Chapter 62: Darrow: The Tyrants’ Debris
Summary
- Black Owls usher Darrow, Diomedes, and Cassius into a war room where a map of Ilium is displayed.
- Athena and Aurae are present in the room; Athena shares her tragic past, revealing that her clan's uprising was manipulated by a Krypteia operation.
- Athena admits to becoming a terrorist and questions whether Atlas au Raa is behind the Obsidian armada's move towards Europa.
- Athena asks Darrow if he has the ability to shatter Atlas's control, and then the room plunges into darkness.
- Ares's voice echoes in the darkness with a speech about unity and rebellion against tyrants.
- Sevro reveals himself as the source of the blackout, wearing the Twilight Helm, and gives a speech about Ares's legacy and the importance of togetherness.
- Sevro reminds Darrow and the others of the need for unity, fighting together as Ares's successors.
- He calls for an end to internal conflicts and for everyone to embrace their roles in the struggle.
- Athena requests Darrow's plan to combat the Obsidian threat.
- Darrow proposes to focus on assassinating Fá, the Obsidian army's champion, to destabilize their forces.
- Sevro hints at a risky plan, and Darrow discusses using a challenge duel, known as an ashvar, to draw out Fá.
- Athena decides to commute Darrow's sentence following Sevro's speech and the earlier conversation about Atlas.
- Athena hands over the weapon Pyrphoros to Darrow and demands a sworn oath that after completing his mission, he will return it and accept his sentence.
- Darrow swears the oath in the name of his son, Pax, and receives affirmation regarding Cassius's and Diomedes's loyalties.
- Diomedes is presented with a document proposing the abolition of hierarchical rule, which Athena expects him to champion.
- Athena and Aurae pressure Diomedes to swear an oath to advocate for the abolishment of the hierarchy as a condition of their alliance.
- Diomedes questions his position, but ultimately concedes under the belief in his honor and character, and agrees to the terms.
- Athena commits to opening the sealifts, providing refuge for the people, and allowing Diomedes to join arms with Darrow against Fá and Atlas, should he swear his oath.