Scene 1: Travel Preparation

The cabal discusses magics to lay upon Lóránt and Ernst to protect them on their journey to Moldavia. (0 - 17)

Scene 2: Budget Meeting

Ernst attends a budget meeting with Makovsky. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Count Hubert von Czernin, a Catholic noble recently appointed to the position, runs the meeting, along with the old guard (accountants, etc.). Makovsky presents the list and the budget council works on the standard items. Ernst presents the Kepler salary as part of the discretionary budget section and it is passed. Weston's request is rejected. Santiago's request is also passed. Ernst also notices the junior accountant has a mark on his neck like Father Jiri and Krystov of the political council. (17 - 34)

Scene 3: Post-Meeting

Lóránt gets the gist of the budget meeting from courtly gossip, and goes to let Santiago know his request has been approved. He brings a bottle of fine wine to toast his achievement. Santiago tells Lóránt about the rosewood tablet. Ernst goes to Tycho to let him know about the budget allocation. Tycho gives him a spyglass for his journey. Matthieu receives a visit from Lucas Andreas, Herald. The Peregrini have been summoned before the Consilium and given a commendation for the Ketev Meriri affair. Matthieu lets the rest of the cabal know at Santiago's rooms. (34 - 72)

Scene 4: Consilium

The Peregrini arrive at the Powder Tower where Brux as a court guard lets them in ceremonially. Four councilors are seated, and one spirit for Libuse. Ernst has visions around this air spirit. The Peregrini are given official custodianship over Benatky. They introduce the Traditions and roles to the Peregrini. Salih brings up the work going on by the mortals there as being crucial to the Hallow. Cosmas says "do no harm to the Order of the Dragon." Ernst says his loyalty is to the Emperor. Cosmas says they're there to protect the vampires and humans from vampires. The Consilium knows that Ernst is coming close to Awakening. They are afraid to jinx him and his possible Awakening. (72 - 130)

Scene 5: The Blood

The cabal talks to Ernst about his Awakening. The cabal examines the vial of blood of Christ that Ernst saved from the monastery. They find the scrap of veil is 1600 years old, and the blood is blood. The blood is imprinted with hundreds of years of belief. It is linked to Ernst tightly by Fate. Matthieu thinks Ernst should keep the vial close to him at all times, including on the trip. Matthieu also tells about Labyrinths with respect to the Order of the Dragon. Ernst and Lóránt depart in the same train as Kepler and Rosencranz. (130 - 180)