ToP Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two: New Fost

Kinesee, aboard the Silver Lady en route to New Fost on the Blooded Plain, wrestles with grief over her lost family, her memories of Solineus tainted by nightmares of Shadows. Lady Tedeu’s rigorous education in letters and history distracts her, though Kinesee finds solace in moments with Leto, teasing him relentlessly despite his attempts at kindness, while Maro’s constant guard underscores lingering clan distrust. Observing an empty coastline, Kinesee correctly guesses they near the Blooded Plain, confirmed when they reach New Fost’s crowded waters, devoid of Luxun ships, dashing hopes of reuniting with Solineus. Onshore after dark, an ambush erupts as they disembark, targeting Kinesee, not Tedeu as she initially believes. Maro and Leto shield her, with Alu wielding their great-grandfather’s sword to kill an attacker, while clan assassins—likely tied to northern grudges against the Emudar—fall to the Ravinrins’ defense. Safe in Tedeu’s tent, Kinesee learns the attack aimed for her, possibly linked to her new Mikjehemlut identity, shattering her sense of security. Clutching her enchanted pearl, she longs for Solineus, grappling with fear and betrayal in a new land, as Tedeu vows to interrogate survivors to uncover the plot’s roots, leaving Kinesee to face an uncertain, targeted future.

• ToP Chapter 21 — Star Talk
• ToP Chapter 23 — Red Peacock
• Trail of Pyres - Main Chapter Listing