The Drowned Gods, #2
Stranger Skies
by Pascale Lacelle
Contents
Chapter 63: Emory
Overview
Emory lures Sidraeus into a Golden Helm ambush at the Sunforge, where Gwenhael and Ivayne rout the Fellowship of the Light. Sidraeus is collared after admitting he sacrificed Tidecallers to appease the gods. Emory rejects him, secures a path forward, and seeks fragile reconciliation with Romie.
Summary
Emory and Sidraeus reach the scorched lands before the Sunforge and intercept the Knight Commander’s company. Emory taps the ley line, plunging the plain into darkness as a show of Darkbearer power. The Knight Commander orders her forces to seize them, but Emory signals the sky.
Gwenhael dives from the storm clouds, unleashing precise dragonflame that scatters the Fellowship of the Light. Ivayne arrives leading Golden Helm draconics, turning the battle. Amid the chaos, Emory draws Sidraeus close with conversation, then Vivyan snaps a magic-dampening collar onto him, revealing a planned ambush.
Confronted, Sidraeus admits he once sacrificed Tidecallers and tried to siphon godly power, claiming he acted to prevent the gods from destroying all realms. Emory rejects his justifications and orders Vivyan to take him. Powerless in Keiran’s body, Sidraeus is led away as captured Fellowship members are contained.
Ivayne praises Emory, but Emory feels hollow, having used Sidraeus to reach the Sunforge. She reunites with Virgil, who chastises her for leaving without him, and then with Romie, whose guarded tone reveals lingering hurt. Emory reaffirms her loyalty to Romie despite the changes in herself.
Reflecting on the darkness she has embraced, Emory resolves to be her best self and hopes true friendship can survive it. Romie softens, yet uncertainty remains between them as they prepare to move on with Sidraeus secured and the door ahead in reach.
Who Appears
- EmoryDarkbearer Tidecaller who orchestrates Sidraeus’s capture at the Sunforge and rejects his manipulations.
- Sidraeus (in Keiran’s body)Night Bringer; admits sacrificing Tidecallers; collared with a magic damper and taken prisoner.
- IvayneLeads Golden Helm draconics in the ambush; praises Emory after routing the Fellowship.
- VivyanGolden Helm draconic who clamps the magic-dampening collar on Sidraeus and escorts him.
- GwenhaelDragon ally who strafes the Fellowship with precise flames, turning the battle.
- RomieFriend and planner of the ruse; wary but softens as Emory reaffirms loyalty.
- Knight CommanderLeads the Fellowship company toward the Sunforge; her forces are overwhelmed and captured.
- CaiusYoung page to Master Bayns; frightened and conflicted after the eldritch atrocity.
- Master BaynsFellowship sage accompanying the Knight Commander; present during the failed advance.
- VirgilAlly who chastises Emory for leaving him behind; offers steadfast support.