A man dares to challenge the authority of the Temple, prompting its guardians to scorn him as unworthy of Lady Haela. Despite the outrage, he refuses to give his name, claiming he will earn recognition by passing Haela's trial. A priest intercedes, and Lady Haela, citing the Priesthood's service, permits the man, named Loken, to stay—but she orders him punished under the law for his defiance. Loken is sentenced to nine lashes. Though he accepts the punishment, he vows revenge on Haela for the public humiliation, as she coldly challenges him to simply survive it.