I-8. Mem

An interlude following Mem, a laundress employed by Mraize, whose new assistant Pom reveals herself to be something far more significant when she destroys one of Mraize's paintings. Mraize recognizes Pom as an ancient being and dismisses Mem with a bonus, instructing her to find new help.

Mem, a skilled laundress in war-torn Vedenar, works meticulously on her employer Mraize's clothing, including a pair of stained red trousers. She tends to her duties with pride and brings her new assistant Pom to Mraize's townhome to deliver clean garments. Upon entering Mraize's ornate den filled with curiosities and paintings of Heralds, Pom suddenly climbs a chair and slashes one of the paintings with a knife. Two guards respond to the noise, and Mraize himself appears. Rather than being angry, Mraize seems pleased, addressing Pom as "Ancient One" and mentioning he knows the location of someone called Talenelat. When Pom initially moves to leave, Mraize uses this information to keep her in conversation, suggesting a drink and mentioning his babsk wishes to speak with her. Mem remains bewildered throughout. Mraize then praises Mem for removing "aether" from the red trousers—a substance she didn't consciously identify—and grants her a three-firemark bonus. He then instructs her to leave and find a new laundry assistant, making clear Pom will not be returning to that work.