Contents
38 West
Overview
Wulf and Regny spar, reigniting forbidden desire as Wulf still fears spreading the mysterious sickness. At Bardholt’s behest, physicians test Wulf’s apparent resistance. Thrit plans to evacuate his family. Glorian publicly spars Wulf, signaling new resolve, later meets him privately, then collapses after a disturbing brandling worm encounter.
Summary
At the queenswood, Wulf and Regny train fiercely. Their argument over fear, grief, and the plague ends in a passionate kiss, with Regny defying his self-denial. Regny goes to hunt; Wulf, reminded of duty, visits the infirmary at King Bardholt’s request.
Doctor Forthard and assistant Mastress Bourn confidentially examine Wulf for clues to his survival of the shipboard sickness, drawing blood and samples to seek a cause for his apparent resistance. Outside, tensions flare when Karlsten, grieving Eydag, resents Wulf’s survival. Thrit reveals he will depart with Sauma and Karlsten to relocate his family away from the threat.
Glorian arrives with ladies Julain, Adeliza, and Helisent. Despite protocol concerns, she spars Wulf and proves skilled, winning with precision and composure. Regny observes that Glorian is taking her first steps toward queenship.
Later, by Blair Lake, Glorian meets Wulf privately. They speak of Hróthi fears of ice, the sound of winter, and looming marriages. Glorian probes rumors of sickness; Wulf refuses to break oath. They encounter Lord Robart on his way to a second council meeting, underscoring rising concern. Glorian affirms Wulf despite his haunted past; they part before his voyage to Vattengard.
Walking alone to the western queenswood, Glorian opens an oak gall and finds a brandling worm coiled around a dead grub. A visceral sickness overcomes her; she collapses in the snow as her guards rush toward her.
Who Appears
- Wulf GlennHróthi lith; spars and kisses Regny; undergoes medical tests for plague immunity; bonds and parts with Glorian before sailing.
- Glorian ÓthlingCrown Princess; publicly spars Wulf, shows leadership; privately confides and questions; later faints after finding a brandling worm.
- Regny of AskrdalHousecarl; trains Wulf, confronts his fear, initiates a kiss; frames Glorian’s spar as a step toward queenship.
- ThritHousecarl; trains with Karlsten; plans to fetch family from near the Barrowmark to safety before the wedding.
- Doctor ForthardPhysician; confidentially examines Wulf, collecting samples to study his resistance to the sickness.
- Mastress BournForthard’s assistant; assists testing, notes garlic, and sterilizes tools; supportive and meticulous.
- KarlstenHousecarl; hostile to Wulf over Eydag’s death; spars with Thrit and Sauma.
- SaumaHousecarl; rebukes Karlsten’s bitterness; spars and travels with Thrit to move family.
- Lady HelisentLady-in-waiting; warns Wulf to be careful with Glorian; shares old tales that color Glorian’s thoughts.
- Julain CrestLady-in-waiting; greets Wulf warmly and exchanges courtesies about families and betrothal.
- AdelizaLady-in-waiting (also called Adela); accompanies Glorian, later remains indoors at Glorian’s request.
- Lord RobartLord Chancellor and Wulf’s father’s liege; encountered in the queenswood en route to a council meeting.