A Vartan alights upon the Skimmer Crane, bringing an enchanted mirror through which Anisa is able to have a discussion with Secretariat Vandringar, a powerful Cervani noble in charge of the mysterious Society of Cinders. Vandringar offers Anisa considerable wealth in exchange for the book and the crystal amulet, but Anisa refuses. The Vartan leaves, and Gibson tells Anisa a little of what he knows of the Society.