Chapter Twenty-Two: Sylvia

Efra demands that Sylvia test her magic before an informant’s report forces the Urabi to move on Omal. While the group waits to learn how rulers have reacted to Galim’s Bend and whether routes remain open, Sylvia agrees to try summoning a kitmer despite resenting Efra’s goading and the pressure on her power.

Channeling protective anger for her friends and Jasad, Sylvia’s magic surges into a frightening vision: she experiences a woman with green eyes committing a sadistic murder, then sees that reflected face in the water. The power threatens to spiral out of control, but when the mist clears it produces only a tiny, awkward kitmer. Repeated attempts yield more miniature kitmers—each with Sylvia’s eyes—undercutting Efra’s expectations.

Maia arrives, noting the children would adore the creatures and announcing that the informant, Yara, has reached camp. Efra’s scorn sharpens; Sylvia’s magic strains toward killing him, but she restrains herself and instead orders the kitmers to carry him off the cliffside and dunk him in the sea, a public humiliation that releases the tension without bloodshed.

Namsa then admits the Urabi have mishandled Sylvia—demanding leadership while treating her like a criminal—and apologizes for judging her after Dawoud’s death. Sylvia confesses resentment of her crown, the plan to confront Queen Hanan, and the likelihood she will be asked to raise the fortress and burn like Qayida Hend if refused. Namsa rejects that fate, declaring Sylvia will be known for surviving, as Maia calls them to gather for Yara’s report on Omal.