Contents
Chapter 43
Overview
Sancia, Berenice, and Orso flee the Dandolo estate as Tevanne seizes control of the city’s lexicons and weaponry. After Clef forces a gate open, they reach the waterfront where Tevanne massacres fleeing ships and launches Dandolo galleons to spread itself. Desperate, Orso leaves in a small boat to trigger a plan at the Dandolo canal, intent on opening an escape route.
Summary
Reeling from the upheaval, Sancia, Berenice, and a weakened Orso stagger out of the Dandolo estate as explosions and shrieks shake the city. Overhead, Crasedes fights a losing aerial war against lanterns, shriekers, and even collapsing buildings as Tevanne turns the city itself against him.
At a sealed enclave gate, Tevanne speaks through the city’s lexicons, declaring no one may leave. Sancia uses Clef to contest the evolving commands; exploiting Tevanne’s divided focus, Clef forces the gate to fail, and the trio joins the panicked exodus.
Meanwhile, Tevanne orchestrates a vast industrial mobilization: it commandeers foundries, vehicles, and Gregor’s body to fabricate definition plates and load carriages for galleons, planning to propagate its influence beyond the city. It ignores Crasedes, betting time will weaken him.
Reaching the waterfront, the group meets Polina, Claudia, and Gio amid chaos. As ships attempt to flee, Tevanne-controlled coastal batteries obliterate them. Three Dandolo galleons, also under Tevanne, surge from the docks to escape the bay, while any civilian vessels are shredded by shriekers.
Watching the devastation, Orso spots the heavily defended Dandolo canal and resolves on a desperate gambit. After a brief farewell to Berenice, he takes their small shallop and races toward the canal. Berenice breaks down as Sancia restrains her, realizing Orso intends to “open the door” and create a way out.
Who Appears
- Sancia GradoLeads the escape from the Dandolo estate, contests Tevanne’s lockdown with Clef, and recognizes Orso’s sacrificial plan.
- Orso IgnacioGravely weakened but decisive; identifies the Dandolo canal opportunity and sails off alone to open an escape route.
- Berenice GrimaldiSupports Orso and Sancia, grasps Tevanne’s takeover, and breaks down when Orso departs on his risky mission.
- Tevanne (via Gregor Dandolo)City-wide intelligence seizing lexicons, manufacturing plates, launching galleons, blocking all escape, and speaking directly to Sancia.
- Crasedes MagnusBattles Tevanne’s weaponized city in the skies, growing outmatched as structures and batteries turn against him.
- PolinaGivan organizer at the waterfront; ferries Sancia’s group and witnesses Tevanne’s slaughter of fleeing ships.
- ClaudiaAllied Givan who reunites with Sancia; horrified by the city’s destruction at the waterfront.
- GioGivan ally greeting Sancia on the caravel; shocked by the unfolding catastrophe.
- ClefKey that helps Sancia override Tevanne’s control long enough to collapse the enclave gate.