Contents
6 South
Overview
Tunuva and Esbar share intimacy, recall their sanctioned partnership, and clash over Siyu’s reckless climb of the sacred tree. As tomb keeper, Tunuva performs nightly rites for Cleolind, then secretly comforts confined Siyu, who recounts the Priory’s origin: Cleolind’s defeat of the Nameless One and vow to guard the orange tree.
The chapter deepens Lasian traditions, Tunuva’s loyalties, and tensions over Siyu’s discipline and future.
Summary
Tunuva and Esbar share an intimate night, then discuss Saghul’s past testing of their relationship and the rule that love must not eclipse devotion to the Mother. Their conversation turns to Siyu’s transgression—climbing the sacred tree—and her punishment: a week’s confinement and a month barred from the forest. Esbar urges firmness; Tunuva, more lenient, considers advocating for Siyu’s growth beyond the Priory.
Tunuva reflects on age, past separation, and unspoken memories of a lost son, while Esbar permits Tunuva one visit to comfort Siyu after nightly rites. The scene underscores Esbar’s protective severity and Tunuva’s compassionate impulse.
As tomb keeper, Tunuva dons Cleolind’s mantle, lights 120 lamps for those slain by the Nameless One, pours resin wine, and offers prayers in Selinyi, reaffirming the Priory’s charge to remember and remain. She secures the chamber and exchanges wry words with her speaking ichneumon, Ninuru, who disapproves of indulging Siyu.
Tunuva persuades Imsurin to let her visit Siyu. She comforts the distraught girl, gifts her a dayflower to evoke the forest, and reassures her that the punishment is merciful and does not define her. In return, Tunuva asks Siyu to tell the core story.
Siyu recounts the origin myth: the Nameless One rises from the Womb of Fire, devastates Yikala, and forces daily sacrifices until Princess Cleolind is chosen. The Inish knight Galian arrives demanding conversion and Cleolind’s hand, but fails; Cleolind seizes Ascalun, fights the beast to the orange tree, is protected by its shadow, eats its fruit, commands fire, and defeats him. She returns the sword, banishes Galian, renounces the throne, and founds the Priory to guard the tree against the beast’s return. Siyu falls asleep, and Imsurin leads Tunuva away, leaving Tunuva torn between duty and love.
Who Appears
- Tunuva MelimPriory tomb keeper; lover of Esbar; compassionate toward Siyu; performs Cleolind’s rites and recalls past trials.
- Esbar uq-NāraMunguna and mother of Siyu; stern about discipline; permits Tunuva one comforting visit.
- SiyuYoung initiate punished for climbing the sacred tree; comforted by Tunuva; retells the founding myth.
- Imsurin (Imin)Siyu’s father; cautious and dutiful; reluctantly allows Tunuva to visit Siyu.
- NinuruTunuva’s speaking ichneumon; loyal and blunt; disapproves of indulging Siyu.
- SaghulPrioress; once tested Tunuva and Esbar’s bond; assigns Siyu’s punishment and guards tradition.
- Cleolind OnjenyuFounding Mother in the tale; defeats the Nameless One and establishes the Priory.
- Galian BerethnetInish knight in the myth; fails against the beast; banished after Cleolind returns his sword.
- Selinu OnjenyuLasian ruler in the myth; decrees sacrifices and sends Cleolind to her fate.
- The Nameless OneMythic dragon; rises from the Womb of Fire, devastates Yikala, defeated by Cleolind.
- HidatSister who retrieved the rope; spends the day in prayer seeking forgiveness.