ToP Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen: Crowning Tree

Solineus journeys deeper into the Eleris, marveling at Eternal Oaks, Life-sculpted platforms, and glowing stones, culminating at the awe-inspiring Crowning Tree—a massive, glowing oak said to mirror one in the Father Wood. Guided by Lelishen, he enters its stair-filled interior, meeting Lord Chancellor Fesele Lesedreden, Inslok Harveredan (the Volvrolan’s Sword), Limereu Lesedreden, and an unnamed Trelelunin, Glimdrem. Solineus requests Edan aid for Silone asylum on the Blooded Plain and knowledge to combat the Shadows of Man. Fesele reveals the Shadows, bred by the Dontopuor during the God Wars, are vulnerable to water and Elemental weapons like Solineus’s Ikorov swords and Ivin’s Latcu blade, but such artifacts are rare, and no other weaknesses are documented. The Oxeum Codex, potentially holding answers to closing Celestial Gates, is missing since Uvin Lo’s death at the Vale of Resting Winds, and the Mother of Shadow’s entry would spark a catastrophic war, though her initial gate-opening failed. The Edan refuse direct intervention, citing treaty strains with the Hundred Nations, and Inslok demands an unspecified offer for peace negotiations. Granted a night to strategize, Solineus, frustrated by vague answers and the Edan’s neutrality, grapples with crafting a proposal to secure their support, aware the Codex and the Shadow threat loom large over the Silone’s survival.

• ToP Chapter 16 — Oaken Splendor
• ToP Chapter 18 — The Mocking Fish
• Trail of Pyres - Main Chapter Listing