Contents
51 West
Overview
At Sabran and Bardholt’s dawn entombment, Glorian assumes the crown and oversees the sealing of their relics. The wyrm Fýredel descends on Ascalun, returns her parents’ charred bones, and vows future conquest. Glorian publicly declares defiance, after which Fýredel’s underlings ignite the city and she is forced to withdraw.
Summary
Before dawn, Glorian is robed in mourning grey and led to the Sanctuary of Queens for Sabran and Bardholt’s entombment. She privately prays among the effigies, pledging justice for her father and reconciliation for her mother. The Arch Sanctarian conducts the rites, placing each parent’s tooth into their tombs before sealing them.
At first light the cortege returns along the Strondway. Glorian, buoyed by grief and resolve, sings a Hróthi hymn honoring Bardholt. As the red sun rises, a black wyrm with smaller flyers descends over Ascalun. The wyrm—Fýredel—lands before Glorian, scattering riders and terrifying the crowd.
Fýredel addresses Glorian by title, then hurls a charred heap of bones and two skulls at her feet, taunting that Sabran and Bardholt suffered. Recognizing a chip in a skull, Glorian accepts the grim proof and, mustering courage, demands his name and grievance. Fýredel declares himself and proclaims the wyrms will come when northern days grow long and hot, to avenge their forebear.
Realizing her people watch for strength, Glorian vows to defend Inys as her ancestor did, promising to meet fire with steel. Fýredel mocks her as “Shieldheart” and spares her life, but unleashes his underlings to set Ascalun’s rooftops ablaze as a “taste” of their fire.
As the wyrm departs, Glorian tries to gather her parents’ bones, but Lord Robart orders a retreat. Sir Bramel Stathworth carries Glorian away through smoke and chaos while the city burns, fixing the stakes of open war and the burden of rule upon her.
Who Appears
- Glorian Hraustr BerethnetNewly crowned Queen of Inys; oversees her parents’ entombment, confronts Fýredel, vows defiance, and is evacuated during the attack.
- FýredelBlack wyrm who slew Sabran and Bardholt; returns their bones, threatens invasion, and orders Ascalun set ablaze.
- Lord RobartRegent and Lord Protector; manages witnesses, commands defenses, and orders Glorian’s withdrawal amid the assault.
- HelisentAttendant who steadies and shields Glorian during the wyrm’s descent and ensuing panic.
- Sir Bramel StathworthKnight who lifts and carries Glorian from the Strondway through smoke and chaos.
- FlorellLady-in-waiting who dresses Glorian for mourning and secures time for her private prayer.
- Arch SanctarianLeads the entombment rites, placing Sabran and Bardholt’s teeth and sealing their tombs.
- JulainAttendant assisting Glorian’s preparations; stands with her during the ceremony.
- AdelaAttendant who brings the mirror and later faints at the sight of the wyrm.
- Dame ErdaGuard who attempts to shield Glorian and is struck aside by the wyrm.
- Lady BrangainCourtier who lowers the tooth reliquary into the tomb during the rites.
- Lady Abra MarchynSabran’s former attendant; openly weeps during the entombment service.
- Lord Edrick GlennWulf’s father; mourns among the nobles at the ceremony.
- Lord Mansell ShoreWulf’s father; stands grief-stricken among the witnesses.