Quenthel returns to her meditation. There is a rite to undertake before such an expedition. The priestess does not lapse into a deep trance, but merely prays; "Lolth, Mother of Spiders, Queen of the Demonweb Pits, Mother and Mistress of All, Bitch Queen of Demons, hear the plea of your servant. I step now into the barbarian wilds of the world, step once more into the cruel places where your touch does not reach. The unworthy, the sick, the corrupted; they plague me on all sides. But I ask of you, my Lady, my Mistress and my Queen; by what do you guide me? Do I go, bare save for my sacred vestments? Do I go rich or do I go poor? And most importantly, my beloved and all strengthening Queen, do I go with your blessing?"

Quenthel keeps her mind and ears open, vigilant for a sign from the Mother of Spiders.