Contents
Chapter Fifty-Nine: Arin
Overview
Arin leaves Essiya sleeping and quietly subdues Jeru’s guards to extract him. Confronted by Marek, Jeru explains Arin’s plan to return to Nizahl, recall troops from Jasad, and reopen trade. After Sefa’s cool appraisal, Arin reveals his intent to turn treason into succession by confronting his father.
Summary
Arin leaves a note for Essiya and watches her settle into his pallet, torn between love’s destabilizing pull and the resolve it gives him to act. He chooses to walk away, accepting that her influence may be both weakness and strength, and heads for Jeru’s guarded room.
At Jeru’s door, Arin swiftly incapacitates two guards without forcing them to waste magic. He rouses Jeru, who wordlessly understands and follows. As they move away, Marek stumbles upon the scene and accuses Arin of betraying Essiya by abandoning her after gaining her secrets.
Jeru intervenes, explaining that Arin intends to return to Nizahl to recall soldiers from Jasad, remove trade blockades, and stop needless Nizahlan deaths—aligning Nizahl with Jasad. In Sefa’s room, she pointedly asks if Arin will kill Vaida. Arin answers he hopes not; Sefa sardonically notes his compatibility with Essiya.
When Marek questions how Arin will survive treason charges, Arin reveals his endgame: finish what would be called treason so it becomes succession. He commits to confronting his father, the Supreme, signaling a decisive move to change Nizahl’s stance and secure Jasad’s future.
Who Appears
- ArinProtagonist; leaves Essiya, frees Jeru, subdues guards, and vows to return to Nizahl to force succession.
- JeruArin’s ally; follows Arin and explains the political plan to Marek.
- MarekFarmhand; confronts Arin for perceived betrayal, forcing clarification of the plan.
- SefaEssiya’s ally; questions Arin about killing Vaida and coolly gauges his intentions.
- EssiyaAsleep at chapter start; her bond with Arin steels his resolve to act.
- The Supreme (Arin’s father)Off-page antagonist; Arin plans to depose him, reframing treason as succession.
- VaidaOff-page enforcer; Sefa asks if Arin will kill her, prompting Arin’s restraint.