The Faithful and the Fallen discussion

Our second POV is a young man called Veradis (Son of Lamar, Baron of Ripa). When we meet him he is riding in his brother's (Krelis) warband, escorting a Vin Thalun raider to Jerolin to be interrogated by Aquilus, King of Tenebral.

When the prisoner is brought before the king we meet some other royals: Fidele, the queen and a figure shrouded in shadow is stood behind them.

The prisoner is questioned by Aquilus. He holds his silence until he is threatened with persuasion.

We learn his name is Deinon and that he has history in the Vin Thalun pits. Krelis has told Deinon that he will live if he gives information.

He tells of a meeting taking place in Tenebral. Vin Thalun only rarely attack the coast so it's most unusual for them to be inland. He speaks of a man called Lykos.

We are told that Lykos was a young warlord Among the Vin Thalun. One by one he subdued the three islands, Panos, Nerin and Pelset, defeating their warlords and uniting the Vin Thalun for the first time in their history. Lykos now titled himself King of the Vin Thalun.

We are told Lykos is due to meet one of Aquilus's barons. The figure behind the King then comes forward, keen to put a stop to the meeting. His name is Nathair, Prince of Tenebral.

Once the meeting is done, Aquilus gives Krellis his gratitude and offers him his hospitality. Krellis gives thanks but explains he must return to his father. Before he leaves he mentions to the king that Lamar (his father) ask's if he would take Veradis into his warband for a time, as Krellis once did.

Aquilus explains that his warband is away but his son is gathering good warriors about him, so he shall join Nathair's. Veradis greets Nathair and expresses his honour at being accepted. He can't shake a feeling of being alone though, as his brother rides for Ripa and he is left in an unfamiliar place.

Before the chapter ends Veradis is approached by Jerolin's stablemaster, Valyn. He tells of his fond memories of Krellis during his stay. The two exchange stories over a meal that they take on the battlement wall.

As the chapter closes a rider is approaching. His name is Meical...

Interesting to see how life is different in Tenebral compared to Ardan. It has a sort of Italian feel to it, maybe Roman influences? Especially as it mentions the wine.

It feels like the Vin Thalun aren't the sort to arrange a meeting in enemy territory so all is not what it seems.

You get a sense of the scale of the place as well. It is a "ten-night" ride back for Krelis so Tenebral is obviously a big country.

There was also an interesting distinction for me between Krelis/Veradis and Nathair. The brothers felt more rugged and rough around the edges versus the more refined Nathair and the eagle-guards.

Again this serves to show the cultural differences, even within the same country - further evidence by Veradis' feelings of being along. This is in contrast again with Ardan in Chapter 1 and of course the Vin Thalun. Lots of places and lots of different types of people already.

And the end of the chapter is just plain intriguing!

Tom wrote: "You get a sense of the scale of the place as well. It is a "ten-night" ride back for Krelis so Tenebral is obviously a big country.

There was also an interesting distinction for me between Krelis..."

You're absolutely right about the brothers/Nathair. Krelis seems the type to put Veradis in a headlock.

The whole kilt thing made me think of the Scottish (despite kilts coming in much later than Braveheart would have us believe), but as I read on - as said above - it felt more like provincial Rome to me. Like outlying provincial nobles visiting a Roman city.

This chapter has opened up the intrigue for me.