Chapter Twenty-Two: Click Stick[edit | edit source]

At Rôemhîik, Ivin coaches Alu during a sparring match against Mondlin Ulthar, urging her to strike his helm decisively, which she does, earning respect from the Mulharth warriors. As a 30,000-strong Malstefnê army approaches, Morik alerts Ivin to a complication: Rûîrn Frâbor Silverwheel, leading 2,000 Tûrûrôt warriors, seeks passage through the Rôemhîen Pass to aid the southern expedition but faces opposition from Ôlisbenar the Razer. Ivin agrees to meet Ôlisbenar, accompanied by Morik, Frâbor, and their escorts, a half horizon from the wall. Ôlisbenar, arriving alone in flamboyant attire, demands proof that Tûrûrôt’s forces won’t join the Silone, rejecting Frâbor’s assurances and threatening slaughter if they pass, dismissing the Eight Kingdoms’ retaliation as too distant. Ivin’s offer of his own head is rebuffed, and Ôlisbenar’s cryptic proverb about a warrior’s blood and a king’s sweat hints at a possible resolution, though Frâbor warns it’s a distracting ploy. Recognizing the Malstefnê’s superior numbers, Ivin accepts Frâbor’s decision to seek an alternate southern route via goat trails, avoiding conflict. Morik reaffirms Helmveline’s commitment to the wall, leaving Ivin to hold it against Ôlisbenar’s looming siege, pinning hopes on the Malstefnê’s war-weariness and Kinesee’s diplomatic mission to the Helelindin for additional support, as the threat of war tests his resolve and strategic alliances.

WoG Chapter 21 — Mother Secrets
WoG Chapter 23 — Fresh Flesh
Whispers of Ghosts — Main Chapter Listing