Summary

In Chapter 8, Reece is still in the Upper Isles. He is miserable and wet when he arrives at Srog’s Fort and is greeted by Srog, one of Gwen’s emissaries. Reece asks why he hasn’t seen many people and Srog explains that the people of the Upper Islands are widely distributed across the region and that they don’t tend to congregate. According to Srog, the people are “odd” and “reclusive.” Srog has a dry set of clothing waiting for Reece and Reece is grateful for the gesture. Reece was sent by Gwendolyn to check on Srog and hear about the challenges he faces. Srog describes the relationships between Gwen’s people and the MacGils. Though they are related, the Upper Island MacGils have been sabotaging Gwen’s ships and efforts at settling the region. Srog predicts there will be no...