Chapter XXIV, Connections; Chapter XXV, Convocation; Chapter XXVI, Negotiations Summary

In Chapter XXIV, Connections, Tom tells Chade about what Golden has told him. Chade does not seem to believe all of it. Then he says Dutiful must slay Icefyre and that Golden cannot go to Aslevjal with them. If Kebal, the White Prophet, exists, they must keep Golden away from her.

Tom, Chade, Dutiful and Thick continue their morning Skill lessons. Golden is not included. Tom has problems teaching Chade because he is older and stresses because he is not as good as Dutiful and Thick. Chade has a plan to dismiss Tom from Golden's service. Tom is offered an appointment with the Queen's guard. Tom and Hap recognize each other as men now.

Golden avoids Tom. Tom grows fearful of the Prince's quest. Tom has extreme...