The Rhiannon's Fire, an airship on its way to Rephidim, witnesses the start of Candlemass … and the approach of a multitude of giant insects. The Intimidator opens fire on the incoming insects, and Captain Larissa tries to keep clear of the incoming swarm, but the airship is overtaken. The crew of the airship does battle with the swarm, and Mircus is among those who tries to join in the fight, though the insects seem to be either impervious to most attacks, or numerous enough that they can't be killed quickly enough. As the damaged ship descends, Larissa makes a desperate gamble, bringing the ship in for a very rough landing on the docks, while Mircus escapes on the back of a raktor of one of the Gold Lancers. The airship is wrecked and only a handful of the crew survive.