Contents
42 South
Overview
Esbar is invested as Prioress, rallying the Priory to war and creating the Red Damsels to confront rising wyrms. News of a likely burning plague reaches the South, prompting research and a scouting mission. Siyu discovers Anyso’s hidden corpse and flees with her child, forcing Tunuva to pursue against Esbar’s orders.
Summary
At dawn, Tunuva performs the funeral rites for Saghul Yedanya, laying Saghul and her ichneumon to rest beneath the orange tree. That night, the Priory invests Esbar as Prioress in a solemn ceremony: Denag and Apaya anoint her, Tunuva bestows Cleolind’s blood-soaked death cloak, and Esbar takes the spear Mulsub, vowing to lead and defend the tree.
After celebrating, Esbar wakes in the Bridal Chamber, unsettled by the weight of her office. Apaya brings dire news: an aggressive malady has reached Padāviya from Mentendon, turning arms red with agonizing heat. Tunuva and Apaya suspect the ancient “burning plague” linked to the Nameless One. Esbar orders research in the archives and considers sending Siyu to investigate.
Esbar addresses the Priory in the War Hall, declaring their purpose fulfilled as earth-born creatures threaten the South. She commands full training and readiness, and announces a new honor: Red Damsels—initiates who blood their cloaks by slaying wyrms—signaling a third rank for a new age. She tasks Apaya to lead a scouting party while the rest defend the tree.
As the assembly disperses, Canthe claims Saghul promised her postulancy. Moments later, Esbar and Tunuva discover Siyu has fled: Siyu found Anyso’s corpse, took her baby Lukiri and ichneumon Lalhar, and vowed to leave the Priory, threatening exposure if pursued. Esbar refuses to divert resources, but Tunuva resolves to follow Siyu—likely toward Anyso’s family in Carmentum—despite Esbar withholding her blessing.
Who Appears
- TunuvaTomb keeper who conducts Saghul’s rites, supports Esbar, and defies orders to pursue Siyu.
- Esbar du Apaya uq-NāraInvested as Prioress; declares war, founds the Red Damsels, and orders scouting amid plague news.
- SiyuPostulant and Esbar’s birthdaughter; discovers Anyso’s corpse and flees with Lukiri and Lalhar.
- Apaya uq-NāraEsbar’s mother; announces plague report and prepares to lead a scouting party.
- HidatAssists Tunuva; helps prepare relics and once helped bury Anyso in secret.
- DenagEldest initiate; leads parts of Esbar’s investiture and presents Cleolind’s necklace.
- CantheOutsider seeking postulancy; reports seeing Siyu depart, sparking the urgent search.
- Saghul YedanyaLate Prioress; her funeral and wishes frame Esbar’s succession.
- AnysoDeceased father of Siyu’s child; his hidden body is discovered by Siyu.
- LukiriSiyu’s infant, taken with her during her flight from the Priory.
- LalharSiyu’s ichneumon; its presence risks attracting hunters as they flee.