Having safely returned to the medical center with blood samples intact, Salyah quickly realizes her mission is far from over. The danger of the prison's illness is now undeniable, and its reach is a far one—but so is the reach of the Silver Company.
The plan has been agreed upon, one which would lead Salyah to Wilmshire—a former city-state, now an annexed border city of Sharawal. She is to board a train there, one which will take her across Equanor to the headquarters of the Silver Co. where she can present her findings to the table of the Superiori themselves.
Though, much to her dismay, Salyah will not only be joined by the cowardly monk Lag'sha, but also the person she loathes will all her heart—Tylian. Having mentioned his previous friendship with her father, he will join Salyah on her journey whether she likes it or not, for, as he claims, he has business with Salim.
Luckily, Carro will join her as well, not only to ensure Salyah's safety but also to serve as their guide, for the place they are going to is one near and dear to his heart—his childhood home. Carro saw Wilmshire last before the war even started; before he could call himself a man. Not that he is one, he will return to set up a meeting between Salyah and his father, the mayor of his home city.
However, once they reach the city, Carro will be shocked to discover the state his home is in. The war has left it nearly unrecognizable, and the wounds it opened still haven't healed. To make matters worse, Carro's father, Aiyo, doesn't seem too happy to know his son has returned.
Now in the hostile and unwelcoming streets of Wilmshire, Salyah will quickly realize how protected she was her whole life. The story of Wilmshire, one of betrayal, bloodshed, and pain will open her eyes to the horrifying reality of not just her home country of Sharawal, but Equanor as a whole.
