The Shepherd King, #1
One Dark Window
by Rachel Gillig
Contents
Chapter Fifteen
Overview
Elspeth arrives at Castle Yew after the chaotic Equinox, carrying fresh worry for Emory, Ione, and Opal. Her uneasy alliance with Ravyn becomes more personal and more painful when Ravyn tries to explain his secrecy and Elspeth retaliates by rejecting their pretend courtship.
The next morning, Jespyr gives Elspeth a warning-filled letter from Opal and draws Elspeth into the Yews’ next objective: extracting information from the Pine daughters about Wayland Pine’s suspected Iron Gate Card. The hunt for the Deck advances from prophecy and concealment into a planned theft.
Summary
After leaving Stone in the uneasy aftermath of Equinox, Elspeth rides toward Castle Yew with Ravyn, Jespyr, Morette, and Fenir. Her farewell with Opal was painful, Elspeth avoided saying goodbye to Ione because of Ione’s altered appearance and engagement to Hauth, and Emory’s worsening condition forced Elm to remain behind to comfort him with the Scythe.
The carriage reaches Castle Yew between midnight and dawn, and Elspeth takes in its iron gate, looming yew trees, statues, and haunted reputation. Jon Thistle, the steward, welcomes Elspeth, but Ravyn insists on escorting Elspeth to her room himself. The silence between Elspeth and Ravyn remains tense because Elspeth is angry over Ravyn’s hidden magic and secrets.
At Elspeth’s door, Ravyn admits that hiding his magic for so long has made him poor at speaking honestly about himself. Elspeth privately understands because Elspeth is also concealing dangerous truths about the Nightmare and her abilities, but pride and hurt drive Elspeth to lash out. Elspeth tells Ravyn that, away from gossip, they need not pretend to be anything and says they are nothing before slamming the door in his face.
The next morning, Elspeth wakes cold and unsettled in Castle Yew. The Nightmare helps Elspeth see in the dark, and Elspeth notices the room’s ornate furnishings, especially a carpet depicting a gold-armored rider whom Jespyr identifies as the Shepherd King. Jespyr brings Elspeth’s trunk and a letter from Opal, who expresses concern, accepts Elspeth’s stay with the Yews, and warns Elspeth to be careful because Castle Yew contains old magic.
Elspeth admits to Jespyr that everything is changing and that Elspeth worries about Ione, Opal, and being caught. Jespyr confesses similar fears about Emory, Elm, Ravyn, and the Yews’ secret lives, then says she endures by believing she is stronger than her doubts. When Jespyr briefly notices Elspeth’s eyes looking yellow, Elspeth hides her alarm.
Jespyr then reveals why Morette has arranged tea with Sylvia Pine and her daughters. The Yews suspect Sylvia’s husband, Wayland Pine, owns an Iron Gate Card, and because Sylvia’s daughters are talkative, Jespyr hopes Elspeth can help draw out information about where the Card is kept so the Yews can steal it.
Who Appears
- Elspeth SpindleArrives at Castle Yew, hides her secrets, clashes with Ravyn, and joins the Iron Gate scheme.
- Ravyn YewEscorts Elspeth to her room and admits secrecy has damaged his ability to speak openly.
- Jespyr YewWelcomes Elspeth, discusses fear and doubt, and recruits her for the Pine tea plan.
- The NightmareRemains in Elspeth’s mind, enhances her sight, and comments cynically on Castle Yew and tea.
- OpalWrites Elspeth a worried letter, urging caution because Castle Yew contains old magic.
- Morette YewReassures Elspeth about Castle Yew and arranges tea with Sylvia Pine.
- Emory YewToo ill and distressed to travel, coughing blood and remaining behind with Elm.
- Elm YewStays at Stone to comfort Emory and help him rest with the Scythe.
- Fenir YewTravels to Castle Yew and unlocks the iron gate for the carriage.
- Jon ThistleCastle Yew’s steward, greeting Elspeth on her late-night arrival.
- Sylvia PineInvited to tea because the Yews suspect her husband owns an Iron Gate Card.
- Wayland PineAbsent suspected owner of an Iron Gate Card targeted by the Yews.