- After an uneasy walk into the town, Sabriel and her companions discover another broken Charter Stone, broken by a sacrificed Charter Mage whose body still lies on the ground. This murdered Charter Mage is a woman, the village healer, and though Sabriel fumbles a spell finishing the woman's last rites, Touchstone adds his strength to the spell and they are able to finish. Sabriel is surprised at Touchstone's magical ability, which seems as strong as her own.
- Down on the docks, they find that there are no boats in the harbor, but they notice that boats are tied up at an island offshore, and people seem to be on the island.
- Guessing that all the villagers have fled to the island, Sabriel heads down toward the water—the villagers fire arrows at the group, but Touchstone casts a protective spell.
- Sabriel addresses the Elder of the village across the breakwater. The Elder tells them that many of the villagers are dead and they've had to evacuate and relocate to the island.
- Sabriel introduces herself as the Abhorsen and shows her sword as proof; the villagers lower a plank across the breakwater and allow Sabriel's group to cross.