35. Arcady: Lay Down Your Weapons

Summary

• The protagonist, having escaped after stealing the claw and faking one, returns to Kelwyn's shop, drawing curious attention from the customers due to his disheveled appearance.
• The protagonist reveals to Kelwyn what had transpired, including their escape from a potentially fatal situation and their execution of the plan to steal the claw. He also presents the real claw, shocking Kelwyn.
• Discussing his options with Kelwyn, the protagonist decides to contact Larkin rather than selling the claw without informing her. He shows remorse for considering abandoning his friend, Loc.
• The protagonist cleans up in Kelwyn's shop, before the heads of the Marricks, Larkin and Wren, arrive. He presents the claw to them and recounts an edited version of his escape. The claw is also shown to be real by Wren, causing the tension between Marricks and protagonists to ease significantly.
• The protagonist leaves for Loc & Key, wondering what will be waiting for him back at his old haunt. Kelwyn ensures a meeting with a potential buyer for the claw.
• Upon reaching Loc & Key, the protagonist finds Everen in a disheveled state. His monstrous (dragon) form is more apparent, and there is tension between the two.
• With reluctance, the protagonist allows Everen to help clean his wounds, showing him his plague markings in the process. They share their vulnerabilities, with Everen revealing his identity as the first male dragon to hatch in 300 years and the destiny that was bestowed upon him.
• Despite their differences, and their past hostilities, the two grow closer. The protagonist agrees to share more about his past, including a tie to the Plaguebringer, his near-death experience during the last Strike, and finding refuge with Kelwyn and Larkin.
• The protagonist and Everen consider the true depths of their relationship, as their bond solidifies. They talk about their shared desire to explore this new dynamic, despite their reservations.
• The chapter concludes with the shocking revelation that their bond has finally completed, the implications of which will, presumably, be explored in future chapters.