Contents
Chapter Fifty
Overview
With the egg in hand, Aeri and Royo are confronted by a telepathic amarth that knows their identities and motives. It declares the Queen of Khitan cannot wield the Ring and invokes ancient treaties, demanding the egg. Royo prepares to sacrifice himself, but Aeri decides to surrender the egg as an ominous shriek arrives.
Summary
Royo and Aeri, having escaped the Light Mountains with the egg, are stopped by a towering, eagle-faced amarth. The creature speaks directly into their minds, calling them thieves and focusing on Aeri and the egg. It recognizes Aeri as Princess Naerium and Royo as the son of Snaw, unsettling them with intimate knowledge.
The amarth declares their mission futile, saying the Queen of Khitan cannot wield the Ring and that their friends’ efforts are also misguided. It warns of looming war and rot as mortals grasp at godhood, and mentions the “Son of Vengeance,” implying larger roles at play. It demands they leave the egg or die.
Aeri attempts a trade, clutching her necklace, but the amarth refuses, citing service to the Sky King and a treaty of the Dragon Lord. It adds that “the bells are useless for another while your heart still beats,” which shocks Aeri and heightens the urgency.
Seeing escape is unlikely, Royo resolves to distract the amarth and protect Aeri, readying blades and bracing for a last stand. Aeri stops him and moves to surrender the egg, prioritizing survival. Before they can complete the handover, a sudden shriek erupts, cutting their time short and throwing the standoff into chaos.
Who Appears
- RoyoNarrator; prepares to sacrifice himself to protect Aeri and the egg when confronted by the amarth.
- Aeri (Princess Naerium)Carries the egg; negotiates with the amarth; decides to surrender the egg to save lives.
- AmarthTelepathic, eagle-faced being; knows Aeri and Royo; invokes ancient treaty; demands the egg and warns of wider perils.