Chapter 77: Darrow: Old Stoneside

Summary

• Darrow and Cassius land on the northern island of Harmonia, in the cold Discordia Sea, and find the abandoned castle once home to Lorn.
• Cassius offers to act as Darrow's bodyguard due to the latter's injuries and threats like Atlas.
• The castle, once grand and vibrant, now stands derelict, consumed by the sea and overgrowth.
• Darrow reflects on the impermanence of creations and leadership, spurred by the memory of Fá and Lorn's teachings on the cycle of death.
• As Darrow and Cassius explore, Darrow recounts the battle to take back the Pandora and the loyalty and relief of the freed crew.
• Darrow still feels the physical and psychological effects of recent battles and poison.
• Cassius and Darrow discuss the quiet state of Europa and the potential effects of the upcoming Volk election on its future.
• Darrow tries to avoid responsibility for influencing the election, despite pleas from ally Diomedes to pick a leader for the Volk people.
• Cassius worries about what lies ahead depending on the election outcome, but Darrow deflects the concern, suggesting they focus on the present.
• Exploring the keep, Darrow visits places that hold memories of friends lost, such as Tactus, and of Lorn, who died before returning from the war.
• Darrow shaves off his beard in Lorn's bathroom, a symbolic farewell to Lorn and Ragnar, two people who greatly influenced him.
• Cassius shaves effortlessly as well, leading to a discussion on societal norms and reflecting on teachers' influence on their students.
• Lyria arrives in a ship, and Cassius, smitten, uses a playful veneer to communicate with her over the radio.
• Volga, wanting to speak alone with Darrow, confronts him about her role in Fá's death and her reluctance to become a leader for the Volk.
• Darrow explains his actions and philosophy regarding the cycle of violence and the potential for Volga to lead her people towards a hopeful future.
• Darrow and Volga discuss the political situation and fears the Volk have regarding their future, both if they lose and if they win the war.
• Lyria informs them that the vote has been tallied, and it’s implied that Volga has been chosen as the new leader, with Volga asking Lyria to be her friend but indicating that Darrow should not attend the coronation.