Chapter 68: Lyria: The King and His Court

Summary

• The scene opens with a description of Europa's twilight and the approach of Volga's dreadnaught to the Nixian Isles.
• As the ship comes to a halt, Lyria observes the islands, each adorned with bonfires and the statue of a Greek god.
• The spectacle includes warriors adorned in riches gathered around acropolises as Volga's actarius, Nicator, discusses the warriors and their love for Darrow.
• Nicator reveals her history as a former slave and administrator, now part of Volga’s crew, and comments on the numbers attending the feast and the amounts of food and drink provided.
• Lyria tries to distract herself from her upcoming fate by engaging in conversation with Nicator.
• There is obvious tension among the warriors as they prepare for an event called "the Deep" and there's talk about hierarchy and loyalty within their ranks.
• Nicator gives Lyria a pill, claiming it’s a small mercy, though it turns out to be just a breath mint as Lyria will be wearing a muzzle when meeting the Great Fá.
• Lyria and Volga's entourage approach the Isle of Zeus, where Fá, the great leader, waits, and Lyria witnesses a gruesome sight of people nailed to a statue.
• Volga seems troubled by the sight of the bodies nailing to the status of Zeus while leading to the acropolis where the feasting and carousing happen among the jarls (warlords).
• Lyria, dragged along by Volga, observes different factions of jarls, including some who seem disconnected from the festivities.
• Fá holds court at the feast, surrounded by his warriors and followers, and seems unfazed by the chaos around him.
• Fá acknowledges the gifts brought by the warriors, including an exquisite trident he awards to a warrior, promoting him within their hierarchy.
• Fá addresses Volga warmly but dismisses her captive, Lyria, as insignificant; however, Fá's disarming behavior changes as he becomes aware of the rumor that Lyria might carry a message from Darrow.
• Lyria attempts to provoke disdain among the jarls by accusing Fá of being a puppet of their Gold enemies, but her attempt goes largely ignored among the noisy festivities.
• Fá and Volga have a tense conversation about loyalty, during which Fá crushes a holocube that might contain a message, reinforcing his authority and control.
• Volga requests mercy for Lyria, whom she claims is dear to her, but Fá suggests that she prove herself amid uncertainty and the upcoming 'Holy Kill' ritual.
• As the jarls gather eagerly for the ritual, Fá recounts their previous conquests and feasts, preparing them for the sacrifice of Cyaxares, the fallen King of Europa.