After leaving Elsana, Alagur and Marrida travel on to Tachumir, the last functioning seafaring port. Marrida feels an immediate familiarity with the city, then they realise why this is... The city reveals how extensive Darius Kayrsan's influence was in the south. The city also offers Marrida a crucial clue about the origins of her family, as promised by the Voice. Alagur takes things in his stride, giving the cities of the southern coast an undignified nickname. But it's their chance meeting before reaching the city that sets in motion the coming events...