Chapter 74

In the council halls, Samkiel summons Roccurem and learns their companions went to breakfast. Roccurem suggests letting them rest, given Yejedin’s relative quiet. When Roccurem asks after Dianna, Samkiel admits jealousy and that Dianna remains partly closed off by guilt; Roccurem counsels patience and warns the prophecy’s wound may be beyond healing.

Leaving the hall, Samkiel turns to interrogate Porphyrion, taunting the captive with food to pressure him to speak about the breach. Porphyrion recalls four cracks of thunder, a mighty wind, and prisoners released, though some—like him—remained.

Pressed further, Porphyrion accuses Samkiel’s line of deceit and reveals that the World Bringer—Unir, Samkiel’s father—forged Yejedin. He claims Unir had three generals who helped shape the cosmos; one “fed on blood,” crafted kings, and shaped creatures from his own blood.

When Samkiel names Kaden, Porphyrion implies that is the blood general, describing spiked black-orange armor and other creations: Apphellon (mind control), Haldnunen (the dead), with Gewyrnon (plagues) and Ittshare (ice) also named. The giants fought them; Porphyrion was left to rot, and remembers little else.

Accepting there is no more to learn, Samkiel offers Porphyrion two choices: remain imprisoned or accept oblivion. Porphyrion chooses oblivion. Samkiel summons the dark death blade, intending to grant the release as Porphyrion scorns him one last time.