Difference between revisions of "Summary:White Sand"

*[[A'Kar|A'kar]]

Somewhere in the [[Border Ocean]]'s terminal storm, Duchess [[Khrissalla]] is repairing a [[Dayside]] pocket watch to prove that the [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Timekeeping|Dayside timekeeping]] differs from [[Darkside]] hours and minutes. As the storm abates and the seas calm, she and [[Baon]] venture on deck and into unfiltered sunlight for the first time. They find that ProfessorsProfessor [[Allstren Cynder]] and Professor [[Jon Acron]] have already come on deck. Baon admonishes [[Flennid]] and thehis soldiers for failing to hide their pistols, as ordered. Khriss takes some time alone to reread the letter that informed her of Prince [[Gevalden]]'s death. Baon joins her and they discuss the purpose of their mission - tomission—to find the Sand Mages that Prince Gevalden sought and gain their aid against Emperor [[Skathan]].

:''Ten days later—Mt.later—Mount KraeDa''

[[Kenton]] and [[Traiben]] approach the [[Diem]]'s meeting area near Mount [[KraeDa]] and use their [[sand mastery]] to sandboard down the dune approaching the tents. Kenton attempts to match Traiben's speed, despite only haveinghaving access to a single sand ribbon; while Traiben is a [[Mastrell]] and able to control over 15 ribbons. Over lunch [[Acolent]] Kenton is challenged by [[Lestrell]] [[Yeeden]] to a round of [[Zo'Ken]] because [[Dirin]] had claimed nobody could movemastered 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. Kenton asks the Zo'Kel launcher to launch all 25 red [[lak]] in the bet, telling Yeeden he can keep any that survive the round. Kenton then destroys all twenty-five with his single, very fast ribbon. Mastrell [[Drile]] then arrives from his travels and scolds Yeeden for sparring lowly acolents, he then mocks Kenton for believing that an acolent can survive running the [[Mastrell's Path]].

Duchess Khrissalla and company have arrived at the port of [[Dosha-Har'Ken]]. They leave Private [[Torth]] to watch the luggage, while Baon, Flennid and the Professors join Khrissalla in searching for supplies. They find that every time their linguist, Professor Cynder, tries speaking "Daysider language" to somebody, they scream and run away. Professor Acron notices a merchant with a sign in [[Dynastic]] and the group begins purchasing supplies. The merchant also offers his nephew [[Daazk]] as a guide for them to travel to [[Lossand]]. In the distance, they hear some Daysider language that they can understand and come upon the [[A'Kar|A'kar]] preaching in a public square. Professor Cynder attempts to talk to the speaker, who denounces them for using the holy language—as they retreat they realize the reason that nobody would talk to them was because they had learned the [[Karshad|language of the clergy]].

*[[Reenst Rile|Rile]] (mentioned only)

Kenton, a weak but skilled [[sand masteryKhrissalla'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 deservesbelieves thethat highesthe rankcan amongaccomplish any task a Mastrell can accomplish with their greater number of ribbons; only the sandtechnique mastersdiffers. 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 Sand Master accepts a rank they can no longer advance to new ranks, has stubbornly 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 lower rank that will prevent him from inciting change in the Diem.

[[Undermastrell]] [[Elorin]] warns Kenton of the danger, again, but permits him to test himself against the Path. Elorin explains how the challenge works: Kenton must make his way across the [[Kerla]] in a limited time and collect five red spheres along the way. He may bring only one [[qido]] of water with him. Praxton complains that Kenton should not be allowed to bring a sword, but Elorin allows it as it is not explicitly forbidden by the rules. As he begins the Mastrell's Path, Kenton reflects on the day he was admitted into the Diem.

[[Khrissalla's_Journal#Sand_Masters|Recruit]] Traiben displays potential and Recruit Drile, son of Mastrell [[Reenst Rile|Rile]], is mentioned as showing the most potential seen in years. TheyLord commentMastrell Praxton and Elorin discuss that it was a strong year of [[Diem#Organization|Recruit]]s untilrecruits—until it is Kenton's turn to be [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Sand_Mastery_Test|test]]ed for sand mastery. He displays only the smallest measure of potential in sand mastery, a fact which embarrasses his father. He joins despite protests from his father that he should pursue another profession; as Kenton argues that the law says he cannot be prohibited from entering the Diem as an Acolent.

