56 West

After three days of rain douse Ascalon’s fires, news arrives that wyrms have ravaged the Leas. Confined to the Queens’ Tower, Glorian longs to aid her people but is kept under Lord Robart’s protection. In the throne room, Mara Glenn petitions for Lady Marian to return from dilapidated Cuthyll; Robart refuses, citing past dangers, though Glorian sends her grandmother condolences.

A squire announces a survivor of the lost ships: Wulfert Glenn. Despite skepticism, Glorian recognizes him. Wulf kneels, pledges to Glorian, and warns that a deadly plague has reached the Fens from Hróth, urging port closures. He then recounts the Conviction and the sovereigns’ deaths, confirming Glorian may be crowned.

Alone, Glorian grieves yet steels herself, reading Einlek’s letter urging vigilance—distinguishing warriors from ravens—and steadfast leadership. Days later, summoned at dawn to the Virtues Council, she learns Prince Therico died when wyrms burned Tagrida.

The Council presents a clause allowing marriage to another close Vetalda relative within a month. They propose Prince Guma—Queen Rozaria’s twin—whose wealth, trade links, and soldiers could sustain Inys. Despite Florell’s outrage at the age disparity, Glorian demands the terms and weighs the stakes.

Robart’s letter vouches for Guma’s character and the Ufarassus gold mine. Prioritizing her people’s survival, Glorian agrees to a rapid proxy marriage, accepting Guma for his dowry and forces. She leaves the chamber detached, committing to sacrifice for Inys.