Chapter 10

At Espalle’s sea-facing amphitheater, thousands of soldiers assemble as high command, including Pol, await the new prima-general. Galva spots the wizard Fulvir and notes Amiel nearby, while seagulls ride the breeze above the crowded ranks. Peya Dolón Milat—the Pragmatist—arrives armored and delivers a stark address: abandon individual pride, become a single fighting body, and accept terrible odds for the army’s survival.

Peya condemns the surge of personal duels and announces strict controls: duels require her permission and only one may occur at a time. She then lays a trap by inviting any claimant to step forward. Amid raised hands, Galva fears her brother Migaéd has volunteered, but the call lands on a Gallard bravo, Sire Françan, who challenges Dama Isafrea dom Orván of Coscabrais over adultery.

Peya orders both duelists stripped naked to erase pageantry and force truth. After hesitation, she compels combat. The brutal, clumsy fight leaves both grievously wounded; when they falter, her guards return Françan’s sword and drag them closer. At Peya’s goading, Isafrea crawls and slits Françan’s throat, then collapses, likely dying herself. Peya names Isafrea victor and has her carried to the infirmary, the Gallard to the dead house.

Using the shock to reassert discipline, Peya asks if anyone else wishes to aid the enemy by dueling. Before any answer, cries of “Sail!” rise from the rim. Bells peal across Espalle as soldiers glimpse an approaching red sail—an enemy goblin warship—entering the harbor from the east.