Prepare yourself. Evnis walks to a secret meeting. A meeting that will make him a traitor to his kingdom, but he has no other options at this point. He meets with Queen Rhin of Cambren. Rhin reminds Evnis that it’s not too late to change his mind, but he knows that it is. His brother, Gethin, has betrothed him to the daughter of the poorest baron in his kingdom. Rhin calls out someone who has helped her before and shares their allegiances, Uthas. Uthas carries a bound man, who they sacrifice to call the spirit of Asroth. Evnis reveals that he wants power - he wants to rule all of Ardan (his brother included). In return, Asroth wants Evnis. Evnis agrees. Asroth was created by Elyon, King of the Gods, as captain of Elyon’s people the Ben-Elim, or the Sons of the Mighty. But Asroth turned some of those Sons, creating the Kadoshim, or the Separate Ones. Although Elyon could not bear to fight Asroth, the Ben-Elim and the Kadoshim fought and Asroth was banished to have a solitary area in the Otherworld. Elyon continued to create, making the giants and men, until Asroth sent the starstone to earth. It made a bridge between the two worlds and brought strife and discord to the giants and men. Elyon resorted to the Scourging, where he loosed the Ben-Elim on the earth and nearly decimated everyone living there. Elyon left only a fragment of the people before turning away and cutting himself off from all other things, where he remains still. As the people tried to scrape out an existence on the literal scorched earth remaining, the Ben-Elim and the Kadoshim continued to fight in the Otherworld - and they will fight until Asroth returns and the avatars fight the God-War again. Fourteen-year-old Corban attends a wedding, and the accompanying festival, the groom is nephew to King Brenin of Ardan. He and his best friend Dath browse the festival, meeting a trader from Helveth, and they mention to the trader that the stablemaster and good friend of Corban’s parents is also from Helveth, Gar. Just then, Gar approaches and speaks to the trader in the back about a saddle as the boys browse. In the end, they have enough money to buy most of what they’ve picked out, but they have to leave the two practice swords behind. But as they leave, the trader gives them the swords anyways. Corban and Dath watch as a fighting tournament takes place and the king’s first-sword, Tull, beats his competitor. The boys run off, pretending to be Tull with their practice swords. Veradis rides with his eldest brother, Krelis, and their men to transport their prisoner to see the King of Tenebral, Aquilus. On the way, they discuss the potential future. Veradis as his brother’s battle-chief when Krelis inherits the title from their father, Baron of Ripa, and their middle brother, Elktor, becoming his counsellor. They arrive in Tenebral to see Aquilus and present to him the prisoner Deinon, a Vin Thalun raider. The raiders come from the islands of Panos, Nerin, and Pelset, kidnapping people from the villages they pillage. They force the boys and men to fight in the fighting puts, Deinon was good enough to fight his way out of the pits and onto a ship. He now has some information to trade for his life. His brother is shieldman to Lykos, King of the Vin Thalun. The first King of the Vin Thalun, able to subdue the other warlords and unite the raiders for the first time in history. Deinon heard from his brother that Lykos has a secret meeting planned with one of Aquilus’ southern barons. The people are shocked and Aquilus’ son, Nathair, asks to be sent with his warband to meet them. Aquilus says no at first but later agrees to think about it. He sends Deinon to be questioned by his weapons-master, Armatus, though he doesn’t think the raider is lying, and thanks the brothers for bringing this information. Krelis announces that he needs to return to Ripa right away but asks that Veradis be allowed to stay and train with one of the king’s warbands, like Krelis did when he was younger. Aquilus agrees and places Veradis with Nathair’s warband. That night as Veradis is feeling lonely, he meets the stablemaster Valyn and they have dinner on the wall together. Valyn reveals that his family was killed the night the Vin Thalun raided the king’s city itself. Valyn watches as a rider approaches the fortress and recognizes him as Aquilus’ counsellor Meical. Valyn hasn’t seen him here since the Vin Thalun’s raid. Corban and Dath are caught by Vonn and his cronies. Vonn is Evnis’ son, counsellor to Brenin, and an exceptional swordsman. But with him is Rafe, son of Evnis’ huntsman, known for being cruel and eager to hurt those younger and weaker than him. Rafe wants to torment the boys, but Vonn distracts him long enough that Corban and Dath are able to get away, but not for long. Rafe and his friend Crain follow them, attacking the boys, beating them up, and taking Corban’s practice sword. But the most embarrassing thing for Corban is that Dath fought back, Corban did not. Rafe and Crain are scared off by Gar, who speaks to Corban and offers to train him. Corban has already been learning weapons with his father, the blacksmith Thannon, but Gar could teach him more (including holding his temper – not Thannon’s strong suit). Corban agrees and Gar asks him to come back to the fair. Instead, Corban decides to visit his friend Dylan, whose father has a farm outside of the town near the Baglun Forest. Gar gives him a horse to take so that Corban can ride there and back by the end of the day but warns him to stay away from the forest since there have been rumors of wolven being spotted recently (rumors that Corban does not believe). On his way to Dylan’s house, he meets Dylan’s family on the way to the festival. Corban agrees to meet Dylan there that evening but does not return with them. He heads towards Baglun Forest instead. Evnis and his huntsman, Helfach (Rafe’s father) wait for a man inside the border of the Baglun Forest. Evnis is eager to get back to the fortress since his wife, Fain, is sickly and not doing well. The man, Braith, arrives with a message for Evnis and Evnis gives Braith his orders. He is to kill Dylan’s family (mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and Dylan) and burn their property. He will have to wait to do it since they are probably at the wedding feast now. Braith disappears into the trees and Evnis reads his message. It says that the time approaches, Evnis needs to get Brenin out of his keep. As for his wife, Evnis needs to find the book and use the earth power, but that will only be a short-term solution for what ails her. Only the cauldron, made from the starstone, will be able to heal her fully. And most importantly, do not forget his oath: to make Rhin high queen, bring Asroth back, and start the God-War again. It has been eighteen years since he made that oath. Evnis and Helfach return to the keep. He will need to be there before the hand binding ceremony that night. Alona, Brenin’s queen, already hates Evnis and blames him for her brother’s death (she’s not wrong). She will use anything to try to turn Brenin against him. Corban makes his way to the quiet place where he likes to sit with the Baglun Forest, the oathstone - which hasn’t gotten much use since Brenin became king and took his vows there. But when Corban arrives, the oathstone looks different than normal. He touches it, it feels wet. His fingers come away red – like the stone is covered in blood. Then Corban is overwhelmed and he passes out. When he wakes up, the world looks different, as if it’s been bleached of color. A man that he’s never seen before approaches Corban and says he needs Corban’s help. There is something the man needs to find, and he can tell that Corban has value inside him. He covers Corban’s eyes with his hand and shows him a vision of a huge cauldron with a screaming man who rises from it. The screaming man looks at Corban, but Corban notices wings on either of his sides, circling around him from his back and they make Corban feel safe. He does pass out again, but when he wakes up this time, the man is gone, and the color is back in the world. He can still hear the screaming of the cauldron man. It takes him a moment to realize that the screaming is real. It is not the man he hears but something else. Corban takes his horse into the forest to find out what is making the noise and finds a wolven stuck inside a bog, unable to free itself. He throws a rope over the wolven, and he and his horse pull the wolven to safety. That’s when he realizes there are wolven eyes all around him and the horse bolts, leaving him behind. But the wolven do not attack him. The one he rescued is heavily pregnant and just sniffs him before leaving him alone, her pack going with her. Corban comes to his senses and tries to leave the forest but gets lost. It’s not long before Gar comes to find him, after the horse returned without him. He takes Corban back to the fortress; they should make it before the handfasting. Aquilus grants Nathair permission to take his fledgling warband to find Lykos and the baron he is meeting with but tells Nathair to take some of his own eagle-guard with him, too. So Veradis rides with eighty other men, between Rauca (another baron’s son) and Bos (son of one of the eagle-guard). Nathair speaks to Veradis alone and asks what it was like growing up, was it difficult to be Krelis’ brother since Krelis is so well liked and talented. It was, but not because of Krelis - because of their father’s indifference to anyone but Krelis. Nathair tells Veradis that Krelis called him the best swordsman to ever come out of Ripa. Nathair also reveals that something big is happening, although he can’t tell Veradis much about it. He does reveal that his father has sent out a missive to all the kings in the Banished Lands, the continent where they live, summoning them to a Kings Council. Aquilas is descended from the first king of the Banished Lands, Sokar, who arrived there after the Scourging and defeated the giants. As such, Aquilas is technically the High King, although he does not rule that way and Veradis wonders if the other kings will recognize him as such. But the kings need to come, the giant-stones are bleeding. Soon, they arrive near the meeting spot for Lykos and the baron. The soldiers continue on foot and see an old man next to a pitched tent, who calls out for them to approach. Nathair takes Veradis, Rauca, and Orcus (leader of the eagle-guard) with him. The old man introduces himself as counsellor to Lykos, King of the Three Islands and the Tethys Sea. The story about Lykos meeting the baron was a fabrication, they really wanted to meet Nathair and assumed that Aquilus would send him to confront Lykos since Aquilus’ first-sword Jerolin’s warband is otherwise occupied. Lykos is not there himself, but he wants to ally with Tenebral. Nathair thinks that’s unlikely since the king hates the raiders. The counsellor points out that Aquilus won’t be king forever. That is why they wanted to speak to Nathair. Maybe they can convince him to trust them. In fact, he wants to give Nathair a practical demonstration of trust. The old man calls out for Alcyon, and a literal giant steps out from the trees behind him. The counsellor whispers something to the fire and the flames rear up, trapping Nathair on one side of the flames with the old man and the giant with his warband on the other side. The giant pulls his sword out and points it at Nathair, so Veradis puts his head behind his shield and runs through the flames. Cywen, Corban’s older sister, is getting worried. She is checking the horses that Gar wants to purchase and has found one that is lame. She talks the seller down to a lower price, all while watching for Gar and Corban, who have been gone for longer than they should be. Once the deal is done and the seller leaves, Princess Edana comes out. She saw the whole thing and is impressed. Cywen shows her the horse’s hoof, which has a painful lump. She cuts the lump and squeezes out pus until she finally dislodges the cause of the issue, a wedge of wood caught under the skin. The horse will heal and no longer be lame. Then Cywen sees Rafe walking and attacks him for what he did to her brother. She is not afraid of a fight and gets a couple good kicks in before Crain and Vonn hold her back. Rafe is about to teach her a lesson when Edana comes and orders him to leave. Then she and Cywen return to the stables, where Gar and Corban finally show back up. Corban is appalled that Cywen attacked Rafe and that Edana knows about the whole ordeal. He’s embarrassed and slinks off. Gar counsels Cywen to let Corban go and that maybe she could learn to think before she acts. Soon, two riders come into the town and ask to speak to Brenin. Gar points them to the meadow, where the handfasting will soon take place. Then he and Cywen do what they can to make Corban look presentable. Kastell rides with a group to protect a merchant train. It has been difficult to be at home in his Uncle Romar, the King of Isiltir’s keep, mostly because of his cousin Jael. Close in age to one another and in similar circumstances (Jael’s father and both of Kastell’s parents killed by the giants of the Forn Forest), but they do not