Difference between revisions of "Summary:White Sand"

Over lunch [[Acolent]] Kenton, mockingly nicknamed [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Terms|Lonsha]] (Darksider), is challenged by [[Lestrell]] [[Yeeden]] and [[Underlestrell]] [[Moril]] to a round of [[Zo'Ken]] because [[Dirin]] had claimed that nobody could move sand faster than Kenton. Kenton mocks Yeeden for only selecting one target per ribbon that he can control, so Yeeden adds one more target and successfully destroys all ten targets. Kenton asks the Zo'Ken administrator to launch all 25 red [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Coinage|lak]] in the bet, telling Yeeden that he can keep any lak that survive the round. Kenton then destroys all 25 with his single, very fast ribbon.

Kenton, a weak but skilled [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Sand_Masters|sand master]], is determined to run the Mastrell's Path in order to prove that sand master ranks should be based on ability, not just raw power. Despite only being able to control only one ribbon, he believes that he can accomplish any task a Mastrell can accomplish with their greater number of ribbons; only the technique differs. His father, [[Taishin#The Lord Mastrell|Lord Mastrell]] [[Praxton]], objects strongly due to Kenton's lack of strength, and the two argue bitterly. Lord Mastrell Praxton tries to bribe Acolent Kenton with advancement to [[Fen]] if he will rescind his request to run the Path. Kenton, knowing that once a Sandsand Mastermaster accepts a rank they can no longer advance to new ranks, has refused 'advancement' to [[Underfen]] in the past. He believes that anything less than the gold sash of a Mastrell will just allow Diem leadership to ignore his ideas. Kenton declines the "offer" because he does not want to settle for a rank that will prevent him from inciting change in the Diem.

Duchess Krissalla spots tents from a distance using her telescope. Excited to find water, Flennid and Torth ride ahead to find a sand field with everybody dead. When the rest of the party arrives, Daazk identifies the dead sand masters by their sashes and, crying [[Diem|Ry'Kensha]], flees in a panic. Believing that their guide is calling for an ambush, Flennid shoots Daazk, for which Baon admonishes him for killing thier chance to survive traveling the Kerla. While Khriss, Baon and the Professorsprofessors take stock of supplies in an empty tent, Flennid and Torth steal the remaining water and abandon them, presumably to ride back toward port.

While searching the other tents for additional supplies, Kenton is found and awakened by Baon and Professor Cynder. Cynder bringsdeparts to bring the Duchess Khrissalla and Professor Acron while Baon gives Kenton some of their remaining water. At first theyKhrissalla believebelieves he cannot understand them, and is trying to figure out how to ask where they can find water; but Baon recognizes that Kenton thanked him in Dynastic while he was recovering. Kenton is puzzled that they can be low on water when they are not in the [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Kerla_and_Sandlings|desert]] yet, and he explains how to find [[dorim vine]]s. While saying his farewells to the field of the dead, Kenton realizes Drile never drank the water and thinks it means Drile must have betrayed the Diem.

They arrive in a village and, as they restock on supplies, Kenton discovers that sand masters are not well liked in the area because of recent political pressure from the Kerztians. The A'kar has claimed to have wiped out the Ry'Kensha in an effort to become king in the upcoming [[Choosing]]. He also learns that he is not the only sand master to have survived the battle. Kenton explains how the [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Nations_and_Religions|religious schism]] in worshipping the [[Sand Lord]] between [[Kerzt]] and [[Lossa]] is believed to have begun, separating the nations of Kerzta and Lossand. Before leaving, a young pickpocket accidentally reveals Kenton's Mastrell's sash; which is noticed by some local Kerztian warriors.

Kenton defends himself with his sword while trying to master sand. Baon kills two of the warriors with his gunfirearm then threatens another. The remaining warriors retreat. Upon inspecting the dead warriors, Kenton notes that they bear the marks of both warrior and priest DaiKeen on their foreheads. He remarks that their shaved heads and lack of armor are an oddity. During the attack, the others in the group had remained on their [[tonk]]s, which burrowed into the sand at the first sign of trouble. Kenton notices that Cynder was hit with an arrow and shows Baon how to dissolve the carapace arrowhead with water. Kenton then teaches them the tap commands to convince the tonks to rise from the sand while Khriss explains the pistol to Kenton and wonders aloud why he was the apparent target of the attack. Kenton angrily evades her questioning.

