Chapter 23, The God Gambit Summary

The flying police station, which Louis has named Improbable, arrives at the castle. Shadow wire is covering the city in a cloud. They don't know how they will get some of the wire, since it cuts through flesh when handled, but they get off the ship to examine the wire and talk to the natives. Seeker acts as a guard, as part of his "payment" for Teela, in addition to a vial of longevity drug. When Speaker attempts to cut the wire, the natives attack. A bloody battle ensues, and the party retreats to the castle.

Nessus is caught in a trap of the shadow square wire, which cuts off one of his heads. Louis realizes that this might not be deadly for a puppeteer, and he makes a tourniquet with a scarf that Teela hands him...