Chapter Two: The Lonely Scar[edit | edit source]

Eliles, a twelfth-year postulant hiding feral magic, awaits her final trial in Istinjoln’s Hall of Trials. The chapter opens with Maevu, a scarred and low-ranked postulant, tortured by Mistress Liermu’s Maimer’s Lash in the Trial of Nineteen Candles. As Maevu struggles to light the seven heaven and twelve hell candles, Eliles secretly uses her forbidden magic to aid her, ensuring Maevu’s success. Eliles then faces her own trial, expecting punishment for her single scar, but Lord Priest Ulrikt intervenes, halting Liermu’s whip. Eliles lights the candles with deceptive ease, drawing awe and suspicion, particularly from Ulrikt, who approves her success. Post-trial, her master Dareun escorts her away, hinting at trouble for her recklessness, while Eliles reflects on her isolation and the Church’s subtle cruelties.

EoS Chapter 01 — Bones for Songs
EoS Chapter 03 — Unseasonable Snows