The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
Diem, Luther, Alixe, and Taran arrive in Umbros’s vast underground capital. Seeking covert passage, Luther follows the Jaguar’s symbols to an inn, avoiding the Centenaries’ mind-reading reach. Diem perceives thoughts as whispers, hinting at new mental sensitivities. At The Second Chance, Zal—likely the Jaguar—deflects, directing them to a private suite.
Summary
The group reaches Umbros City, an immense underground capital where mortals and Descended mix openly. Weary and wounded, Diem and Luther split from Alixe and Taran to find Luther’s contact for secret passage out of the realm. Luther’s priority is discretion to avoid the Umbros Queen’s mind-reading Centenaries.
As they navigate the bustling market of fighters, exotic wares, and perilous trades, Diem is disturbed yet fascinated. She notices an odd, hushed quality to distant speech and Luther’s “mutterings,” realizing she may be sensing thoughts as whispers. Luther urges haste, warning that Diem’s compassion could ignite trouble in Umbros.
They discuss the Centenaries and the Queen’s ruthless enforcement, reinforcing the need for an intermediary who does not know Diem’s identity. Following carved cat symbols—the Jaguar’s signs—Luther leads Diem through tunnels toward a promised contact who worked with Diem’s mother.
The trail ends at The Second Chance, a quiet inn lit by Lumnos orbs. An attendant with cobalt eyes denies knowledge of the Jaguar. When a graceful, powerfully-magicked man appears, Diem senses his strength and briefly lets her godhood ripple; he flinches but still denies being the Jaguar.
The man, addressed as Zal, hints he recognizes Luther’s rank and suggests a private suite for “conversations.” Despite denying the Jaguar name, he directs them to Suite 10, refusing to accompany them. The door shuts, leaving Diem and Luther with guarded access and unanswered questions.
Who Appears
- DiemInjured queen; navigates Umbros’s market, senses thoughts as whispers, and tests her godhood to pressure the Jaguar contact.
- LutherPrince and protector; leads Diem to the Jaguar via carved symbols, prioritizing secrecy from the Centenaries.
- Zal (the Jaguar, likely)Graceful, powerful innkeeper figure who denies being the Jaguar, hints recognition, and directs them to a private suite.
- Cobalt-eyed innkeeperLumnos Descended attendant who initially rebuffs inquiries about the Jaguar and escorts them toward a suite.
- AlixeVice General; parts ways to avoid detection, subject of Luther’s anger over earlier decisions.
- TaranAlly with fresh godstone wound; separates to reduce risk while Diem and Luther seek passage.