 Injured and helpless, Reith cannot avoid being taken captive by Traz Onmale, the grave, mature boy-chieftain of the Emblem wearing tribe who killed Waunder.While his wounds heal, Reith incurs the wrath of the "magicians" who are actually in charge by showing kindness and affection to a slave girl, a grave violation of tribal social norms.Before he can be castrated to make him more docile, he escapes, taking Traz with him.