Chapter 9

Din unexpectedly reunites with his sister, Fotia, at the Crooked Horn and discovers she is betrothed to Ippeas Armenta. Their first exchange is tense: Fotia condemns Din’s years of silence while Din questions her ties to the gentry. Fotia explains her path from Daretana poverty to becoming a top Armenta drover after Velona noticed her riding two years ago, and that their family has moved to Rimula with her and Din’s support.

Din broaches the murder inquiry and asks for access to Velona. Fotia senses Din doubts the simple case against Castus. Ippeas arrives; after awkward introductions, he and Fotia confirm Castus’s clandestine monthly meetings with Zansay and their plan to flee, insisting no one else knew.

Pressed about the “curse,” Ippeas outlines the Armenta heirs’ deaths: Lyimo drowned without prior melancholy, Sagma later hanged herself after profound grief, and Gevma died dragged by a destrier following weeks of visible despair and sleeplessness. The inconsistent patterns deepen Din’s suspicion of external manipulation.

Reluctantly, Fotia and Ippeas reveal Velona’s current state: guarded from outsiders and undergoing dangerous, late-age fertility treatments to produce more heirs. Despite family restrictions, they agree to try arranging for Din to meet Velona at Aimafall the next day.

Before parting, Din bluntly questions Fotia and Ippeas about their delayed marriage; Ippeas admits he hesitates due to low status and the house’s instability. Din notes Sublimes rarely marry, then withdraws to report to his superior, walking back through the rain and slipping into memories of their harsh grandmother and his childhood shame.