Part 4, Chapter 2 Time's Grip Summary

Shibo wakes Toby with tender words, saying she loves Toby for his bravery and will help him. He is sprawled across the grass. His right hand is stuck to the timestone. Against Quath's advice, Toby yanks hard. This jerks his hand free, ripping the skin off the entire back of his hand. Toby pops out his medical pouch and treats the wound. Within minutes, a mossy green mat forms on the back of Toby's hand, re-growing the skin. It still hurts until he dampens the pain with his subcontrols.

A large bird flies above, the first Toby has seen since Snowglade. Quath shoots the bird, blasting it out of the air. When Toby protests, Quath tells him to inspect the bird. It has blood and bone, but also mech parts. The mechs have found them, and they...