Marcus and Esca accompany Guern to his home, a few turf huts scattered on the moors. There they remain for several days. While Guern is shaving, Marcus sees the scar from the chin strap of a Roman helmet under his chin. Marcus is sure the man is a former Legionnaire, possible a member of the Lost Ninth Legion. When Marcus shows the man his own brand of Mithras, Guern admits he was a member of the Roman Legion. Guern recognizes the bearded man as the son of his old Cohort Commander. In his turn, Marcus admits that he is not an eye doctor, although his salves are real medicine.
Under Marcus's prompting, Guern shares what he knows of the fate of the Ninth Legion. Guern traces the Legion's bad luck to.....
