Contents
78 North
Overview
On a beach near Eldyng, Wulf and Thrit part ways after debating faith, danger, and recent revelations. Thrit, confessing his feelings with a brief kiss, plans to go to Inys to help protect Queen Glorian. Wulf chooses to leave with his mother’s path ahead, resolved to face his past en route to Lasia.
Summary
On the cobbled beach near Eldyng, Thrit tells Wulf he still opposes Wulf’s plan to go on without him. Their recent argument—sparked as Wulf, Tunuva, and Canthe rowed along the coast—made clear that Thrit cannot accompany them. Canthe offered the reasoning, which Thrit resented as cult-like, deepening the rift.
Thrit urges Wulf to reject the kind of hatred that consumed Karlsten, arguing that fear of difference destroyed him. They grapple with reports of a dragon that attacked Tunuva, which clashes with the stories Thrit was raised on. Despite worry, Wulf insists separation is safer, while Thrit considers traveling to Inys, if Einlek permits, to ensure the “Yscali heathen” cannot influence Queen Glorian.
As they part, Thrit suddenly kisses Wulf, admitting long-hinted feelings and fearing he might never get another chance. Stunned, Wulf can only promise to return and begs Thrit not to die. Thrit sets off toward Inys, while Wulf turns toward his past and the path with his mother that will lead him on to Lasia.
Who Appears
- WulfParts from Thrit near Eldyng; accepts the danger of his path and vows to return; heads toward his past and Lasia.
- ThritChallenges Wulf’s plan, condemns Karlsten’s bigotry, kisses Wulf, and decides to go to Inys to help protect Glorian.
- TunuvaWulf’s mother; earlier rowed with Wulf and Canthe; her path draws Wulf onward toward Lasia.
- CantheInysh woman who explained to Thrit why he could not accompany Wulf and Tunuva.
- KarlstenCited by Thrit as a cautionary example of hatred; his death underscores the cost of bigotry.
- EinlekKing whose permission Thrit seeks to enter Inys.
- Queen GlorianFigure Thrit aims to protect from Yscali influence in Inys.