Galand is paid a visit at Faraon's Dome by Lillith – a man-hating feline with a gift for disguises. She helps Galand to adopt his new identity as "Ashes" – a plain grey Khatta. Galand tries to strike up friendly conversation with the female feline, but is rebuffed several times.

Galand, as "Ashes", goes to Darkside, following instructions to meet with the Faceless Men and receive his first assignment, after paying a silver shekel as a fee. He then proceeds to slay a Kavi over a twenty-shekel debt to a gambling hall – and the wretched creature does not go easily or cleanly. That done, Ashes meets up with Skye (the Vartan) for his return trip to Darkside.

Alone, Galand is left with his thoughts, and his attempts to bury any feelings over the night's events.