Chapter 50

Raeve explores Kaan's residence, dons new clothing including a hooded robe and boots, encounters two males playing a card game and samples local food, then exits the building where she trades with guards for a dagger. Pyrok, one of the males from inside, volunteers to escort her through the city as she searches for a Curly Quill to sell her stolen candlestick.

Raeve discovers and dresses in black boots, a hooded sheer robe, and a belt from the residence's storage, then ventures into a domed sitting room decorated with an unsettling mosaic ceiling. She finds two large males playing Skripi shards and helps herself to food from their table—trufflin cream (which she dislikes) and fried colk fat crisps (which she enjoys). When asked if she requires anyone killed in exchange for hospitality, she declines but offers a one-time favor to the king who saved her life. She exits via the hallway the redhead indicates. Outside, two stony-faced guards open the double doors, and Raeve steps into intense sunlight, relieved at her apparent freedom. She then approaches guards stationed at the exterior wall wearing dragonscale armor. After learning that nulls at this location are given education options rather than being fed to dragons, she trades with one guard—exchanging a stolen sword for his dagger and sheath, which she secures around her hip. The shirtless redhead from inside, named Pyrok, emerges and offers to escort her through the city. He explains that being seen with him will help her secure better prices when selling the candlestick, though he admits his presence might also alienate merchants whose family members he's been involved with. As they descend toward the city, Pyrok introduces himself and they perform a finger greeting. Raeve reveals she's searching for a Curly Quill, and Pyrok confirms one exists in the city. Raeve plans to sell the candlestick, acquire weapons—particularly Sabersythe scale blades—and locate a carter hutch. She also resolves to obtain crispy black fruits she noticed earlier.