Lómestel

In her discomposure at Lómestel's unwillingness to accept the smallest gesture of hospitality, Lady Manadhlaer asks everyone else present to verify that both the teapot -- charmingly decorated though it is -- and the tea within are perfectly ordinary and not poisoned nor drugged. In the process, some tea is spilled, which, while no loss to a richly provisioned House, is discomfiting to any scholar.

Lady Manadhlaer, faced with Lómestel's persistent obstinacy under questioning, begins to lose her composure and upbraids him for the poor quality of the allies he chose -- pointing out that the mysteriously absent Woman succeeded in slaying two Elves, but fell victim to mistaken identity both times.

Lomestel ponders redemption surrounded by his fellows inside Pillar Hall.

The trap is baited, and the mere mention of Lady Elvealin seems to make the prisoner much more cooperative -- but does he mean a word he says?

Finally the captured opponents are brought together at Hammer Hall under heavy guard. But what, if anything, will become clear from their interaction?

A shocking letter throws the tense meeting into even more confusion.