Envoy arrives in the Himaat, joined by Crystal-Hand of the Twelve-times-Twelve. There, she is introduced to Vanatos and Kursis – representatives of Nagai and Babel, respectively. Seira, a fellow Earth Mage (though specializing in plants) is also present. Envoy tries to assure Vanatos and Kursis that the Tower poses no military threat. At last, the ambassadors are taken off for a tour of the tower, and Crystal-Hand examines the Interior Garden, while Envoy discusses matters of the tower with Seira – including the matter of whether the Goliaths and Zakis may be related to Barabbas' research, and warrant further study.