Chapter 9

Revindra drags Suren back to her chamber and brutalizes her; Suren slashes Revindra’s face with stolen scissors before being disarmed. In pain and afraid, Suren calls her unmother on Gwen’s phone, hears her say “Wren,” and hangs up. Revindra returns to escort Suren before Queen Annet, where Oak, bruised and sleepless, and Tiernan await.

Accused of theft and treachery, Suren admits freeing Hyacinthe, the mortal, and the merrow, insisting Hyacinthe swore to her and that she never planned to abandon the quest. Annet plans to keep Suren as payment and hints at keeping Oak too. Offered a contest—chance or duel—Oak chooses a duel despite Suren’s warning.

Before a gathered court, Oak arms in mail as Annet summons the ogre Noglan, who previously struck Oak. At the moth’s signal, Oak fights with alarming precision, quickly wounding Noglan and then killing him with a rapier thrust to the neck. Tiernan grimly notes Oak was only taught to kill, explaining Oak’s blank ruthlessness.

Seeking a further price, Annet sets a riddle: tell a lie and be beheaded; tell the truth and be drowned. Suren answers, “You will behead me,” forcing a paradox and winning release. Annet warns Oak that letting Suren travel with him is dangerous, alluding to Suren possibly cutting his throat, and dismisses them.

Outside the hill, Jack of the Lakes is freed and submits for punishment. Oak absolves him, declaring their debts settled and leaving only friendship. Jack offers future aid and departs in kelpie form. Oak remains remote and tense, his darker capability now undeniable, and Suren senses his anger alongside her own conflicted feelings.