Jynx, still disguised as leonine royalty from the Himaat – Prince Shiahd bu-Ahlmarahat – visits the map room of the Inner Sanctum, in order to plot a course to the remains of what was once Stalwirland, to find his grandmother. He learns of three main territories that are the focus of the Great Hunt: Tectishire, once the land of Lord Calderas; Gessershire, original location of the legendary Artifact; and Xanashire, location of Falcon's Watch and the throne of King Xante.

Lady Martinette is believed to be somewhere near Falcon's Watch, so Jynx chooses to go there, makes a wager with one of his fellow "hunters" on who will find the Lady first … then sets out with his retinue for the ruined land.