Chapter 35

Amiel stalks Migaéd through the festival tents to reclaim the Mouth of the Storm, fearing the shield will be lost again to gambling. Twice he hesitates, but on the third pass he strikes the shield from Migaéd’s hands, setting it rolling away to draw his brother off without revealing sorcery that might implicate Fulvir.

Amiel toys with the credulous, winded Migaéd by making the shield seem responsive, but the game ends when Amiel’s heel leaves a visible impression in filth. Migaéd, suddenly alert, lunges with trained speed and nearly kills Amiel, who survives only by slipping backward as the blade passes through where he stood.

Keeping low and avoiding any tell that would reveal his position, Amiel lets Migaéd seize the shield, then steals Migaéd’s slakesword and throws it away. As Migaéd chases the sword, crying “Thief! Devils!”, Amiel grabs the Mouth outright and sprints, covering the shield with a blanket to mask its apparent flight through Goltay’s alleys.

On the river-walk, a hooded woman with a monkey notices the invisible Amiel; the monkey scents and points him out. She reveals herself as the Queen of Gallardia—regal, approachable, and famed for her simian companion—and, addressing him by name, offers unexpected assistance with his clandestine errand.