Duchess Khrissalla examines a zinkall they removed from one of the dead kerztians. They arrive to the [[Ry'Do_Ali_River|Ry'Do Ali]] river with the city of [[Kezare]] on an island in the middle. Kenton arranges to sell their tonks (whichwhile wonexplaining why they can't cross the river without panicking). andHe uses the money to arrange a ferry and translator to help them travel to the Darksider enclave of [[Lonzare]]. Kenton and the party part ways, since Kenton has business on that side of the river.

Outside the Hall, Kenton dons his Mastrell's sash and discovers that his powers are not only back; but are now stronger than ever as he can now command three sand ribbons. Kenton enters the Taishin meeting chamber, interrupting the meeting, and explains that he outranks Drile. [[Lord Merchant]] [[Vey]] contests Kenton's rank and Kenton explains how his father's appointing of Kenton to Mastrell was Praxton's last act before the Kerztian Attackattack. [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Lossand_Professions|High]] [[Lady Judge]] [[Heelis]] tells Kenton that the Taishin are actually meeting to dissolve the Diem, not to ratify a new Lord Mastrell.

Kenton argues his case before the Taishin Council, reminding them to mourn those who have died and asking to be allowed time to change the Diem for the good of Lossand. The Taishin ignore his pleas and hold the dissolution vote—voting six-to-one to dissolve the Diem. Kenton invokes an obscure combination of rules to have the vote declared void on the basis that at the death of the Lord Mastrell, he became the Acting Lord Mastrell as the highest ranked remaining Sandsand Mastermaster, and any council vote that would remove a Taisha from service requires two weeks' prior notification. High Judge Heelis corroborates the law, and informs Acting Lord Mastrell Kenton that he is notified and that to overturn the prelimary descision he will need a unanimous vote to retain the Diem in two weeks.

[[N'Teese]] leads Khriss and her group of Darksiders to Lonzare—the Darkside Quarter. The existence of this part of the city surprises the group, as the [[Dynasty]] doesn't want people to know that there is traffic between Dayside and Darkside. They pay their guide to lead them to someone in charge, who turns out to be a Darksider named [[Loaten]], a man branded a traitor to the Dynasty who was supposedly executed for attempting to murder Emperor Skathan. Loaten was expecting Khriss's arrival and seems to know a great many things, but he does not answer many of Khriss's questions concerning her fiance and the "sand mages" he sought. Khriss calls him out as having met [[Gevin]], since he used the nickname instead of his given name, Gevalden. Laoten admits to having met with Gevin and [[Wilheln]] before Gevin was shot by Dynastic assassins. Loaten reveals that N'Teese works for him and asks her to continue to work with Khriss. At the end of the meeting, [[Nilto]], the Lord Beggar enters the room with his face wrapped and orders Laoten to get rid of "that woman." Laoten explains that Nilto is an unofficial Taisha due to his influence among the lower classes, and that he asks for her to leave for now. As Khriss exits the room, Baon recognizes Loaten and draws his gun before Khriss orders him to stand down. The guards are revealed to also carry guns.

Judge Heelis explains that she cannot allow personal preference to affect the way she handles officalofficial business. She explains that the sand masters are seen as arrogant and unproductive, and are overloaded with debt. She tells Kenton that to win the Hall's vote he will have to unify leadership of the Diem, resolve the Diem's debts, and restore the nation's faith in sand mastery.

Drile contends for the loyalty of select sand masters and Acolents and is apportioning the now-vacant rooms to his followers. After rejecting Kenton's authority on the basis of his greater strength, Drile attempts to humiliate Kenton by "suggesting" a more private conversation in the Lord Mastrell's quarters (which he assumsassumes Kenton cannot reach with only one ribbon). Kenton reveals his newfound powers and follows him to the third floor. Drile claims Kenton betrayed the Diem and Kenton provokes Drile into attacking, against Diem Law, in full view of the remaining Diem. Underestimated, Kenton manages to knock Drile out of the air while recognizing that the trick he used won't work a second time.

At the site of a raid that was conducted earlier, Senior [[Trackt]] [[Ais]], with Trackt [[Tain]] and her team, discovers a man kept prisoner behind a hidden door. The man, Lord [[Torkel]], was an advisor to the Lord Merchant who had gone missing last year. While questioning Torkel, Ais reflects on her warring emotions and her difficulty in controlling her anger when innocents are harmed. Torkel reveals that he was kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured by being kept in a closet with the remains of his murdered wife and children, retribution afterfor trying to go back on an agreement with [[Sharezan]]. Tain reports that [[Lokmlen]], Sharezan's second, was seen fleeing to the Portside Market.

