Jezal spars with Major West. He has the initial advantage, but his overconfidence costs him the match and Varuz berates him harshly. Jezal considers giving up, but his father would likely cut off his allowance and his commission, and the young officer’s pride won’t allow that. As he and West leave the training grounds, West is summoned to an important meeting. With his sister visiting, West asks Jezal to give her a tour of the city.

Jezal meets West’s sister, Ardee. He finds her attractive but is taken aback by her brash confidence. They walk the streets and discuss the affairs of the day: looming war in the North, the Contest, and the state of politics in general. Along the way, they meet Glokta, an acquaintance of Ardee’s family. Jezal is uncomfortable in Glokta’s presence, but Ardee chats with unconcernedly with him, as if with an old friend.

Glokta dreams of his pre-war glory as a master swordsman, fantasizing about defeating Jezal in a duel and winning the affection of Ardee West. Suddenly, Practical Frost pounds on his door and tells him that the Arch Lector is waiting. Glokta’s servant helps him into a hot bath—one of the few things that eases the pain of his old wounds—and he prepares to meet his superior.