Gruntle, Harllo, Stonny Menackis and their caravan enter the city of Saltoan, whose army and guard have left to aid in the battle against the Pannion Domin. On the way through town, they're stopped by Nektara who says she's there to escort them to a meeting of the various gang leaders and thieves. Keruli tells him that he planned on having this meeting, Gruntle accepts his orders, but wonders who exactly Keruli is.