Chapter 10: Lysander: Iron Fist

Summary

• Lysander makes a grand entrance to his party on a Pegasus and greets various dignitaries such as Cicero, Horatia, Glirastes, and the Praetorian Guard.
• He arrives on the warship Lightbringer, which he hopes will defy the common belief that only the Carthii can build such vessels.
• Lysander addresses the crowd with a speech noting Mercury's hardships and the ship's history, including its reconstruction after Darrow's defeat.
• His speech is interrupted by the arrival of Tharsus and friends, who arrive dramatically and behave improperly.
• The crowd celebrates as Lysander presents the Lightbringer, and the group performs a rechristening with blood to ward off bad luck.
• The Lightbringer successfully takes off, a symbolic victory for Lysander, demonstrating a new power rising in their society.
• Horatia and Glirastes are given credit for the ship, which boosts their status compared to the other guests at the party.
• As the party continues, Lysander's interaction with Pallas au Grecca, a racer, hints at political undercurrents and future conflicts.
• An urgent message reveals an explosion at the Dockyards of Venus, escalating tensions and posing political challenges.
• Lysander maneuvers politically to manage the crisis, including convincing Valeria au Carthii to ally with him.
• The arrival of Atlas, the Fear Knight, marks a turning point as he executes Apollonius's brother Tharsus using the Iron Fist, a symbol of the Dictator's power.
• Atlas formally summons Lysander to the summit on Earth, forcing him to comply or risk open rebellion.
• Lysander reveals a contingency plan involving Valeria au Carthii before leaving with Atlas, entrusting his allies to execute their strategy.
• Lysander is beaten upon his departure, indicating further suffering at the hands of Atalantia and her forces.