Contents
60 West
Overview
Wulf, Mara, and Thrit reach Langarth, reunite with Lord Edrick, and enlist his help to surveil Lord Robart and secure an anointed witness for potential heresy. In Ascalun, Glorian learns the treasury is dire, hears Bourn’s urgent plague counsel, then responds to an aerial attack by arming herself, defying the regency, and ordering a mass evacuation toward Arondine and regional refuges.
Summary
Wulf, Mara, and Thrit travel by sea and road to Langarth to avoid quarantined Summerport. Finding the manor sparsely staffed, they await Lord Edrick’s return. Wulf wrestles with trauma from the plague ship and confides to Thrit that he offered to help Glorian conceive to block Robart’s forced match, prompting Thrit to warn him of treason.
Lord Edrick returns; after a shocked reunion, Wulf and Mara recount Helisent’s suspicions about Lord Robart and strange haithwood rites. Edrick recalls past reports of lamps in the forest and, learning the groom is Prince Guma, agrees they should watch Parr Castle and, if possible, secure an anointed witness from the Virtues Council to expose any heresy.
In Ascalun, Glorian audits treasury records and confirms Inys is impoverished despite Sabran’s frugality; Prince Guma’s wealth appears crucial. Bonesetter Bourn arrives, urging strict plague measures—masks, isolation, hand washing—and reveals Eastern origins, but reports no magic there. The regency offers little support, and Helisent departs suddenly, shaken by Robart’s haithwood inspection plans.
Screams rise from the city as flying creatures mass beyond the gates. With Robart absent, Glorian orders armour and convinces Sir Bramel to defy instructions and escort her out via the postern if needed. Despite her ladies’ fears about heirlessness and contagion, she commits to lead visibly, invoking her father’s example.
Glorian is armed in gambeson and mail, crowns herself with a circlet, and issues orders to mobilize: relocate the court and populace toward Arondine, using its walls, river, and nearby caves, with other cities and caverns sharing the displaced. She declares that all must become warriors, asserting authority in the regent’s absence as the assault and plague threat converge.
Who Appears
- Glorian BerethnetQueen of Inys; confirms royal finances are dire; heeds Bourn’s plague counsel; arms herself and orders evacuation to Arondine.
- Wulfert Glenn (Wulf)Returns to Langarth; plans to surveil Robart; admits offer to help Glorian conceive; reunites with Lord Edrick.
- Mara GlennSupports Wulf; manages the household; helps persuade Lord Edrick to aid their plan.
- Lord Edrick GlennBaron of Langarth; overwhelmed by Wulf’s return; recalls haithwood reports; agrees to help monitor Robart and seek a witness.
- Thrit of IsborgWulf’s Hróthi friend; cautions Wulf against treason; joins the effort to watch Robart.
- Mastress BournBonesetter; urges masks, isolation, and hygiene; reveals Eastern upbringing; warns council of plague risks.
- Sir BramelQueen’s guard; reports winged creatures; agrees to arm and aid Glorian despite regent’s orders.
- Dame Rose SuddowRobart’s appointee to Glorian’s guard; escorts Glorian, skeptical but compliant.
- Helisent BeckCountess’s heir; previously warned about Robart; turns pale at his haithwood plans and withdraws.
- Lord RobartAbsent regent; closed ports; delays return; plans haithwood inspection; suspected of heathen rites.
- Prince Guma VetaldaElderly, wealthy Yscalin prince; Glorian’s prospective consort; seen as fiscal solution.
- FlorellLady-in-waiting; doubts Bourn’s measures; helps arm Glorian.
- AdelaLady-in-waiting; fearful of plague and heirlessness; pleads with Glorian to stay safe.
- JulainLady-in-waiting; supports Glorian’s audit; first to help arm and mobilize.