Contents
88 East
Overview
Dumai and Nikeya, working in the forest on crossbow efforts, deepen their bond and privately declare themselves wed. They discuss a dark stone tied to the fallen star and Furtia’s absence. Dumai promises to return when called to fly, then senses her sister’s voice, foreshadowing unrest ahead.
Summary
At a forest encampment, Dumai and Nikeya rest after days spent helping Unora and others cut wood for large crossbows. Nikeya, going by the alias Tonra to protect her clan, has also honed Dumai’s archery and hunted a deer for their supper.
They discuss a dark stone, which Nikeya finds unsettling. Dumai relays Furtia’s claim that it is a remnant of the fallen star with great and terrible power. Their conversation turns intimate and solemn as Dumai, shaped by temple rites, recognizes that their water-side pledge under the night sky already made them wed. They agree to keep the marriage secret for now to preserve their private peace.
When Nikeya asks about Dumai flying again, Dumai vows she will always try to return. As Dumai drifts to sleep, she senses the long-suppressed voice of her sister, momentarily comforting yet ominous, reminding her that peace cannot last in a time of great sorrow.
Who Appears
- DumaiQueen and dragonrider; secretly weds Nikeya, aids crossbow work, contemplates a star-stone, hears her sister’s voice.
- NikeyaDumai’s consort; hunts, trains Dumai, uses alias Tonra, uneasy about the stone, agrees to a secret marriage.
- UnoraWorks with Dumai and others to cut wood for crossbows in the forest camp.
- FurtiaAbsent but referenced; identified the dark stone as a remnant of the fallen star with great power.