Part 1, Chapter 18 Summary

Checking on the King's condition in the morning, Orual encounters a blubbering Redival, seeking reassurance of what will happen when he dies and news about the handsome visitor. The fawning sickens Orual, who promises her a whipping and a husband or two. The Fox apologizes for manipulating Orual's emotions the night before. Bardia arrives with a peacock-like messenger from Argan, who accepts the challenge but will hang Orual if he defeats her, rather than stain his sword with woman's blood. She concedes, and an hour of negotiations begins. The Fox is still pained. Vested in skins, bladders, and the bird mask, Arnom announces the old Priest is dead, and he has succeeded. Orual has no sense Ungit enters the room with him and knows he will not be terrible.

While the others enter the Bedchamber, Orual goes with Bardia for a...