Darrow considers his army’s fierce loyalty toward him. Fitchner arrives to tell Darrow that the Apollo Proctor has not left Olympus despite his House’s defeat. Fitchner objects to Mustang’s presence in their confidential meeting, but Darrow insists she remain. Mustang leaves. Fitchner returns to Darrow the knifeRing Dancer gave him. Darrow insists that he fight the Proctors and the cheating ArchGovernor, despite their threats on his life. 

Darrow discovers that Fitchner is Sevro’s father. Fitchner is worried for Sevro’s life as well as Darrow’s. Fitchner warns Darrow that Mustang has entrapped him. After Darrow shakes Fitchner’s hand, he knocks Fitchner out. 

Darrow wonders aloud if Mustang will go behind his back; she convinces him of her loyalty. Darrow orders that the army set out to take House Jupiter’s castle and build a larger battalion. The army hurries through hard snows, and spring suddenly arrives as they gather supplies from fallen castles. Darrow’s army surrounds Jupiter’s castle, and they surrender. Their leader is a thin, timid boy named Lucian.

That night they feast and enjoy their victory. Darrow announces that they will all become drunk.