Chapter Thirty-Five: Beaten to the Kill

Solineus navigates Istinjoln’s tense silence on the twentieth of Yistole, noting doubled guards and sealed exits post-Ulrikt’s reported death, thwarting his assassination plan. Seeking answers, he finds Lelishen’s pilgrim ruse failing with priests, when Eliles, Ilpen’s distressed friend, collides with him, revealing Ulrikt’s explosive death and Dareun’s confession. Stunned his target is “dead,” Solineus comforts her, summoning Ilpen, then retreats to the storehouses. There, he interrupts Lelishen’s plea to a monk, disclosing Ulrikt’s fate, prompting her to drop her facade. Admitting she’s a Trelelunin sent by the Edan to observe the Eve, Lelishen’s shock at Solineus’ eler imosta greeting—“Uvolum, lorebol kellis”—reveals his deeper roots. He confesses his mission from a dream woman, confirmed by a sailor, but Lelishen can’t aid a “dead” man’s killer, leaving Solineus reeling with fragmented identity and purpose as priests approach.

EoS Chapter 34 — Ambush Choke
EoS Chapter 36 — Barred from the Stars

Eve of Snows — Full Chapter Listing