Thirty-Eight: Verity’s Bargain

As Regal’s threat looms, Verity quietly tells Fitz that the dragon can only rise if it is filled with true life and passion, and that Fitz must be the way. Granting Fitz’s plea to see Molly, Verity Skilling shows Burrich recovering in an inn where Molly tends him and Nettle. Burrich proposes protection through false witness; instead, Molly accepts his love and vows to marry him, then they consummate their bond.

Accepting Verity’s bargain, Fitz feels his life taken—and awakens in Verity’s aged, aching body. He finds the Fool secretly freeing Girl-on-a-Dragon and feeding it strength. When Fitz touches the dragon, it hungrily draws his most searing memories; Nighteyes intervenes before Fitz gives away too much. Kettle arrives, warning that such gifts are irrevocable and sending the Fool and Nighteyes to scout.

At dawn, Verity returns wearing Fitz’s body, radiant with renewed passion from a night with Kettricken. He returns Fitz to himself but refuses apology, claiming the bargain will let his dragon rise and his queen bear a child. Verity delays quickening to savor the remnants of mortal joy, while Kettricken glows with new hope.

Shaken, Fitz seeks solitude by the stream until Starling finds him. Aware of Molly’s choice, Starling offers companionship to ease his pain; Fitz hesitates but accepts her comfort. Nighteyes returns with word that the way is clear and that Verity is ready to wake the dragon, calling Fitz back for a final goodbye.