The Shepherd King, #1
One Dark Window
by Rachel Gillig
Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
Elspeth helps the Yews extract crucial information from the Pine family: Wayland Pine carries the Iron Gate Card on his person. The chapter also clarifies the full stakes of the Card hunt, revealing that the Deck must be united with infected blood at the King’s namesake tree to stop the mist and sickness.
Fenir identifies Orithe Willow as the intended source of that blood, reframing the mission as both a cure for Emory and a possible reckoning for a man who hunts the infected. By the end, the Iron Gate has a target, the Twin Alders remains lost, and Elspeth offers a lead on the Well.
Summary
At Castle Yew, Elspeth, Jespyr, and Morette prepare to receive Lady Sylvia Pine and her daughters. Morette reminds them that their goal is to learn about Wayland Pine’s Cards without making their interest in the Iron Gate obvious. Jespyr is visibly uncomfortable with the social trap, while Elspeth relies on composure despite the Nightmare’s impatient commentary.
During tea, Gerta Pine gossips about Ione’s engagement and her new Maiden Card. Elspeth uses the topic of dowries and Cards to steer Gerta toward her own family’s holdings. Gerta casually reveals that Wayland Pine keeps his Cards with him, including a Prophet and an Iron Gate, giving the Yews the information they need.
After the Pine women leave, Morette, Jespyr, and Elspeth go to Fenir Yew’s chambers to report the discovery. Fenir decides that Ravyn and Elm should intercept Wayland Pine after he leaves Stone, where a disguise and open road will make the theft safer. Jespyr departs to deliver the message, warning Elspeth to rest for what is coming.
Elspeth asks whether the Yews harm the men whose Cards they steal. Fenir and Morette insist they avoid violence and explain that Elspeth’s sharp eyes will help them retrieve the Card quickly. While waiting for Jon Thistle, Fenir shows Elspeth an old copy of The Old Book of Alders and reads the prophecy explaining that all twelve Cards, the King’s namesake tree, and infected blood are needed to lift the mist and halt the sickness.
Fenir and Morette explain that no one has found the Twin Alders Card: King Rowan has searched extensively, and lore claims the Shepherd King took it into the mist and returned without it. They also reveal that the blood they intend to use belongs to Orithe Willow, the infected head of the King’s Physicians, whose magic lets him identify infection in others and whose work has led to many deaths. Elspeth recognizes that sparing Emory could mean spilling Orithe’s blood instead.
Jon Thistle brings out the Yews’ collection of Providence Cards. Fenir confirms that only three are still missing: the Well, the Iron Gate, and the Twin Alders. When Jon notes that the Well will be difficult to claim because its owners are naturally cautious, Elspeth admits she knows someone nearby who owns a Well Card.
Who Appears
- Elspeth SpindleHelps manipulate Gerta Pine, questions the Yews’ methods, and reveals a lead on the Well.
- The NightmareComments from within Elspeth’s mind, urging direct action and reacting to Shepherd King history.
- Jespyr YewAssists in the Pine visit, reports the Iron Gate lead, and leaves to warn Ravyn and Elm.
- Morette YewHosts the Pine women and guides the concealment strategy to uncover Wayland Pine’s Card holdings.
- Gerta PineTalkative Pine daughter who unknowingly reveals Wayland Pine carries a Prophet and Iron Gate.
- Fenir YewReceives the Iron Gate news and explains the Deck ritual, Twin Alders problem, and Orithe plan.
- Jon ThistleYew steward who serves tea and later brings Fenir the family’s Providence Card collection.
- Lady Sylvia PinePine matriarch whose visit enables the Yews to question her daughters socially.
- Orithe WillowAbsent but newly revealed as infected and intended blood source for uniting the Deck.