Chapter 1 Summary

At fighting practice, Alberich mocks Talia's performance when he beats her during Elspeth and Talia's special tutelage. When Alberich turns his attention to Elspeth, Talia thinks about this afternoon's surprise; Keren and Sherrill claim the right to give Talia the good news that she has been voted into full Herald status on the anniversary of her first class at the Collegium. They take Talia to claim her new quarters and tease her about the possibility of being assigned to the handsome Kris for her internship, but Talia is not impressed with Kris' attractive face because she would rather have a plain face and a good heart. Though Sherrill teases Talia about Skif, the friendship never turns romantic, and Talia thinks more of Skif's counselor, Dirk. When Sherrill mentions how surprised Elspeth will be by Talia's wardrobe change, Talia expresses concern at the girl's...