The Hurricane Wars, #2
A Monsoon Rising
by Thea Guanzon
Contents
Chapter Two
Overview
Alaric tests Sevraim’s loyalty and secures his silence about the sariman secret, choosing to delay Gaheris’s plan rather than provoke a renewed war with Nenavar. The decision marks a quiet rebellion against Gaheris, driven by strategy and Alaric’s conflicted attachment to Talasyn.
In Lidagat, Talasyn secretly meets Ideth Vela and Surakwel Mantes to coordinate Sardovian plans, including ship modifications and diplomatic outreach for allies. Vela makes clear that Talasyn’s position as future Night Empress must become a weapon after the Moonless Dark.
Summary
In a Kesathese training hall, Alaric spars with Sevraim using Shadowgate-forged talons. Sevraim jokes about Talasyn, their marriage, and possible heirs in an effort to distract Alaric, but Alaric defeats him and is forced to confront how unsettled he has been since leaving Talasyn in Nenavar.
After the match, Alaric privately tells Sevraim that Gaheris has acquired a sariman and hopes to use it to remove Talasyn’s Lightweave permanently. Alaric frames his objection as political caution: Kesath needs the trade agreement, defense treaty, and Nenavarene alliance more than it needs another war so soon after the Hurricane Wars.
Alaric risks revealing enough to test Sevraim’s loyalty while hiding the crucial truth about how sariman blood can be suspended in the Rainspring. Sevraim understands the danger and says he has no idea how Gaheris’s Enchanters could exploit the bird, implicitly agreeing to keep that knowledge from the regent. Alaric accepts the act of concealment as necessary rebellion for Kesath’s sake, though guilt remains.
The chapter shifts to Talasyn in Eset, a lake city on Lidagat, where she waits in a teahouse and reflects on the legend of Bakun, the origin of vulana, and the significance of her wedding ring. Ideth Vela arrives secretly, and Talasyn, still guilty over her intimacy with Alaric, tries to maintain composure while asking about the Sardovians.
Vela questions whether Surakwel Mantes can be trusted, and Talasyn explains his debt and hostility to the Night Empire. Surakwel soon interrupts after being spotted by local nobles, then joins the meeting. Vela reports that adapting Sardovian vessels with Nenavarene technology is progressing slowly, while Talasyn says they need the Huktera fleet and broader support to convince the Dominion court to risk war against Kesath.
Vela reveals that she has sent envoys to other nations to seek discreet allies and suspects Urduja may be allowing this in order to gain leverage for war after the Moonless Dark. Vela urges Talasyn to use her role as future Night Empress wisely. As a storm breaks over Eset and Talasyn prepares to leave for Kesath the next day, Vela warns her again to be ready after the Moonless Dark.
Who Appears
- Alaric OssinastSpars with Sevraim, hides sariman knowledge from Gaheris, and struggles with feelings for Talasyn.
- TalasynSecretly meets Sardovian allies in Lidagat before departing for Kesath as future Night Empress.
- SevraimAlaric’s irreverent sparring partner who proves willing to conceal dangerous knowledge from Gaheris.
- Ideth VelaSardovian leader coordinating ship repairs, foreign envoys, and plans for after the Moonless Dark.
- Surakwel MantesNenavarene lord trusted by Talasyn, assists the secret meeting, and condemns Alaric.