Summary

In Chapter 1, an omniscient narrator describes the dead assassin outside of the Ruby Fields. When Kell had bound the assassin with the black stone's magic, the magic had hardened into a black shell around his body. The shell breaks and the black magic oozes through the assassin, reanimating him.

In Chapter 2, Lila returns to the Stone's Throw, disappointed with the seemingly banal black stone she stole from Kell. She feels guilty that she has no money for room and board to offer Barron. In her room, she is shocked by the sudden appearance of Kell. He is still woozy from his fight with the assassin and she knocks him out with a book.

Kell awakens in Chapter 3 tied to Lila's bed. He uses magic to burn the ropes that bind him and demands the return of the black stone. He explains who...