Episode 3 of Shadow and Bone commences with Alina jolting awake from a haunting nightmare. Her vision is etched with the silhouette of a mythical stag, its majestic antlers eclipsed by a resplendent orb of light. Upon awakening, she is enveloped by a swarm of attendants and servants, their every move catering to her needs.
Arina prepares to meet the King, her wounds miraculously healed by the skilled hands of a Grisha healer, Genya. She is escorted, dressed in the regal First Army uniform adorned with a golden veil, to the presence of King Pyotr. Among the attendants stands the King's Apparat and the Crown Prince, while Kirigan appears, affirming that the King intends to keep her for rigorous training.
Before the King's throne, Alina summons her dazzling powers, turning the throne room into a breathtaking spectacle of light. Empowered by this display, Kirigan makes his intentions clear. He intends to mentor Arina, harnessing her formidable abilities, with the ultimate goal of dismantling the Fold. The King's ambition lies in unifying the world under a single banner.
Training commences, but Arina is swiftly brought to her knees by Zoya, her chosen sparring partner. Repeatedly knocked back, the session ends abruptly. Seeking solace, Alina retires to the library, where she delves deeper into the prophetic destiny of her world. The first recorded Grisha, a man known as the Bonesmith, crafted creatures from his own finger bones, which were later revealed to be mythical beasts. Four such creatures are paramount, one resembling a deer.
With a tome in hand, Alina encounters Baghra, a renowned mentor in harnessing one's power. Sitting across from her, Baghra plants seeds of doubt in Alina's mind, urging her to believe in herself and return when she does. Frustrated and disheartened, Alina takes to penning a letter to Mal.
Meanwhile, in the distant city of Novokribirsk, nestled in the heart of West Ravka, Kaz, Inej, Jesper, and the Conductor embark on a quest to find Nina, a Heartrender. However, they are not alone. The Druskelle, relentless witch-hunters, are also in pursuit of Nina, and through a cunning flashback, we witness her abduction by these shadowy figures.
The group splits up, each tasked with finding a crucial tool to traverse the Fold and rescue Nina. Unfortunately, Jesper is sidetracked by his gambling addiction. Kaz, however, acquires the goat he needs and sternly reminds Inej to stay focused, emphasizing, "We all have debts to pay."
The group converges at an abandoned train, ready to embark on their mission. However, Jesper's gambling spree has depleted their coal supply, threatening their crossing. Nonetheless, they rally together and prepare to depart.
The Conductor rolls up his sleeve, revealing numerous deep carvings, each marking a crossing to the other side. As the train chugs forward, they draw near a Volcra nest, and the winged beasts launch a ferocious attack. In a surprising turn, it is Jesper who stands tall, showcasing his gunslinging prowess while holding the goat. His efforts are enough to guide them safely to the other side, where they heave a sigh of relief.