Ais chases down Lokmlen, who also murdered six trackts during that raid. Lokmlen accuses her of being [[KerztaKhrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Terms|zensha]], a traitor to her people and the [[Ker'Reenreen]] faith, as she herself is Kerztian. Ais reflects that since justice belongs to the Sand Lord, she supports the Sand Lord by supporting Justice—therejustice—there is no conflict. Lokmlen lures her into a deserted alley and strikes, deliberately goading her anger. As Ais loses control of her emotions, her fighting degrades and she is bested. However, as Lokmlen is about to strike Ais down, Aarik arrives and interrupts them. Lokmlen challenges the stranger and tosses Ais' sword to him. Aarik refuses the weapon; and, in a replay of what just occured, mocks Lokmlen while dodging all of his attacks so he fights sloppy with anger. Aarik then stomps on his foot, dropping the criminal; who Ais promptly apprehends. Ais reflects that the Sand Lord must have shown her this stranger to teach her a better path.

The Lady Judge pays a visit to Ais and asks her to spy on Kenton for the next two weeks under the pretense of guarding his safety since the Sandsand Mastersmasters of the Diem were attacked. Judge Heelis acknowledges that Ais will be biased against the Diem because she is Kerztian, but asks her to observe impartially as a trackt, not a follower of Ker'Reenreen. Ais returns home for the evening, bitter about her new assignment and it's impact on her investigatin of Sharezan.

:''KezareHome''

She admonishes her daughter, [[Melloni]] for waiting up and sends her to bed. She tells [[Mellis]], her husband, about the deaths of her second, Trackt [[Jedan]], and the other trackts. Mellis expresses concern for her and the family's safety as they have received a threatening letter from Sharezan. Ais assursassures him that criminals still refrain from targeting the families of trackts, but she privately worries that Sharezan is not so limited.

Upon arriving at the Diem, N'Teese points out the Lord Mastrell by his distinctive Golden Sash. Khriss accuses Kenton of lying to her and won't allow him to explain how new he is to the position of Lord Mastrell. Kenton tells her he is too busy to be scolded, summons his ribbons, and retreats to his rooms.

Duchess Khrissalla marks which balcony Kenton has landed on then angrily climbs the inconvenient ladders of the Diem to reach Kenton's floor. She enters his chambers asking to talk; then slaps him while yelling at him for not telling her that he was a "Sand Mage." They clear up why Kenton did not understand her use of the word "mage" to mean sand mastery (to Kenton, "mages" use party tricks or are charlatans that prey on the foolish). Kenton also confirms that he wasn't lying when they met, as he has only been the Lord Mastrell for two days and was "unimportant" when they met. Khrisalla asks if Sandsand Masterymastery can be used against the bullet proof soldiers of the Dynasty. Aarik arrives while Kenton is trying to explain the Diem's crisis and Khriss blows up (again) then storms out. Khrissalla and Baon begin to leave, but the ladder breaks. Kenton masters sand to lower himself, holding Khrissalla, to the courtyard; he then lowers Baon down on his own. Khriss blows up a third time and storms away. As they get in the ferry returning to Kezare, Baon tells Khriss that she needs to learn to judge people, not just faces and titles.

Meanwhile, Aarik and Kenton review the Diem's finance records and realize that the Diem owes 7,000,000 lak, an insurmountably colossal amount. The conversation switches to how they will convince the Taishin to vote to keep the Diem, and they decide to visit [[Delius]], the [[Lord Admiral]].

[[Lord Admiral]] Delius is dropping half-drunk glasses of wine from his balcony while goading the [[Kelzi]]n that are petitioning him to curb his drinking. They depart as Kenton, Aarik, and Ais arrive. Delius's [[Delius's_son|Steward]] shows them in. The Lord Admiral assures Kenton that he will vote for him, because he always votes the opposite of Lord Merchant Vey; and, as a Kerztian, Vey is sure to oppose the Diem. As Kenton's party departs, Delius asks his Steward what he thinks the Kelzin's thinkopinion of the Sandsand masters would Mastersbe. The Steward explains that most Kelzin are Kerztian, or at least Ker'Reenreen, and will therefore hate the Sandsand Mastersmasters. Delius agrees with a very malicious (and sober) gleam of the eye.

