11. Arcady: The Wake

Arcady attends Chancellor Yrsa of Swiftsea’s grand funeral in the Citadel’s cathedral, noting the Consul’s remote presence and the masked Head Priest who condemned Arcady’s grandsire. Yrsa is cremated, leaving Arcady simmering with anger at the leadership’s hypocrisy.

At the extravagant feast that follows, Arcady samples rare foods and calculates their cost, then, despite exhaustion, is coaxed by Willem to the ballroom for the wake. The hall brims with dignitaries and students as musicians and mage lights set a celebratory tone.

The Herald interrupts the revel to announce the reinstatement of the University Trials—three tasks over four moons, sealed by magic—offering one full and two partial scholarships in Yrsa’s honor. The revelation shocks the crowd and electrifies the students. Arcady immediately recalls their grandsire’s long-ago victory, which had funded his studies before the Schism.

As dancing resumes, Arcady studies skilled fourth-years, gauges the competition, and battles a spike of inadequacy. The need for financial security and a future hardens into intent: even a partial scholarship could save Arcady’s place at the university.

Buoyed by wine, music, and the promise of a chance, Arcady stays out until dawn and resolves not to waste this unexpected opportunity forged from Yrsa’s death.