On the Mastrell's Path, Kenton collects the first two spheres quickly (off screen), and is ridiculed by the watching Mastrell'sMastrells when he has to improvise climbing a cliff instead of soaring on the sand - asand—a technique that helps him find the third, and most often missed, sphere. Kenton notices the discoloration of previously mastered sand to quickly locate the fourth sphere while he thinks about how he makes up for his lack of power with his skill, precision, and speed.

When he approaches the fifth and final sphere he discovers that it is guarded by a [[terken]] [[Marken]] which emerges from the [[deep sand]]. Kenton realizes that the final sphere was a test of preparation and endurance. Kenton was supposed to ration his qido so that he would have water to drive off the creature, whose shell normally could only be damaged by water. While dodging the creature's attacks and collecting the fifth sphere, Kenton notices a sixth sphere under the Marken and is determined to collect it. He is ultimately able to cut into the sandling's carapace with his sword and uses his sand mastery to attack it from the inside andto kill the massive beast. Kenton collects the sixth sphere, andthen promptly passes out from near dehydration.

Duchess Khrissalla and company have learned they were overcharged for their guide, as the only word Daazk knows ofin Dynastic is "ahoy." She tries asking him how to find water for their dwindellingdwindling supplies, but panics when he tries to dump a canteen of water intoonto the sand. They approach a village on the outskirts of [[Esh'Ker'Losh]] but do not stop to ask questions or find supplies because of the aggressive stares and brandished weapons ([[zinkall]]in) they see. While Baon and the professors debate the type of weapons they are and their level of technology, Flennid admonishes Torth to stay alert to the hostile nature of the locals and keeps his hand on his hidden pistol as they pass.

:''The Next Day—The Kerla''

Kenton is woken by Mastrell Traiben, who he initially mistakes for [[Aarik]], and discovers it is the next day. Kenton also learns that the sixth sphere was not part of the test—it must have been left over from a previous test run. In fact, few sand masters are even able to obtain all five spheres,. withMastrell Traiben admits he only findingcollected three of the five. Traiben then voices his opinion that Praxton will have no choice but to advance Kenton to Mastrell. Kenton disagrees. Undermastrell Elorin informs Kenton that he is considered to have ruined the test by killing the deep sandling which was always made to guard the final sphere.

The Lord Mastrell is suddenly struck with an arrow, and a battle ensues. [[Kerzta|Kerztian]] warriors attack by surprise in great numbers and the sand masters are unprepared. Kenton notices the warriors bear the 'X' of the warrior [[DaiKeen]], but as a scar instead of the traditional tattoo. Kenton also notices that the sand masters seem to be [[overmastery|overmastering]] and dehydrating remarkably fast. Kenton tries to rally the sand masters and help the wounded, but they are unable to stop the hordes of warriors who have come against them. The Lord Mastrell screams loudly and begins glowing with power. Kenton wonders if his father is trying to protect him by drawing attention fromof the warriors. As his final act, Praxton [[Sand_mastery#Overburn|Overburns]] by releasing a tremendous barrage of power that leaves himself struck by numerous arrows andwhile giving his life to his final mastery; while. Kenton and most of the remaining Kerztian warriors are buried beneath the huge wave of sand that Praxton CommandsMasters.

*[[A'Kar|A'kar]] (mentioned only)

Kenton awakens and emerges from the sand sometimesome time after the battle has ended. The Kerztians are gone and only dead sand masters remain. He crawls to a nearby tent and passes out again.

Duchess Krissalla spots tents from a distance using her telescope. In an effortExcited 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 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 Professors take stock of supplies in an empty tent, Flennid and Torth steal the remaining water and abandon them to ride back toward port.

While searching the other tents for additional supplies, Kenton is found and awakened by Baon and Professor Cynder. Cynder brings the Duchess Khrissalla and Professor Acron while Baon gives Kenton some of their remaining water. At first they believe he cannot understand them, 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.

