Cuinn, Cathal and Mara inventory the massive hoard of treasure, artifacts, and documents Melehan revealed in the catacombs of the Keep. Of particular interest are many documents affirming that the House once ruled over Taeghas. Melehan's farewell letter, both to his sister Caedwyn, and to Mara, is also found. Furthermore, the amount of money within is substantial enough that they are no longer certain they require outside aid to raise an army.
Mara is haunted by strange dreams in which her former master, Harald Khorien, pleads to know the reason of her betrayal.
A surprise occurs: the unlikely trio of Tashairah, Gwenevier and Dvorak appear, bearing a gift: a historical runestone bearing sigils of the ancient alliance between the Fulcairns and their vassal families, the Haemings and the Morgenstanes. They hint the stone was acquired through less than overt means, and Cuinn states she doesn't wish to know more.
A council is called between the Fulcairns and their vassal houses: the Haemings, the Morgenstanes, the Rhodwalchs, and the Kerendreds. They discuss the political situation, and the heads of the vassal families urge Cuinn to turn down Archduke Boeruine's offer of help, but rather to strike out as Taeghas alone. Cuinn agrees; with the newly discovered trove, they are less reliant on Boeruine's resources. There remains yet the matter of breaking the geass they've sworn to aid the Archduke.
Sir Varyan returns to Fulcairn Keep. Mara avoids him, plagued with guilt over her necromancy. Cuinn is torn between her desire to see him and her growing feeling that the moral compromises required of her as head of the House will drive a wedge between them forever. Cathal quite happily spars with him.
A message bearing the royal seal of the Yngvi arrives. Bound in black cord, it bears ill news; Queen Freila has gone missing and is considered dead. According to tradition, the thanes of Hogunmark will meet and elect a new King or Queen. With news of a war host gathering in southern Rjurik, the reach of the White Witch expanding and the ambitions of the rival thanes once again taking root, House Yngvi is facing dire times.
Mara is haunted by strange dreams in which her former master, Harald Khorien, pleads to know the reason of her betrayal.
A surprise occurs: the unlikely trio of Tashairah, Gwenevier and Dvorak appear, bearing a gift: a historical runestone bearing sigils of the ancient alliance between the Fulcairns and their vassal families, the Haemings and the Morgenstanes. They hint the stone was acquired through less than overt means, and Cuinn states she doesn't wish to know more.
A council is called between the Fulcairns and their vassal houses: the Haemings, the Morgenstanes, the Rhodwalchs, and the Kerendreds. They discuss the political situation, and the heads of the vassal families urge Cuinn to turn down Archduke Boeruine's offer of help, but rather to strike out as Taeghas alone. Cuinn agrees; with the newly discovered trove, they are less reliant on Boeruine's resources. There remains yet the matter of breaking the geass they've sworn to aid the Archduke.
Sir Varyan returns to Fulcairn Keep. Mara avoids him, plagued with guilt over her necromancy. Cuinn is torn between her desire to see him and her growing feeling that the moral compromises required of her as head of the House will drive a wedge between them forever. Cathal quite happily spars with him.
A message bearing the royal seal of the Yngvi arrives. Bound in black cord, it bears ill news; Queen Freila has gone missing and is considered dead. According to tradition, the thanes of Hogunmark will meet and elect a new King or Queen. With news of a war host gathering in southern Rjurik, the reach of the White Witch expanding and the ambitions of the rival thanes once again taking root, House Yngvi is facing dire times.
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