Gorlois collects Igraine after a sleepless night apart, and they attend Ambrosius’s burial. After the ceremony, Gorlois says he must remind the squabbling council members of Ambrosius’s wishes and gives Igraine money to shop in Londinium. When she returns, a weary Gorlois refuses to disclose what occurred at the debate. As Igraine falls asleep, she dreams of kissing Uther.

Igraine is devastated to get her period, as it means she is not pregnant. She begins to spiral, realizing that her elderly husband may be the reason for her infertility. After several days of sulking in her chambers, she is visited by the Merlin, who tells her that he will send her a dream as a remedy for her ills.

After weeks of debate, Gorlois tells Igraine that Uther will likely be declared High King. It appears that the Merlin’s prophecy is coming true, which leads Igraine to dread losing Gorlois. Unable to sleep, she slips out into the night, where she notices a mountain to her west, completely on fire. She recognizes it as the legendary Temple of the Sun at Salisbury. Igraine hears a man’s voice speaking to her about the temple. It appears to be Uther wearing the robes of an ancient priest.