Storo Matash is the captain of a company of saboteurs in the Quon Talian city of Li Heng. They are enjoying a night off at their billet, the Rod and Sceptre inn. While Storo drinks, Hurl, Sunny, and Shaky play cards. Three Malazan soldiers from the local garrison enter the inn's common room and one comes over to the saboteurs' table. He is Harmin Els D'Shil, an officer. Harmin recognizes Storo from the Empire's campaigns in Genabackis and expresses his regret that a hero has fallen so low as to dig dirt and pile rocks like a criminal.