Raffi is preparing for the Deep Journey: his initiation from scholar to keeper. Worried that he will disappoint Galen, his harsh master, Raffi knows that failing the Deep Journey could mean madness or even death. But Galen is insistent that the attempt be made as soon as possible. The Watch is building a wall to try to keep out the chaos and disorder of the Unfinished Lands. Villages are raided to keep their project supplied with workers. Their companion Carys --- a former Watch spy --- disappears during such a raid, and the group isn't sure if s