In the sixth century A.D., the Roman Empire is reduced to the eastern part of the capital city of Byzantium. Justinian is attending services at the Cathedral of Sancta Sophia, the very Cathedral where he was anointed by the Patriarch. Theodora augusta is a young empress who works tirelessly for her husband. She is rumored to be an actress or a prostitute. She serves her husband within the walls of the imperial castle. Epidamnos, the warrior-magus, is the only one who knows the actual purpose of the mission. The queen thanks her for her help, and she calls each of her ancient companions to the stone of the Harth. She tells the queen that her second attempt at escaping will be her death. She says that she cannot see her wound, but that she smells the blood of the gors. She asks the queen to come with her so that her men will not follow them.