The Faithful and the Fallen discussion

This chapter opens with Pendathran returning the surviving brigand from the Baglun to Queen Alona as Brenin is at the kings council.

Cywen and Corban were loitering in the courtyard trying to get a clear story.


The healer Brina is sent for, a witch that devours souls if Dath is to be believed. As Brina walks through the feast-hall doors Cywen darts forward to snatch a peak and catches Edana's eye. At great personal risk Edana sneaks Cy and Ban in and takes them to her room, from where they can listen in on Pendathrans report.

In this report we learn a few things, such as Alona had wished for more brought back alive to meet the King's justice. Pendathran explains that he had tried but as his men began to fall it became apparent that it could not be achieved. He credits their victory and the return of the prisoner to the two newcomers. Hallion a natural leader and Conall, an apparent match for Tull. An attempt is made by Pendathran to find out more information about the brothers but Alona explains that Brenin swore an oath to secrecy and so there was no point in digging for he was an honourable man.

Brina's presence was needed as the prisoner had a hole in between his ribs and she was tasked with bringing him back to health.

After the meeting Edana, Cywen and Corban find themselves at a loose end and so Corban suggest they go visit his new colt. On their way they encounter Dath, he has a bruised cheek and claims he fell. After some probing from the others he admits that his father had hit him whilst in his cups, saying Dath reminded him of Dath's mother (she had passed away)

On their way to Corban's colt the group run into Rafe, it doesn't take long for Rafe to start needling them. He is bragging about the quality of the practice sword he had stolen from Corban, then he comments on Dath's face and insults his family. Edana removes her hood and warns Rafe that secrets about his own family may find the light of day if he continues.

Cywen and Dath are trying to talk Rafe into returning Ban's sword when Rafe suggests a test of courage. If ge can bring him a trophy from Brina's cottage he would return his sword. Ban's friends think this ridiculous and are arguing the point when Corban says "I'll do it..."