Chapters Fifty-three — Fifty-four Summary

In Chapter Fifty-three, Ismae stands in the passageway and listens as Crunard tells Duval that he betrayed the family because he believed that he would be able to get his son back. The second time that Crunard suggests they finish their chess game, Ismae steps out and keeps Duval from touching the poisoned pieces. Although she wants to kill Crunard, she remembers the mercy that her father has shown her and remembers that she has sworn to not kill anymore out of vengeance. She does, however, use her crossbow to knock him out.

Ismae and Duval take three days to ride and meet the forces at Rennes. They enjoy the time alone together. On the last day, Duval asks Ismae if she would marry him if he asked. She tells him she is not sure, but that...