Contents
EPILOGS
Overview
After Woodcarver’s victory, Flenser approaches under truce, claiming change from Tyrathect’s influence. He accepts strict oversight, cedes key sites, and secures custody of Steel’s shattered remnant. Pilgrim ferries Ravna and Greenstalk to a remote atoll where Greenstalk chooses decades of sea-bound mourning and to seed new Riders. On the eve of reviving 151 human children, Ravna and the kids stargaze, reflecting on Pham’s Surge that stabilized a vast Slowness, immobilized the Blight’s fleet, and left a silent galaxy—yet a hopeful future on Tines World.
Summary
Peace settles over Flenser’s former domain as locals recover and Woodcarver’s forces scout empty fortresses. Rumors hint at northern redoubts, but before any pursuit, Flenser appears under a truce banner. On a guarded hillside, he meets Woodcarver, Ravna, and Pilgrim, presenting himself as a blend of Flenser and Tyrathect and asking for peace.
Negotiations follow. Flenser accepts disarmament and close monitoring, cedes Starship Hill and Hidden Island, gives up radio cloaks, and reveals that only two members are original Flenser. He then demands custody of the crippled remnant of Steel. After tense debate, Woodcarver relents, extracting peace while denying further atrocities.
Pilgrim flies the agrav lander with Ravna and Greenstalk to a distant island chain. Greenstalk chooses the violent surf as a place to think and mourn for decades, revealing she carries a mist of eggs from Blueshell. Weighing the ancient “skrode” risk against the need to know other races, Woodcarver and Pilgrim had agreed to grant her request; Pilgrim and Woodcarver grow closer, inspired by visions of Tine–human progress.
Weeks later, on the last night of summer, Ravna, Johanna, Jefri, and Amdi stargaze above Hidden Island, where 151 cold-slept children await revival. They locate Straumli’s region and reflect on loss and survival. Ravna confirms the Surge has stabilized a vast new Slowness and that the pursuing Blight fleet, lacking Slow-capable drives, is marooned far away for millennia.
The chapter closes with acceptance and resolve: the galaxy is hushed by the Surge, but Tines World turns toward rebuilding, cooperation, and the imminent awakening of the children.
Who Appears
- Flenser (with Tyrathect)Arrives under truce, claims change, concedes territory and oversight, and secures custody of Steel’s shattered remnant.
- WoodcarverQueen of the victors; negotiates strict peace, grants Steel’s custody, approves Greenstalk’s request, and bonds with Pilgrim.
- Ravna BergsndotObserves the truce, helps place Greenstalk at the atoll, plans to revive 151 children, and assesses the stabilized Slowness.
- Peregrine Wickwrackscar (Pilgrim)Flies the lander, advocates for Greenstalk’s freedom, envisions Tine–human advances, and deepens his bond with Woodcarver.
- GreenstalkChooses decades in the surf to grieve and think; reveals pregnancy with eggs, intending to seed future Riders on the atoll.
- Johanna OlsndotStargazes with Ravna and the others, recalls Straumli, and prepares for revival of the surviving children.
- Jefri OlsndotStargazes with Amdi, locates celestial markers, and anticipates winter and the children’s revival.
- AmdiAssists Jefri during stargazing, interprets Dataset to identify Straumli’s region, and offers optimism.
- Steel (remnant)Broken, terrified three-member pack; custody transferred to Flenser as part of the truce’s conditions.