In this chapter, we learn that Mings hasn't been at the magic assembly, and that some of his old friends are still trying to get their hands on the magic scriptures. Mings tells us that he has a plan for dealing with the old guys. He's going to move the scriptures to another shore city so that they won't be in the hands of Mings. He also says that he'll be able to protect anyone he wants in the other shore city, even if they're not from Mings's clan. He tells Mings that his choice is important, because it's related to the fate of two clans: the night-souls and the inheritors of night-spirits. In other words, if Mings wants to protect himself, he has to protect the future of the two clans. Ming says that the smell of fish in his mouth reminds him of the time when he stuffed food into his mouth, and he's not sure whether he can run into the lubys or not. He says he can't go to the assembly with Mings, because he owes Mings one favor, and Mings owes him one more favor. He asks Mings if he can play psy-war with him, but Mings refuses to do so, saying he'd rather do it in another city, where he can use the favor he already owes him. Then Mings says that there are lots of magical beasts in the forest right now, and there's a peak time of the beast tide, so Mings needs to find a way to get rid of the king kong, who's guarding the forest ahead of him. He wants Mings to go and get rid