Chapter 67: Lyria: Volga

Summary

• The chapter opens with a scene where Fenrir and Gudmund, accompanied by Lyria, fly towards a warship in foggy conditions. Lyria is tied to Gudmund.
• The warship is described as grand, flying low, its umbilicals connecting to the sea, and a hangar where Gray captives and wounded Golds are chained and guarded by Ascomanni.
• Core Obsidians are seen lounging and drinking, watching an important Ascomanni and a short Obsidian who appears significant, wearing brilliant black armor.
• Fenrir trades gems with the Ascomanni guards for access, and they consult with a Copper woman, who questions their presence; they claim to have found "lost property" of her mistress—Lyria.
• The Copper woman reports to the short Obsidian, who turns out to be Volga, marked by her war paint and tattoos but still recognizable by her eyes, which show recognition and a flinch upon seeing Lyria.
• Ascommani proceed to "chum the water" by throwing the captive Grays and Golds into the sea for a leviathan feast, celebrating their victory.
• After the chumming, Volga's slaves take Lyria away, through parts of the warship maintained by collared slaves of various Colors, to a stateroom where she falls asleep from exhaustion.
• Lyria wakes to hear a message from Sevro, meant for Volga, speaking of Ragnar (Volga's father) and urging her not to fall for Atlas au Raa’s manipulations and to instead become the queen of her people in allegiance with the Republic.
• Volga is deep in thought about the message and discusses her belief that she is where she belongs, with her people, despite what Darrow and the Republic may offer.
• She asserts that the Obsidian's destiny is in their own hands and justifies their actions by historical violent conquests.
• Lyria debates with Volga, trying to convince her that her path is wrong and that Fá and the Obsidians are being used by Atlas, leading to a tense discussion about the past and loyalty.
• Lyria expresses a determination to not leave without Volga, whom she considers her sister and friend, despite Volga's desire for Lyria to return to Mars without her.
• The chapter ends with Volga presenting a threat to Lyria by showing the heads of Gudmund and Fenrir, but Lyria remains defiant, intent on not abandoning Volga.