Book 2, Chapter 1, Spring Dawning and Chapter 2, The Penalty of Failure Summary

Chapter One opens in the city of Kalaman in the springtime. The Soliders of Solamnia, led by Laurana, have won their battle and are coming to the city to rest. They are regarded as heroes and a parade and many other festivities await them. While Laurana addresses the crowds, Tas wanders off to get into mischief. As he picks the lock of a cartographer's shop, he is approached by a draconian dressed as a cleric.

The draconian gives him a small scroll and orders Tas to give it to Laurana when she is alone. So, Tas waits until Laurana has gone up to her room for the night and takes Flint with him. Laurana and Flint read the note on the scroll and become very...