In Kruppe’s dream, he speaks to the Elder God K'rul who believes he will lose a battle sometime in the future. Circle Breaker waits for the Eel’s agent to deliver a personal message, a plea for help. But he changes his mind and tears up the scroll. Lady Simtal accuses Turban Orr of wanting to become a High Fist of the Empire. They talk about Simtal's ex-husband. She wants Orr to kill him. Murillio convinces Lady Orr to get him two invitations (for himself and Rallick) to Lady Simtal's Fête on Gedderone's Eve.