The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 59
Overview
Montios Descended repel the Fortos commander using godstone laws and escort Diem, Luther, and Auralie into their hidden stronghold. The Crown Council removes Diem’s shackles, explains their elected governance, and questions her about the Guardians and recent star-mark murders and the Umbros attack. After Diem offers help, the Council reveals the twist: Diem is Montios’s rightful Crown.
Summary
At the mountain standoff, a child-led group of Montios Descended confronts the Fortos commander. Citing laws against godstone in their realm, they force the soldiers to retreat, then magically ice-slide them down the slope. Diem remains wary, shackled and uncertain of Montios’s intentions.
The Descended escort Diem, Luther, and Auralie across perilous crystal bridges into a hidden stronghold. Auralie rushes out protectively; Luther steadies Diem after a near fall. The escorts separate companions; Diem proceeds with Elder Hepta and the child, Maybell, into a serene atrium crowned by a statue of Montios.
In the council chamber, Hepta explains Montios’s elected Council and limited royal vote. Nector, a silent craftsman, deftly removes Diem’s shackles. A discussion of Montios’s virtues doctrine follows; Diem challenges its application regarding mortal exile. Pressed about the Guardians, Diem admits she once served but left over extremist aims, pledging honesty and minimal bloodshed.
The Council raises alarming reports: Descended tortured and displayed with a carved ten-pointed star, a Meros village of 300 adults slain with children missing, and an Umbros attack three days prior. One grieving Councilor accuses Diem; Diem vehemently denies involvement and swears to protect innocents.
Weighing threats that may soon reach Montios or Lumnos, Diem offers help and asks why she was brought. Hepta delivers the revelation: Diem herself is the Crown of Montios.
Who Appears
- DiemLumnos Queen and protagonist; rescued by Montios Descended, debates the Council, admits ex-Guardian ties, and learns she is Montios’s Crown.
- HeptaElder of the Montios Crown Council; hosts Diem, explains governance and virtues, and reveals Diem’s status as Montios Crown.
- LutherLumnos Prince; challenges Fortos on godstone law, protects Diem on the bridge, remains behind while she meets the Council.
- AuralieDiem’s mother; emerges from hiding to defend her, urges reconnaissance, suspected Guardian ties acknowledged.
- MaybellChild guide of the Montios Descended; negotiates, leads the party inside, and summons her father to remove shackles.
- NectorVowed-silent craftsman; skillfully removes Diem’s shackles, embodying Montios’s quiet discipline.
- Fortos CommanderAttempts to arrest Diem and seize Auralie; retreats when confronted with Montios godstone laws.
- Grieving CouncilorAccuses Diem amid reports of star-mark murders; breaks down, then stands down after Diem’s oath.