to flank them. When she brings this up, Corlath dismisses the threat, believing the Outlanders will slow the enemy if needed. Harry argues that warning Colonel Jack Dedham would help, but Corlath refuses due to the prior rebuff at the Residency.

The next day, Corlath, Harry, and 35 others begin the climb. As they ascend, Harry begins to hallucinate a vision of Aerin on a white horse. At the top of the trail, they reach Luthe’s remote stone hall. The next morning, Harry speaks to Luthe. He encourages her to trust her instincts, her companions, and the symbols that accompany her: Her horse, her cat, her sword, and Aerin herself. He assures her that she will be equal to the challenges ahead.

The Riders remain two days at Luthe’s hall, where the peaceful atmosphere affects everyone but Harry and Corlath, who remain alert. On the second day, Harry finds the Lake of Dreams and speaks with Luthe again. He tells her that only those with strong kelar can resist the drowsy aura of the lake. He senses that she has a question about Corlath, but she doesn’t ask.

As Corlath and the rest of the Riders leave the hall, Harry stays behind to say goodbye to Luthe. He tells her that his home is open to her as a refuge should she ever need it. The army then gathers at the base of the foothills, and the journey continues toward the mountain pass, where they plan to confront the invading Northerners. Harry rides at the front alongside Terim and Senay, who have become her friends.

During a war council, Corlath confirms their force is at full strength. Harry once again raises concerns about Ritger’s Gap, but Corlath harshly dismisses her. Humiliated and furious, Harry runs out of the meeting and sits in silence with her companions. That night, unable to sleep, she secretly leaves camp with Tsornin and Narknon to get help from the Homelander station.

At sunrise, Harry reaches a remote, overgrown valley fed by a stream. As she rests, Terim and Senay arrive, having followed her without orders. She tries to get them to go back, but they refuse and pledge their support for her.

Back in Corlath’s camp, Mathin is joined by Corlath, who is looking for Harry. He picks up her sash, which she left behind.