Overview

We are introduced to Arthur Eld. He built Gilead and was a great warrior. Steven Deschain returned to Gilead with Chris. They were the only survivors of the gun battle.

Steven knows there are traitors at Gilead. He calls for Roland. After he has his arm set by Dr. Decurry (who is already dead) Steven wants to meet with Roland in his chambers.

The traitors are waiting for Chris at Dr. Decurry's office and kill him.

Steven Deschain reviewed Arthur Eld's safeguards he built into Gilead's castle. As Steven marveled at Eld's construction of the castle he was interrupted. One of the traitors, a guard, stabbed Steven in the back with a bayonet. Steven retrieves his gun and blows the head off the guard. Steven writes a message in his own blood.

Roland and Aileen discover Steven Deschain's body and his message, "Open the Pits." Roland explains to Aileen that his father's instructions are to open "...Gilead's ancient source of self-defense. Diabolical instruments of slaughter, to be used only in the most dire of circumstances."

Roland, Cuthbert and Alain's fathers are all dead. The three young gunslingers are now one again.

All the young gunslingers gather and Roland is congratulated as the dinh of Gilead. Roland confides to Cuthbert that if he should die in this battle he will take John Farson with him.