Contents
Chapter Forty-Seven: Essiya
Overview
Essiya leads the Urabi across the Desert Flats toward Nuzret Kamel, confronting Efra’s fear that her magic may consume her and doom Jasad. Mid-journey, Essiya discovers Sefa and Marek alive; despite Efra’s objections, she evacuates them by kitmer to the mountain. The reunion offers hope but sharpens the looming risk of Essiya’s uncontrolled power.
Summary
Essiya flies with the Urabi over the Meridian Pass toward the Desert Flats, resisting the urge to divert to Nizahl after hearing Arin has broken the Accords. Surveying chaos across the kingdoms, she notes migrations through Orban’s protected routes and fighting in Essam Woods. With Efra terrified of kitmers, Essiya attempts reassurance.
Efra unexpectedly apologizes and admits he cannot separate Essiya from her destructive lineage. He reveals he senses when her magic consumes her, describing it as furious and uncaring. Acknowledging the danger, Essiya asks if there is a plan to kill her should she survive raising Nuzret Kamel; Efra hesitates, effectively confirming there is none.
Over the lifeless Flats, Essiya spots two moving figures and dives to investigate despite the others’ protests. She lands and, to her shock, reunites with Sefa and Marek alive. They embrace, and Essiya notices Marek in a Nizahl uniform and Sefa wearing Vaida’s livery, signaling complicated recent allegiances and escapes.
Lateef urges relocation before nightfall, while Efra objects to bringing non-Jasadi aboard. Essiya overrules him and orders Namsa and Maia to share their larger kitmers. Maia welcomes them, and Marek, half in disbelief, agrees. The group lifts off together, carrying Sefa and Marek toward the mountain, intent on reaching it by dawn.
Who Appears
- Essiya (Sylvia)Narrator and Jasad’s queen; leads Urabi across the Flats, confronts her magic’s danger, rescues Sefa and Marek.
- EfraUrabi ally; fearful of kitmers and Essiya’s consuming magic, admits no plan exists if she loses control.
- SefaAlly who lost a finger for Vaida’s ring; found alive in Vaida’s livery and evacuated with the group.
- MarekFound with Sefa in a Nizahl uniform; joins the group despite Efra’s objections, astonished by kitmer flight.
- MaiaCompanion who shares her larger kitmer and welcomes Sefa and Marek aboard.
- LateefOlder Urabi; delights in flying, urges moving discussions to safety, supports Essiya’s decision.
- NamsaCompanion flier; helps with transport logistics, maintains caution over the Flats.