Contents
58 West
Overview
Wulf recuperates in Ascalun and learns of food scarcity and new political strains. Helisent warns that Regent Robart may be a secret heathen leading rites in the haithwood; Wulf and Mara resolve to investigate during the Feast of Early Spring. Glorian has married Guma by proxy to secure an heir quickly. Wulf offers to risk his life to father her child, giving Glorian a potential choice.
Summary
Exhausted after fleeing the Fens, Wulf sleeps for days by a hearth in Ascalun while Mara tends him. He wakes to news of scarcity in the burned city and worries that Marian has been sent to plague-struck Cuthyll. Mara reassures him of plans while Doctor Forthard treats his frostnip.
Helisent Beck visits and confides two linked concerns. First, Glorian’s intended bridegroom, Prince Therico, is dead, and Glorian has agreed instead to marry the elderly Duke of Kóvuga to strengthen Inys and secure an heir. Second, Helisent reveals that her father’s foresters saw yearly unlawful processions in the haithwood and recently claim to have recognized Lord Robart among them, suggesting the regent may be a heathen undermining Inys from within.
Fearing Robart’s influence, Helisent asks Mara and Wulf to travel west, watch the haithwood on the Feast of Early Spring, and gather proof to unseat him, with Lady Marian ready to assume the regency. Wulf agrees, planning to stop at Langarth to involve his father and to send Sauma back to Einlek, while Thrit will accompany when able.
Near midnight, Queen Glorian visits Wulf privately. She explains she has already married Guma Vetalda by proxy to bring dowry and hasten conception, believing an heir will free her to lead and fight. Wulf, horrified by her lack of choice, urges her to consider conceiving with him instead, risking execution if discovered, arguing it would give her agency.
Glorian promises to think and asks Wulf to return after the Feast. Before leaving, she asks what Sabran wore when she died; Wulf answers red. He addresses her as “Glorian Shieldheart,” embracing the name the wyrm used, and departs resolved to confront the haithwood and Robart.
Who Appears
- Wulf (Wulfert)Recovers in Ascalun; agrees to investigate Robart’s suspected heathen rites; offers to father Glorian’s heir; plans to visit Langarth.
- Queen Glorian of InysNewly married by proxy to Guma to secure an heir; considers Wulf’s dangerous offer to conceive before Guma arrives.
- MaraWulf’s sister; nurses him; commits to help expose Robart at the haithwood; plans coordination with Marian and their father.
- Helisent BeckWarns that Regent Robart may be a heathen leading rites; urges Wulf and Mara to gather proof during the Feast.
- Lord Robart EllerRegent of Inys, accused by foresters of joining unlawful haithwood rites; potential target for removal.
- Lady MarianSent to Cuthyll; proposed as replacement regent if Robart is unseated.
- Guma Vetalda (Duke of Kóvuga)Elderly Yscali prince; Glorian’s proxy husband, bringing dowry and legitimacy for an heir.
- ThritWulf’s companion; exhausted from the Fens ride; expected to travel west with Wulf.
- Doctor ForthardPhysician who treats Wulf’s frostnip and assesses his recovery.