The eight adventurers arrive in the Neitherlands through the fountain. Janet, however, suffers upon arrival, becoming weaker by the moment. They decide to keep going, and follow the same path the Chatwins had taken long ago, “walking three more squares palaceward and then one to the left to go to the fountain that led to Fillory” (283).

They arrive in Fillory in the cold of winter, and without their winter coats. Despite the cold, they decide to do a little exploring. They come across a water nymph, who claims they are “cursed” and who gives them a “small ivory horn chased with silver,” telling them that it’s “a gift from the river. Use it when all hope is lost” (292).

They then return to the Neitherlands to pick up their winter coats before quickly reemerging in Fillory. This time, the weather is much warmer. Quentin confronts Penny, pushing him hard against a tree. He’s still angry at Penny for having slept with Alice, and feels in a fighting mood, telling himself that “Fillory had better give him something to fight soon or he was going to lose it completely” (296).