The next morning, iaras tells hilna that the battle at the valley has ended, and that the tide has turned against them. She tells her that nia has been turned against her and that she has been captured by the styronies. She says that she hopes that this will prevent the news of her abduction from spreading further. She also says that it is her duty as a woman to protect the empire, but that she can fall in love with anyone. She asks if they should send troops to rescue her, and she says that they should stay with latio, who loves her. They will return to the city at once