The siege of Viper's Hold continues with the breeching of the gates and entry in to the city. While the Imperial forces initially overwhelm the bandit defenders, the arrival of Crushcoil on his Desert Giant quickly turns the odds. Clever thinking helps Umeko, Anisa, Xander and Gibson to eventually overcome the beast, though not without bruises to show for it. With his mighty living war machine defeated, Crushcoil surrenders, leaving the path clear in to the administrative building. Without his defenders, the Governor Vexing is also quick to surrender, begging mercy. With the city now in Imperial hands, the Emperor makes his presence known via his communication mirror, dismissing Vexing and replacing him with Umeko. Shortly after, Lilac arrives, much to the surprise of the others. She relates some of what happened to her, which, along with the capture of Viper's Hold, sets the stage for an eventual siege of Beshret's encampment.