The sighting of a rare bird attracts attention to a remote part of the Fens. The visiting birdwatchers cannot know what dangers lie in the freezing darkness of the marshes. In an isolated cabin, Wattmore, bruised and bleeding, is recording the Old Testament onto cassette. Griffin arrives with two bags of chips. Salvation is at hand - a cash prize for winning the university poetry competition and a possible lodger. Meanwhile, outside the town is stirring.