Gruntle is slapped awake by Stonny Menackis, who leaves in a huff when she realizes he's been binge drinking after learning of Harllo's death. Buke is there as well, and he tells Gruntle that the Pannion Domin army has effectively surrounded Capustan and that they're going to be caught up in the ensuing fight. Buke tells him it is time to stop drinking and grieve. They walk to the barracks to see if Karnadas would be willing to heal Gruntle's hangover. As they walk, Buke says he's still in the employ of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach and that the city guards found their first murder victim last night. Buke claims it is important that the city guards not try to eject them, as they're powerful enough to destroy the city. On the other hand, they might prove valuable allies when the Pannion armi