Elspeth joins the Yew Family as they return home, while Emory is left behind in Stone. When Ravyn escorts her to her new room, he admits he is reticent to share information after years of having to pretend he is not infected. Rather than feeling kinship, Elspeth remains spiteful. That night, she is intrigued by the man depicted on the rug in her room, as he seems familiar. When she asks Jespyr about the man, she reveals he is the Shepherd King. Jespyr gives her a letter from Opal, who tells Elspeth that she is always welcome home and warns her that old magic dwells in Castle Yew. Opal reminds her of the Blunder motto: to be wary, clever, and good. Jespyr tells her of Silvia Pine and her three daughters Farrah, Gerta, and Maylene’s imminent visit, as Wayland Pine may possess the Iron Gate Card.

Ravyn leaves in the morning to return to Stone, while Jespyr, Morette, and Elspeth play host to Sylvia Pine and her daughters Farrah, Gerta, and Maylene. Elspeth engages Gerta in a conversation about Providence Cards by admitting Ione used a Maiden Card. Gerta admits her father owns a Prophet Card, as well as the Iron Gate Card.