Dan is caught by Warps in the forbidden zone, but is freed by a vagabond stranger, Sky. Invited back to the Ant village, Sky is met by both curiosity and suspicion, but is allowed to stay the night. Meanwhile, word of the mysterious newcomer gets to both the Priv and the Barb tribes and a plan is set in motion.
The Ants wake to deal with the aftermath of the raid on their village and all clues point toward the Barbs. Harmony and Shadow struggle over Flame's favor and the Privs promote a handpicked Discard.
An unappointed diplomat and his companion arrive at the Barb tribe and are brought before its leader. Zora learns of the Ants' accusation and goes to a stormy meeting with Faygar. An astonished Gwyn is given an unexpected transformation.
Jag and Omar suspect Sky of trying to turn the Ants and Barbs against each other. Dan is upset to find that Sky left the Ants without bringing him along, or saying goodbye, and walks off again. Gwyn gets an old friend for a servant and finds it difficult to adjust to life as a Priv. Sky is taught how to fish and suggests to Zora the Barbs and the Ants are being played by the Privs.
Barbs find Dan in the forest, passed out from poisonous berries. Sky goes into the forbidden zone to find an antidote and Kwarli joins him as a guide. Flame pushes for a Priv takeover of the Ant camp, led by himself, but neither Shadow nor Harmony believe they have enough Warps, or that Flame is fit for the job.
Ants find proof of Warps perpetrating the raid on their village and, realizing they are all in danger, ask Faygar to team up with the Barbs. Gwyn is caught being friendly with her servant again and faces being discarded. Dan wishes to join the Barbs and is to take a test of courage, but instead Sky challenges a protesting Jag to a duel.
