Contents
93 West
Overview
As battle rages on Cenning Moor, Queen Glorian labors in Hollow Crag, her attendants shielding the birth while Prince Guma is refused entry. Wulf reaches the battlefield from Lasia, wields Tunuva’s spear, and joins Thrit to defend the refuge, choosing not to risk exposing his tie to Glorian.
Summary
Deep within Hollow Crag, Queen Glorian labors for hours as the battle on Cenning Moor rages unheard beyond the stone. Attended by her grandmother Florell, Marian, Mastress Bourn, and her ladies, Glorian is urged to give birth on her back despite back pain. She steels herself with memories of her parents and the weight of the crown, vowing to protect her child.
Amid the ordeal, Prince Guma tries to force his way into the chamber. At Marian’s command, Sir Bramel bars him. Exhausted and in mounting pain, Glorian clings to purpose and refuses to yield.
Outside, Wulfert Glenn arrives on Cenning Moor after weeks of travel, confronting a field of wyrmfire, wyverns, and beasts. He is unhorsed and wounded in the shoulder but kills a charging creature with Tunuva’s spear and fights his way through the chaos.
Wulf reunites with Thrit and arms himself with a fallen knight’s shield. Thrit tells him that Glorian is inside, in labor, and warns Wulf not to enter lest Prince Guma recognize him and ignite scandal. Accepting that Glorian’s battle is within while theirs is without, Wulf and Thrit hold the line to defend Hollow Crag.
Who Appears
- Glorian BerethnetQueen of Inys; endures arduous labor in Hollow Crag while battle rages outside.
- Wulfert GlennArrives from Lasia, fights through wyrmfire with Tunuva’s spear, is wounded, reunites with Thrit, and defends Hollow Crag.
- ThritWulf’s comrade; fights on Cenning Moor and dissuades Wulf from entering Hollow Crag.
- MarianSenior attendant; overrules Bourn on birthing position and orders Guma kept out.
- Prince GumaAttempts to enter the birthing chamber; is barred by order of Marian.
- Mastress BournMidwife; recommends an upright birth to ease Glorian’s back labor.
- FlorellGlorian’s grandmother; prays at her side during labor.
- JulainLady-in-waiting; tends Glorian, mops her brow, and encourages her.
- Sir BramelGuard who keeps Prince Guma from the birthing chamber.
- Roland (Rollo)Wulf’s brother; glimpsed fighting amid the chaos on Cenning Moor.