Chapter 3

Aris travels east toward the king’s castle, suppressing grief for Stellan and vowing to continue for him. Jammed into a jolting cart with Kira and Zane, she endures punishing heat and thirst while Cadoc Bolter harasses them from a better-provisioned cart ahead.

When Zane identifies himself as House Sterling, Cadoc’s attitude shifts, revealing the power Zane wields despite declining his invitation. The challengers’ deprivation intensifies as Cadoc’s group flaunts water and food, underscoring class divides and competition before the Questral.

Reaching a village, Aris, Kira, and Zane accept offerings—food, water, lesser weapons, and letters of prayer—from starving residents hoping the successful bring back magic. An iron-armored challenger mocks the villagers’ hope, hinting at coming ruthlessness. Night brings bodies on the road, likely from falls or covert murders, keeping Aris on guard.

At dawn, the convoy pauses by a sparse forest with a trickling stream. Aris and Zane warn Kira against drinking from it, calculating they are close enough to the castle to wait. After a brief rest, the group discovers the carts have vanished.

The Watchman announces there are 216 challengers and only 150 horses waiting on a distant hill. He declares the Culling has begun, instantly transforming the uneasy march into open conflict as everyone surges toward the mounts.