Contents
Chapter 31
Overview
Zevander dispatches Kazhimyr to quietly recruit bone scribe Allura and obtain Dolion’s supplies, then endures an interrogation at Costelwick where he drinks Nilmirth and conceals his role in the guards’ deaths and the bloodstones. King Sagaerin reveals a plague amulet bound to Prince Dorjan and commands Letalisz protection for Dorjan and Princess Calisza during her Becoming, with Solassions attending. After Melantha privately probes Zevander’s secrets and links the case to Corvus Keep and bloodstones, Zevander returns to Eidolon, grudgingly improves Maevyth’s treatment, and orders Torryn to train her.
Summary
Zevander parts ways with Kazhimyr at a fork: Kazhimyr will discreetly locate bone scribe Allura Marabe and pilfer Dolion’s requested lab items, using a cover story about deciphering scrolls. Zevander proceeds to Costelwick, entering under his tutor-guard guise to meet King Sagaerin’s council.
In the chamber, Captain Zivant and Magelord Akmyrios question Zevander about missing Imperial Guards and an aura at Bonesguard identified as Corvikae. Apprentice Melantha administers Nilmirth and presses him on Dolion, bloodstones, and the aura. Zevander, trained to endure the toxin, feigns compliance, denies involvement in the murders and knowledge of the stones, and withstands the nausea.
After dismissing the others, Sagaerin orders Letalisz presence at Princess Calisza’s impending Becoming, warning the Solassions and General Loyce will attend. He privately reveals a black amulet bound with Prince Dorjan’s blood that would unleash a world-ending plague if Dorjan dies, underscoring Zevander’s duty to guard the prince above all. Zevander agrees to quietly investigate the missing men.
Under the moat, Melantha confronts Zevander, exposing that she crafted the Nilmirth, hints at his deeper, ancient power, and notes three Magestroli also vanished en route to Corvus Keep. She suggests bloodstones can destroy sablefyre. Zevander offers nothing, resisting her probing, and departs.
Returning to Eidolon, exhausted and sick from the toxin, Zevander spars verbally with Rykaia, who argues for humane treatment of Maevyth. He permits a bath but keeps Maevyth confined. In the training hall, Zevander assigns Torryn—master of defense and vivicantem absorption—to train Maevyth, citing Dolion’s claim of her unique, possibly Corvikae power. Zevander also plans a decoy hunt in The Hovel to misdirect inquiry into the missing guards.
Who Appears
- Zevander RydainnLeader of the Letalisz; endures Nilmirth interrogation, learns of Dorjan’s plague amulet, rebuffs Melantha, and assigns Torryn to train Maevyth.
- King SagaerinReveals a doomsday amulet tied to Dorjan; commands Letalisz to secure Dorjan and Calisza for the Becoming; shields Zevander’s identity.
- MelanthaMagelord’s apprentice; administers Nilmirth, probes Zevander, hints three mages are missing and bloodstones can destroy sablefyre.
- Magelord AkmyriosSupports the inquiry; identifies a Corvikae aura; vouches for Melantha’s skills.
- Captain ZivantLeads the search for missing guards; confrontational toward Zevander during the interrogation.
- Prince DorjanLight banter with Zevander; later revealed as the blood source binding the king’s plague amulet.
- RykaiaChallenges Zevander’s treatment of Maevyth; secures a bath and urges leniency.
- TorrynLetalisz without sigil; expert defender and vivicantem absorber; assigned to train Maevyth.
- RavezioLetalisz with venomous basilisk blood; spars with Torryn and needles Zevander about Maevyth.
- KazhimyrLetalisz thief; sent to recruit bone scribe Allura Marabe and clandestinely acquire lab supplies.