Chapter 51

The narrator, revealed to be Grihm, prepares to venture into the toxic wasteland of Gondragh despite catastrophic conditions—moons approaching and a rabid dragon endangering her eggs. Grihm entrusts Kilíth with a message from the king and instructions for a backup plan before departing into the deadly terrain.

Grihm stands at a runed window in a stone hut, observing the thick smog and volcanic activity of Gondragh while contemplating the threat to a dragon clutch whose mother has abandoned her nest. She reflects on previous failed ventures into the terrain, notably a male named Heathron whose name remains carved into the rock wall. Kilíth enters with his bonded hatchling—a young dragon sleeping on his shoulder, already showing signs of a strong connection between them. Observing Kilíth's preparation and Grihm's fully equipped state—runed leathers, spiked boots, pickaxes, and a silver dragonscale blade—Kilíth realizes she intends to venture outside. A distant volcanic explosion shakes the hut, intensifying the danger ahead. Before departing, Grihm gives Kilíth a crumpled note from the king and a partially folded parchment lark, instructing him to unfold the lark if she does not return within seven cycles. Kilíth swears on his honor to follow her instructions. Grihm identifies herself by name for the first time, then wraps her face and exits the tunnel with her blade drawn.