Alptraum and Snow head to the hog pens so that he can practice shadow-shaping the prisoners. He doesn't consider it a cruel thing to do , even when one of the prisoners screams and begs for death. Alptraum, unfortunately, has little sympathy for invaders who have killed his kind.

Snow, on the other hand, finds the whole process horrific and asks Alptraum to please kill the hogs and end their suffering. Alptraum refuses because they are under the Countess' orders, not his. He does, however, agree to speak with her on behalf of Snow and her request.

The discussion closes on talk of Babel … and how Melusine's 'reward' of shaping may provide the opportunity of a very good disguise.