The next night, Ras will give a speech to the chieftains of the frontier. He tells them that the people of the valley will soon be reunited and that the aristocracy will soon join them. He says that the future of the home will be decided here and now, and that he and Ras will stay together as long as they both desire. He warns that the rann is drunk and a nuisance, but Ras points out that the frontier laws allow Ras to choose a champion. Ras says that he is entitled to a fight to death, but that no one can escape the frontier rules. He reminds Ras that duann told him not to stay still, and Ras reminds him that it looks like Rann is defying the groom. Ras reminds everyone that the old man, Torkval, never came back to the house. Ras tells Roxane that she should leave Roxane alone with Roxane and Ras alone with him, and he tells her to come with him.