like one another. Jael takes every opportunity to humiliate Kastell and turn the other residents against him. So Kastell jumped at the chance to get a way for a while and rides with his shieldman, Maquin, who saved his life when his family was killed. But even here Jael’s presence can be felt, Kastell is sure that Jael has poisoned the other warriors against him. At the end of the day, Kastell and Maquin sit apart from the others and are approached by the captain of the mercenary guard, Aguila. They discuss the state of Isiltir. There are more guards than normal patrolling the streets, since they found out the giant-stones are bleeding and the starstone axe was stolen. The axe is one of seven Treasures (cauldron, torc, necklace, spear, dagger, axe, and cup) carved from the starstone, which led to the Scourging. They don’t know who took it. Aguila wonders if it could have been the giants, but Kastell doesn’t want to think about giants - bad memories. Aguila tells him not to worry, there are plenty of warriors there, and teases Kastell a little about how sharp his sword is. Kastell turns sour at this, assuming Jael has already gotten to Aguila. Once Aguila leaves, Maquin chastises him. Jael is not turning everyone against him - even if he does try. But Kastell is seen as aloof, like he’s too good to hang out with the other warriors. That is part of the reason he’s not liked. He is drowning in self-pity. Kastell hears the wisdom in his words and thinks a lot that night. The next morning, he apologizes to Aguila. Corban attends the handfasting ceremony and the feast afterwards, seeing Dath and Dylan - although Dylan’s family leaves the festival earlier than expected. Gar comes to eat with Corban’s family, and they see the trader from Helveth again. He asks Gar how he came to be in Ardan. Gar explains that the Hunen giants from the Forn Forest came and killed most of the people in his village (Helveth is adjacent to Isiltir, and both share a border with the Forn Forest). He escaped and made his way here, finding a home in Ardan. Soon afterward, Heb (who officiated the wedding) tells the story of Cambros. When the Scourging was first ended, the men came to the Banished Lands with Sokar as their king. But there were residents there already, the giants. The two groups fought in what is now called the Giant Wars. Sokar sent his warlords out to fight, including one named Cambros. Called the Bull, Cambros took his two sons Cadlas and Ard to fight the Benothi giants. They pushed the giants back until the giants rallied one last time, in which Cambros fought their king, Ruad. Cambros broke his sword on Ruad and Ruad nearly killed him - but at the last moment, Cambros used a branch to break Ruad’s knee, then used his broken sword to stab the giant in the heart. The Benothi gave up after Ruad’s death and fled north. Cambros split the Benothi’s lands between himself and his sons, which is how Ardan came to be. After the story is done and a toast is given to the happy couple, someone notices an orange glow in the distance. Gar is the first to recognize it and call for help - Dylan’s family’s stockade is on fire. Kastell and Maquin begin to socialize with the other soldiers, though Kastell doesn’t say too much. They ride into Helveth, to a town on the border of the Forn Forest. Aguila offers them a job riding with his band, if they don’t want to return to the keep immediately, and they take him up on the offer. But before long, an eerie mist surrounds their group, and they are attacked by giants from the forest. Maquin is nearly killed by one, but Kastell saves him and together they bring the giantess down. They ride to the closest hill to see the battle from above and the battle is practically done by the time they get to the top, with the giants as the clear winners. Kastell and Maquin watch as the giants tear open the crates in the caravan, finding the starstone axe in one of them. It must’ve been stolen by whoever hired Aguila for protection - but how did the giants know about it? They decide to leave too late; the giants have spotted them and will track them for as long as they can. Kastell and Maquin ride for Isiltir as fast as possible. Maquin points out that Kastell can join the Dal Gadrai now if he wants, they only accept people in their ranks who have killed a giant. Maquin doesn’t think the giants will pursue them if they can make it across the river, but their horses are exhausted and cannot complete the trip. They get off and decide to make their stand against the group of giants with the river in sight behind them, but they know they’ll never make it across. When the giants appear, Maquin kills one with a spear and he and Kastell ready themselves to fight even though they are outnumbered. But they hear rumble behind them and Romar comes with soldiers to save them. Corban rides with Gar to Dylan’s hold with two dozen men, Brenin included. He’s not supposed to be there since he has not gone through his warrior trials or sat the Long Night, which marks the point a boy becomes a man. In fact, he hasn’t even stepped foot on the Rowan Field, which prepares them for their warrior trials. But Gar lets him come and they find they body of Dylan’s father, Darol, and the burnt bodies of five others. Gar suspects it was the work of an outlaw band possibly living in the forest. Brenin swears to find the perpetrators and make them pay. The next day, Corban’s dad has him come to help in the forge at midday. Corban works all the rest of the day in the forge without a break, worrying his dad. When they get back home, they see a rider come into the fortress that they’ve never seen before, wearing a white eagle on a black field on their shield. Veradis gets through the flames mostly unharmed and protects his prince, though Nathair tells him to stop attacking (he does not). He fights the giant, who compliments how well he fights before knocking him out. When Veradis wakes up, he’s told that Nathair stepped between him and the giant after Veradis was knocked unconscious. Now the prince sits in talks with the counsellor. When he comes out, Nathair confides in Veradis and Rauca that he had tentatively entered into a peace treaty with the Vin Thalun and has gotten the name of the counsellor (Calidus), but there is bad blood between Calidus and Nathair’s father, so all this is top secret information. When they get back to Aquilus, it takes a while before the king agrees to the treaty. But he eventually does and they send their prisoner Deinon to give Lykos the news. Aquilus does not trust the Vin Thalun, so he sends two of his eagle-guards with Deinon to make sure there are no pitstops made on the way to Lykos. He warns Nathair to be wary, war is coming. The first of the kings responds to Aquilus’ request for council - Tarbesh’s king, with the emblem of a sickle moon on a starry sky. Gar asks Corban to visit him before going to work in his father’s forge again and reminds Corban of the offer he made to train him. If Corban is still interested, they can start training the next morning. That evening, Corban’s family eats in the great hall and Brenin announces that he will be leaving Ardan for a while to go attend a Kings Council. There has not been one called for a thousand years. He puts his wife in charge until he returns and Pendathran (Alona’s younger brother) will lead the investigation into what happened to Dylan’s family. That night, Corban’s parents are very closed mouthed about the announcement, at least until their children go to bed. Then Corban overhears them speaking to Gar, and him telling them they will all need to be more vigilant than ever. Evnis’ older brother had betrothed him to the daughter of the poorest baron in Ardan. It is one of the reasons he made his vows to Asroth. Little did Evnis know that she would be the best thing to ever happen to him. Now his wife, Fain, is dying and he is helpless to save her. He searches for a book that will make her well enough to get to the cauldron, which is far north in giant territory. Uthas the giant told him the book is in the tunnels under Brenin’s keep from when Uthas’ giant ancestors lived there and built the keep, but Evnis has been unable to find it. Tonight, his luck changes. The warriors that search for the book find a locked door that leads to another door which leads to a giant’s coffin. In the sarcophagus’ hands is a box. When Evnis opens the box, he finds the book and a stone underneath it that seems to pulse. Evnis slams the box closed just as a large circular object at the end of the coffin cracks open and a snake like creature slithers out, attacking and killing a hunting dog and one of his warriors. They manage to kill the snake, a legendary white wyrm, and Evnis takes its head to Brenin (only after telling the others to brick up the tunnel. There were more eggs down there). While there, Evnis tells Brenin that Fain only has a few weeks to live but she is having an unexpected good period and has asked Evnis to take her back to her ancestral home one last time. In reality, he plans to take Fain to the cauldron to heal her for good. But Brenin tells Evnis no, he needs to stay and help Alona while Brenin is at the Kings Council. Though Evnis asks several times, Brenin’s answer does not change. That night Corban has a dream of bloody stones, of feasting snakes, of winged men fighting. The man who appeared to him before comes again and asks for Corban’s help. He wants Corban to fetch the cauldron for him before a terrible thing happens. Corban asks if he is Elyon, but the man says no. Elyon has gone, and Corban must choose which side he will fight on. The next morning, Corban starts training with Gar and that evening, Brenin leaves - taking Tull and Heb the loremaster with him. As soon as they’ve gone, Evnis asks Alona for permission to leave with Fain, and Alona also tells him no. Evnis accuses her of refusing in retaliation for her brother Rhagor’s death and storms away. Ten days later, Pendathran and his band have found signs of brigands in the Baglun Forest and sends for more warriors. Evnis assures Alona that he will send warriors right away. Camlin and his men run from Pendathran’s warband in Baglun Forest. Sent by Braith, the Lord of the Darkwood, to kill Dylan’s family, Camlin and the others knew that Brenin’s warriors would search, but they had never expected to be hunted so thoroughly. They rest for the evening, believing that the warband won’t come this far into the forest, but Camlin wakes up to danger. He runs, the warband on his heels, and jumps into the stream. He may lose them if he can get to the marshes. He and Goran, the only one of his men to also make it this far, start to run but are quickly found. But instead of killing him, the soldier tells Camlin that he will take them to safety. Camlin is relieved, but then more soldiers come out of the woods and surround them. One of the warriors screams not to kill Camlin as Camlin gets a sword stabbed into his side. Corban has been training for almost three weeks when he and Gar finally start with practice swords. When he gets home, he finds out that one of Gar’s horses has had a baby - and it’s Corban’s if he wants it. Of course he does! On their way to see the foal, they see Pendathran’s warband come back to town. The kings arrive at the council, some sending barons in their stead. Veradis attends with Aquilus and Nathair. He sees Brenin, and Romar with his nephews Kastell and Jael, as well as Rhin and Mandros, King of Carnutan. Mandros pokes fun at every word Aquilus says, causing Veradis to distrust him. Aquilus tells the others that the God-War is coming again. Giants are attacking in force for the first time in ages, bandits and lawless men are multiplying, wild creatures coming closer to towns fearlessly, the giant-stones bleeding. Romar announces that draigs have been seen in his lands for the first time in generations. Braster talks of seeing white wyrms. Mandros doesn’t believe him, but Brenin has proof of a white wyrm and presents the head to the others. Rhin speculates that since Elyon has left there can be no God-War, but Aquilus’ counsellor Meical brings out an ancient book. It foretells of avatars fighting for the gods. It tells the reader to look for the avatar when the high king calls and the shadow warriors ride forth, when Telassar is empty, when the book is found, when the white wyrms spread, when the Firstborn takes back what was lost, when Treasures stir. When the earth cries tears of blood and the night falls when the Midwinter sun is at its peak. Mandros calls the whole thing crazy and leaves, but Aquilus asks the others to ally with him. To fight together against Black Sun and be led by The Bright Star when they arrive. In the end, only Romar, Brenin, Braster, Temel of the Sirak, and Rahim of Tarbesh stand with Aquilus, although Owain of Narvon says he will wait until Midwinter to decide. Edana sneaks Cywen and Corban into the fortress to hear what happened to the warband. They hear Pendathran tell his sister that all the other brigands are dead, and the one they brought in may not last till the morning, though they did try to take them alive. He praises the two newcomers Halion and Conall. Both are experienced