Contents
29 Meryn
Overview
Meryn agrees to the risky ceasefire and demands a high-level Astreonan hostage before traveling into enemy territory. She brings Saela, Venna, Noemi, and Stark, despite Stark’s sudden distance. At the border, Ruby introduces guide Elias and Meryn’s father Fredrich, exposes Saela’s Siphon nature, and parts while Meryn’s party crosses into Astreona.
Summary
In Weisenstat’s war tent, Meryn, Stark, Siegrid, and Hannelore assess dire maps and conclude Astreona holds the advantage after the Phylax defection. Despite suspecting a trap, Meryn argues a ceasefire is necessary to spare Nocturnan lives and still pursue Killian. Siegrid agrees but insists on terms: Meryn cannot cross without a high-level Astreonan hostage, naming General Navarro as the price. Meryn decides to bring Saela, Venna, and diplomat Noemi; Stark accompanies, though he grows uncharacteristically silent.
Alone briefly, Meryn feels Stark’s abrupt withdrawal after their reconnection, but she focuses on preparing Saela, who is shaken by news their father lives. At dawn, the party rides to the border. Saela, withdrawn and anxious, mounts Anassa while Venna and Noemi take positions; Hannelore and Siegrid join for the handoff.
At the meeting point by Grunfall’s ruins, Ruby presents Elias as the guide and brings forward Fredrich, Meryn and Saela’s father, whose appearance unsettles them both. Saela trembles; Meryn shields her. Ruby then bluntly notes a Siphon among Meryn’s party and probes Saela’s sire. Meryn deflects, saying Saela doesn’t remember and wears a protective necklace. Ruby advises informing King Lucien, mentioning ways to block sire bonds.
With arrangements set, Ruby departs with Siegrid and Hannelore toward the Nocturnan camp, leaving Elias, guards, Fredrich, and horses to escort Meryn’s group. Aware of the historic moment and the risks, Meryn forms up with Venna, Noemi, Stark, and Saela, and commits to entering Astreona under uneasy terms and strained personal dynamics.
Who Appears
- MerynQueen of Nocturna; accepts a risky ceasefire, sets hostage terms, safeguards Saela, confronts father’s return, leads entry into Astreona.
- SaelaMeryn’s sister; a Siphon, anxious about meeting their father; protected by a necklace that dampens sire influence.
- StarkDaemon Alpha and Meryn’s bonded partner; stoic and distant after intimacy; accompanies Meryn into Astreona.
- SiegridSovereign Alpha; endorses ceasefire with strict hostage condition; attends handoff and returns toward Nocturnan camp with Ruby.
- RubyAstreonan Bonded; organizes the handoff, assigns Elias, exposes Saela’s nature, and references blocking sire bonds.
- EliasSiphon guide appointed by Ruby to lead Meryn’s party across Astreona.
- FredrichMeryn and Saela’s father; appears at the border, unsettling both daughters.
- HanneloreKryptos Alpha; attends the handoff as muscle, departs with Siegrid and Ruby toward camp.
- VennaLoyal ally and rider; joins the escort into Astreona to support Meryn and Saela.
- NoemiDiplomatic ally; travels with Meryn’s party for court finesse amid Stark’s reticence.
- AnassaMeryn’s direwolf; carries Saela and offers protective presence and blunt counsel.