Alptraum rides on the Silver Ghost, accompanying Ariel Azale and her henchmen to Babel, though they are stopped by an airship full of Eeee warriors that seem hostile toward Ariel and to mages in general. They are allowed to pass at last, and Alptraum is even given an offer to join the "Guardians of the Tower," though he suggests that he'll "think about it."

They make it to the Coalition Tower, where Ariel seeks to meet with Grand Vizier Thath, and Alptraum is entertained by a Savanite servant, Keesha. Alptraum retires for the night, but his sleep is disturbed by the visit of a Yodhbarada, Priestess Davaryna, who teasingly suggests that she knows a great deal about Alptraum's past. She gives Alptraum a few tidbits in exchange for some information about his trials in Sylvania.