Chapter Seventy-Eight: Snow Fall[edit | edit source]

Solineus, Morik, and their Helmveliner party navigate the reclusive Ôshô Kingdom, pursuing Seblêsu’s Dark Waters cult toward the Barren Mirror River, believed to be Hîmr’s prison site. The Ôshô, distrustful and insular due to historical enslavement, shun the group, forcing them to rely on sparse rumors of Seblêsu’s two-day lead. A blizzard traps them in a cave, and an avalanche, triggered by a stonebreaker, buries Solineus, who is rescued by Morik after a vision of the Lady. She dismisses the Waystone’s importance to him but praises his loyalty, urging him west to a city of red domes to uncover his past, hinting Hîmr’s existence is best left unknown. In Faldan, an unwelcoming city, they find respite at a lively inn, where Solineus, celebrated with the Giant’s Helm ale ritual, unexpectedly confronts Seblêsu. Amid rising tensions, she claims the Waystone belongs to all Foundations, denying responsibility for the gold-masked attackers and Tanzarêu’s death, blaming Solineus’ pursuit. Both acknowledge Hîmr’s living breath but differ on its implications—she seeks to awaken him, while Solineus warns of divine peril, citing the Silone’s suffering. They agree to a truce, parting with mutual respect but unresolved intentions. Solineus, drunk and battered, opts for peace, toasting fallen comrades and rallying the tavern, aware Seblêsu may strike later.

ToP Chapter 77 — Crooked Finger Black
ToP Chapter 79 — Dark Waters
Trail of Pyres - Main Chapter Listing