Elk learns of the bounty on his head as soon as he returns to Prodias. Before long, Elk is able to track down Shu, who conceals the full extent of his injuries. Deducing the involvement of Mayor Galuana and White House in the bounty, Lieza determines to head back to her home village of Horn to make sure her family is all right. Elk accompanies her, but they run into trouble when a military force inspects their train.