As winter begins to settle into the Frounter, Friar Sidrach Landry travels to Heremac, seeking counsel from his allies in power about the Vavasor. The Friar is concerned that the Vavasor is far more powerful —and dangerous—than he appears. After all, this creature somehow practiced his black arts for many long months under the very noses of burgher and churchman alike, yet drew almost no attention from the authorities. Friar Stout relates that the Gerardian order had sent a young friar to investigate the Vavasor several months before fire consumed his gloomy house. But the young Gerardian disappeared without a trace.
Abbot Peter at the Bergenian Shrine of St. Marius does not grant Friar Sidrach an audience, and Brother Gregory the Risen is currently in the field, leading Seeker raids behind the ruckish lines. While in Heremac the Friar learns that King Tereus and Busirane are mounting a fierce offensive against King Weremach's army at Antace. In the meantime, Prince Argus and Prince Nestor are sorely pressing Kirke's forces to the north.
As the Friar makes his way through Heremac, the rest of the consortes begin gathering together the remnants of the Rucks of the Quill. Valerius makes a side-trek to Wimm Copse to deposit the Vavasor in the abandoned caves, hoping that the ruined magician will be able to harm no one there. Valerius seals the cavern entrance with a spell. But after many leagues of travel, the party awakes to find the Vavasor has somehow reappeared in their midst.
The Army of the Ebon Quill marches north toward Prince Argus's territory to aid the beleaguered Kirke. The rucks even prepare special banners that depict Argus humiliated. One night, the Vavasor drops a dark prophecy to Valerius: the expedition will not end well. When pressed further, the Vavasor only suggests that there may be traitor in the ranks of the Ebon Quill. Although Valerius regards this assertion skeptically, he nonetheless begins an investigation.
When Mark and Luke are questioned about the loyalty of their troops, they immediately order the decimation of a company of rucks, chosen at random. Six hapless ruck-men are slaughtered as an example to the rest, despite the Friar's protests.
Meanwhile, Friar Sidrach prays to the Five for guidance, and receives a message: The willow withstands the storm that topples the oak. The rucks and the consortes wonder who the traitor might be, but the Friar argues that this suspicion only fosters unsavory and Unpentian thoughts, playing to the Shaithim and the Vavasor. The Friar argues for a radically contrary approach: to embrace any traitor with love and compassion, rather than hatred and violence. Valerius immediately recognizes the wisdom in this method.
Meanwhile, the Rucks of the Quill discover and swiftly destroy a supply train, bound for Nestor's forces. An enemy survivor reveals that Kirke has taken heavy casualties, and his armies are about to collapse.
The loot is divided among the Rucks of the Ebon Quill, and that night a feast is held. Afterwards, several consortes fall violently ill, and St. James determines that they were poisoned. The Friar through prayer to the Five is able to counter the poison, and the would-be assassins flee the camp. Vandoren and Achaela use great speed to apprehend the evildoers: they turn out to be three recent recruits. Under interrogation one of the poisoners reveals that Prince Argus has been alerted of the Ebon Quill's approach. Further, the Prince has recently defeated the Count of Kirke, and even now sends a large force to destroy the Rucks of the Quill. This army is expected to descend upon the Rucks of the Quill by morning.