Contents
85 West
Overview
Glorian, heavily pregnant, oversees a brutal defense at Stilharrow Deep as wyvern-spawn are routed but the threat of Fýredel looms. Reeling from losses and a fading prophetic voice, she convenes her council. Rejecting nearer refuges, Glorian decides to ride to Hollow Crag to rally fifteen thousand survivors.
Summary
At a devastated Stilharrow Deep, Queen Glorian watches her forces battle stitched creatures under sleet and smoke. A grey wyvern leading the attack is felled by catapult, and Lord Damud confirms the enemy is routed for now. With Fýredel absent but informed through wyvern sight, the threat of a wyrm’s arrival remains immediate.
Glorian, aching and near term, withdraws to her chamber. Helisent and Julain tend her, masking smoke with lavender. Isolated by fear of childbirth and loss, Glorian notes that the guiding voice in her dreams has fallen silent, stripping away a small source of hope.
The Regency Council assembles. Acknowledging that the wyvern has found Stilharrow, they debate their next refuge: the far northern Fells, hidden caves like Selverpit, or remaining in the southern provinces. Reports confirm three named wyrms scour the West, while others hunt in the East, and Carmentum has fallen.
Lady Gladwin proposes Hollow Crag on Cenning Moor, where about fifteen thousand survivors gather under the Dowager Earl of Goldenbirch. Despite concerns about distance and her imminent labor, Glorian rejects coastal safety and insists on going where her people are. After tense debate, Marian endorses the decision: they will ride for Hollow Crag.
Who Appears
- GlorianPregnant queen; oversees defense at Stilharrow, mourns her fading dream-voice, and chooses to ride to Hollow Crag.
- MarianLady Protector and grandmother; chairs the council and affirms the move to Hollow Crag.
- Lord DamudCommander at Glorian’s side; confirms the rout and urges selecting a new refuge.
- Lady GladwinCouncillor who proposes Hollow Crag, citing fifteen thousand survivors needing their queen.
- Lady EdithAdvocates retreat to northern Strathurn or hidden caves to prolong safety in the cold.
- Lord RandrothObjects to long travel in Glorian’s condition; prefers the nearer, safer coast.
- Lady BrangainCouncillor who warns Glorian could give birth any day, urging caution.
- HelisentLady-in-waiting; dresses and comforts Glorian after the battle.
- JulainAttendant who soothes Glorian with lavender oil and urges rest.
- BournBonesetter kept at court; assists Marian’s arrival at the council.
- ForthardPhysician sent north after disputes over treating the plague.
- Glorian’s consortOversees the castle catapults during the defense at Stilharrow.
- FýredelWyrm threat; absent here but expected to learn Stilharrow’s location through wyvern sight.