Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Seventeen
Overview
Hawke confronts Poppy in her chambers, dismisses Tawny, and challenges her lies about the Rise and the Duke. Poppy reveals her childhood Craven attack and refusal to be helpless. Hawke admits he, too, grants dignity to the cursed and chooses not to expose her, asking only for practical gear next time.
Summary
Hawke arrives in Poppy’s chambers, dangerous and unyielding, and dismisses Tawny despite Poppy’s protest. Their sharp banter reveals Hawke’s knowledge of her presence on the Rise and at the Red Pearl, and his determination to speak privately. Poppy refuses to hide her scars or retreat, matching his challenges.
Sitting by the fire, Poppy confirms her first visit to the Red Pearl and refuses to justify why she stayed. Hawke questions her training and the Duke’s summons; Poppy deflects, but his concern feels sincere. He presses about her motives for fighting on the Rise, not for punishment but understanding.
Poppy explains her childhood: Craven attacked an inn, killed her parents, and scarred her; she survived and was named Chosen. Determined never to be helpless again, she insists she’ll fight if the city falls. Hawke calls her brave and argues fear and bravery can be the same force, admiring her choice to act when Ascended did not.
When Hawke probes how she knows of the cursed returning, rumors surface that the Maiden grants them dignified deaths. Poppy denies it, but Hawke reveals guards confided in him because he does the same—quietly mercy-killing the cursed in the capital and Masadonia to spare families public executions.
Trust coalesces: Hawke does not threaten to report Poppy to the Duke and seems resolute to learn the truth himself. He ends the visit with a single request: if she goes out again, she should wear sturdier shoes and thicker clothes, signaling acceptance of who she is rather than trying to stop her.
Who Appears
- Penellaphe (Poppy)The Maiden; defies rules, recounts her childhood Craven attack, refuses helplessness, and tacitly shares values about aiding the cursed.
- Hawke FlynnPoppy’s new guard; confronts her about the Rise and Duke, admits granting mercy to the cursed, chooses not to report her, and urges practical gear.
- Tawny LyonPoppy’s companion; dismissed by Hawke but shows loyalty and curiosity about their tense, revealing conversation.