Esca draws his knife, but Marcus urges him not to kill the three tribesmen unless he has to. Springing a surprise attack, Marcus and Esca are able to overpower all three men and tie them up. All of the tribesmen are very young. Marcus recognizes one of the men, an Epidaii named Liathan. Esca gags the other two. Marcus forces Liathan to shout that the tower is empty. The other pursuers go on to search a nearby wood.
Liathan gives Marcus his father's signet ring with the huge, flawed emerald. The old warrior has realized Marcus is the Cohort Commander's son and sent the ring to him. If Liathan had captured Marcus and killed him, his instructions were to bury the ring with him. Marcus and Esca take the tribesmen's two best.....
