At the Moonrend Spear, starving recruits stare at the spear embedded in stone—the fabled weapon tied to the late General of Lanfield. They trade stories of her night raid, complain that Marquis Valen rides her title, and learn only the top recruit of the year may attempt to pull the spear. Two older recruits, Galen Lasker and Seth Godwin, share food with a thin comrade called Buddy and vow to look after him. As rivalry and ambition build around who will earn the chance, a returning figure steps forward and says, "Long time no see, my old friend."