Summary

In Chapter 30, “Poisoner's Kiss,” Owen and Bothwell struggle. Bothwell stabs Owen but the magic of the scabbard keeps him alive, though the wounds and the poison are eventually going to kill him. Bothwell removes the scabbard and pours more poison down Owen's throat. Etayne rushes in. (She had seen Kevan fall and realized the berries were poisoned.) After a short fight, kills Bothwell. She goes to Owen and he finds he is grateful that she will be with him as he dies. She declares her love, and Owen is glad of that as well. Owen feels the final life force drain away and realizes that he is dead, though he can still hear Etayne. She says the ancient word for “breathe” (260), and kisses him. Owen is drawn back to the world of the living and realizes that Etayne has taken the poison into...