In Letheras, the reading of the Deck is about to begin and those sensitive to magic, who know about it, make their preparations to avoid any fall-out. Ruthan Gudd, who has been bedding Shurq Elalle, refuses to leave her place when she goes out. Shurq agrees that he can hide away there. When she leaves the house, she bumps into Ublala Pung who tells her about the bullying he gets from the palace guards. She advises him to tell the King about it. Sinter, who is sensitive to magic, urges everyone to gallop at full stretch towards the city.