Bambridge (aka "The Wooden Shekel"), returns to the City of Hands, bringing back Long-Lope (aka "Zorah"), the Priest-Queen's sister, after rescuing her from a dungeon in the Emperor-Potentate's palace. He is met on the shore by his lackey, Hikaru, who indicates that an urgent message is awaiting him in Rephidim. He also spies Brishen, and inquires as to what she's doing here in the City … and what happened to Pathfinder. He soon finds out, as he is accosted in a big hug by Pathfinder herself and her seven children.

Bambridge, Brishen and Kame Ikata (the crazed Savanite painter) are guests at Pathfinder's home, where they have dinner, and discuss plans – such as Brishen possibly going to Babel to rescue Pathfinder's husband.

After that, Bambridge goes to visit the Priest-Queen in private, and learns that Long-Lope wasn't entirely grateful to her sister for the rescue – Priest-Queen Third-Vision, after all, was originally responsible for selling her family (including Long-Lope) into slavery in the first place! Bambridge advises the Priest-Queen on the difficulties she faces in keeping the Twelve-times-Twelve in line, and in how to fill her role as not only ruler of the Savanites, but a spiritual leader as well … especially in light of the fact that the scattered Savanite tribes have adopted countless faiths either in the wild or in captivity.