by Davis Ashura
Before Rukh can approach the Bael, he captures a Blended woman who suddenly manifests by his side. Her appearance is staggering. Women do not ever join the Trials, so she should not be in the Wildness. But even more shocking is the woman's features. She is obviously a ghrina, a child of two Castes. No such individual has ever been known to survive to adulthood since they are universally banished from the cities upon birth. They are thought to die in the Wildness, but given this woman's presence, it is obviously an incorrect assumption.
Some of the confusion is cleared when Rukh is finally able to speak to Li-Dirge. From the Bael, he learns of the great Kumma warrior, Hume, and the death of Hume's home, the city of Hammer. Rukh discovers how Hume had instructed Suwraith's commanders in the ideals of fraternity, and in the centuries following, the Baels had worked as best they could to disrupt Suwraith's plans.
And the ghrina woman, Jessira Grey, turns out to be a scout from Stronghold, a hidden city of her kind—OutCastes as they call themselves. She and her brothers, Cedar and Lure, had also been tracking the same Chimeras that had destroyed the Trial to Nestle.
During all this, Suwraith finds a way to rid Herself of Her madness. The unceasing complaints of Her dead Parents and Mistress Arisa, a terrifying voice that only She hears, are silenced. The Queen pours Her insanity into the minds of Her children, the Chimeras—all except the Baels. By doing so, Suwraith regains Her sanity, realizes the truth, and discovers Her betrayal at the hands of Her commanders. She sees them speaking to Humans and is enraged.
However, before She can act, She notices Her Chimeras killing one another in violent abandon. It is because of Her madness poured into them. Reluctantly, the Sorrow Bringer takes back Her insanity and as a result, loses Her memories and regains the unwanted voices of Her dead Parents and the fearsome Mistress Arisa. Confusion overwhelms Suwraith's mind, but She remembers enough. She still knows the truth about the Baels, and She thunders from the sky, intent on destroying them.
Li-Dirge and his brother Baels are gathered with the Humans, joyful that the ideals to which their ancestors had held, are finally being realized. Rukh believes them. For the first time since Hume, a Human understands the truth of the Baels' situation. It is a momentous event, and Li-Dirge even tells Rukh about the location of the Chimera breeding caverns—the place where Suwraith helps birth Her hordes. All the breeds of Chimera require Suwraith's direct intervention in order to procreate—the cat-like Tigons, dog-like Ur-Fels, snake-like Braids, and elephant-sized Balants. Only the Baels, born mysteriously and unexpectedly from the placid, dull Bovars, do not require Suwraith's touch. However, in the midst of their jubilation, the Baels realize that Suwraith has discovered their centuries-long deception.
Suwraith comes to annihilate all Her Baels, but just before the Sorrow Bringer carries out Her attack, Rukh and the other Humans are urged to flee. They do so, escaping Suwraith's clutches by the barest of margins, but Dirge and his fellow Baels—the entire command of the Eastern Plague of Continent Ember—are destroyed.
Before Rukh and the others can take stock of their situation, they are attacked by two Shylows, the giant, deadly cats of the Hunters Flats. In the ensuing battle, Jessira's brother Lure, and Rukh's friends, Keemo and Brand, are killed. Farn is gravely injured and he and Cedar, Jessira's other brother, go missing. Rukh escapes with a young Bael, Li-Choke, and an injured Jessira.
Meanwhile in Ashoka, Rukh's brother, Jaresh, is accused of murdering Suge Wrestiva, a thug and degenerate who also happens to be the only living son of Hal'El Wrestiva, the ruling 'El of House Shektan's most bitter rival. The situation is even more clouded because Jaresh is of Caste Sentya but was adopted by Dar'El and Satha Shektan into House Shektan. Such an adoption is unprecedented and many Kummas are still troubled by the situation.
As a result, when Hal'El calls for a tribunal to have Jaresh judged with the Slash of Iniquity—a death penalty—his petition is granted by the Chamber of the Lords, Caste Kumma's governing body. During the ensuing trial, Jaresh's sister, Bree, discovers that Suge was secretly a snowblood addict and convinces the Chamber to decide in Jaresh's favor.
