Chapter 44

Jo, Acker, Irina, Messer, and Fredrich press east toward the valley near the capital as a fierce ice storm closes in. Irina rides hooded and withdrawn; Jo reflects on having wronged her. Acker keeps Jo warm and close, underscoring his protectiveness and their bond.

Messer returns late from scouting, shivering and reporting that Acker’s father’s soldiers ring the entire valley—from the Yanka River to the city walls and the northern gulf—establishing a defensive boundary without provoking attack. With the storm worsening and archers posted, Messer advises waiting for night to get closer; Fredrich warns they are too exposed.

Acker initially orders a retreat to farm shelters and possibly a port, but Jo argues it only delays the inevitable. Fearing his father’s unpredictability and Jo’s value, Acker resists taking her to the palace. Jo reassures him the oath binds their fates and insists they face risks together, pushing him toward action.

Seeking a workable deception, Acker asks if Messer can mimic Beau; Messer refuses. Irina volunteers to illusion herself as Beau and demonstrates an uncanny likeness. After weighing the danger of discovery, Acker accepts the plan. They craft a narrative that Acker’s wife fled upon learning he meant to bring his Match back.

To sell the ruse, Acker shackles Jo but leaves her hands unbound so she can summon her blade if needed. Fredrich binds the disguised Irina and receives instructions to enter the city via the busy northern gate under a common farmer pretext and to shelter at Wells’s smithy until called.

Fredrich and Acker exchange farewells; Fredrich briefly embraces Jo. Messer shifts into a snow owl to guide Fredrich from above. As they depart into the gale, Acker, Jo, and the illusioned Irina remain to proceed with the dangerous infiltration toward the palace.