Contents
Chapter Seventy-Four
Overview
The group marches with Khitan to the harbor for a parley with Wei, with Mikail openly coordinating strategy alongside Quilimar. Sora notes Aeri’s golden eyes and questions shifting loyalties. A secretive exchange reveals Gambria’s hidden cousin, confirming Sora’s suspicion that Gambria conceals critical ties from Mikail ahead of the truce.
Summary
Sora rides through Quu with the Khitan army toward the harbor for a formal parley with Wei. Mikail rides ahead, calmly strategizing with Quilimar and the Khitan general despite Euyn’s death and recent betrayals. Gambria has returned their weapons, and Sora reflects that her poison saved Mikail.
As they proceed, Sora wrestles with confusion and grief: Aeri’s eyes have turned golden since wielding the ring, unlike Euyn’s, and Mikail is cooperating with Quilimar. Sora steels herself on thoughts of revenge and survival.
Suspicion focuses on Gambria. A handsome soldier approaches Gambria, calls her “cousin,” and slips away when she urges him to leave before “he” notices—likely Mikail. Sora keeps her face forward to avoid revealing she overheard but concludes Gambria is hiding a family secret from Mikail as they near the parley.
Who Appears
- SoraPOV; rides to parley, reflects on poison, grief, and Aeri’s golden eyes; suspects Gambria’s secrecy.
- MikailLeads strategy with Quilimar and the general, sets expectations for parley despite Euyn’s death.
- GambriaReturned weapons; appears loyal yet evasive; meets a soldier cousin and hides him from Mikail.
- QuilimarMarches with Khitan command, coordinating truce preparations with Mikail en route to the harbor.
- AeriRides with the group; golden eyes suggest changes after wielding the ring; subject of Sora’s doubts.
- RoyoAccompanies Sora and Aeri on horseback, part of the Khitan-bound procession to parley.
- Khitan GeneralConsults with Mikail and Quilimar on strategy as the army advances to the harbor.
- Unnamed soldier (Gambria’s cousin)Approaches Gambria, calls her cousin, then slips away when warned to avoid Mikail.