Later, a meeting of the Sil Lor Kum, the Hidden Hand of Justice—Suwraith's Human worshippers—is convened in Ashoka. The SuDin, their leader, tells the other members of the Council of Rule, the MalDins, of Suwraith's plans for Ashoka. He displays the Withering Knife, a mythical weapon said to steal Jivatma. It may also be the means through which the Sorrow Bringer can overcome Ashoka's Oasis, the mystical barrier around the city that has proven impenetrable to Her might for two millennia.
Shortly after this meeting of the Council of Rule, the first murder utilizing the Withering Knife is discovered. The victim is Felt Barnel, and his corpse is withered and desiccated, as if all the water was removed from his body.
Dar'El is deeply troubled by the murder and tasks Jaresh, Bree, and Mira Terrell——the daughter of one of House Shektan's councilors—with discovering the truth about the Withering Knife. In the course of their investigations, another victim is found murdered. This one is of Caste Cherid, Aqua Oilhue. Rector Bryce, a member of the City Watch, realizes that the murderer has to be of Caste Kumma, and he joins the other three in their search for information on the Withering Knife.
Jaresh is paired with Mira, and the two of them search the Cellar, the City Library's lowest floors where the oldest records are kept, while Bree and Rector look for the information in other locations. The work proves frustrating and drags on for weeks. Eventually, it is Jaresh who discovers a code within the journal of a caravan master—a leader of a Trial—and a known member of the Sil Lor Kum. The cypher confirms the existence of the Withering Knife as well as the physical markers it leaves on its victims. They are identical to those found on Felt Barnel and Aqua Oilhue.
During all this, Rukh and Jessira, having been thrown together, are forced to overcome a lifetime of prejudice and indoctrination as they make their way to Ashoka. They come to share a deep friendship, but Jessira's wounds from the battle with the Shylow are stealing her life. The wounds fester and grow infected. Jessira is dying, and can only be saved if she can teach Rukh her knowledge of Healing. It is another Talent not of his Caste, one mastered by Shiyens, and he is unable to learn what Jessira tries to teach him.
It is then, as Jessira lies dying, that another Shylow, a female calico named Aia, walks into their camp. Rukh is prepared to lay down his life in Jessira's defense, but the cat simply stares at him, and *speaks* into his mind. It is a shocking revelation, and at first, Rukh fears he is going mad. Aia convinces him otherwise.
She is rare for her kind, able to speak to those who aren't Kesarins—the name Shylows call themselves—and as a result, quite curious about Humans. She is especially fascinated by Rukh. Aia has been following him and Jessira since before they had exited the Hunters Flats, wondering as to why he was taking such exquisite care of someone who wasn't close kin.
His notions of brotherhood and compassion captivate Aia, and she asks why he doesn't Heal Jessira. When she learns that Rukh lacks the knowledge, the Kesarin reaches into Jessira's mind and shares it with him. Aia leaves then, vowing to see Rukh again.
As a result of the Kesarin's help, Rukh is able to stave off Jessira's infected injuries, and the two of them continue on to Ashoka where she is fully Healed of her wounds. Afterward, they make their way to the House Seat where Rukh is joyfully reunited with his family. He makes a full report on what has happened to him, including his Talents of Blending and Healing to the House Council. Also present during Rukh's account is Rector Bryce, who has always been unforgiving and certain of that which he considers immoral. Rector is unwilling to accept Rukh's new abilities. As a result of his attitude, Dar'El and the rest of the House Council re-examine the Watch captain's role in the search for the Withering Knife murderer.
Rukh's account of his actions in the Wildness is also explained to the Magisterium, Ashoka's governing body. Though few of the Magistrates are willing to believe the Baels are the
ir allies, the decision is made to act upon Li-Dirge's information and send an expeditionary force to the Chimera caverns. Their goal will be simple: the extermination of all Chimera breeders. Rukh is chosen as one of the warriors for the coming expedition, and he throws himself into his work.
As the preparation for the expedition continues, the SuDin of the Sil Lor Kum turns out to be Hal'El Wrestiva. He and his Rahail lover, Varesea Apter, a fellow MalDin in the Sil Lor Kum, share a sinful relationship, one that would call for their execution were it ever discovered. But Varesea and Hal'El are undaunted. They love one another, and they decide to kill her abusive husband, Slathtril Apter, with the Withering Knife as their first step in being together.
Rukh is able to examine the site of Slathtril Apter's murder and realizes that two people were involved in the killing. He recognizes that the victim knew his murderers, and that the Kumma in question had to have come from one of three Houses.
