The chapter opens with a flashback to Tulkinghorn's meeting with Oliver and the other knights in the forest. Oliver tells the story of his encounter with the captain of the knights. Oliver is impressed by the young man's ability to match wits with the knights' captain. Oliver wonders if the knights are impressed by Oliver's match with their leader. Oliver asks the boy if he would like to go to the forest with him. Oliver replies that he would not go if he were a boy. Oliver then tells the boy that he has been seeing visions and that they are known to bewitch children. He also tells Oliver that he is afraid that his mother will be kidnapped by witches if he does not return to her. Oliver says that he will have the witch lift the curse on his mother if he returns to his mother. Oliver points out that the half-elf who imprisoned all the children before he was born was the same man who bullied Oliver. Oliver reminds the boy of the curse placed on him by his mother, and the boy says that it is his fault for not returning to her sooner. The boy then asks Oliver to introduce him to the wizard. Oliver explains that the reason for the current peace in the country is because the late king of the country sought out the healing arts.