Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Before landing, Galva feeds the raven-like war birds and reflects on bonds, rank, and purpose. Nouva invites candid talk, and Galva shares her refusal of higher command. Pol’s letter details the defeat at Orfay, Hordelaw’s brutal terms, and the threatened city of Goltay, sharpening the stakes as their flotilla nears Espalle.
Summary
On the eve of landfall, Galva descends to feed the eighty-eight stag-sized corvids, enduring the stench of their rotting provisions. The birds speak clipped words as she manages them, highlighting bonds with her pair, Bellu and the clever Dalgatha. Richu, Inocenta’s spiteful male, needles her, underscoring the danger and discipline required to handle these weapons on wings.
At sunset, Galva remains on deck rather than join games below. Commander Nouva engages her, and Galva considers Nouva’s hard-earned authority and uncompromising nature. Galva clarifies unit terms, affirms she is second daguera by merit rather than taking the offered top post, and states her motive: to fight goblins after the Stumbles plague destroyed her family’s horses.
A letter from her brother Pol interrupts with urgent context. Pol confirms his promotion after General Jabat’s death and recounts Orfay’s rout: fear-horns, a wizard’s sky-borne sigils that sickened troops, ghall shock troops smashing vomiting lines, and boar-pushed chariots cutting through chaos. He warns Goltay is next and explains Hordelaw’s occupation—manfarms, tendon cuts, and tithes—while debating why the Horde presses so hard.
Galva reflects on earlier war memories and a childhood exchange with her governess during the Threshers’ War, then recalls fending off Holtish Prince Durwain at school, an episode that ended with his broken nose and later death in the new war. Returning to the present, Nouva likens Pol to her gentle corvid Gannet, and Galva silently measures competence against a brutal world.
As night deepens at sea, Galva contemplates stars, Gallardia’s art and wine, and the love goddess Nerêne, contrasting beauty with the ruin awaiting ashore. The flotilla closes on Espalle, their mission and the war’s looming battles newly sharpened by Pol’s grim report.
Who Appears
- Galva dom BragaNarrator and Corvid Knight; feeds Bellu and Dalgatha, reflects on rank, motive to fight, and reads Pol’s dire letter.
- Nouva Livias MonçeraLanzamachur; seasoned commander who invites Galva’s confidence and frames duty before landfall.
- Pol dom BragaGalva’s brother; his letter details Orfay’s defeat, Hordelaw’s cruelties, his promotion, and the threat to Goltay.
- BelluGalva’s strong male war corvid; vocal, bonded, and eager during the feeding.
- DalgathaGalva’s clever female war corvid; mimics long names and displays sharp intelligence.
- Richu (Censerichu)Inocenta’s mischievous male corvid; taunts and causes minor pains, illustrating corvid temperament and risks.