This chapter opens with a conversation between Ragueneau and Desdemona, who are both in the army. They are both shocked to learn that their son has joined the army, and they are worried about his safety. They plan to go to Volk, where they hope to meet Desdemonas. They do not know what has happened to her in the year that she has been in prison, but they are sure that something bad has happened. They decide to approach her slowly, hoping to catch her before she has a chance to escape.