Anisa, as part of a test by the diminutive folk of Faed Schrumreng, is directed to wait in a dark clearing, where she encounters the large and strange creature known as the Observer. At first, she reacts in fear and confusion, but then it becomes evident that the creature is reacting to the pendant she carries. Mustering her courage, Anisa stands her ground, as the creature examines it – and strange, cryptic images fill her head briefly. At last, the creature departs, and Anisa has passed the test.

Back at the village, Anisa catches up on sleep, and then two days later Anisa and her companions head out toward the mysterious location known as the Center. The trouble is, while Anisa and Taer (the diminutive Kujaku guide) are scouting ahead, Anisa's companions are ambushed by lackeys of Vandringar. Anisa watches from hiding in horror, and takes advantage of keen Lapi hearing to get a message to her brother, Gibson, letting him know that she's still all right – and that she'll attempt a rescue. Anisa meets up with Wanda, who also escaped, and together they – along with their guide, Taer – follow Vandringar's minions and their captives, in hopes of spotting an opportunity to rescue them.