The thought that he could be the monstrous Shadowmaster tortures Noah as he waits anxiously for the results of his father's tests on vaccine. When Becky produces the disk she took from Tao detailing apocalyptic future events, Noah calls for an Open Forum in which the citizens of North Col can decide on this evidence for themselves. If he can convince them to listen, he may be able to save them. Tao feels they are near the source of the Thunderstone — the motherlode! He will not be hindered by anyone or anything. As he prepares to fire on some horses, the Silverwing swoops through the air, disarms his masergun and returns to Sundance. The beautiful animals are safe. An enraged Tao orders his troops to move in. Faced with the Protectors' new weapons, the Nomads are surrounded. Noah has failed and he and his family are placed under house arrest. With Becky's help he eludes the holocops escaping to Dr. Pretorius retreat only to be confronted by the Shadowmaster. This time the nightmare is real.