Contents
Loyalty
Overview
Isla reveals that Cronan’s sword controls and creates dreks, likely now in Grim’s hands, pushing the allies toward despair. Enya urges a new path, prompting Isla to court the island’s night creatures. Rejected by the serpent but accepted by many, Isla embraces her darkness and gains their loyalty—then is abruptly transported off Lightlark.
Summary
Isla informs Oro and the council that Cronan forged a sword capable of controlling and creating dreks, and she believes Grim now wields it. The revelation aligns with the oracle’s warning and the dreks’ movements, convincing Zed they face an endless drek army. Despair spreads as Calder questions how to prepare with only four days left.
Enya refuses surrender and demands they seek greater power. Her defiance reignites resolve, but the dire odds force Isla to attempt a risky solution: enlist the ancient night creatures shunned by the isles.
Isla confronts the serpent woman on Star Isle, appealing to shared exile and promising sanctuary on Wild Isle after the war. Despite Isla’s vow to fight beside them, the serpent rejects her plea.
Undeterred, Isla travels isle to isle, revealing her nature and recruiting other night creatures. Most accept, pledging loyalty directly to Isla rather than the isles, as she embraces her darkness as a strength rather than a flaw.
As the island’s shadows tilt toward Isla and she reaches for them, she is suddenly displaced, finding herself no longer on Lightlark, leaving her new alliance and the looming battle in jeopardy.
Who Appears
- IslaReveals the sword’s power, refuses despair, recruits night creatures, embraces her darkness, then vanishes from Lightlark.
- EnyaInspires resistance, unleashes phoenix-like flames, insists they find new power instead of surrendering.
- ZedResponds with fatalism, argues Grim wields the sword and commands endless dreks.
- AzulUrges caution about Isla’s fragmented memories, remains a measured voice in council.
- CalderHighlights their time limit and logistical impossibility, reflecting the group’s fear.
- OroConvenes the war council to hear Isla’s revelations about the sword and impending threat.
- Serpent womanAncient night creature leader; rejects Isla’s plea despite promises of sanctuary.
- Night creaturesVarious outcasts across the isles who pledge loyalty directly to Isla.