The Potters meet with Stephanos to begin training in the magic arts he offered them.

Others also arrive, in particular one Lord Aegis, a Monarch who invokes Trinity when Stephanos refuses to teach him unless he joins the Potters Guild. Aegis is the consort of a Monarch Mage called Hecates, Lady of the Moon. His gaes is discovered and he is killed. Before this he opens an ancient book, releasing its guardian - a 'demon' called Helpyre, an eater of magic. Helpyre needs a host to take form and chooses Stephanos, using him to pursue the Potters so he might feed on them. It is banished from Stephanos using the blood of a fool.

Von Dumas stops mining on Frontier and turns his attention to Faerie. He invades the Iron Delve Mines, using fomori, constructs and digging machines. All dwarves are recalled and the mines are sealed by elementals at the request of Gromnir, King of the Dwarves.