The Gleaming Man explains that he has been watching the flood serpent for over a month, and he has noticed that it guards the cave. He has asked the serpent to scout the cave, but the serpent has been too cautious. He tries to lure the beast away, but it is still there. He asks Gleam to guard the cave and warns him not to go in without his permission. Gleam wonders if the beast is going to take all of his wealth for himself.