Kenton agrees to lead Khriss's party to a village for supplies and then on to Lossand. Khriss reveals along the way that she is searching for the "sand mages", though Kenton does not know the word "mage." When Khriss elaborates and says that "they rule Lossand" behe believes that she means the [[Taishin]].

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'Karkar 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.

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 Attack. [[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.

:''Day 5454—Kezare''

:''Day 5555—Lonzare''

Back in the Lonzare, N'Teese tells Khrissalla about how all of the powerful sand masters, including their leaders, were killed in the Kerla. Khriss realizes that even if Gevin had met with the sand masters before he died, those sand masters are now also dead; so she will have to start from the beginning. Khrissalla realizes, at Professor Cynder's suggestion, that what the Diem needs is a skilled diplomat to win over the Taishin, and she is perfectly suited to play that part.

[[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 think of the Sand Masters. The Steward explains that most Kelzin are Kerztian, or at least Ker'Reen, and will therefore hate the Sand Masters. Delius agrees with a very malicious (and sober) gleam of the eye.

Kenton's Party 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: Sand Masters 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 [[LossandKhrissalla's_Journal#Dayside_Timekeeping|Taishin Standard]] all of the Taishin will have closed their offices at twelfth hour. When he mentions he wants to see Lord Raagent, Khriss mentions that she was turned away because he 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.

:'''Kenton and AisKenton—Ais'''

While explaining this, Ais is studying the attack for forensic evidence and discovers the assassins' bodies and weapons are coated in a clear paste. Kenton theorizes that it could be the dissolved carapace of a terken Deep Sandling, and Ais confirms that the process is only known to the A'Karkar and the King of Kerzta. When Kenton tries to thank her, Ais makes sure he knows that she still hates him. Internally, Ais begins wondering if she really is zensha for saving the Lord Mastrell.

:''Day 56, Sixth Hour—The Hall''

N'Teese arranges a meeting, so Khriss, appalled at the conditions, meets with the Lord Beggar in a filthy alley of the slums. Nilto takes a moment to send a young boy on an errand while Khiss is explaining how she would like him to support the Diem, because Gevin had come looking for support from the Diem for Darkside and the Diem must survive for her to fulfill his wishes. Nilto tells her "never to beg a beggar" because he does not beleivebelieve a Mastrell can actually help the poor of Lossand instead of serving only thier own bloated egos. The boy returns with a small parcel, which Nilto gives to Duchess Khrissalla; it has Prince Gevalden's pistol and signet ring. Nilto refuses to explain how and why he has them, informing her that nobility in all forms makes him sick. Khrissalla calls him a "horrible man," which Nilto takes as a compiment. The Lord Beggar leaves and, while they return to the Lonzare, Baon questions the wisdom of allowing Cynder to lock the pistol and ring in his repaired trunk until they can be returned to Gevin's parents.

:''Day 56 (very late)—Deep Sand Border''

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.

His men have taunted and wounded a small [[KarakKaRak]] 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 Karak Lord Raagent killed was apparently just a baby, and now its mother has arrived.

Kenton returns to the sire of the hunt(ed) to find that the soldiers are in peril and the Lord General is half buried in sand and screaming for help. Kenton dodges the karak'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 karak and save the soldiers. After dodging several more attacks, he realizes how stupid he is to have forgotten that being terken is ''rare''.

:''DeepDay 57—Deep Sand Border''

:''The Next Day—The Diem''

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 puplic 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 paid 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.

*[[A'Kar|A'kar]] (mentioned only)

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 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 theteh 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.

Scanning the bodies, Kenton notes that some of the attackers were Lossandin. Ais relates that she had heard rumors that the A'Karkar was going to allow non-Kerztian Ker'Reen followers to start being adopted into the DaiKeen families. Ais also explains that the likely reason the A'Karkar wants him dead so badly is because he was made to look foolish by announcing he had destroyed the Sand Masters before Kenton and others were found to have survived. Khriss says that if she is to be in danger when with Kenton she deserves to know why.

