Bassai and Fenter, along with the rest, are forced to flee the underground site as it becomes unbearably hot, along with signs of rather momentous occurrances in the "great chamber" to the north. On the surface, they find several tribes of Vykarins making a significant ruckus, and the snow temporarily melting in places. The "Sacred Mountain" of the Vykarins turns out to be the heart of a new sky island … one which Bassai, Tekki, Fenter and Thorn seem to be taking a ride on, along with several Vykarins and Rhians!