Fire & Metal, #1
Metal Slinger
by Rachel Schneider
Contents
Chapter 29
Overview
Acker delivers the gravely wounded Jovie to an older healer, who declares she cannot be saved without completing her awakening. Defying danger, they begin the excruciating ritual on the spot. In the agony, Jovie experiences Acker’s memories, revealing his deliberate plan to confront Alaha in daylight to retrieve her. The scene cements Acker’s commitment and sets Jovie’s survival on the success of the awakening.
Summary
Jovie drifts in and out of consciousness as voices argue over killing Acker for a bounty. Acker, enraged and desperate, threatens them if Jovie dies. An older healer arrives and declares Jovie cannot be healed unless she completes her awakening. She rejects Acker’s demand to move her and takes control, ordering oils and herbs while insisting the rite be done immediately.
The healer’s team restrains Jovie. An arrow is ripped from Jovie’s chest, provoking unbearable pain. The healer warns everyone to close their eyes against a dangerous flash, then begins the ritual. Acker holds Jovie’s shoulders, pressing his forehead to hers as she screams and loses control of her body.
Amid the agony, Jovie is pulled into a vivid memory not her own. She sees Acker on a sea cliff with Hallis, planning to enter Alaha in broad daylight so Wren cannot easily manipulate witnesses if he kills Acker. They discuss signaling with a peace flare, notifying Jovie’s family regardless of the outcome, and Acker’s missing blade that has returned to Jovie.
The memory reveals Acker’s unwavering resolve: he cannot abandon Jovie despite the lethal reputation of Alaha. As the scene ends, Acker conceals an injury, heads for port, and focuses on his goal. Back on the slab, the ritual continues, binding Jovie’s survival to the completion of her awakening and Acker’s determination to save her.
Who Appears
- Jovie (Brynn)Mortally wounded and not fully awakened; endures a forced awakening and experiences Acker’s memories.
- AckerMetal slinger; threatens onlookers, holds Jovie during the ritual; memory reveals his plan to rescue her from Alaha.
- Older HealerUncompromising healer who insists Jovie must complete awakening and conducts the agonizing procedure.
- HallisAcker’s ally in memory; discusses the daylight approach, peace flare, and notifying Jovie’s family.
- Healer’s assistantsMen who restrain Jovie and fetch supplies; one initially threatens Acker.