Episode 2 of The Sandman commences with a haunting sight of Dream wandering through the desolate ruins of his once-majestic castle. Lucienne confesses that in Dream's absence, the library had dwindled into oblivion, its pages vanishing into thin air. The royal librarian clung to hope, believing Dream would return, yet there lies a stark irony in a librarian's unwavering loyalty to a library devoid of tomes.
Weakened, Dream realizes that without his prized possessions—the helm, the ruby, and more—his full power may remain elusive for the foreseeable future. Therefore, his only recourse is to locate Ethel and reclaim his belongings.
To accomplish this, Dream journeys to Cain and Abel, intent on retrieving a gift he had bestowed upon them ages ago: their gargoyle, Gregory. Kneeling before them, he extends his hand, and as he absorbs the creature, a hallucinatory cascade of dreams ensues, summoning the Fates, or The Three as they are affectionately known. This triad of goddesses comprises the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone.
Through their wisdom, Dream discovers that his possessions have been scattered across various domains. His helm has been traded with a demon, the ruby has been passed down from mother to son—a subtle allusion to Johnny and Ethel—and the sand now belongs to Johanna Constantine. Armed with these clues, Dream sets his course towards London, determined to reclaim his sand from Johanna Constantine.
Meanwhile, in Dream's absence, Corinthian briefly emerges, casting a shadow of warning over Lucienne. He warns her that Dream's indifference towards her is imminent, and sooner or later, he will make it abundantly clear.
