The novel opens with a description of a series of bizarre mass hysteria incidents that occurred in the vicinity of deer. One of these incidents occurred at a steam engine laboratory at the nearby heathyard. The laboratory was destroyed in the explosion, and the town of Somnium was described as paralyzed by the noise and chaos. The narrator tells us that the only use for the heathyard is to burn it, but that it is a "disgraceable rock" that gives him headaches whenever it is near him. He tells his friend, elaine, that he has something he has to tell her, and he asks her to remember that he doesn't know her. He says that he can't live without her. She reminds him that they haven't seen each other in a long time. She tells him that she gave up everything she had to live in peace with him, and that she never wanted to hear voices wanted. She asks him if he wants to fight for peace with the North. He replies that he does, and asks her if she wants to support him. She says that she wants him to protect the North from the flames. He asks her why she is doing this, and she replies that she has given up everything to live for peace. He points out that the North has been ravaged by the flames, and it is not polite for her to spy on them. He reminds her that he is aware of her duty to find new uses for the iron ore, which has been