Toc the Younger has been marching with the Tenescowri for three weeks after the events in Bastion. Electing not to speak, Toc has gained a semblance of notoriety amongst the Tenescowri as having a particularly perceptive eye, some guessing that he communes directly with the Pannion Seer. He is noticed by Anaster who takes him into his inner circle of lieutenants. Toc makes several observations: the armies are followed by massive, ensorcelled condors, the lieutenants and Anaster are always well fed, eating those Tenescowri who die from hunger, and Anaster's mother frightens Toc more than anyone else in the army, even more than the Seer. Despite having starved to the point of emaciation, Toc refuses to eat human flesh, but he feels his resolve crumbling.