Summary

Chapter 12 is titled “Aine's Plan.” Aine is exhausted when she is finished with the cleanup. She feels trapped in this life, and feels her father is also trapped. Her mother had refused to hear any talk of magic. Her father agreed that magic does not exist, and Aine cannot imagine why he might lie. Aine's mother had once visited her family in Kaarna. During her absence, the Bandit King's father arrived at the house. Aine only heard their argument followed by some sounds. Her father was away for a time. When he returned, he ordered Aine not to ask questions. He says he would do anything to protect Aine and her mother, including “something terrible.” As she finishes her work, Aine feels that “Terrible things led to more terrible things” (79). Aine feels her father is dealing with dangerous magic. She decides to destroy...