Chapter 52: Darrow: Sungrave

Summary

• The chapter is from Darrow's perspective as he observes the aftermath of a battle at Sungrave.
• Darrow notes the presence of three unidentified individuals, expecting only two, Cassius and Aurae.
• Sevro, from a ridgeline vantage point, informs Darrow that one of the figures is the Raa, not their ally Lyria.
• Darrow contends with Cassius bringing Diomedes along without consultation. Cassius justifies his action, stating the importance of Diomedes seeing the ruin.
• Aurae reveals her complex past with Diomedes, being his former master and now a traitor to him.
• Cassius proposes letting Diomedes search for his kin in exchange for his parole, a form of conditional release.
• Darrow questions Diomedes' willingness to honor his parole due to the changes the war might have wrought in him.
• Sevro accepts Diomedes' parole and insists on proceeding with their plans, showing no distrust despite the potential risk.
• The group enters Sungrave, contemplating the once mighty city now shattered and its defenses overwhelmed.
• They find corpses of defenders and civilians, all equally victims, strewn throughout the city, highlighting the tragedy that took place.
• References to past atrocities, such as Fá eating Sefi's heart, reflect on the war's brutality and reviving old barbaric rites.
• The group is hit with the grim reality of death at every level in the city, with mixed feelings of guilt, folly, and a faint hope for redemption.
• Darrow reflects on the consequences of his past decisions that favored some lives and regions over others.
• Darrow separates from Sevro, Cassius, and Aurae to confront Diomedes alone, for a personal matter.
• Upon removing Diomedes' helmet, Darrow is confronted not with a stoic warrior, but with a grieving man showing deep emotional pain.
• Darrow expresses genuine sympathy for Diomedes' loss and seeks his parole directly before assisting him with searching for his family.
• Diomedes, understanding Darrow's request, solemnly agrees to give his parole as they prepare to move forward together.