Chapter 7 Summary

Chapter 7, the final chapter, opens with the legend of the return of Mahasamatman to oppose the gods. Chronologically, the chapter follows the first chapter and takes place after Sam has been brought back from the magnetic cloud into a new body.

Jan Olvegg is brought before Nirriti the Black to be interrogated. Nirriti know that Olvegg is one of the First, even though he has not become a god himself, and he wants to know why the gods are letting bits of technological advancement occur since the battle of Keenset. Olvegg suggests that infighting among them has weakened them. Nirriti invites Olvegg to join him in opposing the gods and Olvegg agrees, although he is uneasy with the alliance. Meanwhile Taraka broods over his defeat at the hands of Sam and of Yama at the battle of Hellwell. He awaits the day when...