The mages stationed at the Mages' Guild Hall of Babel gather together and argue the merits of staying in Babel, or moving elsewhere – perhaps Zahirinee. Nuri bar Emmanuel and Cyprian are among those arguing to stay, while others are less willing to risk their lives and forego the likelihood of income to remain in Babel. Rory argues for staying in Babel, and in support of his assertion that the mages do indeed have friends, tells the assembled mages about the New Year's Eve party that Dinahzadze has planned – a revelation that gets mixed reviews. In the end, the assembly votes to stay, but only by a very slight margin.