Contents
Chapter Sixty: Essiya
Overview
Amid fractious debate, Essiya receives Arin’s note and commits to moving Jasadis by the Sareekh to reach Jasad before Nuzret Kamel lifts the mist at Sirauk Bridge. She quells dissent by demonstrating overwhelming magic, conjuring a colossal kitmer to hearten travelers, and publicly embraces her authority as Malika.
Summary
Essiya endures a hostile council in the Aada, silently containing surging magic marked by gold and silver veins. A torn note circulates—“Take Sareekh il Ma’a to Jasad”—while Essiya withholds the private second half that promises, “I will find you again, Suraira.”
Breaking the stalemate, Essiya announces immediate sea evacuation via the Sareekh to reach Jasad in time for Nuzret Kamel, when the mist at Sirauk Bridge briefly lifts. Despite protests led by Efra, Maia notes Arin left Rawain’s scepter behind, suggesting good faith. Essiya consults the Sareekh, which confirms it can move eight hundred people in twenty trips over two days; she orders the first departure that night.
Essiya then gathers the Jasadis at the cliffside and delivers a speech reframing war’s worst cost as the loss of voice and identity. Channeling immense power, she manifests luminous threads, rises into the air, and weaves a colossal kitmer, sending it to trace the trade routes toward Essam as a visible pledge of protection and a beacon to returning Jasadis.
The mountain erupts in celebration as the kitmer soars. When Namsa checks on her, Essiya—eyes still glowing—asserts her sovereignty, instructing Namsa to address her as Malika, signaling a decisive acceptance of her leadership and the campaign to retake Jasad.
Who Appears
- EssiyaLeader of the Jasadis; follows Arin’s note, organizes sea transport, unveils overwhelming magic, conjures a kitmer, and claims the title Malika.
- Sareekh il Ma’aSea entity providing transport; communicates travel capacity and timing to ferry eight hundred Jasadis in two days.
- MaiaSupports Essiya; points out Arin left Rawain’s scepter, helping defuse accusations of betrayal.
- NamsaAids Essiya in gathering people; expresses concern after the display; hears Essiya claim the title Malika.
- EfraVocal skeptic; accuses Arin of betrayal and resists the Sareekh plan until overruled.
- KitmerColossal, conjured creature sent to guard trade routes and inspire Jasadis returning home.