The Shepherd King, #1
One Dark Window
by Rachel Gillig
Contents
Chapter Eight
Overview
Ravyn tests Elspeth’s ability to see Providence Cards by blindfolding Elspeth and presenting several real Cards, then a fake Twin Alders Card. Elspeth proves that she can identify true magical Cards and distinguish them from imitations, making Elspeth valuable to Ravyn’s secret search.
The chapter shifts Elspeth from captive to potential collaborator as Elspeth bargains for protection for herself and her family. Ravyn’s willingness not to arrest Elspeth complicates the image of Destriers as simple enemies, while Elspeth’s demand that Ravyn never use the Nightmare Card on Elspeth sets a crucial boundary.
Summary
After Filick, Elm, and Jespyr leave the cellar, Ravyn returns alone with Providence Cards glowing in his pocket. Elspeth fears he means to test or kill her, while the Nightmare watches from behind her eyes. Ravyn places a White Eagle Card on the table and asks what color Elspeth sees, then blindfolds her to confirm that her ability does not depend on ordinary sight.
Ravyn continues the test with several Cards. Elspeth correctly identifies the Black Horse, the Maiden, the Chalice, the Prophet, and the Golden Egg by their magical colors. As Elspeth names them, the narration recalls the known powers and costs of the twelve Providence Cards, emphasizing that magic always demands payment and that the consequences of overusing the Twin Alders remain unknown.
When Ravyn questions whether Elspeth keeps Cards or whether her uncle owns any, Elspeth evades him. Ravyn also asks who knows about Elspeth’s infection, but Elspeth refuses to endanger her family. Ravyn explains that he has not arrested Elspeth because he does not believe she has done anything wrong and because her ability is extremely useful, revealing that his view of infection differs from the King’s laws.
Ravyn then tricks Elspeth by placing a fake Twin Alders Card on the table. Elspeth sees no color and, with the Nightmare’s help, realizes there is no magic in it. The successful identification proves that Elspeth can distinguish real Cards from imitations, and Elspeth notices the burgundy glow of Ravyn’s Nightmare Card in his pocket, accusing him of using one of the supposedly lost Cards while the King already possesses the other.
Growing angry and afraid, Elspeth decides to make herself indispensable. She offers to help Ravyn find Providence Cards and keep silent about Ravyn and Elm attacking travelers in disguise, if Ravyn keeps Elspeth’s infection secret, leaves Elspeth’s family alone, and stays away from Elspeth’s uncle’s house. Ravyn accepts the shape of the bargain cautiously, and Elspeth adds one final demand: Ravyn must swear never to use the Nightmare Card on Elspeth again.
Who Appears
- Elspeth SpindleProves she can see real Providence Cards, detects a fake, and bargains for her family’s safety.
- Ravyn YewTests Elspeth’s magic, withholds arrest, and considers using her ability to find Cards.
- The NightmareThe voice in Elspeth’s mind urges suspicion and pushes Elspeth to make herself indispensable.
- Prince ElmBriefly exits the cellar; his role in Ravyn’s secret Card hunting shapes Elspeth’s leverage.
- JespyrLeaves the cellar before Ravyn’s private test of Elspeth’s ability begins.
- Physician FilickLeaves the cellar after examining Elspeth, allowing Ravyn to question Elspeth privately.