The Ball of Fate, which had been lingering on the crest of the Break, falls down, crushing destinies and ruining well-thought-out plans. But there are also those who will sweep the cards off the table and start over, throwing everything at stake, even after death. The horse turning into flame throws off the rider, but if you have a chance to step over the edge, you need to step. Marshal Capras reads the order scribbled over a draft of poetry. Colonel Fock Felsenburg looks in the back as he goes to his death. Selina Aramona swears on the obviously impossible. Marshal Savignac may no longer take care of himself: the regent has returned, but the Duke of Alva never took care of himself. Blood on the esper, blood on the blade, blood on the snow, blood and horse tracks. Winter Break. “Four armies and a holiday. It will be fun. Very.”