Asking For Help

Summoned to the Forgotten Mines, Isla follows Zed and uses her stone control to extract hidden ore the airways couldn’t dislodge. With Zed’s wind shielding the collapsing tunnel, Isla retrieves multiple chunks needed to forge metal—when charged by Starling energy and Sunling flame—that can defeat the drek.

Seeking more fighters, Isla confronts Soren on Moon Isle and forces him to declare allegiance. Leveraging the threat of being labeled a spy, Isla compels Soren to heal the Vinderland. Soren teaches Isla to properly steep the Wildling flower, and together they begin treating the warriors; results are slow but promising.

That night, Isla visits the Wildling newland and asks Lynx to join the coming war. Lynx bows acceptance, and Isla, moved by the trust, starts riding lessons. After repeated falls, they train in the river where Lynx safely hauls Isla back onto his back.

As resources and time dwindle, the leaders debate strategy over a Mainland map traced in ash. Zed argues for the mines; Oro rejects it as too vulnerable to Nightshade tactics. After back‑and‑forth, they pick the west Mainland between the agora and castle, using woods, Starling walls, and Wildling defenses to frame the field.

Committed to preparing that broad front within nine days, Isla tallies daunting tasks—spreading Wildling plants across Lightlark and portaling civilians to newlands—while searching her memories for a shortcut that could tilt the war.