WoG Chapter 73

Chapter Seventy-Three: Braving Fire

Solineus, accompanied by Sîu, transports Ivin from Endelêun through Wiirê and Ilu territories to Mulshahar, securing passage on the Luxun ship Onyoño Fî to Herald’s Watch. Navigating the Parapet Straits, he rows a dinghy through Purdonis Bay’s scalding waters, using a Luxun Bullfrog’s-belly to breathe underwater, and reaches the island’s shore. Leaving Ivin with Artus Choerkin, who reveals they unmasked a Face on the island, Solineus finds Eliles in Skywatch. She confirms Ivin’s soul remains tethered by Sîu’s gem and uses the Sliver of Star to restore his breathing, but warns he’s trapped by the Fire’s barrier. Eliles hints at knowing Solineus’s true identity, mentioning a dragon, Gers’voresh-kûmjotukî, and the Touched, who linked him to the Celestial Gate’s closure and a pre-transformation encounter. At the Salty Frog, Solineus recounts the Silone’s journey, revealing Kinesee’s twins, prompting Ivin’s desire to return, which Eliles confirms is impossible. Departing to avoid entrapment, Solineus rows to Kaludor, guided by a dream to the beach where he awoke years ago. Digging, he uncovers a sentient flamberge, its whorls moving like the Twins. Confronted by Shadows and a Taken, he’s surprised by their restraint, possibly due to the sword or his unique nature. Rowing back to the Onyoño Fî, Solineus contemplates Sîu and future quests, driven by the Lady’s cryptic guidance, his discovery of the blade and the demons’ behavior deepening the mystery of his origins and purpose.

• WoG Chapter 72 — Queen of the Mountain
• WoG Epilogue — The Face of Edeenu of Sudeez
• Whispers of Ghosts — Main Chapter Listing