Raised voices echo from the Telimus tomb as Ulciscor, Lerius, Lanistia, and Milena argue over continuing Caeror’s investigation and involving Vis. Lerius insists there’s no proof; Lanistia counters that no one is looking. Milena, grieving, begs them to stop. Relucia then sweeps in with Vis, diffusing the tension with bright conversation that subtly steers away from probing questions, while Lerius treats Vis as a potential victim rather than a conspirator.

After an uneasy, largely cordial visit, Ulciscor abruptly announces Vis must leave. Relucia’s affectionate farewell includes a firm squeeze that reminds Vis of her leverage. Outside, Lanistia challenges the early departure; Ulciscor says Vis has a way to reach the far side of Solivagus and must go now. Lanistia tersely urges caution and slips back inside.

On the walk down the valley, Ulciscor warns that Relucia is sharper than she appears and sketches their largely arranged marriage and her frequent absences. He then confronts Vis about his origins, rejecting the orphan story and asking whether Vis’s past will endanger them. Vis refuses to explain but vows to prioritize uncovering what happened to Caeror and promises his past will not interfere. Ulciscor accepts the pledge and remarks that Vis reminds him of Caeror.

At the Transvect, Ulciscor equips Vis: a spare tunic and cloak, a pair of stone cuffs that violently attract when both are closed to form a makeshift grapple, and paired locator stones with constant attraction. He warns that mistiming the grapple could tear off a hand or smash bones, and that Vis must drop the round locator only at the jump.

Past midnight, a lone Praetorian checks Vis’s tile and loses interest. Ulciscor distracts the guard while Vis boards, hides a cuff and clothing in the rear carriage, then slips onto the unlit service deck at the tail and extinguishes the rear lamps to stay invisible. Bracing on the handles and fighting rising fear, Vis prepares for the perilous maneuver as the Transvect lurches into motion.