Balsa and Prince Chagum shelter in a cave in the Misty Blue Mountains for the winter while Tanda and Torogai the magic weaver seek the mud dwelling spirits for information about the demon Rarunga. Over the winter we find out more about Balsa's father and how Balsa became Jiguro's ward. We also hear about Jiguro's death and the price he has paid to protect Balsa. The Prince begins spear training with Balsa. As spring arrives the Prince is led by the egg to Aoike pond. Shuga, still held prisoner has interpreted the first master star reader's secret chronicle and he concludes that the spirit egg carried by Prince Chagum will prevent a drought, He also believes that the Prince will head to Aoike pond. Both hunters and agents of the master star reader arrive at the pond as Rarunga attacks.
—DAJ