Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary

In Chapter 1, Arne Olsndot lands the cargo shell with a single torch (rocket) and no automation. He and wife Sjane, upon abandoning High Lab, intend to rendezvous with the frigate carrying the adults, but it is lost. Sjane reminds him that they have 311 children to raise. The new planet appears ideal for human life, scarcely inhabited and with no advanced technology. In Chapter 2, three pilgrims, Peregrine Wickwrackrum, Scriber Jaqueramaphan, and Tyrathect, hear a loud noise overhead and find a "huge adobe hut mounted on stilts," a fallen star, tear the ground around it. From Flenser Castle, troopers approach cautiously, while Peregrine and Scriber keep out of sight.

In Chapter 3, the Olsndots cautiously emerge, largely defenseless, deal with the failing coldsleep boxes, and set up ultralight communication. Wolf-like figures, moving in packs and staying under cover, launch arrows at them...