Kenton's Partyparty arrives at the Artisan's Central Studio and find Khrissalla there waiting to help as his new "diplomat." They enter to speak with the [[Lord Artisan]]. Kenton translates for Khrisalla to Lord Rite, but N'Teese translates the Lossandin into Dynastic for Khriss. Lord Rite is mostly upset about the unpaid debts and the possibility of future theft. Khrissalla, appalled by Kenton's lack of tact and compromise, provides a solution quickly: Sandsand Mastersmasters will help the Lord Artisan on a percentage basis to keep them incentivized; and, in return, the Lord Artisan will vote for the Diem. To show good faith, The Lord Mastrell must pay the debt, but Rite clarifies that he only owes 1,500,000 lak to the Draft. He also knows that the Farmers Congress is owed another 500,000 lak. As they depart, Kenton wonders to whom the other 5,000,000 lak is owed.

Khriss wants to join Kenton for his next appointment, but Kenton notes that by [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Timekeeping|Taishin Standard time]] all of the Taishin will have closed their offices at twelfth hour. When he mentions that he wantsintends to see Lord [[Raagent]], Khriss mentions that she was turned away from the Tower because hethe {{Lord General]] had left on a Deep Sand hunt. Aarik mentions that his father—the Lord General—uses hunting trips to avoid people. Kenton resolves to go find him, but he convinces Khriss that joining him on a trip to the Deep Sand is an order of magnitude more dangerous than their trip across the Kerla.

Ais gains the roof by climbing from the balcony, andshe then pullingpulls an assassin over the edge from behind, then shoots the final assassin with her zinkall. Ais verifies that eight assassins have been defeated and informs Kenton that according to Ker'Reenreen law he will be safe for one day. She points out the two new scars on the forehead of one of the assassins, identifying them as assassin’s marks. Ais tells Kenton that he has been targeted as an enemy of the Kerztian peoples and that by Ker'Reenreen law a specific family has been tasked with killing him. They may send up to eight warriors every other day until they succeed in killing him unless he can find and defeat their leader first—usually the family head—who must be nearby to direct the assassin teams.

The [[Lord General]], [[Raagent]], expresses surprise that Kenton would travel more than a day to the border of the deep sand to meet with him. Raagent proceeds to make small talk with Kenton while completely ignoring Aarik, his (disinherited) son. The Lord General insists that Kenton observe the deep sand hunt. Raagent allows Kenton to ride one of the Tower's [[terha]] and leads him out to the deep sand while explaining how the tower uses [[DoKall]] to make them impervious to water. The Lord General explains how the lack of dorim vines allow deep sandlings to grow unchecked, but not always in the expected ways.

Raagent first shows Kenton a place where the surface of the deep sand is disturbed in a wide radius, but points out that there is also a small variety of deep sandling that feeds in schools with up to over a thousand creatures, but can be dispersed by disturbing the sand upon which they are feeding. He then points out the [[DelRak]] Naisha, who are ambush predators that hide below the sand and only allow a small fin of carapace to project above and lure prey. Raagent then switches gears, asking what King [[Reven]] of the [[Taldain#Rim_Kingdoms|Rim Kingdom]] [[Seevis]] has offered the Diem. Kenton surmises that was the cause of Drile's previous mysterious "travels." Kenton tries to convince the Lord General to aid him in his cause, but the Lord General wants nothing except to "hire" Sandsand Mastersmasters. Raagent explains he's destroying the Diem so that the Tower can add thier reputation to its own; though he personally thinks sand mastery is useless and only good for tricks and shows. Kenton will not agree to his conditions and the Lord General storms off.

His men have taunted and wounded a small [[KaRak]] to the point of its death, leaving Lord Raagent to come in and deliver the final blow. Kenton begins to leave, but then quickly turns back as a soldier is thrown, screaming, high into the air and falls in his path. The KarakKaRak Lord Raagent killed was apparently just a baby, and now its mother has arrived.

Kenton returns to the siresite of the hunt to find that the soldiers are in peril and the Lord General is half buried in sand and screaming for help. Kenton dodges the karakKaRak's claws, teeth, and tail to arrive at the General's side and masters the sand pinning him to push him out of harm's way. As Aarik rides in with his tonk to get Lord Raagent, Kenton returns to attack the karakKaRak and save the soldiers. After dodging several more attacks, he realizes how stupid he is to have forgotten that being terken is ''rare''.