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 Sand Mastery 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

:''The Next Day, Fifth Hour—Home''

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: that 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 dayside white sand, wet dayside black sand and normal darkside sand. Khriss corrects him that the third tube is dayside 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 daysideDayside 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.

Khrissalla and Kenton go to the ball. When the footman tries to send their "attendants" to the servent's tents, Baon departs but Ais provides the Hall's invitation and states that she is there in place of the High Lady Judge. As they enter, Ais notes that Nilto is departing the party; she wonders why he was there at all. The Lord Admiral announces his formal support of Kenton and the Diem in the upcoming vote—then passes out. As the StewardStewert helps Delius to a chair, Kenton wonders what made him change his mind from simply voting against the Lord Merchant. Khriss drags Kenton to go "mingle" with the other guests, and he accuses her of actually enjoying herself.

*[[A'Kar|A'kar]] (mentioned only)

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'Karkar plans to embargo trade between Kertza and Lossand once he wins the Choosing—unless Lossand gets rid of all Sand Masters. Rumors also indicate that if Lossand renounces its "unholy past" then he will lift the Ker'Reen 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 Diemas 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 carraigecarriage, 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 help. When he arrives and asks what happened, but the workman notices Kenton's sash and prevaricates. He 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.

*[[TarnRennold (Taldain)Pharl|Tarn the Tonk]]

The High Judge asks if Ais beleivesbelieves that the new Lord Mastrell is open to change. Ais prevaricates, stating 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 [[Tarn (Taldain)|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.

:''Time/The Diem''

Ais arrives at the Diem and relieves [[Vennin]] from his post watching Kenton. Kenton is sitting at his desk, reading up on the other [[Taishin]] and how their positions work, using the reference books his father kept in his library. Ais notes his determination, and wonders if it can be called nobility when it is not appled to a noble cause. Kenton starts reviewing each profession's charter looking for ways to work with the other Taishin.

Kenton tells Ais how the [[Lord Admiral]]'s position works and that he is bewildered by it. He notes that the Lord Admiral, by Charter, is allowed an unlimited foorfood and drink budget and speculates that maybe Delius was elected against his will and uses his drunkeness as a means for revenge.

Khriss, Acron, and Cynder arrive at the Diem with N'Teese. Professor Cynder notes how all rooms are open to the elements, and Professor Acron considers it 'uncivilized.' Undermastrell Elorin shows them to their rooms. The group discuss Baon's betrayal, and Cynder says that any of them could also be a spy. Acron laughs at this, saying they should not dwell on it until they have a chance to hear Baon's explanation. Khriss gives Cynder Gevin's pistol and asks him to be her guard in Baon's absence. Cynder notes that Baon took all of the charges, but Khriss reminds them that they found saltpeter adnand she brought her mobile lab equipment.

As they move to the Pit, he directs another Acolent trying to ask questions to see Undermastrell Elorin. KantonKenton asks about Baon, but is brushed off as Khriss tries to say that Kenton promised to teach her Sand Mastery; 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—andinvaded. Khriss explains that some Elisian nobles are considering surrender to the Dynasty—and only the dead Prince Gevalden leddenounced them because he held the oppositionrights toof surrenderall people sacred while the Dynasty witholds rights from most people.

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'Reen law unless there was a powerful motive. Kenton explains that the reason Ker'Reen preaches against Sand Mastery is that they beleivebelieve 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.

N'Teese brings Khriss a message from Nilto, saying that he is leaving town and won't be able to look for Baon. Khriss chases down Nilto at the docks of Kezare, accompanied by Acron and N'Teese. Upon seeing him, she calls out to him with the name '''''"Gevin."''''' Nilto begrudgingly admits that he is indeed Prince Gevaldin. Khiss mentions that when Wilheln wrote to say that he had 'died,' he hadn.'t mentioned ''where'' the prince had been shot. When Gevin asks what gave him away, Khriss tells him that even though he was speaking Lossandin, she recognized that he called her '''''"Khriss"''''' the last time they met. Gevin explains that he is hiding from Skathan's assassins and is no longer interested in returning to Darkside.