warriors, and it was them that found the brigands’ trail. They are not from Ardan and Pendathran asks where Brenin found them, but Alona doesn’t know, Brenin would not tell her where they came from. Pendathran comments that he would be happy to have either man as a shieldman - if he could trust them. But he’s not yet sure if he can. They call for the healer Brina, hopeful that she can keep the prisoner alive to be questioned. Edana sneaks the siblings out of the fortress, and they find Dath waiting for them. They go to see Corban’s colt together, but they see Cairn and Rafe nearby. After learning about how Rafe stole Corban’s practice sword, Adana demands that Rafe return it to Corban - but Rafe claims it was won fair and square. If Corban wants it back, he will have to win it. He dares Corban to sneak into the healer’s cabin and steal something from her. Word is that Brina is a witch and Dath counsels Corban against this, reminding him of all the rumors they’ve heard about Brina, but Corban decides to do it anyway. Nathair is upset that his father did not invite Lykos to the Council of Kings. While Aquilus continues to explain that he doesn’t not trust the Vin Thalun, Nathair maintains that he has agreed to a treaty with them and they should have been invited. Nathair is also upset by his father’s reliance on his counsellor Meical, who Nathair does not like. They find out about animals acting weird in the forest and Veradis and Nathair go to watch. Ants, as big as a finger, march in a thick line across the forest without stopping. When a boy stumbles into their path the ants swarm him, biting him repeatedly until Veradis pulls him out of the army of ants and passes him to Kastell, who picks the ants off the child. Veradis officially meets Kastell and Maquin and he finds that he likes the men. That evening, Veradis joins Nathair as he visits many of the visiting royals and speaks to Brenin, Owain, and Rhin. Veradis does not like Rhin, there is something predatory about her. When the meeting is done, Nathair tells Veradis what he has concluded. These kings and queens bicker like children, each out only for their own interests. They will not form any alliance that could be trusted. But if the king were to create an empire, then they could fight as one group and defeat any foe, as the ants did. Corban does as dared. He breaks into Brina’s cottage and takes the first thing he sees, a bone comb. Of course, Brina catches him immediately. He explains that he was dared to come and Brina asks him to elucidate, so he tells her the whole story. She tells him to take the comb but bring it back the next day at midday, he can do chores for her in recompense for breaking in. But when he presents the comb, Rafe does not accept it. The two boys fight but this time, Corban manages to fight back and even knocks Rafe to the ground, embarrassing him. But Rafe is bigger and stronger and older, and Corban still loses. He tells his mother the next morning that he fell and cut his face instead of the truth, but he tells Gar the truth when he trains with him. Gar points out that there are ways to win without fighting, and that Corban let his emotions get the better of him, but they both agree that Corban did pretty well considering. Later, Corban works with his dad in the forge. When Vonn comes and apologizes for Rafe’s behavior, Corban’s father realizes what happened. He chastises Corban for lying to his mother and decides to teach him a lesson about the power of words. They go to Evnis’ hold and Thannon asks to speak to Rafe’s father Helfach. But Thannon’s words prove not powerful enough, and the two men get into a fight (Thannon wins. Now tensions between Thannon and Helfach are strained and no lessons were learned whatsoever. Later that day, Corban helps Brina do chores and she teaches him about plants and what they do so that he can pick them for her in the future. They decide he will help her once a week for the time being. Her crow Craf provides constant commentary. Kastell and Maquin prepare to leave but they won’t ride out until Jael returns from the hunt with Nathair. Kastell is not impressed that the prince seems to like his cousin Jael, but he does concede that Nathair can’t be that bad if Veradis supports him. The hunters return and Veradis stops by to say farewell. Soon after, Kastell and Maquin are jumped by friends of Jael - payback for kneeing Jael in the groin on the practice courts when Jael was fighting dirty. Veradis notices what’s happening and comes back to help, King Romar finds Veradis with a sword pointed at one of his warriors. Romar asks Veradis, Kastell, and Jael to follow him and once alone, he commends Veradis for being honorable while berating his nephews for acting so childish. He has noticed Jael’s behavior in particular and demands that the two of them put this behind them. They both agree, but as they leave the tent, Jael hisses at Kastell that their feud is not over. Corban fesses up to his mom about what happened between him and Rafe, and that he’s been training with Gar. His fourteenth birthday is coming up, which means he will begin his formal warrior training on the Rowan Field. After two years of training, he will take the warrior trial using sword, spear, and on horseback as well. If he passes, he will go out for the Long Night. Gar explains that normally Tull would test Corban and assign a warrior to train him, but since he’s with Brenin still, Tarben will do it instead. Gar suggests to Corban that it would be best to train with Tarben, Halion, or Conall - but Halion would be better than Conall since he uses his brain when fighting. When his birthday comes, Tarben assures Corban’s dad that there will be no problems with Rafe on the field, but Tarben is called away to speak to Alona partway into Corban’s testing. Rafe, who has been badly beaten by his father, is about to cause a scene with Corban, but is stopped by Halion, who takes over Corban’s training. He’s pleased by what Corban already knows and his ability to learn but points out that Corban has been trained by someone who learned outside of Ardan. He asks who trained Corban, but Corban counters by asking where Halion is from. He laughs but does not answer. He and his brother Conall have been placed on Brenin’s warband, Halion mentions what a good man Brenin is. When they finish up for the day, Tarben finally returns. Evnis’ wife is dead. Veradis and Nathair travel with Nathair’s warband back to Ripa to give Veradis’ father, Baron Lamar, news of what happened during the council. Nathair has named Veradis his first-sword and captain, which Veradis hopes will make his uncaring father proud. On the road, Veradis hears Nathair mumbling in his sleep. When Nathair wakes, he explains that he has nightmares of a man asking him to find the cauldron. He never sees the man clearly, but it’s always the same voice. He’s had them since he was young, but they’ve been ramping up recently. Veradis suggests they ask his brother Ektor if he knows about the cauldron. He’s arrogant, but he’s also well learned. Nathair agrees to think about it. When they arrive in Ripa, Veradis is warmly greeted by his brother Krelis and weapons-master Alben, but not his father. That evening he catches up with Alben, who explains that Lamar loved Veradis’ mother fiercely. He loves Veradis so much, but it’s difficult for Lamar because Veradis reminds Lamar so much of his mother. Veradis scoffs at the idea that his father cares about him at all. Evnis buries his wife. He promises to exact vengeance against King Brenin. Corban gets to attend the next hunt. Not as a hunter, he will make a bunch of noise to drive out the prey, along with all the other boys who have started but not finished training as warriors. While in the Baglun Forest, he teams up with another boy named Farrell, and they stumble into a wolven den and sees that the pregnant wolven that Corban rescued from the bog has had her pups. She snaps at another wolven who threatens Corban, but before Corban can walk away and leave the wolven den, the hunters surround them and a fight ensues. The wolven are all killed, but one of them drags Vonn from his saddle and he gets pinned underneath his horse. The men pull Vonn free (his leg is broken) and that’s when Evnis notices the mother wolven guarding her pups. She was hidden near a tree so the warriors missed her at first, and Corban had hoped she would not be spotted. Evnis kills her and tramples the babies, killing all but one of them. Corban runs forward and rescues the last pup, refusing to allow it to be killed even when Pendathran demands it. Instead, he calls upon King’s Justice. Kastell rides home to Isiltir. His uncle speaks to him alone, confiding that he believes in fate, and he feels in his bones that what Aquilus was telling them is true. More so, he knows that Kastell has a part to play. In fact, he’s thinking about teaming up with a few other kingdoms to rid themselves of the Hunen giants, Kastell could be a part of that. And Romar is so happy that this thing between Kastell and Jael is finally finished. A while later, Jael orders Maquin to gather some water, they’re going to make camp soon. Maquin calls a few others to help, Kastell included, and they ride to the stream where they are attacked by brigands. They are vastly outnumbered, and they are losing when the Sirak arrive and kill the brigands. The Sirak had already been following the brigands, finding their trail almost as soon as they left the council. A moment later, Romar and Jael ride in and (after it is made clear that the Sirak are friendly) they invite the saviors to eat. The Sirak agree but before they go to the camp, Maquin searches the brigands and claims to find nothing. Except, he later reveals to Kastell that he did find something. One of the brigands had a purse of gold coins on him, coins from Isiltir - which is a long way away. Only the king or one of his kin would have this much money available to him. Corban agrees to Queen’s Justice, since Brenin has not returned. Alona hears from all the petitioners. Evnis says that the wolven fought viciously - several men, hounds, and horses died. When asked, the huntsman and Alona’s nephew, Marrock, believes that the wolven fought like that because the pups were so young. They normally would not act that way but since the pups could not be moved yet, the wolven stayed as a pack and made a stand to protect their young. When asked to speak, Corban explains how he saved the mother before and how the pups were innocent. When he grabbed the last pup, it just felt right to do. They all speculate about what it would mean for a wolven pup to be raised by a human and Marrock says if any would be capable, it is Corban with his father’s help. The queen allows Corban to keep the pup and raise it (his parents agree to help), on the condition that if anyone in the keep is harmed the wolven will be immediately killed. Corban agrees, Evnis is outraged (Vonn is being healed by Brina but he is not in good shape). When he gets home, Corban discovers that the pup is a girl and names her Storm, like the one that is rolling in. At dinner that night, Veradis forgets to tell Nathair that the chair next to his father’s is reserved for his dead mother’s spirit. When Nathair tries to sit there, Lamar is affronted and, although Veradis apologizes, he accuses Veradis of forgetting his own mother. Nathair stands up for Veradis, but Lamar argues back, causing Veradis to say that Lamar owes Nathair an apology. It’s a whole thing. Nathair decides to leave at sunrise the next day and Krelis comes to say goodbye. He warns Veradis to be sure of what he says because he cannot take words back once uttered. He is not pleased that Veradis chose the prince over his own family and their father. It’s the first time Veradis and Krelis have not agreed on something and Veradis does not like the feeling. After riding out, Nathair and Veradis separate from the others. Nathair asks Veradis if he believes the God-War is coming (he does) and announces that he believes the voice he’s been hearing is Elyon. Nathair believes that he has been chosen to do great things and he wants Veradis to help him. He asks Veradis to take a blood oath to him, which Veradis does, and then the two go to see Lykos at a secret meeting. They see Calidus, the giant Alcyon, Deinon, and Lykos. Lykos has been waiting a long time to meet Nathair. He has also heard the voice in dreams and he knows that Nathair is there to unite all of the Banished Lands, with Lykos the first to swear fealty to him. He bends the knee. Corban gathers herbs for Brina. She needs them to heal Vonn, who has been moved to her cottage and has taken a fever. Corban asks her how her crow can speak and she explains about the time before the Scourging. Animals could talk and everyone was Elemental, meaning they had some command of the elements. When the starstone landed and the giants made their Treasures, each one created some sort of tentative bridge to the Otherworld. When explored, those bonds created some sort of entryway, which is when Elyon came through from the Otherworld and the Scourging happened, what survived of mankind was washed up on the Isle of Summer before making