The Shepherd King, #1
One Dark Window
by Rachel Gillig
Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
Elspeth returns from Ravyn’s interrogation to the Equinox feast, where courtly performances hide dangerous political maneuvers. Elm and Hauth Rowan both take interest in Elspeth, while Ravyn’s guarded support helps Elspeth avoid Alyx’s unwanted claim on her attention.
The chapter’s central turn comes when Elspeth learns Tyrn has traded away his Nightmare Card to the King. At the feast, Hauth publicly reveals the bargain’s price and reward: Tyrn is knighted, the royal family gains the elusive Nightmare Card, and Ione is announced as Hauth’s future wife.
Summary
After Ravyn escorts Elspeth back from the cellar, he leaves to speak with his allies before the evening Equinox feast. Elspeth recognizes that Ravyn still does not trust her, while the Nightmare reminds Elspeth that refusing to let Ravyn use the Nightmare Card on her mind has only made Elspeth seem more suspicious.
In the Spindle rooms, Elspeth returns dirty and disheveled, drawing criticism from Nya, Dimia, and Nerium. Elspeth asks whether anyone knew Ione had been given a Maiden Card, but Nya and Dimia are surprised. Nerium reasons that Tyrn must have borrowed heavily or traded something valuable to secure it, a conclusion that amuses the Nightmare.
At the feast, Elspeth enters behind her father, stepmother, and half sisters, feeling like an afterthought. Prince Elm Rowan greets the Spindles, pointedly takes Elspeth as his escort, and questions her about why Ravyn has taken interest in her and her magic. The Nightmare warns Elspeth not to trust the Rowans. High Prince Hauth then approaches, and Elspeth is repulsed by his reputation for using the Scythe Card to force condemned people into the mist.
Elspeth finds her aunt, who reveals that Tyrn has given his Nightmare Card to the King and made an agreement without consulting her. Before Elspeth can learn more, Alyx Laburnum tries to claim Elspeth for dinner with his family, citing her father’s permission. Elspeth resists by saying she promised to sit with the Yews, and Ravyn supports the lie, intimidating Alyx into leaving.
Ravyn leads Elspeth to sit near his family, where Elspeth notices Destriers and learns that Ravyn lives at Stone by duty, not by choice; his true family estate is Castle Yew. King Quercus Rowan and High Prince Hauth formally enter, and Hauth addresses the court about the royal mission to collect all twelve Providence Cards in order to lift the mist and banish the Spirit of the Wood.
Hauth then announces a major political bargain: King Rowan has knighted Tyrn Hawthorn for his contribution, and Ione Hawthorn will join the royal family. Ione appears transformed and beautiful, carrying both the pink light of the Maiden Card and the burgundy light of the Nightmare Card. Hauth accepts the Nightmare Card from Ione and presents Ione as his future wife, shocking Elspeth, Ravyn, Elm, and Jespyr.
Who Appears
- Elspeth SpindleNavigates the feast, Rowan suspicion, family tensions, and the shock of Ione’s betrothal.
- Ravyn YewLeaves Elspeth after testing her, then helps her avoid Alyx and witnesses Hauth’s announcement.
- Ione HawthornAppears transformed by a Maiden Card and is announced as Hauth’s future wife.
- Hauth RowanHigh Prince who announces the royal acquisition of the Nightmare Card and his betrothal to Ione.
- Elm RowanEscorts Elspeth, questions Ravyn’s trust in her, and reacts with shock to Hauth’s announcement.
- The NightmareComments from inside Elspeth’s mind, warning her against the Rowans and mocking court dynamics.
- Tyrn HawthornRevealed to have traded the Nightmare Card to the King and secured Ione’s royal match.
- Alyx LaburnumTries to seat Elspeth with his family but is rejected with Ravyn’s help.
- King Quercus RowanFormally receives court homage and gains the Nightmare Card through Tyrn’s bargain.
- Jespyr YewPresent at the Yew table and visibly shocked by the royal announcement.
- Nya SpindleQuestions Elspeth’s appearance and reacts with surprise to news of Ione’s Maiden Card.
- Dimia SpindleGossips with Elspeth about Ione’s Card and Alyx’s interest.
- Nerium SpindleCriticizes Elspeth and deduces Tyrn must have traded something valuable for Ione’s Card.
- Erik SpindleEscorts his family to the feast and permits Alyx to sit with Elspeth.
- Elspeth’s auntReveals Tyrn gave his Nightmare Card to the King without consulting her.