Chapter Forty: Pretty Bird Flying

Three days after the Eve of Snows, Meliu rides south with Jinbin, delivering Ulrikt’s sealed scroll to Choerkin Fost, savoring the freedom of the open road after years in Istinjoln’s tunnels. A warden warns of Shadows swarming Istinjoln, spurring their pace, but Meliu delays pushing the ponies, cherishing tranquility amid autumnal beauty. In Amdan, they swap mounts, and Jinbin presses her about Istinjoln’s “demons,” linking them to her Crack of Burdenis scars. Meliu admits the Codex of Sol’s reality but denies deeper knowledge, silencing him as suspicion grows about Ulrikt’s trust in her and Jinbin’s role. Warning the stablehand of northern peril, they ride on, Meliu grappling with Ulrikt’s foresight and her mission’s stakes, urging speed over ale to reach the Fost.

Chapter 39 — Running Wolves
Chapter 41 — Ageless Catacombs of Ages Past

Eve of Snows — Full Chapter Listing