90 West

Through a devastated Inys, Glorian rides north with the Regency Council, guarded and in secrecy. Signs of imminent labor appear, which she conceals. At an oak copse they rest briefly, later sheltering in a barrow with refugees, before pressing on toward Hollow Crag—the refuge she chose at Stilharrow.

Approaching Cenning Moor, they find crowds fleeing wyverns toward the cave. A flight of wyverns descends, forcing the royal party and thousands of survivors to race for the rock’s low, hidden entrance. Inside, Lord Ordan Beck explains that a mass flight from Madenley has exposed Hollow Crag; leaving would be suicide. With the council cornered, tempers fray.

Glorian seizes command, arguing the entrance is a defensible chokepoint. She invokes her father’s stand at a bridge as proof that a few can hold many, and declares she will likely bear her child here. Her resolve rallies the leaders. Plans form: the strongest fighters will sally by night to thin enemy beasts; others will hold the mouth of the cave at dawn when sight favors the wyverns. Ordan expects possible aid from Paupers’ Henge, but warns death is certain for many.

Roland Glenn guides Glorian through the crowded caverns—past makeshift hospital and stores—while Bourn confirms that the “unsealing” has begun and birth is near. In a private exchange, Glorian requires Bourn to prioritize the child if both lives are at risk; Bourn laments the cost Carmentum avoided and vows to help. Later, confronted with a rare feast, Glorian summons other women late in pregnancy to share it, but they refuse out of reverence for the heir, laying bare hunger, loyalty, and despair. Glorian weeps for what Inys has become.

As night deepens and the defense musters, Julain and Helisent brief Glorian on enemy numbers and meager arms. Moments later, with wyvern creatures nearing the entrance, Glorian’s waters break. Accepting that her fight will be childbirth amid siege, she returns to her pallet while the defenders brace for the assault.