Kenton reminds Raagent that he had thought sand mastery was useless, but it saved his life and most of his soldiers that day (only twelve dead). As the Lord General continues to prevaricate, Kenton calls him out on his hypocrisy and offers to allocate two dozen Sandsand Mastersmasters, with at least one of each rank, to the Tower to use as they see fit as long as the Diem is reinstated. Lord Raagent agrees to give him his vote, and offers them food before they return to Kezare. Kenton departs the tent as Raagent finally recognizes his son due to his assistance in rescuing the soldiers. As Kenton approaches the flags marking the beginning of deep sand, he is attacked by another assassin.

Kenton and the assassin fight. Realizing that he lost his sword, Kenton holds off the assassin's dagger with both hands while maneuvering to kick her off. When Kenton attempts to push the assassin with mastered sand, he realizes that she has greased herself in Terken oil, which negates his sand. When he tries to lift them both to gain leverage, she swings her terken leg through the ribbon dropping them both with the asassin landing on top. Kenton notes they are learning how to fight Sandsand Mastersmasters. As Kenton starts to dehydrate, he notices one of the DelRak that Raagent had pointed out previously between the dunes. She nearly manages to beat Kenton, but he rolls them both down the dune toward the deep sandling, then flings himself backward with sand so the assassin triggers the ambush predator.

Upon entering the Diem, they see Drile trying to take control of the remaining Sandsand Masters,masters by claiming that the Lord Mastrell ran away into the Kerla to save himself. He tells the crowd that he already has promises of protection and wealth. Kenton confronts Drile (again) about disobeying express orders; when Drile asks how Kenton intends to enforce those orders, Kenton challenges him to a duel to be held as soon as the council makes their decision—because he ''will'' save the Diem. Drile says that he will only accept the challenge if it happens before the council's ruling so that Kenton is never ratified as a true Lord Mastrell.

Later, Kenton returns to his rooms and has Dirin help him do an experiment. They discover that when a Sandsand Mastermaster strikes another's ribbon from the side, itthey stricken ribbon falls dead, but when opposing ribbons stike head-on they will both fall dead. He theorizes the latter was why more ribbons implied a stronger sand master, because if one sand master used their ribbons to negate both, but still had at least one ribbon left they could deliver an uncountered attack. Kenton theorizes that Overmastery is actually just like pushing one's muscles when working out—you've stretched your ability, but may also expand it.

Lord Merchant Vey, in a bid to prove his superior importance, makes them wait for two hours. Kenton, fed up with waiting decides to bait a response and starts practing making sand artwork in the air. The Lord Merchant bursts out of his office, yelling about the "unholy art" but Kenton replies it is hardly illegal and that he gets bored waiting. Vey calls them into his office to get the meeting over with. Kenton asks the Lord Merchant what he wants in payment for his vote. The Lord Merchant refuses to side with the Sandsand Mastersmasters because he would never side with something so unholy. He also claims that since most Kelzi are Kerztian, he would be viewed as a traitor if he voted for the Diem; then asks Ais if she has begun to regret betraying their people. Kenton defends her, threatening Lord Vey with mastered sand for daring to insult a guest. They are kicked out of his office. Ais gets mad at Kenton for defending her and assures Kenton that she doesn't want his help—ever.

Upon arriving back at the Diem, Kenton receives an invitation from the Lord Admiral to a ball thrown in his honor, requesting that he bring his "darkside beauty," Duchess Khrissalla. Kenton asks if the messenger also brought the note that was found earlier at the gates when they returned from the Deep Sand. Ais recognizes it as a letter for her from Sharezan and tells Kenton it is none of the Diem's business.

Kenton goes to find Khrissalla in the Darkside quarter of Kezare at the new house they are renting. Kenton informs her of the invitation, and summarizes his progress with the Taisha. Khriss tells him that she has made a deal on the Diem's behalf with the Lord Beggar: that if Kenton can prove the Diem can benefit the lower classes, Nilto will help sway puplicpublic opinion for the Diem. Kenton notes that nothing will matter unless he can find a way to get ''everyone'' on his side. Upon Khrissalla asking if the Diem has any money, Kenton mentions that the Merchant Guild still paidpays their quarterly tribute to the Diem. In talking, they realize that if the Mastrells never paid for anything, the tribute money must still be out there somewhere. If they can find it, it will help them gather the finances they need.