As for Jessira, she is alone in the city but comes to view the Purebloods in a more positive light. Always before, she had been dismissive and sneering of Rukh's people, but seeing the beauty and culture of Ashoka, she begins to change her mind. And in some ways, Jessira's presence stimulates a change in the city's own harsh attitudes toward the OutCastes, those traditionally called ghrinas. It is a subtle difference.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Rukh, forces conspire in the shadows to have him declared Unworthy and exiled from Ashoka. Dar'El senses these hidden enemies and knows they will likely learn of Rukh's Talents—it was a mistake to trust Rector Bryce—and bring Rukh down in order to hurt House Shektan. Dar'El concocts a scheme to keep Rukh safe: have him go with Jessira to her home of Stronghold rather than simply be cast out in the cold.
In order to do so, he needs Bree's help to trick both Rukh and Jessira. His plan works, and Rukh and Jessira, friends already, are seen in public in what might be considered a romantic circumstance. Rukh's fate is sealed by a late-night stroll with Jessira through Dryad Park.
The time approaches for the expedition to the caverns to leave the city, and a few days beforehand, Rukh learns of Jaresh's possible romantic feelings toward Mira Terrell. Ironically, Rukh is unaware of his own perceived relationship with Jessira, and he confronts his adopted brother and orders him to break off all contact with Mira.
Jaresh does so, telling Mira they can't work together anymore. She hears what he's really saying and surprises him by kissing him on the lips. Given the prohibition against a man and a woman of two different Castes even touching one another, her expression is a bold declaration of her feelings for Jaresh—as well as a sign of farewell.
Rukh's departure to the caverns takes place, and early on, he tells the commanders of his new Talents. They are disgusted by what he can do, considering him a naaja—Tainted—and the information spreads to the rest of the warriors, who share their commanders revulsion. The expedition travels through the Hunters Flats, and Rukh's diminished status dims further when Aia enters the camp and Rukh is forced to explain her presence.
There are too many changes for the other members of the expedition to accept, and Rukh is essentially thrust out of the brotherhood of warriors. He is forced to work alone, left intentionally vulnerable and exposed with no one to guard his back. Rukh perseveres, but even in the caverns—which are exactly where Li-Dirge said they would be—he is left to fend for himself.
His situation is dire, but somehow Rukh survives. He even comes across Li-Choke and the last few Baels of the Eastern Plague to survive Suwraith's pogrom. He leads Choke and the others to safety where they can make their way to the Hunters Flats and, as promised by Aia, find shelter amongst the Kesarins.
Following the battle, Rukh's ability to Heal proves essential. He is able to keep dozens of warriors alive during the long march back to Ashoka. His selfless devotion to the lives of others slowly changes the opinions of his fellow warriors. They acknowledge his service with gratitude, and even Rukh's greatest enemy amongst them, his direct commanding officer, Lieutenant Danslo, comes to appreciate and respect all that Rukh can do.
After weeks of emotional toil, Rukh finally sees hope for the future. If his brother warriors of the expedition can look past their prejudices and accept Rukh, then why not all of Ashoka?
It is a short-lived hope.
Days after leaving the city, the Chamber of Lords had met and—just as Dar'El had feared—judged Rukh Unworthy. He is to be exiled. Jessira learns of this just prior to her own departure from Ashoka, and she agrees to delay her leave-taking. She will wait for Rukh's return and lead him to Stronghold.
When the expedition to the caverns returns, she meets it a day short of Ashoka and informs Rukh of what has happened. He will never be allowed to enter his home again.
Rukh is heartbroken and prepares to leave with Jessira for Stronghold, but before he can do so, the warriors of the expedition honor him the Champion's salute. It is their apology for what they now recognize as their wrongful treatment of him during the long march to the Chimera caverns.
Jessira leads Rukh away from the expedition. Later, she apologizes for her role in his situation and reaches to console him. They share a deep, but confusing, kiss before she pulls away, and Rukh follows her west.
That evening, as they set up camp, Jessira is conflicted by what she has done. She feels the kiss was a mistake because she is engaged to Disbar Merdant, someone she's known since childhood. While she likes Rukh, any feelings she has for him can't be acted upon. Thankfully, Rukh feels the same way. He understands her situation, but just as importantly, Kummas don't infringe upon someone already in a serious relationship.