their way to the Banished Lands and fighting the giants for control. Now, there are some remnants of those previous abilities. A few people are Elementals, and the crow can speak. Afterward, Corban meets his sister, and they collect Dath to get eggs from the nests at the shore since Storm has scared all of their chickens and they’ve stopped laying. While getting eggs, Storm slinks off into a cave. Corban and Cywen follow her but Dath refuses, saying the cave is haunted, and takes the eggs to their mom instead. Corban and Cywen follow Storm all the way to the end of the cave where she is growling at the wall. When Corban shows her there is nothing there, he falls through the cave wall and finds a stairway leading up. It was a glamour. Cywen follows Corban and they go up the stars, passing a huge, white, headless snake on the way. The stairs lead to the well-house inside Brenin’s fortress, where the water for most of the town comes from. They sneak out, but take cover in an empty building when they hear voices coming. Camlin is now healed, well fed, and even allowed to take a walk once a day, but all that will end now that Brenin has returned from the council. They question him and Camlin confirms what they suspected: that Braith had sent him and the others to kill Dylan’s family. He says that the Darkwood, where Braith lives, is getting crowded and they need to expand into Baglun. What he can’t tell them is who Braith’s contact is inside the keep. Brenin makes it clear that the next day, Camlin will be tried and probably executed. Before then, they will try to get the information out of him the hard way. And before that, he will take his nightly walk. Enjoy it, it’s probably his last. Conall, who has accompanied Brenin, winks at Camlin as he and Brenin leave. Later, Maddock takes Camlin for his walk, where he is shot and another guard is killed. Braith has come for Camlin. He’s about to kill Marrock when Corban and Cywen come out from their hiding spot and stop him. Braith is about to kill them when Camlin stops him - he’s sick of innocent blood being spilt. In the end, Braith takes Marrock hostage, telling Corban that they will release him at daybreak but only if he stays silent. They’ll kill Marrock if Corban tattles. Then they leave but before they get far, Braith questions Camlin himself. Especially about if he snitched on who their contact is. Nathair and Veradis look over Nathair’s newly arrived horse, a gift from Jael. The best horse in the stables, apart from Meical’s (Nathair does not like hearing this). Soon, his father calls for Nathair, and they have a meeting with Peritus, who recently returned from seeing the northern barons. He and Nathair (who visited the southern barons) both report that all the barons swear their loyalty to their king. Also, Braster of Helveth and Romar have gotten together to flush out the Hunen, and Brenin has asked for aid with brigands. Aquilus may send Nathair’s warband out to assist them and get some real fighting experience. Peritus is dismissed. Aquilus announces to Nathair that the Vin Thalun have switched things up. They have not broken their treaty by attacking Tenebral, nor have they attacked Tenebral’s new ally Tarbesh, which they did often enough before. But they rarely went as far along the coast as Carnutan before, but since Mandros was so outspoken against Aquilus in the council, Carnutan has been attacked more than ever before. Nathair outright lies to his father, saying he has nothing to do with this (Veradis is not super happy about this) but points out that Aquilus doesn’t need Mandros. They are the instrument of Elyon’s justice! Aquilus says this isn’t about that, it’s about Nathair opposing him at every turn. He is still king and Nathair will listen to him. Nathair is ordered to stay away from the Vin Thalun. Corban and Cywen barely sleep that night. Neither does anyone else, since the alarm is raised in the middle of the night, indicating that Marrock and Camlin are missing. When Corban goes to Brina’s that day, his father walks with him part of the way and insists he take Buddai, their dog, with him for protection. Once there, Brina doesn’t need much so Corban sweeps the cottage. He is there when the search party comes back, Maddock riding with them - still alive. Nathair’s warband fights in an unprecedented way, with shields pressed close together as one group. They are largely untried and Peritus questions how well they will do if the soldiers get scared and possibly break, but in the end Aquilus decides to send them to Tarbesh to help with the Shekam giants. A long journey to a kingdom with blisteringly hot days and terribly cold nights, Nathair decides to shorten the journey by having his warriors sail with the Vin Thalun. He reveals to Veradis that he has been working with Lykos and Calidus on the prophecy of the avatars. They know about the city of Telassar and the shadow warriors references. The warriors, called the Jehar, are devoted to Elyon and have spent their lives training for the God-War that they believe is coming. One problem, the city is glamoured - although Calidus believes it is in Tarbesh. Nathair intends to find it. He’s getting very sure of his role as the Bright Star. He also gets information about the Shekam from Alcyon, Calidus’ giant friend. Some giants rode animals (not all, since horses can’t hold a giant). For example, the Jotun rode bears. And the Shekam ride draigs. There are also likely to be Elementals with the giants. Luckily, Alcyon and Calidus will ride with Nathair’s men, they are also Elementals. Lykos’ crew drops them off in Tarbesh a few days ride from Rahim’s fortress and will return for them later, to ferry them to Tenebral by Midwinter. Corban runs home, worried about what Marrock has said, how Marrock managed to get home, and if he did the right thing. When he gets there, Marrock is waiting for him in the garden with Cywen. He thanks them both, calling them brave for standing up to Braith, and admits that Braith did let him go when he was supposed to. But before that, Braith had talked about Marrock’s father a lot. His father gave Braith his facial scar before Braith killed him. Marrock tells them that he has only told Brenin and Pendathran about what happened that night and Brenin has decided to keep it quiet, since others might not see it in the same light. This talk of being brave makes Corban take Storm with him to the Rowan field the next day, and it is not received well. Rafe comes after him, Corban trips him, then a full warrior comes and grabs Corban in anger. How dare he bring that wolven when it killed warriors who fought on this very field! Halion tries to stop what’s happening but the other warrior, Glyn, calls him an outlander and tells Halion to stay out of it. It isn’t until Tull comes and reminds them all that Alona passed Queen’s Judgement and Corban is allowed to have Storm that they all break up. Tull does comment that he’ll be keeping an eye on Corban though. Corban trains and shows Halion that they’re teaching Storm “friend” and “foe” when Halion sees Conall embarrassing Glyn on the practice courts. Conall didn’t like it when Glyn called Halion an outlander. Today is Dath’s first day at the Rowan field. Veradis has been in Tarbeth for twenty days. He ride out to the river where the giants are crossing into Tarbeth, but they don’t know where exactly the crossing is happening. Calidus announces that he and Alcyon will use their Elemental power to find when the giants cross, Nathair’s army can rest until then. Veradis isn’t sure about Calidus, and in this moment, he notices that the counsellor’s eyes are almost golden like a wolf. He’s already noticed the Lykos has a very wolf-like demeanor as well. In the middle of the night, Alcyon carries Calidus back into the camp, he’s exhausted from his scrying but tells Nathair and Veradis that the giants have crossed. The warband rides to cut the giants off. Veradis takes half the men over a ledge and waits. When the giants come riding draigs (giant lizards) they charge out. They first throw javelins, taking several giants and draigs out, then form a shield wall. But the now riderless draigs run right through their wall. They reform and the shield wall is enough to give the giants pause, enough time for Nathair to bring the other half of the men from behind on horseback to attack the giants. Veradis holds the wall, fighting when necessary, until Alcyon saves him from another giant’s war axe. It definitely would have been a killing blow. The battle is nearly done. They lost men, yes, but they killed giants too. Now the remaining draigs and giants are running away. Corban starts training Cywen in sword work, she’s already more than proficient at throwing daggers (her mom taught her). When Corban leaves to see how Dath’s day went, she practices throwing and is seen by Edana and her guard Ronan - who shamelessly flirts with Cywen. Edana tells her that Cywen’s mother snuck into the fortress to meet with Brenin and Alona alone, but she doesn’t know why. Neither does Cywen. Neither does Corban when they track him down. They discuss Corban’s bravery in taking Storm to the field that day and learn that Dath has been paired with Tarben. Edana reveals that her father is serious about clearing Braith out of the Darkwood since he kidnapped Marrock. He has invited Owain and Rhin to meet at the giant-stones on Midwinter’s Day, and Eremon of Domhain as well - though he doesn’t share a border with the Darkwood. Alona tells them the meeting isn’t just about the Darkwood, but something about a sign and a Black Sun too. After being feasted, Nathair sends Rauca and the rest of his warband to meet Lykos while he takes Veradis, Calidus, and Alcyon to look for Telassar. Calidus assures them that he will be able to find it since it is glamoured with earth magic. As they search, they discuss the battle with the giants. There were one-thousand of Nathair’s men versus eighty giants and the men won, and although the giants took out a great many of them, the battle is considered a success. Nathair mentions that he wants a draig of his own. He’d have to raise it from an egg to be able to ride it. Alcyon vows to find him an egg. Soon they reach Telassar and Calidus advises Nathair to call himself the Seren Disglair, the Jehar’s word for Elyon’s avatar. At first, their leader Sumur is skeptical. Calidus is able to translate from what he calls the Common Tongue, which everyone spoke before the Scourging and that the Jehar still use. Sumur claims that this not the first time the prophecy would have been misread. It would not be the first time that Telassar was found. In fact, there have been Jehar that left Telassar, sword-brothers convinced by the words of another. But soon, Calidus uses some magic to make Nathair seem bigger and more imposing, and then he reveals himself as a Ben-Elim, appearing before them in chain mail with his white wings out. This convinces Sumur, who pledges himself and all of the Jehar to Nathair. Maquin finds Kastell at his parents’ graves and tells him that Jael is spreading rumors again. He thinks they should leave and join the Gadrai, which only accepts those who have killed a giant. But Kastell isn’t ready yet. His uncle mentioned the campaign against giants next summer, spoke of Maquin leading men, and of Kastell being an important part of the plan. His uncle took him in as a child and has never asked for anything from Kastell. He’s not ready to leave yet, so he decides to speak to Jael. Maybe he can convince his cousin to put all this behind them. Of course, that does not go Kastell’s way. Jael blames Kastell for embarrassing him in front of Nathair and the greatest warriors on the continent, and before that he hated Kastell for Kastell’s father’s transgressions, though he doesn’t say more about what those transgressions were. But Kastell holds his temper. It’s not until Jael threatens Maquin’s life that Kastell finally snaps and attacks him. Kastell decides it’s time to leave after all. His uncle is disappointed but gives him a letter to deliver to Vandil, the leader of the Gadrai or to Vandil’s captain, Orgull. Corban and Cywen go to train his colt with a halter, he still has not given the horse a name, when they are approached by Vonn, Rafe, and Helfach. Vonn just came to remind Corban of some threats he made towards Storm and Helfach calls Corban a coward. Corban, remembering that Storm cannot hurt anyone even when provoked, has Cywen take her away. Then he retorts that he is not the coward. It took three of them to have the guts to approach him today. Helfach does not take that well and commands his hound to attack Corban. It does and is about to kill Corban (Cywen and Storm are too far away to help), when it is trampled and killed by Corban’s colt. Helfach blames Corban on his dog’s death, but even Vonn tells him it was his own fault. Corban will need to see Brina, but first he names the colt Shield. Veradis arrives back in Isiltir and the warband is celebrated. But tensions between Peritus and Nathair get worse until Nathair maneuvers to have Veradis and Armatus fight. To show everyone how strong his warband is. Veradis does not like this. He respects Armatus too much for things