Chapters 7 - 12 Summary

In Chapter 7, three weeks after the arrival of everyone to the island, Aly continues taking her goats around, including to the rocky land that led to Kellaura Pass. Visda, Chenaol's nine year-old niece, meets up with Aly, Sarai, and Dove to play games. Through the pass rides a contingent of armed men led by Prince Bronau. The Duchess asks Aly to read Bronau. The Duchess reveals that the Kind has had entire households murdered because of bad dreams. The household trusts Aly's instincts. Bronau reveals he is currently suspect by the King, and that an old friend of Mequen's -Chanceller Athan Fajering- has been executed for wrong thoughts. Indeed, Bronau believes his own brother, Rubinyan, has turned the king against him, but Mequen believes Rubinyan is a good man. Aly later tells the Duke that Bronau is being truthful, refusing to...