Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Eighteen
Overview
Poppy trains with Vikter, declaring trust in Hawke and deepening her bond with Vikter. During a public address, the Duke and Duchess stoke fear and blame Descenters. Poppy’s gift flares, letting her sense terror and anger in the crowd. A Descenter openly denounces the Ascended, throws a Craven hand, and is arrested, signaling rising unrest.
Summary
Before dawn, Poppy seeks Vikter to train and discuss the Craven reaching the Rise. She learns Hawke told Vikter about finding her there. Vikter chastises Poppy for the risk and presses her to improve hand-to-hand technique, emphasizing core power. Poppy defends Hawke’s discretion and admits she trusts him; Vikter warns caution but reveals paternal concern, and they share a rare, heartfelt embrace.
That evening, Vikter and Hawke escort Poppy and Tawny to a castle-wall balcony as the Duke and Duchess address a shaken city. The rulers credit the gods for the Rise’s defense and blame Descenters for inviting disaster, stoking fear and suspicion among neighbors. Hawke and Vikter quietly trade barbs while staying alert.
The crowd’s emotions surge, and Poppy’s gift unexpectedly expands beyond pain: she senses waves of terror and anger. Noticing several faces devoid of visible emotion, she identifies a blond man she’d seen at the Council. She alerts Vikter; Hawke confirms he has tracked the man and others inching forward.
As the Duchess promises rewards for exposing traitors and celebrates the Rite, the blond man shouts “Lies!” and accuses the Ascended of hiding and stealing children. He hurls a severed Craven hand toward the Duke. Hawke yanks Poppy back as guards move; Commander Jansen orders the man seized. The protester is captured, screaming, “From blood and ash, we will rise!” while the Duke uses him as proof of a revealed Descenter, deepening public division.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Trains with Vikter, asserts trust in Hawke; experiences expanded empathic sensing at the address; identifies potential Descenters in the crowd.
- Hawke FlynnTold Vikter about Poppy on the Rise; supports her discreetly; remains vigilant, tracking agitators, and shields Poppy during the attack.
- VikterMentors Poppy in combat, urging core power; warns caution about Hawke; shows paternal care and alertness during the address.
- Duke TeermanDelivers fear-laden speech blaming Descenters; nearly struck by a thrown Craven hand; frames the incident as divine revelation.
- Duchess TeermanEchoes and amplifies the Duke’s message; promises rewards for exposing traitors and ties loyalty to the Rite.
- TawnyStands with Poppy on the balcony; concerned by crowd tension; reassured by Hawke’s vigilance.
- Commander JansenOrders guards to seize the protesting blond man after he throws the severed hand.
- Blond DescenterAccuses Ascended of lies and stealing children; throws a Craven hand; arrested while chanting, “From blood and ash, we will rise.”