like this, but he still fights – and beats – Armatus. That evening, he sits with Nathair and urges him to tell his father that he is the Bright Star so that all this distrust and tension can be quelled, but Nathair insists that his father will need to come to the truth on his own. Later, Nathair’s mother Fidele arrives. She has heard strange rumors of Nathair’s campaign and how he travelled back and forth from Tarbesh so fast. She again counsels him to listen to his father and king. If Aquilus finds out that Nathair is dealing with the Vin Thalun, it will not end well. Nathair is more concerned about who tattled on him. Brenin rides to the giant-stones to meet with the other delegations, taking Tull, Pendathran, Heb, and Adana, who brings Ronan. Brina wants to go, so she brings Corban as her apprentice. He brings Storm. Then Gar joins, Corban believes it’s to keep an eye on him, which causes Cywen to demand to go as well. And somehow, Cywen gets Dath invited as well. Their group picks up two travelers on the way; Edana believes that they asked Brenin for Sanctuary. When they arrive, they wait for the other kings and queen. Owain comes, Rhin eventually arrives, and Eremon doesn’t come himself, but he sends someone in his stead - the legendary warrior Rath and his men, called the Degad. Evnis’ brother Gethin is the Baron of Badun, the land that the meeting will take place on, which means Evnis has to see the brother he hates. But things are different now. Evnis is counsellor to Brenin. He has found a Treasure, a necklace, though he doesn’t yet know how to use it. He will figure it out though. But when Evnis sleeps, he has nightmares. He watches as Conall and Halion come close, speaking to each other quietly. He overhears as Halion says someone in the meeting cannot see them, it cannot be revealed who it is they serve. Interesting. Meanwhile, Evnis wants to tell Rhin about the two people Brenin offered Sanctuary to on the road. They need sanctuary from Rhin, it turns out. Brina gets a small cottage to use for herself and invites Corban, Gar, and Cywen to stay there with her. At the first dinner together, Evnis’ brother announces that his daughter Kyla is betrothed to Owain’s son, Uthar. This causes Brenin to frown slightly. But not as much as when Rhin demands that Brenin return the newcomers that requested Sanctuary to her. Brenin refuses and she demands that they use the Court of Swords to decide. Each chooses a warrior to fight for them. Tull for Brenin, Rhin chooses her most recent lover Morcant. The two men fight and just when it looks like Morcant is going to kill Tull, Tull tosses dirt into his face and knocks Morcant to the ground, disarming him. Tull looks to Brenin, who allows Morcant to live. But not without a reminder as Tull leaves a deep scratch below Morcant’s eye. Veradis wakes up on the day of Midwinter, worrying about when Aquilus hears the same rumors as Fidele and Nathair has to admit that he has not obeyed the king’s command. But Veradis knows that whatever happens, he will remain loyal to Nathair. They converge on the keep battlements to watch as noon approaches. Veradis sees Valyn below, he sees Meical, retuned for Midwinter from wherever he was, doing whatever he was doing. Veradis watches as the sun starts to go black, as Meical grabs the stone next to him as if he’s weak, as Nathair faints. When the sun goes dark, Corban feels weak and loses consciousness. He dreams of the man again. The man asks him to help, he says he can give Corban no more time to decide. He must make his decision now. He entreats Corban not to be a coward. The man tells Corban he has others who would help him, showing Corban a vision of a black-haired man in chains, but he wants Corban. Something about the man feels wrong to Corban, scares him. He tells the man no and things change quickly. Corban is chased by six leathery winged men. When the winged men have him and are about to kill him, other men burst out of nowhere. These ones have white feathery wings, the Ben Elim. They fight off the leathery winged men and one of the Ben-Elim helps Corban up and touches his temple. Corban wakes up in the cottage he’s been staying in with Brina while Craf yells “stranger” at Dath. Everyone is hovering around him worried. Corban doesn’t remember much from the dream, but Brina believes he will be okay after he rests. They’ll be leaving to return to Ardan soon, Brenin’s council is over. When they’re alone, Corban asks Brina why Brenin was displeased with the betrothal announcement. She explains that Evnis and his brother are very ambitious. Evnis has been jockeying for years for a marriage between Vonn and Edana, and now his niece will marry Owain’s son and likely be Queen of Narvon someday. Two kingdoms for two brothers. Veradis takes an unconscious Nathair to his rooms, where he soon wakes up. They are quickly joined by Aquilus and Meical. It turns out the Meical was in Tarbesh too, and he knows how Nathair got there. Nathair’s time of reckoning has come. Nathair tells his father everything that happened in Tarbesh, only leaving out Calidus’ name and their visit to Telassar. But Meical asks for the Vin Thalun’s name and Nathair has to fess up that it was Calidus. Aquilus is furious. He trusted Nathair and now that trust is broken. How can he allow Nathair in on councils now when Nathair lies and does not do as he’s commanded. Aquilus had hoped to tell Nathair about what Meical really does for the court, but now he can’t. Aquilus instinctively grabs the hilt of his sword but quickly puts it back, realizing he nearly threatened the king. Aquilus asks Veradis to bring Mandros to see him, who came for Midwinter. Meical walks Veradis out of the room and advises him to make sure that the person he is loyal to deserves it. Veradis gets upset. He tells Meical that he is the one that Veradis worries about. Nathair is the Bright Star! Meical doesn’t buy it and Veradis stalks off instead of arguing. He brings Mandros to the room, where the prince and the two kings talk alone. When Mandros leaves and Veradis still doesn’t call for Aquilus, Veradis gets suspicious and shoulders the door open. He finds Nathair on the ground with a dagger in his side and Aquilus lying dead next to the window. Corban returns to training with Halion, they finally start with shields. Halion has Corban watch Conall and Marrock fight with shield and sword – explaining how you can use the shield to throw your enemy off balance or even as a weapon. He explains that sword work is not about ferocity, but smarts and deception. You have to make your opponent think the sword will be somewhere else so you can land the winning blow. Conall doesn’t fight smart so luckily, he’s as fast as they come. Corban is getting pretty good with a sword and is decent with a shield, but he is terrible at the bow. Conall reminds him that it’s hard to eat with just your sword to bring down game. Dath, however, has really taken to the bow. When Corban leaves that day, he sees Rafe and Crain throwing rocks and bullying Farrell, whose father faked an injury in the Darkwood and has been named a coward. Corban stands up for Farrell, which just embarrasses Farrell and makes Rafe threaten Corban that he will be waiting when Corban eventually sits his Long Night. Afterward, Corban goes to the stables. Ever since he returned from Brenin’s council, his parents and Gar have been hovering about him and it’s very annoying, but now Gar is speaking to someone Corban does not recognize. His name is Meical. Mandros fled the city as soon as he left Nathair’s room and even though they sent a band of warriors after him as soon as Aquilus was found, he was not overtaken. Meical had ridden out with that warband but curiously had not returned with them. He hasn’t been seen since. Another strike against him in Veradis’ opinion. When Nathair calls for warriors to be taken by the Vin Thalun right to Mandros’ doorstep, Veradis is chosen to go. But Nathair puts Peritus in charge of the endeavor, to Veradis’ surprise. They make it pretty far into Mandros’ land before they are discovered and when they are, they get a surprise visit from Mandros’ son Gundul. The next day, Veradis’ men attack and Mandros’ warriors meet them on the field, but they are surprised by Veradis’ shield wall and don’t do well against it. When Veradis sees Mandros himself on the tree line, he pushes forward and gets a sword wound in his thigh. Then Gundul leads his warband down the hill toward the battle. When Corban looks at Meical, he can almost remember something. Almost. Cywen is sent to bring a horse in from the pasture, which is a long walk, but on the way, she remembers that she didn’t bring in food for dinner, and her mother will be angry with her for it. So, she takes a small detour, which is how she happens to be hidden in the garden when her parents talk with Gar and Meical. Meical tells them that Aquilus is dead and things are progressing more quickly than he had anticipated. He asks about Corban and is told what the boy is like and what he’s been learning. About Storm. Meical tells them it is not time yet for Corban to come to Drassil, it would be best for him to sit his Long Night here first, but Meical will head to Drassil now to make sure everything is ready. He compliments Cywen’s parents and Gar for their steadfastness and bravery and tells Gar that his father will hear about his faithfulness. He is pleased to hear that Corban’s nightmares have stopped - he believes that means that Asroth has been thwarted for the moment. Before he leaves, Meical advises them to trust no one but Brenin. Not even Aquilus’ own blood. Corban walks back from Brina’s house and sees Ventos, the trader that gave him his first practice sword. They speak for a moment and Ventos shows Corban his new hawk that he won from the Sirak. He invites Corban to come see him the next day. Corban sees Meical ride past, starring at Corban. That night, Ventos sneaks out in the dead of night and sends his hawk away with a message. Veradis has a moment of panic when he sees the incoming warband, but Gundul is true to his word and fights with them instead of with his father’s army. Veradis pushes toward Mandros but the king escapes into the woods. Veradis, Peritus, Gundul, and Rauca follow with others. They find Mandros in a glade and fight his guards. Peritus fights the king himself and is nearly killed when Veradis stabs the king and disables him. Nathair had told Veradis to kill Mandros on the spot, regardless of what Peritus advises, but Veradis does not do it. Instead, he intends to take Mandros to Tenebral to be tried by Nathair. Gundul is not a fan of this plan, since he just betrayed his father and country (Nathair promised him that Mandros would not come out of this alive), but Veradis does not back down. At least, not until Mandros declares that he is innocent and ran out of fear. It was Nathair that killed Aquilus and then stabbed himself! Aquilus was dead when Mandros entered the chamber. This is too much for Veradis, who beheads Mandros. They ride to Mandros’ keep, where Gundul delivers the news that Mandros is dead and he’s already made peace with Tenebral, then Veradis and Peritus head back to Tenebral. When Nathair welcomes them back, Alcyon arrives too. He’s brought a draig egg as promised. Corban starts to train Dath with Cywen. Both of their trainers have ridden out with Pendathran to clear out the Darkwood so Tull has been training them in a group with others, but Dath is terrible with a sword and needs all the help he can get. They watch as Rafe passes his Warrior Trial and makes his oath to Elyon, to Ardan, to Brenin. He will sit his Long Night that night, which means he will spend the night alone outside of the safety of the city. It is supposed to represent protecting those inside who have given so much to help you get to where you are now. Corban goes home and sees his mother crying as she remembers him and his sister as babies. Nathair calls his war council: Veradis, Lykos, Calidus, Alcyon, and Peritus. He is healed now and wants to start working on his plans. He wants to offer aid to all those that allied with his father and requested it, but first he wants all the warriors in Tenebral trained to fight in a shield wall. Veradis will take any warriors who know how to form a shield wall and who can also teach to scatter and teach all the warbands. He notices a visitor coming through the gates and asks Peritus to head down to see who it is. Once he’s gone, Nathair declares that the remaining four are his most trusted advisors. He asks about the cauldron, saying that Elyon speaks to him in dreams and bids him to find it. Alcyon says that the giants used to be one big group and they had seven Treasures made from Asroth’s starstone. After the Sundering, when the giants separated into smaller clans, the Treasures were scattered. Calidus believes the cauldron is with the Benothi clan in Murias. They would have to go through Helveth, Carnutan, Isiltir, Ardan, Narvon, and Cambren to get there. Perhaps they could march through giving aid as needed. In addition, Nathair needs to know what happened to the two sword-brothers that left Telassar and where Meical has gone. Calidus says