Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Thirty-One
Overview
At dawn, Kieran warns Hawke to remember his task, but Hawke and Poppy remain drawn together. In the Blood Forest, strange stone markers precede a barrat strike, a fleeing horde, and rising death-mist that brings Craven. The group fights; Noah dies and Airrick is mortally wounded saving Poppy. Poppy uses her forbidden gift to ease Airrick’s passing, confirming rumors to the others and deepening the stakes around her secret.
Summary
Before dawn, Poppy overhears Kieran urging Hawke to remember his task, hinting at conflict over Hawke’s closeness to her. Hawke remains tender with Poppy, thanking her for trusting him, while Kieran watches, concerned. They break camp and ride deeper into the Blood Forest, noting twisted trees and unsettling stone patterns like crests.
A barrat ambushes, but Noah and the guards kill it. Moments later, a horde of barrats flees past them, and death-mist gathers. A Craven strikes as fast as an arrow, killing Noah. Howls swell, and Hawke orders a stand; roots make flight impossible.
The Craven swarm. Poppy fights with her bloodstone dagger, then with Noah’s fallen sword that Hawke tosses to her, cutting down attackers and protecting the horses. Amid the chaos, she stumbles in roots; Airrick tackles a Craven off her and is grievously wounded as the mist recedes and the last Craven fall.
In the aftermath, several guards are dead. Airrick lies dying from deep claw wounds. Poppy takes his hand and, ignoring prohibitions, uses her gift to wash him with warmth and relief, easing his pain as he peacefully passes, remembering her from a card game.
Hawke and Phillips witness the change and realize Poppy intervened. Phillips declares the rumors true: Poppy has the touch. The battle’s losses, Airrick’s sacrifice, and Poppy’s revealed power heighten the danger surrounding their journey and her secret.
Who Appears
- Poppy (the Maiden)Conflicted yet drawn to Hawke; fights Craven skillfully; nearly falls but is saved by Airrick; eases his pain with her forbidden gift.
- HawkeProtective and affectionate; debates duty with Kieran; commands the defense; arms Poppy with Noah’s sword; recognizes her use of the touch.
- KieranWarns Hawke to remember his task; battles Craven with twin swords; concerned observer of Hawke and Poppy’s closeness.
- AirrickGuard who tackles a Craven off Poppy; mortally wounded; dies peacefully as Poppy eases his pain, recalling a shared card game.
- PhillipsArcher who helps in the fight; attends dying Airrick; recognizes and voices that Poppy has the touch.
- NoahHuntsman who kills a barrat; is attacked first by a Craven and dies from the bite.
- LuddieGuard wielding a bloodstone spear; helps hold the line among twisted roots during the Craven attack.