94 East

Dumai visits dying Epabo, who arrives maimed and fevered, fearing he carries the red sickness. He reports that the River Lord abandoned governance, secluded himself, then emerged claiming a solution inspired by the Nameless One: appease a great wyrm with sacrifices. With Taugran laired on Muysima near populous Uramyesi, the River Lord intends to take Empress Suzumai there.

Epabo believes the River Lord will sacrifice Suzumai to consolidate Clan Kuposa rule. Nikeya arrives, confirming her father’s growing ambition amid chaos and agreeing the threat is real. Dumai resolves to intervene, summoning Furtia Stormcaller to help extract Suzumai despite Taugran’s superior strength.

In private, Unora begs Dumai not to go to accursed Muysima and confesses that, years ago, she wished to Pajati the White; Pajati’s star-born light lingered long enough to awaken Dumai’s ancestral gifts in the womb. Dumai entrusts Unora with a strand from Kanifa’s rope as a symbolic tether and promises to return.

Dumai arms herself, but tells Nikeya to remain to maintain access to the River Lord’s circle. Nikeya refuses, declaring her allegiance to Dumai and asserting that together they must save Suzumai, their intended heir. She reveals Muysima’s hot springs, mines, and the River Lord’s obsession with rekindling fire-gifts.

As Furtia approaches and the prophesied star draws near, Dumai accepts Nikeya’s partnership. United, they depart to fly with Furtia toward Muysima to prevent Suzumai’s sacrifice and confront the River Lord’s scheme.