that he just received word that Meical is in Ardan. Perhaps a change of plans is in order, and they will march before the shield wall training is complete after all. Nathair vows to build Lykos more ships so he can transport larger groups of people. In other news, the Jehar come to Tenebral and swear themselves to Nathair, and Nathair’s draig egg hatches. Corban is riding on Shield for the first time when he sees Pendathran and the warriors return from the Darkwood. Later, he speaks to Ronan when he and Edana come to see Cywen. Ronan was in the Darkwood with Pendathran and tells them that they found Braith, but Braith’s men fought back hard and nearly overwhelmed them. Until Conall attacked them on foot and changed the trajectory of the battle. Pendathran fought Braith himself and came away with a carved arm, but it could have been worse. Braith almost had him when Conall and Halion attacked Braith - saving Pendathran’s life. But Braith’s men rallied around him and beat the brothers back. Finally, Evnis, his brother Gethin, and Uthar rode in with reinforcements at the tail end of the battle. Brenin lost a lot of men, but the Darkwood is as clear as it will ever be. Edana says this will make Evnis happy, it means the path is safe for Kyla and Uthar to be wed in spring. Later, Corban works with Brina and sees Dath’s sister Bethan on his way back home. He hasn’t seen her lately; she’s been working in the smokehouses since her mom died and her dad started drinking so much. She has a new boyfriend but won’t tell him who it is yet, but she says it’s getting quite serious. They come across Rafe and Crain beating up Farrell. This is bad for Rafe; he is a warrior now and will be punished for fighting someone still training. Corban tells Bethan to stay with Storm and attacks Crain, knocking him into a tree, before turning on Rafe. Rafe pulls his sword and raises it above Corban as if to kill him when Storm attacks him. She takes Rafe’s arm in her teeth and shreds it. Corban can see bone through the muscle. They will kill her now. Although Kastell and Maquin do fight giants now that they’re part of the Gadrai, more often they guard caravans. On this day, they’re with other Gadrai on a boat guarding the boat’s shipment. Suddenly, a ripple in the water leads to a giant white wyrm exploding out of the water toward the boat. It eats a couple men and as others try to kill it, they are swarmed by giants. A bigger group of giants than any of them have seen at once, at least forty. The Gadrai fight until the cause is lost, then they retreat. Maquin and Kastell are with them. Kastell turns to see several giants on the boat. A couple of them follow the retreating Gadrai. They ride until they cannot ride anymore, hoping to make it to the Gadrai stronghold, or at least close enough for one of their guard groups to come help. When the Gadrai get close, the giants put on a blast of speed to catch them before it’s too late, but Kastell’s horse is too exhausted to outrun them. The giants throw a spear at it and Kastell goes down. The other surviving Gadrai (not many) turn to help fight the giants off and right at that moment, Gadrai from the stronghold arrive to assist them. They kill most of the giants but manage to take one giant alive for information, the first time that’s ever happened. They ask what the giants wanted in that ship. Tin and iron, so they can make weapons for the coming God-War. Camlin freezes in the Darkwood. After their group was attacked, some of their people died and some of the left, leaving only a small group of about twenty. Braith decides it’s cold enough to take shelter for the winter - they stay in a small village once the weather turns. On the way, Cam asks Braith what they’re going to do about Evnis. Evnis nearly killed Camlin and had him thrown in prison, and that was before Brenin tried to clear out the Darkwood, but Evnis was supposed to be helping them. Braith agrees that Evnis will get what’s coming to him - regardless of who it will upset. But Braith doesn’t reveal who that may be. Camlin asks Braith why he lives in the Darkwood, but Braith tells him it’s a long story for another time. When they get to the village, Braith leaves early the next morning, putting Camlin in charge while he’s gone. He comes back a few days later with new recruits. Corban takes Storm to the forest and leaves her there, having to chase her off, knowing that he can’t stay with her but if she comes back to town she will be killed. When he returns, he’s summoned before Brenin and Alona. Rafe is being healed and he will survive. Corban, Bethan, and Farrell give their accounts of what happened, Helfach explains what happened once he arrived - being the first on the scene, and Crain makes up a story about how it wasn’t his or Rafe’s fault. Brenin believes Corban and decides that, since Storm is no longer there, he will do nothing to her since she only acted how any hound would have acted, but if she came close to the town again Storm will be killed. Brenin also strips Rafe of his sword and spear, a sign of dishonor, for attacking someone who had not passed their Warrior Trial. Rafe will only get them returned to him IF Brenin decides he deserves it. Evnis asks if Brenin will place any protections on Storm or if someone would be allowed to hunt her, if they were so inclined. Brenin places no protections. Evnis and Helfach, with several other warriors, hunt Storm for months but still have not caught her when they all ride to attend the wedding of Kyla and Uthar. While riding, Corban asks Brina if there is any way to stop Evnis and his brother with all their aspirations. Brina says there’s no point, but Corban would like to try anyway. Of course, he doesn’t have any idea how to do it. Brina lets him know that Craf has told her that Storm is following their group through the forest. That evening, Corban sits with his family around a fire, joined by Gar, Brina, and Heb - who abandoned Brenin’s fire because Evnis and his brother are constantly fawning over the king and thinking they are smarter than everyone else. Thannon suggests that they start making Corban’s sword when they get home, since his trial is quickly approaching. Cywen goes for a ride with the royal family and their guards. She is a little daydreamy, since Ronan suggested he formally ask permission to court her the night before. Before the group can leave, Vonn tells Alona that Brenin won’t be able to go with them because he and Evnis have been detained, though he won’t say by what. He looks sad. Cywen wonders if it is because Brenin told Evnis the night before that their children will definitely not be wed, but Vonn overhears as Cywen wonders this and replies that he’s glad he and Edana won’t be married. He loves someone else. Now she and Edana will have to figure out who he’s in love with! The group decides to ride out even if Brenin can’t come and Alona asks Cywen about how Corban is doing. She maintains that this was the only solution, Storm really should have been killed. Tull reports that Corban is doing well in his warrior training, he could be a master with the sword, is decent with a spear, but archery is not for him. They arrive in a glade and some of them dismount to rest the horses. That’s when the arrows come. Corban watches as his sister and her group ride out into the forest and starts to go toward the Darkwood himself but headed for a different spot. He notices that Gar is following him. Gar tries to dissuade him, but Corban insists on going to see Storm. Corban heads deep enough into the forest that he isn’t overheard when he calls Storm’s name, and she comes out, so happy to see him. They sit together for a little while, just happy to be with each other, until Storm becomes alert. They hear the sounds of battle and watch as a person wearing a grey cloak stumbles away. Corban and Gar head toward the sounds and enter into a glade littered with dead bodies, most of them wearing the gray cloaks of Ardan. As Nathair makes his way toward Ardan with Rauca, half of the Jehar, and half of his warband, Veradis takes the other half with Calidus and Alcyon to Helveth. There he will lead his first campaign, with Helveth and Isiltir against the Hunen giants. He’s excited to prove himself. He sees Braster and Romar, as well as Vandil, leader of the Gadrai (Kastell and Maquin are at the camp too). Romar makes it clear that he believes Mandros should have stood trial, that he doesn’t condone the actions taken against Mandros, and he will lead an investigation into the matter once the whole Hunen situation is dealt with. Veradis reiterates that Mandros fled after killing Aquilus - but a little piece of him thinks about what Mandros said about Nathair. But a voice in his head urges him to not be lead astray, Mandros killed Aquilus. He marks Romar as potentially following the Dark One. They discuss strategy and, after they’re introduced to Alcyon, Alcyon admits he can lead them into the forest and a good position in which to fight the Hunen. He will lead them to the Hunen burial site, the giants will all fight to keep intruders away from there. It will be a difficult trek, and it will take five or six days to get there, but Alcyon is sure that he can lead them. He advises them to move quickly so the Hunen cannot get to full strength in numbers or set traps with their Elemental magic. Later, Calidus mentions that Romar is going to be an issue and Acar, in charge of the Jehar with Veradis, suggests that they kill him. He’s not kidding, though Veradis thinks at first that it was a joke. This unnerves him, Nathair made it clear that Veradis is in charge of his warband, but the Jehar are under Calidus’ command, and he has a blank check to use them however he wishes. Veradis gets a feeling that he doesn’t like. Half of Ardan’s soldiers fall in the initial attack with arrows, the others begin to fight, herding Alona, Edana, and Cywen into the center as the guards enclose them. One of the guards still on their horse makes a break from the glen and makes it out, though Cywen isn’t sure how far he gets (this is the one that Corban and Gar see). When it’s clear that the red cloaked attackers outnumber them, Tull gives his orders to the remaining four guards (Ronan included). Ronan and Ised will lead the women into the forest and away from the attackers, who intend to take the women alive. The other three guards will stay to fight and buy them some time, knowing that they will not make it out alive. After his instructions are given, Tull rushes at the attackers wearing the red cloaks of Narvon. Camlin is wearing one of those red cloaks and he fights with the others from the Darkwood, as well as the new group of men Braith came back with - led by a younger man he only knows as Scar, due to the scar on his face. Soon Scar alerts Braith that the women have gotten away but Tull still distracts them. He recognizes Scar and knows that Rhin is behind this attack, even though they are wearing Narvon’s colors. Scar is Rhin’s guard/lover that Tull recently beat, he gave Scar his namesake. Scar fights Tull again but he’s not willing to take any chances this time, he yells at Braith who shoots Tull several times with arrows as he and Scar fight. Only after that is scar able to stab Tull in the chest with a sword and kill him. Deep down, Camlin doesn’t like this. Tull didn’t deserve those arrows; he fought with honor. Evnis makes his play. He uses magic to change his appearance and dons a red cloak as he makes his way to Uthar’s room, killing Uthar and the guard outside. He looks out the window and sees Alona’s guard stumble out of the forest looking for help. He then changes his appearance to look like Marrock and puts on a gray cloak. He makes sure he is seen by several people as he leaves Uthar’s room. He heads to an alley and changes his face back to his own before meeting Vonn - who looks upset. Is it because he suspects his father or is it because they argued about Vonn wanting to marry Bethan? Evnis has not yet told his son the truth about what he does, how he does it, or his plans for the future, and he hopes that Vonn is not getting suspicious. He commands Vonn to ride to Pendathran and tell him to take warriors into the forest to Alona’s aid. He assures Vonn that he will take the wounded warrior to Brenin himself and urges Vonn to hurry - things are about to go south. Gar and Corban search the bodies in the glade since Corban recognizes this as the group that Cywen rode out with. Gar surmises they must have been attacked by Owain’s men, but that doesn’t make any sense to him. Soon, Pendathran arrives with more men and Gar points out the way he believes the queen fled… or was taken. Pendathran is torn. If Owain has turned against them, he needs to get back to alert and protect Brenin. He commands Marrock to pick out some men and find the queen, then meet him and Brenin on the main road heading toward Ardan. Pendathran will take the rest of the men and go back to warn Brenin and evacuate their people. Halion and Conall are with the group going with Marrock and Gar intends to join them. When Gar finds a sword among the fallen men, Conall tries to convince him to go back to town - he will only slow them down because of