Arch-Inquisitrix Esther yodh Rahab, acting as Temple Liaison to the Knights Templar, journeys to the Forbidden Zone of Shabar, and to the Sanctuary of Amber located there, accompanied by her guards, Captain Shimei, and the Black Lance. She is met by Brother Hezekiah and the monks of the Sanctuary, and introduced to the Amber Lance, minus the Champion of Amber, who has passed away.

Esther asks the Amber Lance about their reasons for seceding, and learns that they had reason to believe that a new Champion of Amber was going to be assigned despite their wishes – one loyal to the "Veneration of the First Ones" movement, Brother Balaam. Esther learns that the orders had the approval of the office of the Captain-Astromancer himself … totally bypassing her position as official Temple Liaison, and violating all manner of proper protocol. Esther is shocked by this revelation, and incredulous, knowing the Captain-Astromancer Tahir Archelaus to be a man of honor.

Esther inquires about a strange device that floats overhead in the central chamber of the Sanctuary, and hypothesizes that it has to do with the receiving of visions. She proposes that someone – one of the Lancers, or, if need be, herself – enter into the floating chamber, in an attempt to learn more of these prophesies.

Privately, Esther makes plans to send a decoy of herself back to Rephidim, while she keeps other options for her own travel open.