5 West

Approaching the Inysh coast, Wulfert Glenn savors returning home with King Bardholt of Hróth aboard the Longstride. Bardholt, in good spirits about seeing his daughter Glorian, names Wulf his cupbearer for the festivities and allows him brief leave to visit family after. He then pointedly rebukes Wulf for a tryst with Regny Longstride, reminding him of virtue and marriage bounds, and orders him to seek confession.

Regny, heir of Skiri Longstride, awaits a sterner private reprimand, while Wulf’s anticipation of landfall is tempered by guilt and duty. The ship presses toward Werstuth under clear skies as court and crew prepare for Glorian’s commendation.

At Ascalon, Glorian bathes, her broken arm in a cast, tended by Julain Crest, Helisent Beck, and Adeliza afa Dáura. They review dignitaries, including Carmentum’s leaders, and debate the danger of republicanism, revealing court anxieties about foreign influence and the display to come.

Queen Sabran visits privately, framing the commendation as both Glorian’s formal introduction and a demonstration of absolute monarchy’s strength to Carmentum amid tentative trade talks. She emphasizes Inys as a hub among Virtudom and beyond, using the occasion to affirm the Chainmail’s unity against republican sway.

Sabran also prepares Glorian for meeting potential consorts, suggesting a future precontract while insisting on flawless conduct. Glorian, uneasy about marriage and ashamed of her fall, pledges to meet expectations. Sabran departs, promising to address Glorian’s riding after the ceremony, leaving Glorian yearning for escape.