his damaged leg and limp. But Corban is insisting on going with Marrock and using Storm to track Cywen, and Gar will be staying with Corban. He will not be dissuaded Cywen and the others run as quickly as they can, but it’s not quick enough. They see movement behind them, Ised and Ronan confer and decide to make their stand. Ronan asks Cywen to stay close to him. He’s oath bound to Edana but he wants to make sure Cywen is not hurt either for personal reasons. The red cloaks storm them and Cywen recognizes both Morcant and Braith. They quickly kill Ised, but Braith suggests they send Ronan back with a message for Brenin. Morcant doesn’t even respond, just cuts Ronan across the throat. Cywen holds Ronan while he dies and then takes her throwing dagger from her belt and stabs Morcant with it. It doesn’t hurt him, he’s wearing chainmail, and he backhands her before he orders the women to be tied up. Camlin will not abide killing women or children. His own brother and mother were killed by soldiers when he was young, that’s why he began to live in the Darkwood. Even when he was sent to kill Dylan’s family, the women and children were not supposed to be killed but another man went rogue, that still bothers Cam. He follows Braith into the woods once the group stops to rest and the women are tied up around a tree. He demands to know what’s happening and why Braith is taking orders from Scar. Camlin had been told this was just a hostage job to get some coin; that’s clearly not the case. Braith admits that he works for Rhin. His own family had been killed by Owain’s men in a dispute over land, Rhin raised Braith and sent him into the Darkwood to win the trust of the woodsmen living there. Their objective today is to start a war between Owain and Brenin so they destroy each other and Rhin can take both their lands. After today, Braith will be going back to Cambren and Cam is welcome to join him there. Or he can become Chief in the Darkwood, it’s up to Camlin. But Rhin wants the women for some added insurance, so the women is what Rhin will get. Camlin walks back to camp, removing his red cloak as he goes. He gives the women some water and is interrupted by Morcant, demanding to know what he’s doing. He tells Morcant that the women needed water but also points out that he doesn’t take orders from him, only from Braith. When Braith orders him to stand down, Camlin walks away. Cywen goads Morcant but Morcant realizes that he doesn’t really need her, only Alona and Edana, and orders one of his men to kill Cywen. Camlin steps in front of her and blocks the blow. Morcant smiles at Cam as he pulls his sword, ready to kill him. Storm leads Corban to Ronan’s body, then further to where the red cloaks have camped for the night. Marrock and his men wait for daybreak and surround the camp. They watch as Camlin protects Cywen, then as Morcant prepares to kill Camlin. That’s when Conall rushes in prematurely, followed by Halion and half of Ardan’s warriors. Marrock and his half of the soldiers rush from the other side, Corban, Storm, and Gar among them. Corban watches Gar fight and realizes that he’s incredible, far better than he ever let on. He and Storm fight too, and Corban kills for the first time. He sees Halion, Conall, and Camlin fighting to protect them women. Camlin cuts them free of the tree and Corban runs over to cut the ties securing their hands. Braith, Morcant, and the red cloaks retreat, and Alona orders her guards not to hurt Camlin - she owes him for his protection. Just then, Halion screams that the red cloaks are returning and an arrow shoots Alona in the back. Conall and Camlin join Halion as they fight the red cloaks, Marrock throws Alona over his shoulder and he runs into the woods, followed by Cywen, Edana, Corban, Gar, and Storm. Marrock runs for as long as he can with Alona before Gar convinces him to make a litter for her with their cloaks. They’ll move faster that way. Soon, Halion, Conall, and Camlin come from behind, saying they believe they scared the attackers off for good this time. Camlin says he can lead them to Ardan if they trust him enough to do so, which they decide to do. They choose to take the main road, called the giantsway. It’s faster but they may run into trouble if Owain is watching it. Camlin tells them what he learned about Rhin’s motivations and reveals that he thinks she had more tricks up her sleeve, though he doesn’t know what those tricks may be. Soon, Craf finds their group and the crow bids them to follow him. It’s not too long before they meet up with Pendathran, Brenin, and Brina, who immediately starts to do what she can for Alona. They continue traveling along the road, meeting up with the rest of the Ardanian people (including Corban and Cywen’s parents), but Alona doesn’t make it. They reach the city, and Brenin tells his men to prepare for war. Corban begins making his sword and they also make a new war hammer for his dad. Corban points out to Gar that he didn’t have much of a limp when they were chasing Cywen and fighting. Gar just smirks, claiming that the pain comes and goes. Corban’s testing is in almost two weeks and he’s feeling as confident as he can, but he’s still nervous. He practices with Halion and Halion reveals that he petitioned Brenin to move Corban’s testing up. If Corban is willing, it will take place the next day. Halion knows that they will ride to war soon, it could be any day. He also knows that Corban would not want to be left behind if they marched, and he thinks that Corban could make a difference in the fight. Before Corban can answer, Brenin and Edana come to the Rowan field with their guards. Brenin publicly asks Halion to be his new first-sword since Tull’s death and Halion accepts. Corban is so excited for him, this is a huge honor, especially for someone that others still see as an outsider and Ardan. Corban sees Evnis whisper something to Conall as Halion and Brenin perform the ritual. Afterward, Brenin announces that he sent a letter to Owain detailing Rhin’s treachery and the death of Alona. Owain responded by sending the messenger’s head back, detached from his body. So, they will be riding to war. First with Narvon, and then with Cambren. Corban wonders when Brenin will speak to him about Storm, who he has kept with him since finding the women in the forest and who he has decided he will not give up again. He notices ships sailing into the harbor, ships from Tenebral. Kastell and the others have been marching through the forest for eight days, with small skirmishes with the giants happening frequently. Alcyon tells them that they will not fight today. The Hunen will be busy putting up defenses at their burial ground, which the men will reach the next day. Kastell sees his uncle and is reminded of when the Gadrai first arrived. Romar spoke to Kastell then and asked him to return to his side. Jael is eager for this alliance with Tenebral but Romar wonders if Jael is too eager. Romar does not like the way Nathair took over Tenebral, how Mandros was killed without a trial. Nothing about that feels right to him and he’d like Kastell guidance to help him navigate it. Kastell brings up what Jael said about his father, Romar’s brother, and his “transgressions”, but Romar refuses to discuss that. So Kastell refuses to return to him. But he does watch as Romar argues with Calidus in the present, as Romar storms away, as Calidus whispers something to Jael. That evening, Veradis visits Maquin and Kastell as friends. He makes them swear an oath to keep what he says a secret, then tells them that Romar is making an enemy of Nathair. It may be time for them to find a new lord to serve. Cywen is depressed after the death of Ronan and burns with the desire for revenge, which then sinks her deeper into her depression since she knows how unlikely she is to actually get revenge. Corban is in the middle of telling her that he will take his Warrior Trial the next day when riders from the Tenebral ships come into the city. One at the front has black hair and Corban recognizes him from his vision in Midwinter of the black-haired man in chains. Later, Edana approaches Cywen with Conall, who is her new guard. Cywen and Edana haven’t seen each other much lately but Cywen agrees to go with Edana to speak to her father… to give her moral support. Brenin is in a meeting with Heb and Evnis when they get there, guarded by Halion, and that are quickly joined by Nathair, Sumur, and Rauca. Nathair explains that he has come to fulfill his father’s oath to aid Brenin with the Darkwood outlaws, but Brenin admits they’re too late. He fills Nathair in on what has transpired. Rauca asks about Tull, who he has admired ever since Tull beat him in a bout at the King’s Council, and is given the bad news. Nathair says he will think about how he can help with this situation. He has a second reason for coming. He’s heard that Meical had come here. Meical went missing from Tenebral after Aquilus’ death and Nathair would like to know why. Brenin admits that Meical did come to Ardan, though he didn’t even stay the night, but he agrees to ask around for who Meical spoke to while he was in town. Nathair also has questions about the Benothi giants. When he leaves, Evnis counsels that they foster a relationship with Nathair, but Brenin is not sure yet. He’s not sure about Nathair. But he wants to know why they’re asking about the Benothi. After all this, he realizes that the girls are there with Conall and kicks them out. Later on, Cywen wonders why Gar is conspicuously absent any time Nathair’s group is around. It’s the night before Corban’s Trial and everyone is feeling a little nostalgic. After a tender talk with his dad, Corban goes to see Gar who has been like a second father to him. He sees Gar honing a beautiful sword in his room, a sword Corban didn’t even know he had. When Corban hears footsteps, he steps back and is unseen when his mother comes in. Gar tells Gwenith that he knows the Jehar man riding with Nathair and that they all need to leave right away. Meical warned them not to speak to anyone, specifically mentioning Aquilus’ son, and they must leave before Gar is seen. Gwenith, Corban’s mom, points out that they will have to wait at least one day because Corban’s trial is the next day and he must take his trial and stand his Long Night before anything else can happen. Gar agrees. Corban will do his trial, he will sit the Long Night, and they will leave immediately after. They will go to Drassil. Veradis and the others finally see the Hunen burial grounds. He asks Alcyon how he and Calidus will be able to stand against all the mystics that the Hunen have, but Alcyon points out that Calidus is Ben-Elim and is stronger than many of the Hunen Elementals combined. Warriors begin to walk into the burial grounds and a mist rolls in. When Calidus and Alcyon clear the mist, they see that the ground itself is swallowing the warriors, like quicksand. Calidus and Alcyon finally get the ground to become firm again but many of the warriors have already died and the others are exhausted from keeping their heads above the ground and then pulling themselves free, and Calidus has expelled so much strength that he is unable to sit up. That’s when the mounds inside the burial grounds reveal themselves to be glamoured giants who cut down the men who just freed themselves from the ground. The battle starts in earnest and Alcyon tells Veradis to take his men and fight. He had planned to help guard Alcyon and Calidus, but he’s told that the Jehar will guard do that, they will meet Veradis at the archway set within the cliff once the fighting is done. Veradis’ men, along with the Jehar, have already killed a white wyrm that came out of the river, and they are eager to do what they can against the giants. They form a shield wall and slowly kill the giants who go against them while herding the remaining giants toward the cliff face. Veradis sees Braster get taken away by his own men after being dazed from a blow to the head, but he's still alive. Veradis’ shield wall herds the giants toward Romar and the Gadrai, who fight in front of the archway, and battle until the remaining Hunen retreat. Then Romar and his men enter the arch, Romar really wants his battle axe back and he thinks it’s in there. Veradis waits for Calidus and Alcyon outside the gate. When they arrive, Veradis tells them that Romar and the Gadrai went inside. Calidus says something to himself about rats in a trap before leading the Jehar inside to “assist” Romar. He tells Veradis to stay outside, he’s not needed inside. Veradis tries to tell himself that Calidus will do the right thing, he fights for Elyon, but he can’t quite convince himself. Something doesn’t feel right about the situation. The moment of Corban’s trial comes. Halion gives him a gift (which is not customary, but he enjoyed teaching Corban). A spear that is well suited to Corban. Before the trial begins, Conall approaches Halion. He is spitting mad about being summoned by his brother and not pleased about being given the task of guarding Edana either. Halion tries to impress upon his brother that guarding the princess is an honor, but Conall reveals that he has taken a job in Evnis’ keep and this