Contents
Chapter Seventy-Two
Overview
Amid the Dragon’s catastrophic return, Neema, Cain, and Tala flee the throne room unnoticed. Cain, back in control, leads them through the grounds, fending off Hounds. They witness Vabras’s purge of Hound officers by embedded recruits and see explosions at the Fox palace. Cain races toward the fire, escalating the crisis.
Summary
Using the Dragon’s violent manifestation as cover, Neema, Cain, and Tala slip out of the throne room through a shattered window. Cain, newly conscious and himself again after Vabras knocked the Fox out, urges a swift exit. Neema confirms it is truly Cain, and they head into the wilderness garden, aiming to leave the island and retrieve Neema’s hidden pack.
As they navigate the dark, hazardous paths, Tala breaks away to warn others, likely at the Ox palace. Neema and Cain continue north. When three Hounds rush them, Cain swiftly disarms and disables them, securing a dagger and clearing their path.
Skirting the Hound palace, they observe frantic activity in the yard. Neema spots a young Samran recruit slit a guard’s throat without warning. In moments, multiple targeted killings unfold across ranks—officers and sergeants cut down with clinical efficiency. Neema concludes Vabras ordered a purge of the Hounds, and Cain warns the same ruthlessness could spread further.
Distant booms shake the ground. From a vantage point, they see the island ablaze with beacons and flames. Additional explosions flare from the direction of the Fox palace. Recognizing the new threat, Cain sprints toward the Fox palace fire, leaving Neema to follow decisions still unresolved as the night’s power struggle intensifies.
Who Appears
- NeemaFlees the throne room with Cain and Tala; aims to escape the island; witnesses the Hound purge.
- CainBack in control after the Fox is knocked out; protects the group; observes the purge; runs toward the burning Fox palace.
- TalaShaken but determined; breaks off to warn others, likely at the Ox palace.
- VabrasImplicated as ordering a covert purge of Hound officers via embedded Samran recruits.
- Samran recruitsAssassins within Hound ranks; execute coordinated killings of Hound guards and officers.
- Hound palace guardsVictims of the sudden purge; cut down swiftly across ranks.
- Guardian of Death (Dragon)Its violent return distracts everyone, enabling Neema, Cain, and Tala’s escape.