It is the time of Placement in the underworld of Gog, and Grugreera and all the second ring Primes wait to find out how they will spend the rest of their lives. Grugreera receives the role he's wanted his entire life: digger. But his faith in MaGog and the system is tested when he learns the lie that their society was built upon and which is now bound to determine their future.

Dawlis died, and yet he lives. A plan is forming in his mind of its own volition. It is unfolding in real time. He must go, he knows, to the source of his Shadow. MaGog, they are human too. They are scared too.

Radin has failed in his execution of phase one, killing Dawlis. But that is pittance in the celestial scheme, and he proceeds happily with the remainder of his tasks. Along the way, he discovers a grander plan to which he is central.