Chapter 17 Summary

The Ancelstierre Navy protecting the lighthouse sees hordes of people—Southerling refugees—charging the wall. They also see something unidentifiable in front of the refugees. The commanding officer orders them to shoot the red flares, which is a distress signal.

When Nick wakes up, he is on a stretcher. He's surrounded by Dead dressed like Southerlings. Hedge tells Nick they are over the wall. Hedge also says their Master will be free soon. Nick remembers Sam and Lirael. He is trying to fight off the power compelling him to carry out Hedge's orders. Chlorr appears to tell Hedge soldiers are coming. Hedge orders Chlorr to collect the dead and to kill the Charter Mages. Coroloni's assistant arrives with the permission letter for Hedge to enter Ancelstierre. Hedge burns the letter and says he doesn't need permission.

The assistant also asks for...