Contents
39. The Moon-Wife
Overview
Kinch discovers Galva is a duke’s heir, reframing the Guild’s designs on their mission to reach Mireya. Norrigal proposes—and seals—a one-month moon-vow with Kinch under strict terms. After hexing a bully in a tavern fracas, she gifts Kinch a paired clovenstone, cementing their bond and coordination.
Summary
Kinch confronts Galva at the inn after learning she is highborn, heir to Duke Rodricu Braga. He reconsiders the Guild’s motives for attaching him to her and suspects their mission truly concerns rescuing Infanta Mireya. Galva refuses to coddle him, and Kinch notes Bully Boy’s odd interest in her pack while assuming Sesta’s spirit is absent.
Kinch waits with the cat as Malk hunts ships and Norrigal shops the magic quarter. He then meets Norrigal at The Five Men Bridled in Edth. Norrigal, in high spirits, proposes a month-long Galtish moon-vow with clear conditions: prevent pregnancy, keep personal secrets, preserve their easy friendship, and respect mutual fidelity during the vow. Kinch agrees.
A drunk youth, Johash, tries to claim Kinch’s debtor’s mark and strike him in the tavern. Norrigal quietly hexes Johash so his hand slaps himself and nearby onlookers, sparking a scuffle. When accused of witchery, Norrigal asserts her protection under Guendra Na Galbraeth, but the barkeep expels them both.
Outside, under the blind new moon, Kinch and Norrigal complete the moon-vow, pledging one month as moon-spouses. Norrigal gifts Kinch a clovenstone paired to her own; when warmed in her mouth, it magnetizes its twin and follows her, demonstrating a magical way to call each other. The pair hurry to the public baths, newly bound.
Who Appears
- Kinch Na ShannackNarrator; challenges Galva about her nobility, accepts Norrigal’s moon-vow, receives paired clovenstone.
- Norrigal Na GalbraethWitch; proposes a month-long moon-vow, hexes a bully in the tavern, gifts and demonstrates clovenstones.
- GalvaRevealed as Duke Rodricu Braga’s heir; rebuffs Kinch’s jests and distrusts the chodadu cat’s interest in her pack.
- JohashDrunken youth who claims Kinch’s debtor’s mark; bewitched to slap himself and others, starting a brawl.
- Barkeep at The Five Men BridledEjects Norrigal and Kinch despite Norrigal’s claimed protections, ending the tavern confrontation.
- Bully BoyChodadu cat; rummages Galva’s pack, later purrs in Kinch’s lap, Sesta seemingly absent.