Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
Aris confronts Harlan Raker in a tense corridor standoff, trading threats that cement their enmity. Haunted by past trauma and her mysterious markings, she steels herself for the king’s race. Raker publicly displays terrifying power by recalling his sword. With the king’s sanction, the brutal sprint to the gates begins.
Summary
Alone in a corridor, Aris faces the towering Harlan Raker. When Raker mocks her as a thief, Aris fires back, calling him the king’s lapdog. Bound by the castle’s no-killing rule, Raker promises to kill her next time. Aris, shaken but defiant, vows not to hesitate either.
Aris retreats to her room, soothing herself by tracing the silver markings on her neck as memories surge—Raker’s voice, a blade at her throat from years ago, and an older memory of the hill where she first got her markings. Exhausted, she snatches a few hours of sleep before the Watchman’s summons.
At dawn, weapons are returned. Guards treat Raker with reverence as rumors swirl. Raker raises his hand and, in a stunning display, calls his great sword from the grounds in a silver arc to his grip, silencing the challengers. Kira and Zane trade whispers about Raker’s face and brutality; Aris, seething with long-held rage, labels him a monster.
Aris studies the route: flat, exposed gardens and a steep slope to the unseen beyond. She decides to stow her sword to maximize speed, accepting the risk of archers. The king appears on a high balcony to witness the bloodshed, and the Watchman asks for his blessing.
With the king’s approval, the Watchman declares, “May the best fifty win.” Aris, now resolved and focused on reaching Starside, launches into the deadly race across the open green toward the gates.
Who Appears
- ArisProtagonist; defies Harlan Raker, recalls past trauma and her markings, plans a speed-focused strategy for the race.
- Harlan RakerFeared warrior; threatens Aris and dramatically recalls his great sword in a silver arc.
- KiraAlly-turned-rival; acknowledges they may have to kill each other, comments on Raker’s rumors.
- ZaneCompanion; retrieves his ax and warns about Raker’s deadly reputation.
- The KingOversees the spectacle from a balcony, grants blessing to start the deadly race.
- The WatchmanIssues the wake-up call and formally starts the race with the king’s blessing.