After trying several inns with no success, Lan and Bukama reach an inn named. The innkeeper is a handsome graying woman; as soon as she sees Lan and Bukama, she strides towards them and kisses Bukama, snapping at him that it has been six years without a word While Bukama is otherwise occupied, a man named Ryne Venamar, an old friend, approaches Lan. They go to a table and sit down. A serving maid named Lira brings them wine, and gives Lan an invitation to spend the night with her. Bukama asks Lan where they will be going now, and Lan replies that they will go to Chachin.