The chapter opens with Sartaq and Houlun spending over a week researching ancient maps of the Dagul Fells, preparing for a dangerous mission into the territory of the kharankui (spiders). The maps are vague, as few riders have dared to venture close enough for detailed reconnaissance. The group faces internal conflict when Borte, Houlun’s heir, is ordered to stay behind for the sake of their people’s bloodline. Despite her outrage, Borte reluctantly complies, while Sartaq defiantly insists on joining the mission, declaring he would refuse the crown if it meant avoiding battle.

The small team—Nesryn, Sartaq, and Falkan (in mouse form)—departs on Kadara, Sartaq’s ruk, after debating whether to bring a larger force. Houlun ultimately decides a small group is best for stealth, with plans to send an army if they fail to return within four days. As they approach the Fells, tension mounts; Nesryn feels the weight of the impending danger, while Sartaq remains silent and Falkan conserves his energy. The mission’s stakes are high, as they aim to rescue stolen hatchlings and uncover the spiders’ weaknesses.

During the flight, Nesryn and Sartaq engage in a revealing conversation about his reluctance to marry and his views on the khaganate’s succession traditions. Sartaq admits he has avoided arranged marriages, preferring a partner who shares his love for adventure. He reflects on his sister Duva’s successful arranged marriage but questions the competitive nature of his family’s succession. Nesryn probes further, asking if he would ever abandon the tradition, to which Sartaq muses that future rulers might prioritize family over rivalry.

The chapter concludes with Nesryn expressing hesitation about dragging the rukhin into war, now that she knows them personally. Sartaq reassures her, joking about Borte’s competitive relationship with her betrothed, Yeran. The conversation shifts to lighter topics, but the underlying tension of their mission lingers as they near the spiders’ territory. The exchange highlights Nesryn’s growing attachment to the rukhin and Sartaq’s complex relationship with his royal duties.

The chapter opens with a detailed account of the meticulous planning undertaken by Sartaq, Houlun, and Nesryn for a covert expedition into the Dagu Fells. Over a week, they gather ancient maps and assess the terrain, which has become increasingly dangerous due to the expanding territory of the kharankui. Their goal is to infiltrate the region, known for its perilous environment and the presence of spiders, to gather intelligence and potentially rescue or learn about the Fae’s fears and defenses against these creatures. The narrative emphasizes the careful strategizing and the risks involved in such a dangerous reconnaissance mission.

The story explores the personal motivations and relationships of the characters, especially focusing on Sartaq’s internal conflict regarding his future as a potential khagan. Sartaq reveals his reluctance to accept the throne if it means sacrificing personal freedom or happiness, expressing a desire for a life beyond court politics. Nesryn’s curiosity about his unmarried status and his views on love and duty adds depth to his character. Their conversation highlights themes of leadership, love, and the burdens of responsibility, set against the backdrop of their upcoming perilous journey into enemy territory.

As they prepare for the mission, the chapter delves into the political dynamics within their society, including the debate over whether to deploy a full legion or a small team. The decision ultimately favors a small, stealthy group, with the understanding that failure to return within four days would mean an army’s intervention. The tension is palpable as the characters anticipate the dangers ahead, with the looming presence of the high mountains symbolizing both the physical and metaphorical obstacles they face. Their flight into the Fells marks a significant turning point, filled with anticipation and dread.

In the final section, the narrative shifts to a more personal and emotional tone, examining Nesryn’s reflections on the war, her alliances, and her relationships. The conversation with Sartaq reveals her doubts and the complexities of her motivations, including her desire to avoid conflict and her awareness of the personal stakes involved. Sartaq’s insights about love, duty, and the possibility of change in their society underscore the chapter’s exploration of tradition versus progress. As they approach the dangerous territory, the characters’ internal struggles mirror the perilous landscape they are about to confront, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the uncertain future.