Eleven: Shepherd

The chapter opens with a report of Chade Fallstar’s defiance of Regal, as Chade publicly backs Verity’s rightful rule and spreads hope among the Coastal dukes. This establishes the political stakes and the persistence of loyalty to Verity.

At the caravan’s assembly, Fitz (as Tom) tends Damon’s sheep and pony while Madge, the seasoned caravan master, sets strict rules for travel. Creece arrives to share the shepherding, and a troupe of puppeteers led by Master Dell and the minstrel Starling join, along with teamsters and other travelers. Fitz keeps to himself, sleeping by the sheep.

In the night, a Skill-dream draws Fitz to Molly, alone in a storm and in labor. Burrich returns, initially panicked but then confidently midwifes the birth. A healthy daughter is born; Burrich tends Molly and the child with tenderness. Fitz wakes overwhelmed, realizing Burrich has sheltered Molly all along. He resolves to go home immediately and claim his family.

As Fitz starts downriver, an inner command—Verity’s powerful Skill imprint—repeats “Come to me,” overriding Fitz’s will. He physically cannot turn back. Recognizing this as akin to Galen’s imprinting on Regal’s coterie, Fitz, devastated, returns to the caravan and retreats into routine, herding wordlessly through dust and thirst.

Days pass uneventfully under Madge’s guidance: brief brushes with riders, a peaceful encounter with nomads, and travelers at springs. Starling shares Buck songs and her ambition to witness greatness; Fitz remains guarded. In a larger village, while others relax, Master Dell lashes his youngest apprentice, Tassin, for mistakes. Fitz treats her bleeding cheek with field herbs and awkwardly counsels endurance.

That night by the fire, Tassin confides her unwilling apprenticeship and loneliness. Seeking present comfort, she propositions Fitz. He nearly yields to loneliness and lust but stops, recognizing it would not fill his deeper emptiness. Tassin storms off, and Fitz sits alone, reaffirming his grim path toward Verity.