Chapter 85: Darrow: Dusk and Dawn

Summary

• Nivalnight approaches, and Darrow is preoccupied with thoughts of Cassius, who is with Lysander on the Lightbringer, a heavily damaged ship.
• Darrow is escorted by Gaia’s Dustwalkers across Plutus’s skyway to a meeting with Gaia and Diomedes.
• They move past a vast refugee camp and a great statue of Demeter, which holds the House of Bounty where a war summit is planned.
• Darrow is troubled by the insignificance of worldly things in the face of endangerment of loved ones.
• At the agricultural offices, Darrow meets Gaia and Diomedes, who are dressed in simple homespun robes.
• The head of Fá is in a box on a chair, and Pyrphoros, a symbolic blade, lies in Gaia’s lap, making Darrow feel protective over its significance.
• Darrow inquires about Cassius and Lysander, receiving no promising news, and expresses concern about being late for the summit.
• Despite the war, Gaia reminisces about the historical meetings at the House of Bounty related to agriculture rather than conflict.
• Darrow suggests the summit could also be a conference for peace, but Gaia bluntly rejects supporting Darrow's alliance plans.
• When Darrow appeals to Diomedes, Gaia insists that Diomedes’s word is bound to the Dominion’s interests and not personal promise.
• Darrow realizes Gaia will not oppose Atlas, who is responsible for widespread death; to Darrow's shock, Gaia already knows of this.
• At a point of despair, Darrow confronts Gaia about the repercussions of her silence and the duty to her people.
• Gaia rationalizes the hierarchy and structure of society, dismissing Darrow’s ideas of democracy and the Republic.
• Gaia reveals her acceptance of her son Atlas's actions due to her dedication to the hierarchy, despite personal costs.
• Diomedes, presented with his duty to the hierarchy, is expected to kill Darrow in accordance with Gaia’s orders.
• A technicality concerning guest rights arises, as Darrow has not eaten bread, which would have granted him protection.
• Diomedes then surprises everyone by kneeling and handing the weapon, Pyrphoros, to Gaia, suggesting she fulfill her duty by killing him.
• He declares his allegiance to dismantling the hierarchy and changing their society, shocking Gaia. Diomedes refuses to sustain a lie.
• Gaia grapples with Diomedes's defiance and ultimately surrenders, emotionally overwhelmed by his conviction.
• Diomedes asks for Gaia's support at the summit. Gaia initially resists but agrees not to oppose him, expressing pride in his growth.
• As they prepare to leave for the summit, Darrow comments on the onset of nivalnight, and Diomedes shows hope that Cassius and Lysander will join them.