Now that Max has committed himself to training Tisaanah, their work schedule becomes demanding. Her self-taught magic uses too many shortcuts, so Max drills her on the basics, improving her concentration and skill. Tisaanah is energized by his newfound belief that something good may come of training her. However, the two remain emotionally aloof. One night, Tisaanah pushes herself too hard and suffers recurring nightmares of Esmaris. Max watches her go into the garden, overwhelmed with sadness and guilt.

The next morning, as a break in their routine, Max transports them to the Capital via a Stratagram—a magical symbol drawn on a piece of parchment. From the central square of the city, Max leads Tisaanah to a cluttered shop owned by an artist named Via. It turns out, however, that aside from her paintings, Via also crafts magical weapons. Max is annoyed that Via has been fulfilling government weapons contracts, but the artist says that this is none of his business.

In the central square, a royal procession arrives. The guards are Syrizen—dark-robed, eyeless women who see by magic. They are carrying the same kind of spear that Tisaanah saw in Via’s workshop. She is even more surprised to see 13-year-old

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