Alptraum journeys to House Cenesta, where he learns that Lord and Lady Cenesta have gone to the Coalition Tower … and haven't returned yet. While word coming back from the tower indicates that they are still in good health, Alptraum is not so convinced that they are there willingly. He learns of the death of Davaryna from a Yodhbarada who witnessed the attack (and escaped), and of the other troubles at the Coalition Tower. Alptraum is offered the chance to stay the night at House Cenesta, since he's evidently in need of rest – and since he's exhausted nearly to the point of dropping, he has little choice but to accept.

Alptraum's dreams are troubled and strange, and he doesn't sleep for long before he gets up in the morning, and heads out to the Mages' Guild Hall to try to find help. He contacts Rory, who offers to help Alptraum with some Shadow Magic spells in the hopes of mounting some sort of rescue.