Kenton is meeting with Dirin, who was told that the [[Lord Mason|Lady Mason]] is willing to vote for the Diem because of Kenton's actions in saving her workers on the construction site, as well as caring for their well-being. Khrissalla arrives and tells Kenton what happened with Gevin, Baon, and Acron. Baon and Cynder arrive, and Cynder asks if what happened with Jon is true. Baon explains the situation, including why he killed Captain Deral and the lieutenant: who were planning to sell their party to the Dynasty patrol. He was forced to act to protect both of their missions.

Aarik arrives bearing the news that the Lord General and the Lord Merchant are both missing. Ais confirms that because Kenton needs a unanimous vote that if there is even one abstained vote due to nonattendance, then his case to save the Diem will fail. Kenton asks Khriss if she would like to provide diplomatic support onwhen ahe visit tovisits the Lord Farmer tomorrow.

*[[A'Kar|A'kar]] (mentioned only)

Khriss deduces that if The Lord Farmer cannot tell Kenton, he might be able to tell somebody else. She and Baon track down Gevin in the streets. She calls him openly by his name, knowing that his fear of further Dynasty assassins will make him pliable. When he asks if she is trying to get him killed, she reminds him that he was the liar and she no longer has any reason to protect him. However, if he wants to earn her silence, then he has one hour to get the information they need from the Lord Farmer, or whatever source he chooses.

:''That afternoon | Southboundafternoon—Southbound Boat''

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'Karkar 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'Karkar would make a deal with a Sand Master—even to achieve that end.

Kenton awakes after they have arrived in Lraezare. As Kenton gains the deck, he hears Delius telling the pier steward that they won't stay too long, because they have to return in time for the Coucil meeting. As Aarik and the others return from scouting the town, the steward sprints away. Aarik explains that they have gone to town and found breakfast. Oh, theyThey also found where Vey is hiding: at the house of [[Lokkall]]. Delius says that's fortunate because Lokkall is the head of the Shipowners' Circle.

Kenton guesses that Vey owes the 5,000,000 lak to the Diem and not vice versa; likely because when a person becomes Lord Merchant, they inherit both the waelthwealth and debt of their predecessors. Vey tells Kenton the story of [[Hennin]], an idiot who only became Lord Merchant because ofhe inheritinginherited fortunes from both of his parents despite having no sense for business. A previous Lord Mastrell used the tribute money to open a savings account, but Hennin squandered the principal sum on bad investments. The Lord Judge at the time ruled that all monies and interest were owed to the Diem from the office of the Lord Merchant, and since the sums are so high—no Lord Merchant has ever been able to pay down the debt and every Lord Mastrell has since used that debt as blackmail.

Delius immediately asks his "steward" for the "documents." While LokkaallLokkall continues to mock him, Delius and signs themthe documents, then asks Ais to verify legallity, in her position as a representative of the Hall., Deliusto thenverify respondstheir tolegality. Lokkall's repeatedrepeatedly questioningquestions of why the contents of the documents that they should need ratification. Delius reminds him that while the Charter forbadeforbids himthe Lord Admiral from owning any property or working any craft for profit, it never forbade his servants from eitheranything. Since his son was also his steward, the documents Delius signed transferred ownership of aan entire fleet of ships to him from his son, twelve of which are currently docked in Lraezare. He then tells his son to order the entire fleet (not just the twelve at Lraezare) to blockade the port of Kezare for the nextforeseeable future—at least a month.

The Circle goes into a panic upon hearing this. Delius reminds Lokkall that when you steal a man's fortune and place him in a figurehead position that is mocked by all, you should not give him five years to plan and a chance at revenge. Delius then addresses the rest of the Circle and nominates Lokkall as new Lord Admiral, reminding them that he may rescind his "hasty" orders if they agree. It's unanimous. Delius then tells Lokkall that he will hold all of his ships on his behalf. If he votes for the Diem, he will return them to him and vote a new Lord Admiral in his place. That is more mercy than the circle gave to him.

Aarik tackles one of the assassins from behind, grabs his spear and throws it thorughthrough another assassin and into the bulkhead. He then picks up that assassin's sword and dispatches two more, giving another sword to Kenton and they fight back-to-back. Kenton is considering the changes in Aarik once he touched a sword again, and notes that the "carefree wanderer" is gone and only the "Tower trained warrior" remains. The assassins are finished.

