Norn shuts herself in her dorm room and refuses to attend classes. Haunted by the specter of his past life, Rudeus sets out to solve his sister's problems, only to discover that he is the cause. 

With Nanahoshi's help, Rudeus gains a way to shorten his journey, but he and Elinalise will still need to hurry if they hope to return before Sylphie gives birth. Their first obstacle: the harsh desert of Begaritt and its monstrous denizens.