By the Waters of Babylon I. Describe the story's exposition. During the exposition you learn that it is forbidden to go to any of the Dead Places except to search for metal, and he who touches the metal must be a priest of the son of the priest. You also learn that John is the son of a priest and is training to become a priest. II. Describe the story's conflict. The conflict of the story is that John must over come his fears and go to the city. This is needed for him to become a priest. He must go explore the city. III. What events make up the story's rising action?