The letter Makita bears is from Marcus, written after his supposed death at Kar Datha's Gate. Bringing the letter and Makita back on board the Konstantinov, Maya shares its contents with Kyuzo, Urik, and Torin. Not only does the letter inform them that Marcus is still alive in the spirit realm, but the letter contains a spell which summons the Red Woman. The Red Woman explains where the magical energy used by kasters of this world comes from. A former hero of the Red Star revolution Imbohl, has become a corrupted Dark Sorcerer and he imprisons the souls of their ancestors as a source of magical energy that he and the governments who work with him tap into. The Red Woman and Marcus are battling to destroy Imbohl and free the imprisoned souls. Maya, Urik, and the others decide they must rebel and follow Marcus into the Spirit Realm, but the Red Fleet is not going to let them go without a fight.