Empire of the Vampire, #2
Empire of the Damned
by Jay Kristoff
Contents
XIII. Snows Running Red
Overview
Phoebe and Gabriel bring their plea before the Wintermoot, asking the Highland clans to set aside old feuds and recognize Dior as the prophesied Godling. Gabriel’s testimony confirms Dior’s power but also inflames suspicion because of his paleblood nature and history with the Dead.
The chapter exposes the depth of Highland divisions while raising the stakes: rescuing Dior would mean breaking the clans’ truce with Lilidh Dyvok and marching on Dún Maergenn. Phoebe’s declaration that Dior must be taken by force turns political tension into open uproar.
Summary
At dawn, Gabriel watches the Highland clans enter the Tael’Líed, the Elderhold, for the resumed Wintermoot. Phoebe identifies powerful families and explains old grudges: Clan Slaene’s suspected massacre of the Whelans, Clan Barenn’s killing of Phoebe’s mother and possibly Connor, and Angiss á Barenn’s wearing of Phoebe’s mother’s hide as a cloak. Gabriel realizes the moot is a dangerous court of alliances, blood debts, and ancient resentments.
Brynne comes to summon Phoebe, and Phoebe thanks the moonsmaiden warmly for helping save Phoebe’s life. Gabriel lightly teases Brynne about her obvious admiration for Phoebe, then follows Phoebe into the Elderhold, where the assembled clans glare at Gabriel because of his paleblood nature and reputation.
Inside the hall, Phoebe takes her place beside Aunt Cinna and addresses the All Mothers, warriors, and clanfolk. Phoebe recites an old prophecy about the coming darkness and argues that the Blight, not rival clans, is the true doom behind their failing crops, corrupted lands, and worsening blood. Several clan elders and warriors interrupt with accusations about raids, stolen lands, and murdered kin, showing how fragile and bitter the Highland truce is.
Phoebe declares that the prophesied Godling has been found: Dior Lachance, whose blood can destroy vampires and heal mortal wounds. When the clans demand proof, Gabriel stands, reveals his sevenstar, and swears that he saw Dior perform miracles, raise the dead, and burn Danton to ash. Many reject Gabriel’s testimony because he is a se’yersan and a vampire’s son, but Phoebe defends him as the man who saved Phoebe’s life and a proven slayer of the Dead.
Keylan á Meyrick, the Red Wrath, gives Phoebe’s word some weight but asks where Dior is. Phoebe admits Dior is held against Dior’s will and is being taken toward Dún Maergenn, into the hands of the Heartless and Count Dyvok. Gabriel warns that the Dyvok have gained terrifying new power and will eventually threaten the Highlands despite their pact. When Terin asks what Phoebe would trade for Dior, Phoebe answers that they must take Dior from the Dyvok, and the hall erupts into chaos.
Who Appears
- Gabriel de LeónTestifies to Dior’s miracles and warns the clans about the Dyvok threat.
- Phoebe á DúnnsairAddresses the Wintermoot, names Dior the Godling, and urges a rescue by force.
- Angiss á BarennWolf-marked clan leader; killed Phoebe’s mother and opposes Phoebe’s claims.
- Keylan á MeyrickThe Red Wrath; powerful leófuil cousin who challenges Phoebe to reveal Dior’s location.
- BrynneMoonsmaiden who summons Phoebe and shows shy admiration after being thanked.
- CinnaPhoebe’s aunt, seated beside Phoebe and Gabriel during the tense moot.
- TerinWise elder beside Keylan who asks what could be traded for Dior.
- Deirdre á SlaeneSlaene elder whose clan is accused in old massacres and border conflicts.
- NiaClan woman who accuses the Slaene of encroaching on Tiagh lands.