Chapter 9

Summary

• The protagonist is devising a plan and needs to find Lucien alone.
• They gather information from Alis, a servant, that Lucien will be at the stables preparing for border patrol.
• While heading to the stables, Tamlin approaches, surprising the protagonist with his faerie stealth.
• Tamlin offers to accompany the protagonist but is politely refused as the protagonist maintains their intention of facing the day alone.
• The protagonist reaches the stables noticing all stableboys wearing horse masks due to a magical blight.
• Lucien engages with the protagonist, expressing a mix of curiosity and condescension about their hunting skills.
• Despite the protagonist's unfamiliarity with horseback hunting, they join Lucien, hiding their eagerness to learn more about the faerie realm.
• During the ride, Lucien questions the protagonist's motives and hints there's no leniency within the Treaty's rules.
• The protagonist expresses sorrow for Andras's death and his importance to the others.
• Lucien reveals some information about his role and the magical blight affecting the land, hinting at a dangerous female entity.
• The protagonist probes further, learning Lucien doesn't possess unique powers and Delving more into the hierarchy of the faerie world.
• Lucien shares the risk associated with seeking a faerie that answers questions, termed the Suriel, warning the protagonist against such action.
• As they ride, Lucien sense something lurking and instructs the protagonist to remain calm and not react to a mysterious presence in the forest.