Rory returns to "his" room at the Mages' Guild Hall, to tell Silhouette about the outcome of the meeting. Silhouette asks Rory about whether it's right to spy on people, and Rory thinks it's fine – seeing as it's one of the things that Shadow mages are best at doing – but when he learns that Silhouette has been spying on some of his clients, he refuses to find out what she learned, thinking it against the spirit of his contract, if not the letter.

Later, Rory travels to Mount Dronnel, where preparations are still underway for the New Year's party being planned by Dinahzadze, and this time he brings along an illusionist mage who uses a held spell to test out a magical form meant to represent "The Avenger" on the Eeee who will play the part in the reenactment. Rory notes that this "Avenger" looks very much like Cyprian, and is relieved when Dinahzadze insists on several changes in his appearance.