Ana and Din Mysteries, #3
A Trade of Blood
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Contents
Chapter 5
Overview
Din and Princeps Seriv inspect the Sapirdad forest where Castus fled. The forest induces fear, is tied to Daljen legends, and has rumored lights. They locate Castus’s entry point but evidence is compromised by the search. The visit deepens the case’s supernatural undertones without yielding concrete proof.
Summary
At dusk, Din rides with Princeps Seriv to the Sapirdad forest an hour from Lacanthim, intent on verifying Castus Armenta’s account of fleeing there. The purple, hexagonal-clustered trees loom unnaturally, and both Din and his horse feel mounting dread.
Seriv explains the Orbiis claim the trees emit a fear-inducing pheromone, designed by the ancient Khanum to repel intruders. He outlines local lore: the forest may guard the Daljen’s last tombs; the Daljen vanished first among the old imperial tribes; and some believe a curse may connect their fate to the Armentas’ dwindling line.
Seriv mentions intermittent sightings of flickering lights deep within the wood over the past three years, though none can approach or confirm them. The forest itself is eerily silent, heightening Din’s unease.
On foot, they reach the tree line where Castus was found, noting broken branches and that he penetrated only a short distance. Seriv admits their nighttime arrest likely marred any trace of another follower, matching Castus’s claim of being pursued.
Din asks about shrines; Seriv confirms a cleared path to the shrine of Master Gaddar nearby, though he suspects Castus was simply deranged. Overwhelmed by the oppressive atmosphere and lacking clear evidence, Din ends the inspection and withdraws.
Who Appears
- DinImperial engraver and narrator; inspects the Sapirdad forest, notes its dread effect, and evaluates disturbed evidence.
- Princeps SerivLocal authority guiding Din; explains forest pheromones, Daljen lore, rumored lights, and how the search spoiled tracks.
- Castus ArmentaAbsent subject; his claimed flight into the forest is checked at a disturbed entry point with no clear tracks.