exhaustion-and-endurance

In this chapter, Cordelia, Gregor, Bothari, and Kly evade Vordarian's forces who are aggressively searching the hills with fast-penta drugs to suppress resistance. They find temporary refuge with hill folk while Kly continues scouting and coordinating efforts to protect Gregor, the young emperor, who is eventually moved to a new hiding place under the care of Armsman Esterhazy. The chapter highlights the tension of the ongoing coup, the dangers posed by Vordarian's troops, and the emotional toll on Cordelia and her companions.