65 West

Crossing Yscalin via the Middle Pass, Tunuva and Canthe come upon Hart Grove fortress under attack by wyverns. Tunuva joins the defense and helps drive them off. High Prince Guma descends to thank her and offers escort to the port of Garazna and passage to Inys, citing his royal prerogative amid port closures. Despite mistrusting a Virtudic ruler, Tunuva agrees for speed.

The company pushes across the exposed Vetalda Plain, repeatedly harried by wyverns that sense Tunuva’s magic, but she deters them. Guma’s baggage includes crimson gold destined for Inys as part of his dowry, and his men reveal he is already wed to Glorian. They reach Garazna, where desperate Yscals beg to sail, but Guma refuses. After fumigation, Tunuva and Canthe embark, and Tunuva reaffirms her purpose to seek painful truth.

In Arondine, wartime preparations replace festival rites as citizens drill for cave evacuation. Glorian welcomes her ailing grandmother, Marian Berethnet, newly named Lady Protector. Marian, recovering thanks to Mastress Bourn, offers guidance; they discuss Robart’s treachery, Glorian’s political marriage, and Glorian’s private attempt to conceive with a trusted lover.

Glorian and Marian plan to keep the court mobile, expecting the black wyrm Fýredel to hunt the queen. Comforted by Marian, Glorian steels herself for survival. The next day, Marian convenes the Regency Council; they inform Glorian that High Prince Guma has arrived in Inys and rides for Arondine.

At dusk, Wulf coaches Thrit to overcome lingering injury by adjusting stance and mind. Helisent summons Wulf to Glorian. In private, Glorian confirms she is not yet with child and must soon send Wulf back to Hróth before Guma’s arrival forces appearances. They share a final, tender night, and Wulf vows prayers for her on his journey north.