Kenton runs off in the middle of lunch, intending to start looking for the missing money. He is followed by Ais, Khrissalla, and Baon. As they move through the Lonzare market, Khrissalla is bumped by a person in overly concealing robes and notices that something is wrong. Kenton realizes it's been long enough for another attack just as more robed figures step forward from the crowds. Kenton masters sand to lift Khriss and himself over the first volley of zinkallin bolts. Kenton hands Khriss over to Baon for protection as he and Ais engage the assassins. As Baon is drawing his pistols, Kenton notices an assassin come from the alley and tries to yell a warning. Too late, the assassin blindslides Baon and knocks him out. Before the assassin can finish Baon or retrive the pistols, Kenton forms a sand dummy approximating his form at the mouth of the alley, drawing all attacks to the diversion and highlighting the locations of teh other assassins. While they are distracted he uses another ribbon to throw vases at the heads of the attackers, hitting two but the third sees it coming and punches his terken fist through the mastered sand. Now back-to-back with Ais in full view, Kenton waits for the assassins to turn toward him, then sends a ribbon to each of Baon's pistols, lifting them and pulling the triggers from behind the attackers. While another assassin is startled at the noise of the gunshots, Ais shoots her zinkall. The recovering Baon, appears behind the assassin who blindsided him and "returns the favor" by spinning him from the shoulder and into his waiting knife.

In another part of the market, while Baon and Ais check the other bodies, Kenton explains to Khrissalla that his [[Kenton's_mother|mother]] was a Darksider and his father was a Mastrell. He tells her how everyone thought that his older brothers failed the test for Sandsand Masterymastery because they were half-breeds. Kenton confesses how he struggled to get into the Diem despite his low potential and worked to make his solitary ribbon as versatile as possible

Kenton then tells her how the Diem was ambushed, and that he never reconciled with Praxton before everybody was killed in the Kerla. He also explains how the Taishin were using it as an excuse to disband the Sandsand Mastermaster profession, and about his two week deadline.

Kenton, with Khriss and Baon, return to the Diem to look for the missing lak. Aarik mentions how he found some on his first day, and shows them the secret of the hidden compartment in the desk in his room. They split up to check the rest of the former Mastrell's rooms, discovering each desk has a hidden stash of Lak. They explore the rest of the building, but only find 5,000 lak in total—a substantial amount but nowhere near what they need. Khriss and Baon take the ferry back to Kezare and return to Lonzare.

The next morning, we see Ais on the roof of her house performing a cleansing ceremony and praying to the Sand Lord. She continues to be conflicted that her duties might be against the Sand Lord's will. Her husband, Mellis, comes up and they talk. Ais tells him to take Melly and go south to another city (of which he should not tell her so that she cannot reveal their location), and go to that Hall of Judgement to receive sanctuary. She explains why she thinks she is close to catching Sharezan—but she does now believe hethere is a threat to her family.

Khrissalla has turned her bedroom suite into a laboratory and is performing [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Sand_Experimentation|experiments]]. Cynder and Baon arrive and she shows them her findings: the microscope shows that [[Sand_(Taldain)|sand]] and sandling carapace have the same structure. She continues to ask Cynder to idenify the contents of three tubes; which he thinks are daysideDayside white sand, wet daysideDayside black sand and normal darksideDarkside sand. Khriss corrects him that the third tube is daysideDayside sand that has been consumed and excreted by a sandling. They conclude that the sand itself is the same on both sides of Taldain, but Dayside sand is covered with a thin film of lichen that appears white normally, and black when exposed to moisture. Finally, she shows them how in a dark room they can see that white sand gives off a full-sprectrum opalescent burst of light when dabbed with water—the same color of glow displayed by mastered sand ribbons. She and Cynder conclude that while they don't yet know much, it is encouraging that they might find a way to use the sand to fight Skathan. As Cynder departs, she asks Baon if he had ever witnessed any of Skathan's "magic." He confesses he has seen inexplicable events, but the most telling evidence is that Skathan looks the same now as the first time Baon saw him as a child. Khriss privately notices that Baon was still hiding something.

As the party winds down, [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Food|food]] is served. Kenton and Khrissalla prepare plates and take them to sit by the fountain. Khrissalla asks Kenton to tell and show her how sand mastery works, but Kenton says he cannot reveal the secrets of his trade and that Khrissalla is a Darksider and cannot manipulate sand anyway. The Lord Admiral comes over to them asking to meet Khrissalla and eat with them. He tells them that the A'kar plans to embargo trade between Kertza and Lossand once he wins the Choosing—unless Lossand gets rid of all Sandsand Mastersmasters. Rumors also indicate that if Lossand renounces its "unholy past" then he will lift the Ker'Reenreen tabboo on goods that have travelled over water—which is the reason that many of the Helm's Kelzin do not want to support the DiemasDiem, as the tabboo immediately excludes all of their goods. When Kenton asks why Lord Delius professed support for the Diem, he enigmatically says that Kenton must not know how a Lord Admiral is chosen in the Helm's Charter. The Lord Admiral leaves and Khrissalla again pressures Kenton more about learning about sand mastery while they return to the party to say their farewells. While passing through, Khriss notices Nilto, the Lord Beggar, and Kenton wonders if he's just late. Ais mentions that she saw him duck out when they first arrived and he only returned minutes ago.

