Chapter 44

At ancient standing stones, the Pragmatist addresses the exhausted survivors of Goltay. She admits commanders’ errors, promises to resist any order endangering the army, and outlines a retreat north to the Hounds of Mour, fortresses immune to goblin tunneling. She urges trust, hints at new Ispanthian forces in spring, and frames the coming weeks as decisive.

As a concrete step, the Pragmatist promotes Terce‑General Pol dom Braga to segunth‑general and grants the army one night’s rest before a hard march. Galva, numb and questioning the Bride’s comfort against species‑level ruin, notes Gallardia’s shattered morale and the coalition’s precarious state.

That night, Galva enters Pol’s modest tent, briefly greeting Carlota on guard. Galva reports Amiel’s death; Pol embraces her, stifling sobs. They share brandy and memories, including childhood swimming lessons Pol gave both siblings, which stirs Galva’s grief and anger over Migaéd’s betrayals.

Pol praises Galva’s service and her corvid actions, offers command she declines, and confesses his affair with Samera dom Vinescu and her simultaneous liaisons with Portescat. They debate honesty and lying; Galva demands truth between them, and Pol answers with a raised glass instead of promises, strengthening their bond.

They decide Pol will write their father about Amiel. Galva recalls a preserved letter Father once sent Amiel, full of wry counsel on conduct, dangers, drink, duels, and alliances—especially urging closeness with the mage Fulvir. The bitter irony that Fulvir outlived Amiel underscores their loss. Galva resolves to see Fulvir later for Amiel’s effects, but for now, the army must run.