The party make haste back to the site of the tourney. They are nearly too late; the vampiric corpse has vanished, along with the corpse of the serving girl. They race to catch up with Baron Tyron's wagon train, only to see a shadow approaching it faster than they can intercept. They are not able to save many of Tyron's guard, who are brutally slain. Sister Sevara calls Aeo's light to smite them, and Cei castigates them. A brutal battle ensues. Ren grievously wounds the vampire master with the dagger taken from Blackhall, but is himself incapacitated. Lyra puts her new bow to good use. Cei strikes the vampire with multiple arrows, and is wounded almost mortally, but goads the vampire, attempting to draw its attention. Bartholomew bravely rides into its reach to protect her. Meanwhile, Abelard engages the serving-girl turned vampire, and slays her.
They manage to defeat the master vampire, Cei and Ren barely clinging to life. Baron Tyron emerges from the caravan, along with his terrified wife and heirs, and thanks them for saving his life yet again. Purifier Endicott and Purifier-General Kaine arrive not long after. Cei explains the events that led to their reunion, crediting Sister Sevara's divine vision and Ren's realization.
Tyron states that he wishes to give them full honours in court, and asks them to accompany him back to Charligan. They agree, and begin the ride back to the city.
Cei berates Bartholomew for taking such a risk in her defense, insisting that her vow as a Purifier requires her to be the first line of defense against the Utterdark, including if it requires sacrificing her life. Sister Sevara, however, glimpses Cei's motivations-- she feels consumed by guilt about both Bartholomew's parents' Purification and the loss of Bartholomew's eye, and while she still believes in the importance of her office, for her, the love and loyalty of her companions is Aeo's love made manifest in the world, and she would have gladly died for them if required.
Cyrus, usually mysterious, is unusually forthcoming; he discusses the Circle's organization and vows with Cei, and Cei discovers his role among the Circle is somewhat analogous to her own among the Church. He also mentions his and Lyra's quest to locate his mentor, and Cei offers to help in this quest in exchange for all their help in her Purifier missions.
Sir Abelard is unusually shaken after the battle. Cei and Sevara seek to comfort him. He admits to Cei that he has grown weary of the fight. She exhorts him to stay the course, reminding him of their synergy and efficacy as a pair in earlier battles, proven again against the vampires, but leaves somewhat disappointed.
A red-armoured figure-- Lady Brightburn-- intercepts the party, despite Kaine's annoyance. She identifies Cyrus as blessed with the power of St. Gabril, and bestows upon him the power to summon a spear of pure flame.