will be his last day guarding Edana. Then the trial starts. Corban passes his spear test, then starts with a sword. Most of the audience has not seen him fight and when he is done sparring with Halion, they stand as if in awe. He then moves to using a shield with his sword, then has to accomplish a running mount onto Shield’s back while carrying his weapons. He does so flawlessly and is so happy and relieved. He takes his oath and is given the sword he has been making with his father. Longer than normal so Corban gets the reach of a long sword, but short enough to use with a shield, and with the pommel of a wolven’s head, a surprise chosen by his father. Most would need to use it as a two-handed weapon due to its weight, but Corban can use it with the shield thanks to all the work he’s done in his dad’s forge. Corban’s mom and Cywen braid his hair into his warrior’s braid. Then he goes for his Long Night. He decides that he’s going to stay in Ardan, regardless of what Gar and his parents want to do. This is where his life is and he’s considered an adult now. In the middle of the night, a rider comes through the trees and sees Corban. Badun, Evnis’ brother’s barony, has fallen and Owain is coming with his warband. War has come to Ardan and Corban must ride. Corban rides hard until he reaches Brina’s cottage, she gets up behind him as Craf flies above. His next stop is at Dath’s house. He sends Bethan and Brina ahead on Shield as he and Dath walk Dath’s dad, who was passed out drunk, to the fortress. They pass Pendathran as he rides to assist those further away from the fortress. He finds Gar, his parents, and Cywen inside - all dressed for a journey, but they won’t be going anywhere now. The gates are shut and barred, then Owain arrives. He yells that Marrock was seen leaving Uthar’s rooms and he will wipe out Brenin’s line in recompense. Then he throws down Gethin’s head. Brenin announces that anyone close to taking their trial will be allowed to take it early. Cywen is working in the stables when she’s approached by Brenin and a few others, including Evnis and Edana. Brenin asks how many horses they have inside the fortress but it’s only about 200, not enough for what he needs. Daglar is riding with his warband toward them and Brenin wants to send as many warriors as he can from the fortress to catch Owain in the middle. He’s interrupted by Nathair and Sumur. Nathair mentions that he has been looking for Brenin (he’s not happy about it, as if Brenin isn’t busy right now), that he really needs to get going (there’s a siege but he’s going to see if Owain will allow him through), and he still has questions about Meical (Brenin doesn’t have any answers). Nathair asks Cywen if she took care of Meical’s horse when he was there, but she did not, it was Gar and Gar is not there to speak to. Nathair wants Gar found and he wants to question Gar himself, but Brenin refuses. He’s not in the habit of allowing other kings to question his citizens. This upsets Nathair and Sumur, who reaches for his sword but is stopped by Nathair. Nathair threatens Brenin, warning him not to get on the wrong side of him like Mandros did, but Brenin is not cowed. Brenin throws shade by saying that Nathair is not his father, and Brenin has questions about Mandros’ death that he’d like answered. Later, Cywen helps get the proven warriors ready to ride. Daglar’s men come from behind Owain as Brenin’s press from the front - headed by Pendathran. But they are far outnumbered. They make some progress, but Pendathran’s forces are beaten back and forced to retreat inside the gates. Daglar’s men try to cut their way through Owain’s men to also get inside the gate, but they cannot make it. They start to break off and run but are ridden down with nowhere to hide. Eventually, Owain throws Daglar’s body at the gate and it is retrieved by Pendathran. Pendathran sits, holding Daglar’s body. Holding his son’s body. Corban and Dath discuss the siege. Since the announcement from Brenin, Rafe has had his sword returned and Dath and Farrell have both fought and won their trials. Dath has been marked as an excellent bowman and received a new bow as a gift from Marrock and Camlin, who has stayed at the fortress and become friends with Marrock. Dath mentions that they could fight Owain if it weren’t for the bridge just past the fortress gate. It causes a bottleneck, and their warriors are cut down as they cross. If they had a different way out, they could hold their own. Corban decides to talk to Halion about the secret passage. At dinner that evening, Rafe challenges Corban formally to a duel. Corban accepts, but Helfach can’t keep his mouth shut and there is nearly more than one fight (between him and Thannon). Pendathran stands up for Corban and Storm, saying that they were a huge help rescuing Edana, but Brenin doesn’t care. His wife is dead. That is all that matters. He allows the duel. Nathair walks in with his entourage just before the fight starts and Corban sees him, sees that the shadow around him is getting darker. When the fight starts, Corban beats Rafe in a matter of seconds without Rafe even getting off the defensive. Nathair notices. Everyone notices. Corban wins and Storm gets to remain at the fortress with Corban. But Corban is aghast at the apathy shown by Brenin. He mentions that it’s too bad Brenin doesn’t care more about the life of his daughter. Brenin stands at the insult, but he’s so drunk he nearly falls over. Kastell follows Romar’s men through the gate and into the tunnel. Towards the end, a giant white wyrm awakens and attacks. As warriors fight it, giants attack from paths that branch off the main tunnel. Kastell fights and almost dies more than once, but Calidus and Alcyon come in with the Jehar and together the groups defeat the giants and the wyrm. Romar opens the door at the end of the tunnel and goes through, Calidus leads the Jehar through as well. Evnis is angry that Owain has killed Gethin. No, Evnis is angry that Owain stole that honor from him. He will make Owain pay for that. He has also been told by his master to serve Nathair and has told Nathair that Brenin and Meical had a secret meeting, one that Brenin did not tell Nathair about. Nathair is furious. Now, Evnis leads two of his men out of the hall. He has slipped valerion into Brenin’s drink, so the king definitely won’t be noticing that he’s gone. He might not even be awake anymore. Evnis leads the men into the tunnel where he found the white wyrm, which he has since investigated and so has found the exit in the cave. Through it, he leads dozens of the Jehar into the fortress. Cywen is on the wall of the castle, she finds it hard to be with other people for too long right now. Marrock comes out to patrol and not long after, she sees Evnis come out of the shadows with Conall, she hears the drum of footsteps, she sees men in the shadows. Marrock does too, yelling a warning at the men below. They fight the Jehar, but someone opens the gate and Owain’s men, who secretly crept over the bridge to wait, pour into the fortress. Marrock yells at Cywen to warn Brenin but she sees Conall coming straight for her. Instead of running she fights him, which is so unexpected that it throws Conall off. He ends up losing his footing and toppling over the side of the wall, taking Cywen with him. Camlin is still in the great hall with Tarben, feeling good about where he is in life - possibly for the first time. He even has friends! That’s when Evnis runs in and announces that the gate has been breached. Camlin notices that Nathair is close to Evnis and many of Nathair’s warriors are fanning out around them, trying to mix inconspicuously with the townsfolk. Camlin doesn’t like it and points it out to Tarben. A moment after, Marrock runs in and screams that Evnis is a traitor who opened the gates. Swords are pulled and Camlin sees that one of Nathair’s men has a sword pointed at Brenin’s chest. He quietly grabs an arrow under his seat, hoping not to be noticed. Brenin is not cowed by this sword, but Nathair decides it’s time for a speech. Brenin made himself Nathair’s enemy when he lied to him about Meical and hindered Nathair’s search. Nathair pronounces himself the Bright Star, and anyone who opposes him shall be cut down. Brenin questions Evnis’ motives and Evnis claims it is because he was not allowed to tend to his ailing wife, but Brenin calls him out, this is really about his greed and lust for power. Then the fight begins. Camlin shoots the man pointing his sword at the king through the throat. Thannon and his dog Buddai fight to get to Brenin and Corban joins him but soon, the king is stabbed and falls. Rauca comes out and forms a shield wall in front of Thannon with his warriors. Buddai and Thannon fight against it and are both injured, then Rafe and Helfach decide to get their revenge on Corban and fight Corban together. Corban beats them back and turns in time to see Thannon stabbed by Nathair’s warriors. His mother comes in with Storm - she’d taken Storm out of the hall when Corban fought Rafe so that the wolven would not interfere, and now Storm clamps onto Helfach’s throat. He won’t be a problem anymore. Gwenith also brought Gar, who begins to fight Nathair’s warriors in a frenzy. Sumur recognizes Gar and claims that Nathair is Elyon’s chosen, but Gar does not believe that. And he doesn’t not follow Sumur, but his own father Tukul, who was the leader of the Jehar before. Gwenith and Corban (who has grabbed his dad’s war hammer) make their way to the corner where Marrock, Camlin, Tarben, Dath, and Farrell stand with Halion and Edana - and whoever else is still alive, including Brina and Heb. The only other supporters of Brenin, Vonn and Mordwyr (Dath’s father) hold Bethan’s dead body. Gar fights Sumur and they are a blur. Eventually, Gar stumbles and Sumur gets him in the shoulder, getting the upper hand, but another wave of Evnis’ soldiers come in at that moment and separate them. Gar runs toward Corban’s group, and they decide to follow Corban’s secret path out of the fortress. They convince Mordwyr to come with them and Vonn just kind of follows in a daze. Corban doesn’t want to leave his father’s body behind but they have no choice, and they don’t know where Cywen is. Gar tells Gwenith that Cywen is smart, she can keep herself alive for now and Gar will return for her as soon as Corban is safe. He promises. But Corban is the priority. Gar closes the door behind them, shutting them off from Nathair and Sumur - who were staring directly at Corban. When Kastell goes through the door after Romar, he sees the long dead bodies of the Hunen first. At one end of the room, there is the battle axe that was taken from Romar. Before the king can get to it, Alcyon grabs it and names it as Dagda’s axe and one of the seven Treasures. Calidus claims it for Nathair, the only price they will require for helping get rid of the Hunen. Romar denies the claim, but Alcyon uses the axe to slice Romar and kill him. They are not messing around. Suddenly it is a melee. The Jehar fight the Gadrai. Kastell sees the Gadrai leader Vandil fall to Alcyon and Kastell is nearly killed by one of the Jehar, just managing to knock the Jehar woman down so Maquin could kill her. Maquin is knocked over one of the giant cadavers and Jael approaches Kastell once he’s on his own. Jael is here to claim his throne. He stabs Kastell in the stomach after a quick fight and Kastell falls at Jael’s feet. Corban leads the others to the hidden tunnel, picking up Craf on the way, with Heb and Brina muttering up some mist to hide them when it was needed. They’ve got hidden talents. When they reach the door leading to the tunnel, Gwenith will not go any further. She must find Cywen first, she cannot leave her behind. But Marrock reveals that he saw Cywen fight Conall and fall with him over the edge of the wall. Believing she is dead, the group continues on. Vonn reveals that his father and some of his men know about this tunnel too, but he doesn’t know if anyone else does. He takes this opportunity to declare himself not loyal to his father. Halion agrees that Vonn can continue with them, but he will be watched closely. They go through the glamour (Storm puts up a bit of a fight there), and a white wyrm attacks them from the water once they’re in the cave. Storm attacks it and is thrown off, but the others defeat it, and Brina announces that Storm will be okay. They eventually make it onto Dath and Mordwyr’s boat. They sneak past Nathair’s ship, hearing the sounds of the draig he keeps inside it, not knowing what creature makes those noises. Halion decides to take Edana to his father to keep her safe for now, they are distant cousins after all. He is the bastard son of Eremon, King of Domhain. Farrell, who was using Thannon’s war hammer as they fought toward the tunnel, tries to give it back to Corban. But the hammer is too heavy for Corban to use well, while Farrell is stronger since he was the blacksmith’s apprentice. Corban tells Farrell to take the hammer but make sure to use it to avenge his father. As they sail away, Gwenith tells Corban there are things she must tell him. He knows that, but he asks her to wait. Too much has already happened this night.