rites-of-passage

The narrator, a young prince named Kinnall, recounts his departure from his native province of Salla to Glin to avoid potential conflict with his brother Stirron, who has become septarch. He carefully orchestrates the transfer of his wealth to avoid suspicion and seeks formal permission from Stirron to leave, revealing tensions and mistrust between the brothers amid political instability and personal insecurities. The chapter explores Kinnall's youthful naivety, the burdens of power on Stirron, and the precariousness of royal relationships.

The narrator and Noim prepare to depart on a journey to Glin, facing uncertain and harsh weather conditions. Halum, a close bondsister figure, gives a deeply emotional and unexpectedly passionate farewell, revealing complex feelings and tensions in their relationships. Despite the intensity of the moment, the narrator maintains restraint, highlighting the conflict between societal norms and personal desires.

The protagonist is brought to a luxurious chamber, bathed, dressed in fine clothes, and prepared to meet the High Justice, Segvord, who offers him a low-status clerkship despite his royal lineage. The protagonist learns that his bondsister Halum is on holiday and unmarried, and that rumors of his death were widespread. He reflects on his fall from royal status and the pragmatic need to succeed on merit in Manneran society, despite the irony of leveraging connections born of his birthright.

In this chapter, Gleameil insists on accompanying Maskull to Swaylone's Island, drawn by an irresistible music that she cannot explain. Polecrab reluctantly accepts her departure, acknowledging the mysterious force calling her away, while their children express complex emotions about their mother's journey. Maskull and Gleameil set off on a raft propelled by a natural current, leaving behind the familiar landscape as they approach the enigmatic island.