Chapter 4, The Scholar's Tale, Summary

The barge was now in Edge and the pilgrims have little to say to Silenus after his story. They watch the abandoned structures from the dock. Bettik goes with them to the summit of the low bluff and then departs. He is not required to stay with them after this point. The Benares is left for the pilgrims' return, and Bettik and his crew head downriver. The pilgrims wait for the windwagon as night falls; they make a bonfire, so the wagon can see them. As they wait, Silenus points out that somewhere in their heap of luggage may be the key to their salvation. Each of them has brought something that may influence the outcome of their encounter with the Shrike.

The windwagon eventually arrives. Tthere is no crew aboard the ship, but the galley is...