AFTERWORD

Chapter 53

Chapter 45

Overview

Kaan arrives at the Imperial Stronghold in The Burn, carrying the severely wounded Raeve. His sister Veya recognizes the unconscious female and becomes distraught upon discovering that Raeve wears Kaan's málmr and bears a striking resemblance to someone named Elluin Neván, who was thought to be dead. Agni, a skilled mender, begins treating Raeve's critical head wound while tensions rise regarding the implications of her identity and return.

Summary

Kaan rides Rygun at high speed toward the Loff and The Burn's capital, urgently transporting the wounded Raeve. Upon landing at the Imperial Stronghold, Veya greets them but her joy turns to shock when she discovers the blood-covered female in Kaan's arms. After seeing Raeve's face and the málmr draped around her neck, Veya realizes the significance of the discovery. Kaan rushes through the fortress halls to find Agni, the skilled mender, and they bring Raeve to the feasting hall. Agni determines that Raeve's skull is fissured and requires immediate care. When Pyrok enters and sees Raeve's face, he is stunned, noting her resemblance to Elluin Neván, someone believed dead. Kaan reveals that Raeve has no recollection of her past life and knows herself only by her middle name—a fact that troubles everyone present. Veya attacks Kaan in fury, striking him repeatedly before Grihm restrains her. She demands answers about how Raeve came to wear Tookah Trial garb and questions what happened during a trial. Kaan reveals that Hock, another male in the trial, is dead—killed by someone, though not by Raeve herself. Veya's recognition of the málmr and Kaan's protective stance makes clear the gravity of the situation. As Agni prepares to perform the delicate surgery on Raeve's skull, Veya presses Kaan about the implications of Raeve's Neván blood and the danger posed by Tyroth discovering her presence. Kaan acknowledges the risks but refuses to discuss strategy in the moment. When Veya questions whether he fears Raeve will remember someone else and abandon him again, referencing a note, Kaan responds with a declaration that he will help Raeve discover her truth and make her own choices, regardless of the outcome. Veya warns him that Raeve, having endured such trauma, likely carries deep dragonflame that could consume her, and he must tread carefully. Kaan departs the hall with Grihm, troubled by the weight of what lies ahead.

Characters

  • KaanReturns to the Imperial Stronghold with critically wounded Raeve, urgently seeks medical care for her, and grapples with the revelation of her true identity and past.
  • RaeveArrives unconscious and severely wounded with a fissured skull; is revealed to resemble Elluin Neván and wears Kaan's málmr; undergoes emergency treatment from Agni.
  • RygunKaan's dragon; provides urgent flight to the Stronghold, roaring in welcome upon arrival, then departs to bathe and rest.
  • VeyaKaan's sister; greets their arrival, discovers Raeve's identity, becomes emotionally distraught, attacks Kaan in anger, and warns him of the dangers ahead regarding Raeve's power and past.
  • AgniSkilled mender who diagnoses Raeve's fissured skull, begins emergency surgical treatment, and directs others to assist with her care.
  • PyrokClears the feasting hall of others, assists Agni with medical preparation, recognizes Raeve's resemblance to Elluin Neván, and helps manage Raeve during treatment.
  • GrihmLarge, silent warrior who restrains Veya when she attacks Kaan and accompanies Kaan as he departs the hall.
  • PahReferenced as a deceased former ruler whose head Kaan tore from his shoulders; loved the black ukkah blooms that now grow on the Stronghold.
  • MahReferenced as someone who loved the black ukkah blooms decorating the Stronghold.
  • RoanMentioned as absent, currently in Bothaim researching a book for additional unpublished pages.
  • BheaMentioned as Agni's sister, noted to have fewer accolades than Agni.
  • HockMale from the Tookah Trial who is now dead, killed during the trial involving Raeve.
  • Elluin NevánThe true identity of Raeve, revealed to have been thought dead; possesses Neván blood and is connected to Tyroth.
  • TyrothReferenced as a dangerous figure with Neván blood who would pose a significant threat if he learns of Raeve's survival and location.
  • The High Chancellor of The FadeReferenced in anecdote as someone Raeve insulted at her murder hearing.