Chapter 29

Alixe and Taran bicker with a vendor until Zalaric intervenes, keeping their disguises intact. Alixe privately thanks Diem for naming her High General and admits Luther sees Diem not just as leader but as salvation. She hints at a sensitive project for their war effort and delays details until they have privacy.

At the bustling central hall, the crowd’s energy agitates Diem’s magic. A stall of bottled “dragonfyre” draws her; a lavender flame from the slain Montios gryvern compels her. Despite Zalaric’s skepticism, the flame swells when Diem whispers “Rise,” burns a mortal vendor on touch, and then stills and calms at Diem’s quiet commands, signaling a bond. Diem overpays, choosing a mortal over House wealth, and the group withdraws as Centenaries approach.

Back at the inn, Diem finds Luther asleep and troubled. She comforts him; he admits buying herbs in case Taran needs them and questions the jar. Diem explains her hunch-driven purchase. Luther advises Diem to visit Sophos—even briefly—on a similar hunch.

Luther shows a local newspaper: an entire battalion of eighty Descended vanished in Montios. Another article depicts the radiant, silver-skinned man from Diem’s visions leading armed mortals. Recognizing him as the one who called her “Daughter of the Forgotten” and urged her to slay the Descended, Diem realizes he is active in Emarion and aiding the Guardians. Both she and Luther sense this alliance is a dire omen rather than hope.