Chapter 67

The protagonist returns home to Dhomm after a month-long journey, having dropped Grihm at Gondragh to attempt stealing a dragon egg. He finds Pyrok waiting and learns that Raeve—a woman from his past who died and has somehow returned—is still in the settlement, buying supplies and asking about him. Spotting her on the shore collecting shells near Rygun's hutch, he confronts the painful reality that she occupies his thoughts despite their tragic history.

The protagonist arrives at Dhomm and is greeted by Pyrok, learning that Veya has not yet returned from her journey. He explains that he left Grihm at Gondragh to steal an egg from the Great Silver Sabersythe, a decision Grihm insisted on making alone. In his office, the protagonist surveys the charred walls—remnants of burning his late father Pah's memorabilia after storming the Stronghold. He begins sorting through approximately fifty crushed larks (messages) accumulated during his thirty-day absence, including one from Krove about a huttlecrab quota overdue by twenty cycles. When Pyrok mentions that Raeve is still in the settlement, the protagonist initially tries to ignore the topic, but Pyrok reveals she has been seen at markets purchasing leather, soap, poultice, towels, and other supplies—suggesting she is settling in rather than leaving. Pyrok adds that Raeve asked a merchant if they had seen the King around. The protagonist grimly recalls that the last Great Flurrt celebration he attended with Raeve was before he left to rebuild a village; he returned to find her dead body being carried skyward by her dragon. Despite his pain and resistance, the protagonist steps onto his balcony and uses a seeing scope to observe Raeve on the rocky shore near Rygun's hutch, barefoot and collecting shells in a basket, her gaze lingering toward the dragon's dwelling. The chapter ends with the protagonist acknowledging his helpless emotional attachment to her.