As they begin their travels, Jessira tells Rukh about Stronghold. He learns that the city was founded by fifty-five survivors of Hammer's Fall, a small group of Sentyas, Duriahs, Cherids, Shiyens, Murans, and Rahails, but no Kummas. More surprising, though, is the fact that the survivors of Hammer's Fall were saved by Hume, the legendary warrior who would go on to teach the Baels of fraternity. As a result, the OutCastes revere him, even holding a martial tournament in his name—the Trials of Hume.
The fifty-five eventually founded Stronghold within the heart of Mount Fort in the Privation Mountains. It is a city like any other with certain occupations holding greater status than others—such as farmers and craftsmen being valued above simple laborers. However, there is one important distinction: Stronghold doesn't have an Oasis. As a result, the OutCastes prize secrecy above all else. They have to if they wish to survive
Rukh takes all this in and hopes that he can find a position in Stronghold's army as a warrior, something Jessira assures him will not be a problem.
Weeks into the Privations, Rukh and Jessira are tracked and attacked by a band of Chimeras—a nest of Ur-Fels and a claw of Tigons. Rukh's thoughts go black during the battle. He takes reckless risks, essentially courting death and willing to die.
Jessira, initially furious with his actions, quickly comes to recognize the deep depression Rukh has fallen into. She's experienced something like this herself, and she tells Rukh a personal story of horrifying betrayal by someone she trusted. Rukh listens, knowing all the while that he can't go on as he has and eventually speaks of his own pain.
And watching the battle is a young Tigon named Chak-Soon, the leader of the Chimeras that had attacked Rukh and Jessira. He witnesses the carnage from a nearby bluff, and after the clash's conclusion, he begs for Suwraith's attention, the being he knows as Mother Lienna.
She answers Chak-Soon's call. When She learns that a single Human had killed a claw of Tigons and a large nest of Ur-Fels, She is convinced that it must be the acts of Hume, the dreaded warrior of Hammer. How the Sorrow Bringer had learned of him, is unknown, but Her mind, briefly sane when She had learned of Her betrayal at the hands of Her Baels, is obviously confused and cluttered once more. Suwraith orders Chak-Soon to scour the Privations and kill Hume. She promises to supply him with all he will need to carry out this task.
After the meeting with Chak-Soo
n, Suwraith continues to find Herself deluded. She cannot distinguish the past from the present, and the lamenting cries of Her Mother and Father persist, as does the needling horror of Mistress Arisa. It reaches a boiling point, and once again, Suwraith pours Her insanity into Her children. This time, She finds a means to permanently banish much of Her madness.
For the first time in millennia, She is able to plan.
First, Suwraith sends a blizzard scouring through a valley in the Privation Mountains. It is meant to kill the Human who Chak-Soon had seen. Next, She sends for Li-Shard, the SarpanKum of the Western Plague and orders him east to assume control of the Eastern Plague. After Her murder of Li-Dirge and his Baels, the Eastern Plague had been turned over to the incompetent command of the Tigons. It is about to tear itself apart.
And finally, Suwraith recaptures Li-Choke, the Bael who had escaped the destruction of Dirge's command and, through Rukh's help, the abattoir of the Chimera breeding caverns. He and several other eastern Baels had been living quiet lives in the Hunters Flats. All of them but Choke are ripped apart by Suwraith, and She offers him a simple choice: serve Her or see every Bael in Arisa destroyed. Choke bends knee and, by Her orders, takes command of Chak-Soon and a number of Chimeras. They are to journey to Hammer and kill the Human who destroyed Chak-Soon's Tigons and Ur-Fels.
Meanwhile, back in Ashoka, Rector Bryce thinks himself noble. It was he who exposed Rukh's new Talents to House Shektan's foes. Rector learns to his folly that Dar'El Shektan is a man who will swiftly repay such betrayal. Dar'El knows a secret about Rector's family, one that would see them ruined: Rector's great-grandfather had been of the Sil Lor Kum. To keep such devastating information secret, Rector reluctantly agrees to do as Dar'El orders: spy on House Shektan's greatest enemy, Hal'El Wrestiva, and find a means to ruin him.
Rector is paired with Mira and is expected to report any findings to her. It is a situation neither of them like. Rector thinks Mira is arrogant and possibly Tainted while Mira thinks Rector is a self-righteous hypocrite. Nevertheless, they end up working well together.