Chapter 21

Arpix and Kerrol help the wounded Clovis out of the mine, past the shredded cratalacs that Wentworth somehow destroyed. Outside, Arpix insists on removing Clovis’s book-leather armor to assess her injuries, despite her protests. He carefully cleans a deep, ragged wound with Meelan’s water and cloth, revealing how close the attack came to killing her.

As dusk approaches, Arpix delays stitching until they have better light and heat. Evar pulls Arpix aside, warning that Clovis has taken a liking to him, noting her tolerance of his touch as proof. Arpix, flustered, admits admiration but is cautioned not to hurt her, as Evar hints at a painful past.

The group regathers in the hollow. Evar reports skeer camps ring the plateau. They debate options—flight, waiting, or purpose—while joking darkly about eating cratalacs. Meelan argues their presence must mean something, citing Yute and Wentworth’s interventions; Arpix backs him, urging a search for what draws danger here.

While Arpix speaks, Evar studies the colossal, time-worn queen’s head above them. Jella identifies a distinctive nose, and the others suddenly see it too. The recognition crystallizes: the statue is Carlotte. Arpix, shocked, names her, turning their vague purpose into a concrete, personal mystery tied to their past.