Chapter 81: Lysander: Parting of the Shadow

Summary

• Lysander observes 406 Peerless knights from the Rim and 1100 knights from the Core participating in the sacred rite known as the Parting of the Shadow or the Expiation of Fear.
• The ritual involves confessions dedicated to the ancestors and is performed before a battle, marking the first time Core knights have joined since the Dark Revolt.
• Lysander reflects on his leadership role, expressing both his desire for victory and reservations about his fears, including his fear of becoming a puppet to Atlas.
• Several knights share their confessions and fears, revealing their vulnerabilities about the upcoming battle and the future.
• A disturbance occurs when Diomedes, thought to be dead, flies toward the group at high speed, surprising and elating the assembled knights.
• Lysander is troubled with mixed feelings upon Diomedes's return, especially considering the potential for exposure of their conflicting stories.
• As the ritual resumes with renewed vigor, Diomedes speaks to Lysander about missing the battle and hints at a wrong that needs to be addressed.
• Diomedes takes Lysander to retrieve the Shield of Akari, a significant and respected artifact, from a shrine located in a garden to the east of Plutus.
• On the way to the shield, tension rises as Diomedes confronts Lysander about the recent events involving Atlas, assessing Lysander's intentions and decisions.
• Lysander is led into an underground garden and shrine by Diomedes, where Darrow of Lykos is revealed to be sitting, alive—a significant twist for Lysander.