Tighe's village is built on the ledges and crags of an enormous cliff-face, called the Wall or the World-wall.

Partway through this part of the book, Tighe's parents mysteriously disappear, and his grandfather takes care of him.

While recovering from his injuries, he learns the local language, and that the army will soon attack the Otre, a nearby civilisation.

During the battle, he sees a silvery flying object that he takes as an enemy balloon, and that calls his name.

The slave trader who buys Tighe takes him on a long journey across the wall, intending to sell him in a large city.