Chiaroscuro and his companions, after spending the night in the ruined tavern, head deeper into the Basin, as the weather worsens. Chiaroscuro comes across signs of battle between a Naga and some Kavis from the tribe of his guide. Chiaroscuro nearly goes feral as he charges into the fray and kills the hunter. His companions – save for the Kavi guide – are horrified by Chiaroscuro's transformation, and flee from him, despite the mongoose's attempts to justify himself.