Contents
62 East
Overview
Dumai deepens her mysterious dream-bond with a distant “sister,” gaining resolve to head north. Traveling with the Lacustrine court along the Snow Road, she reunites with Furtia and Nayimathun, who urge a northern course as wyrm fire strengthens with warming sun. Dumai confronts her feelings for Nikeya, sets strict altitude limits, and prepares to ascend Brhazat to find the astronomer.
Summary
Dumai dreams beside a stream with a nameless woman who can speak Dumai’s name but not her own. They sense they are real to one another across a dark sea. The woman warns of being trapped by crown and blood, while Dumai admits doubt about her strength and fear for those she left behind. Dumai wakes, records fragments of the fading dream, and takes it as confirmation to go north toward the mountains.
Traveling with the Lacustrine court along the Snow Road toward the Whinshan Ridge, Dumai observes the war-torn landscape and displaced peoples. She and Kanifa discuss Nikeya’s influence and Dumai’s conflicted desire, with Kanifa urging caution and reminding Dumai of their goal to find the truth and return home.
Nayimathun and the wounded Furtia arrive; Furtia’s melted scales testify to Taugran’s fire. Speaking aloud, Furtia notes the wound will not yet heal, and Nayimathun declares they must go north as the sun warms and the wyrms grow stronger. Dumai sends for Master Kiprun and seeks Nikeya to depart immediately.
Dumai finds Nikeya dressing and lays out the mortal risks of extreme altitude on Brhazat, demanding honesty if sickness strikes. Nikeya presses for emotional truth; Dumai admits she would miss Nikeya if she died. Nikeya promises caution. With purpose renewed, Dumai prepares to leave for Brhazat and the astronomer’s answers.
Who Appears
- DumaiProtagonist; shares a potent dream with a distant sister, resolves to head north, confronts feelings for Nikeya, sets altitude rules.
- NikeyaLacustrine noble; flirts with Dumai, secures an admission of feeling, promises to turn back if altitude sickness strikes.
- KanifaDumai’s loyal guard; counsels caution about Nikeya, reaffirms their mission, and tends to practical needs.
- Furtia StormcallerDragon ally; returns wounded by Taugran’s fire, briefly speaks aloud, accompanies the party north.
- Nayimathun of the Deep SnowsAncient dragon; advises traveling north as warming sun strengthens wyrm fire.
- Unknown dream-sisterMysterious woman in Dumai’s dream, likely across the dark sea; warns of crowns as prisons.