As they are leaving in a carriage, Kenton looks ahead after hearing a commotion. He departs the carriage, asking his companions to wait there. Baon takes the opportinuty to check his pistols in case it's a trap. A building is collapsing, and Kenton uses a sand-assisted sprint to get close enough to help. When he arrives and asks what has happened, the workman notices Kenton's sash and stutters apologies while claiming the situation is nothing 'my lord' should be concerned about. The Foreman, stumbles out of the dust cloud and Kenton asks if there are people trapped under the rubble. The Foreman ignores the question and asks Kenton not to punish the workers for interrupting him, because it is his fault that the accident happened. Kenton masters sand and the workers scramble (thinking he's about to attack them), but Kenton splits the sand into three ribbons, using one on top to keep the wreckage in one piece, while the other two lift up the nearest corners revealing the trapped workers, who are helped out of the wreckage. As soon as Kenton releases the sand, the wall finishes collapsing and breaks apart.

Kenton nearly collapses from overmastery dehydration and rests by a cart to guzzle his qido while ruminating on why he risked his life for people that fear and hate him. The Foreman, [[Trell (Taldain)|Trell]], comes over to thank him; and Kenton tells him to call for a Sandsand Mastermaster any time anything like that happens. Khrissalla compliments Kenton and tries to coerce him into telling her more about sand mastery so that "the rest of the world can benefit." Kenton hears Trell command the workers to start clearing the wreckage, so he turns back to tell Trell that his men deserve to have the rest of the day off. When the Foreman says he would, but Kelzi [[Karmat]] would not allow it, Kenton interrupts to say that if the 'good kelzi' has a problem with it, she can contact the Lord Mastrell.

Aarik is ribbing Kenton about the Diem starting a construction business because of his actions the night before. Kenton is surprised the rumors have already spread, and decides to address the assembled Sandsand Mastersmasters in the entranceway. Kenton tells them that since times are changing, the Diem must change with them and that the Sandsand Mastersmasters will now focus on serving the people. He's interrupted by the main door slamming open as Khrissalla bursts into the Diem and proclaims that she has decided that she is to ready to become a sand master.

The High Judge asks if Ais believes that the new Lord Mastrell is open to change. Ais prevaricates, statingstates that Kenton is either maturing or thrashing like a man drowning in deep sand. She then tells Heelis about her internal moral conflict about protecting the Lord Mastrell; Heelis responds that she judges the law, not morality, then asks for an update on the Sharezan investitgation. Ais tells Heelis that one of Sharezan's dens was raided the day before and that they've heard that one of his main allies is looking to defect. She tells Heelis that her best man, Tain, is leading the investigation in her absence.

Tain arrives at the scene of [[Rennold Pharl|Tarn the Tonk]]'s death. Trackt Tain notes that the skull is caved in. As Tain examines the body he reads a warning note from Sharezan and shows it to the other trackt, who says they should show it to Senior Trackt Ais. Tain agrees, but notes they will have to travel to the Diem, since Ais was returning there.

Kenton notices N'Teese departing while he and Ais discuss the chances of the assassins attacking that day. Ais says it is unlikely and that he should be safe until the day after tomorrow because, by Ker'Reenreen law, the assassins must wait an entire cycle if they miss a day of attacks. Tain arrives at the Diem and Ais excuses herself to consult her trackts. Tain gives the note to Ais, while in the background Kenton uses the opportunity to slip over the balustrade and find Khriss so he can administer her sand mastery test.

Kenton comes to get Khriss and reminds her that she will not need her notebook to take the test. On their way, they are interrupted by an unnamed Underfen asking which room he should use for teaching his group of Acolents; they are then interrupted by Underfen [[Doril]] asking about a shipment of Zaidon[[zaidon]]. As Khriss is explaining her suggestions for delegation, they are again interrupted by an unnamed Fen asking about the ladder make-up and positioning. Kenton asks Elorin if he would be willing to handle some of the smaller issues so Kenton can focus on saving the Diem, and Elorin agrees.

