The Drowned Gods, #2
Stranger Skies
by Pascale Lacelle
Contents
Chapter 1: Baz
Overview
Baz evades Regulator scrutiny and, with Jae’s long-term illusion, fakes a return to Threnody while secretly traveling to a hidden lighthouse refuge. Reflections on Collapsed magic, failed justice against the Selenic Order, and mounting tides deepen stakes. Baz reunites with his parents and Kai, finding safety and a new sense of home.
Summary
Baz Brysden, a cautious Timespinner, scrambles to leave Aldryn College for solstice break but is intercepted by Captain Silas Drutten, who probes for leads on escaped fugitives—Baz’s father, Theodore, and Kai. Baz deflects and hurries to catch his train, reflecting on the failed legal case against Artem Orlov, Keiran, the Selenic Order, and the Institute.
Missing his departure window, Baz reluctantly freezes time to board. He broods on his Collapsed magic—limitless yet self-checked—and on isolation after friends vanished or left. He resolves not to return “home” and instead follows a secret plan.
At Threnody Central, Jae Ahn boards and reveals a sustained illusion: a decoy Baz disembarks to mislead Regulators while the real Baz continues south under concealment. Jae describes covert training of Collapsed Eclipse-born to master power and dispels the notion of an inevitable curse, noting that control varies by original ability. They express cautious optimism about helping Kai stabilize his Nightmare Weaver magic.
Near dusk, Baz and Jae reach a remote coastal lighthouse. Inside, Henry Ainsleif welcomes them to warmth, food, and safety. Baz reunites with his mother, Anise, and a recovered Theodore—now freed of the Unhallowed Seal by Baz—while guilt about past events lingers unspoken.
Kai appears, wry and bright through his own struggles, greeting Baz with easy affection. In that moment, Baz recognizes the lighthouse and these people as his true home.
Who Appears
- Baz BrysdenTimespinner protagonist; evades a Regulator, uses time-freeze, and reunites with family and Kai at a secret lighthouse.
- Jae AhnCollapsed illusionist; creates a decoy Baz, cloaks travel, and trains other Collapsed Eclipse-born in secret.
- Captain Silas DruttenRegulator hounding Baz for leads on fugitives; threatens leniency for information at Aldryn.
- KaiNightmare Weaver; escaped the Institute, struggles post-Collapse, welcomes Baz with warmth at the lighthouse.
- Theodore BrysdenBaz’s father; freed from the Institute and Unhallowed Seal, healthier and safe at the lighthouse.
- Anise BrysdenBaz’s mother; relieved and affectionate, part of the lighthouse refuge.
- Henry AinsleifLighthouse host; shelters Baz’s family and allies, welcoming them to safety and supper.
- Artem OrlovRegulator and Order member; escaped accountability after evidence was ruled inadmissible.
- Virgil DadeSelenic Order ally; appears at Aldryn’s donor banquet alongside Artem.
- Dean FultonAldryn’s dean; greets Drutten before the donor banquet, brief presence.