Alptraum is held captive in a small cage in a darkened barge, kept company by a host of animals. Another Eeee is being held captive, Gelgaron Nightsail – an "acquirer of antiquities" – who was also captured by Gigi cultists. Sounds of combat break out, and Alptraum manages to get free from his cage, but he is unable to get Gelgaron out of his own cage before some "rescuers" break down the door – and, thinking that it is Alptraum still in the cage, kill Gelgaron, and take his body off to Sutrana (the Yodhsunala that hadn't made a very good impression on Alptraum earlier). More rescuers arrive, these having more concern for Alptraum's well-being – Sihr Ariel bint Azale, the Spirit mage, and three Eeee that she's hired to help in her mission. They escape from the barge, and find sanctuary in an Aelfin village, where Alptraum recuperates from his ill treatment.