As they move to the Pit, he directs another Acolent trying to ask questions to see Undermastrell Elorin. Kenton asks about Baon, but is brushed off as Khriss tries to say that Kenton promised to teach her Sandsand Masterymastery; Kenton retorts he promised to test her, not train her unless she passes. Khriss tries to forge a bond with the sand, but is unable to do it. She tells him that she isn't disappointed since all she really wanted to know is how to test for the ability. Kenton shows Khriss the dueling pit where he and Drile will fight each other. Drile comes to taunt him, but Kenton brushes him off. Kenton asks if Khriss will walk with him to the Golden Market, since he is late for his appointment with Lord Merchant Vey. Khriss mentions how their situations are similar since the Dynasty's ambassadors imply that if Elis does not join willingly, they will be invaded. Khriss explains that some Elisian nobles are considering surrender to the Dynasty—and only the dead Prince Gevalden denounced them because he held the rights of all people sacred while the Dynasty witholds rights from most people.

Kenton goes to visit Vey, andwith Aarik, Khriss, and the two professors go withaccompanying him. [[Grelin]] makes them wait for a long time, and Kenton, frustrated, stands up and declares loudly that he expects Vey to continue paying tribute to the Diem for the same reason as always. Upon hearing this, Vey invites him in for a private chat. Vey calls Kenton's bluff, and Kenton is forced to admit that he does not know the secret.

The group goes to a restaurant and is discussing Vey and mentions that there is no way a Kerztian would continue paying the tribute when it violates Ker'Reenreen law unless there was a powerful motive. Kenton explains that the reason Ker'Reenreen preaches against Sandsand Masterymastery is that they believe the sand is the Sand Lord's body and that mankind was never meant to wield powere reserved for the Sand Lord. Aarik interrupts to mention he's noticed that assassins have surrounded them.

Khriss returns to N'Teese and Baon, where he explains that while he was indeed an agent of Skathan, he was also hired to protect Khriss and his two missions were not incompatible. For the Dynasty he was supposed to report on if Sandsand Masterymastery was a threat to them. However, he was also hired to protect her—and he takes both oaths seriously. So he continued to watch her group because he could not be sure if Acron or Cynder was the other Dynastic spy. With the loss of Acron, she asks Baon if he is willing to resume his old post. He is.

Kenton speaks with Ais about KerKor law. Ais relates how it specifically states that assassins may attack on every odd day; but a cursory read might lead somebody to belive it meant "must wait at least one day." Kenton explains his theory on how maybe the assassins are being led by someone who isn't Kerztian and perhaps that is why they violated the rules of the KerKor—they recently converted and have not been reading the holy text all of their lives. Kenton continues and asks what if the "new and progressive" A'kar made a deal with Drile to help end the Diem, then Drile could lead his followers away from Lossand to the Rim Kingdons. Ais scoffs at the possibility because no Kerztian, especially the A'kar would make a deal with a Sandsand Master—evenmaster—even to achieve that end.

Ais goes to Lady Judge Heelis to resign her position. Heelis asks her to keep her job for at least one more day, and Ais agrees. Heelis then asks Ais to accompany her to the duel at the Diem, because it will be important for the leaders of Lossand to understand what Sandsand Mastersmasters may be capable of doing when threatened.

All of the Taishin and a large crowd gather in the Diem to watch the fight between Kenton and Drile. Kenton points out each Taisha, as Khriss has not yet met them all. She marvels at the change in Aarik, now that he is garbed in the Lord General's uniform. Drile makes a grand entrance from over the seating and Khriss wishes Kenton good luck as he heads toward the pit. Elorin gives each of them a drink from different ceremonial bowls, and both Sandsand Mastersmasters remove their sashes as the fight begins.

Kenton goes to confront Elorin about the matter. Elorin admits that he poisoned the bowl with [[KaDo]], a Kerztian spice that accelerates dehydration and lowers inhibitions making it more likely for them to act rashly. Kenton asks if he has been the one coordinating the assassins. Then asks why he betrayed the Diem. Elorin says that the Sand Lord appeared to him and he realized that the Ker'Reenreen faith is true.

Kenton and Drile stand together on a balcony, overlooking some of the families of Sandsand Mastersmasters that are moving into the Diem now that they are allowed to do so. Drile quips that the previous mastrells would not recognize the place anymore, and Kenton tells him that it's not their Diem anymore and their insistance on remaining separate from society is what caused most of the problems they faced.