Contents
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Overview
Shal Worthy, sidelined in the Festival, is summoned by Princess Yasila, who reveals her hidden daughter Nisthala was Chosen. Yasila recounts Andren’s near-infanticide and her binding magic that saved the twins but invited ruin. She declares Nisthala will rule Helia and secures Shal’s oath, ordering him to guard Nisthala as she heads to the emperor’s reception.
Summary
Shal Worthy reflects on his fading relevance in the Festival, his injury, and the court’s shifting attention to Ruko and Cain. Unexpectedly, Princess Yasila invites him to her suite. On her balcony, she flatters his character, hints at treasonous possibilities, and points to ships ready to sail at dawn.
Yasila introduces Nisthala, her younger daughter, sequestered for years, shrouded and heat-seeking. Shal quickly perceives the signs and deduces Nisthala was Chosen. Yasila tacitly confirms this, her grief visible as she chooses to wear grey in honor of the Visitor.
Yasila then reveals the past: after Bersun won the Dragon Trial and promised sweeping reforms, Andren descended into a rage. In a manic episode, he carried their newborn twins to the balcony’s edge to “save” them from a stolen future. Yasila’s untrained binding spell halted him, saving the twins but invoking the Dragon’s demand for balance, a doom that later shadowed Yana and Ruko.
Positioning guilt where she believes it belongs—on Andren and herself—Yasila absolves Shal for Yana’s fate. She offers him redemption: Nisthala will come into her full power tonight, and they will sail for Helia at dawn so Nisthala can rule. She asks Shal to serve as protector and guide.
Moved and seeking purpose, Shal pledges himself to Nisthala. Yasila, quietly satisfied and mindful of danger, orders him to let no one into the suite. She departs for the emperor’s reception below, leaving Shal to guard Nisthala as the night—and Nisthala’s awakening—approaches.
Who Appears
- Shal WorthyInjured Hound contender; invited by Yasila, learns Nisthala is Chosen, pledges to protect her and guard the suite.
- Princess YasilaReveals Nisthala’s secret, recounts Andren’s balcony madness, plans Helia voyage for Nisthala’s rule, secures Shal’s oath.
- NisthalaYasila’s secluded daughter; Chosen, heat-dependent, poised to gain full power and depart to rule Helia.
- AndrenYasila’s husband; after Bersun’s victory, nearly killed newborn twins; forced Yasila’s magic, triggering lifelong consequences.
- BersunDragon Trial winner whose reformist vows enraged Andren, catalyzing the balcony incident.
- Empress HavenSheltered Yasila and ensured the twins’ safe birth, earning Yasila’s lasting gratitude.
- YanaShal’s lost beloved, Yasila’s twin daughter; her fate drives Shal’s guilt and Yasila’s confession.
- RukoYasila’s surviving twin; mentioned as saved by Yasila’s binding spell.