The next morning, Kenton wakes up and finds that his mastery has returned to him and that he can now control five ribbons, not just three. Kenton also notes that he now understands the effects other sand masters had discussed that come with controlling more ribbons, heightened senses adnand a mental expansion allowing control of many simultaneous actions. But he notes that doing more things at once uses his water faster than combining ribbons to do fewer tasks with more sand behind each task. Kenton finally realizes that five ribbons are still a pittance to Drile's 25 ribbons.

[[Gremt]] gretsgreets Kenton and initially tries the cover story that Lord Raagent went south with Lord Vey, until Kenton tells him that they have just returned from Lraezar with Lord Vey and, who had not seen the Lord General. Gremt says that they don't know where Raagent is and they didn't want to get the trackts involved. Kenton reminds him that a missing Taisha should be above inter-profession rivalry. Ais suggests they start at the Lord General's rooms.

Gremt tells everybody that Raagent was, impatiently, resting from his wounds but was prone to sneaking out to go wandering when he could ditch the guards. They go to Raagent's room, where Ais finds spots of blood on the floor and sees that his bed is missing its sheet. Ais infers that moving a body past the gueards would be very difficult and beleivesbelieves that Raagent is still in the Tower. She asks after a basement, but Gremt says they only have a Win Cellar.

Kenton ponders on how the darkness of the stairwell seems to affect Ais more than most daysaiders, who tentd to fear the dark, but that Baon and Khriss seem unaffected at all. Since the single lantern is inadequate illumination for a party of six, Kenton calls sand to his hand to make another light source. As they reach the bottom of the stairs, they speed up when something is noticed against the far wall and the group speeds up to bring the light closer and see what it is.

Ais notes that hisLord Raagent's eyelids have been cut off and that he was tied to the wall with his [[shalrim]] bedsheets. She speculates that the wax mounds were candles of different lengths and his eyelids were removed so he could not hide from the ever-decreasing light as each candle burned out. Ais finds traces of [[Kamo]] on his lips and infers that it was used to make the Lord General die from fright. Privately, Ais notes that this has all of the elements of Sharezan's tortures. She then makes the connection that if Raagent would have walked with a limp, he may have been her anonymous informant that was due to meet them at the warehouse the other night. She voices her suspicion to Kenton that Sharezan most likley killed Raagent personally.

Ais gives the Lady Judge a report on Raagent's murder, and Judge Heelis asks Ais to return to her duties with the Lord Mastrell while a team is assigned to the murder investigation. On her way out, Tain intercepts her, saying that they found Sharezan and inviting her to join him on the raid. HeTain explainshands Ais a zinkall while explaining that Lokmlen finally broke under questioning and revealed the safehouse location. while he hands her a zinkall, and theyThey go off together.

When they arrive at the location, Ais notes it is a nondescript building hidden in plain sight. Movement is heard as they enter and Tain remindsreminder her that his team is already inside. Lokmlen steps out of the shadows and Ais warns Tain they have been betrayed. Tain replies that she has. She asks Tain if he was bought, and replies in the negative. Ais quickly realizes that Tain is Sharezan, though she had suspected Nilto. Tain tells her that there was no better cover than as a trackt, and he used that to feed her suspicions about the Lord Beggar and regrets not having enough time to frame him properly. He whines about how even getting assigned to her team was not enough to stay ahead of her progress in dismantling his organization.

She attempts to shoot Tain, only to find the zinkall was sabotaged, about which Tain laughs that she should only accept gear from people she trusts. As his cronies knock Ais to her knees, he informs her about his plan to hide out for a few years then return under a new name and new locations. But he wants to conclude his unfinished business with her first. Tain explains his "hobby" is finding how to break his target—and Ais is so easy. He starts by revealing her "secret" and claims that the entire Hall knows that she is so obsessed with control that she bottles her emotions until they explode uncontrolled. Tain claims this arises from the conflict inside her: trackt or Kerztian, cold-hearted warrior or loving mother, pious or traitor. Tain will make her choosechose duty or family.

:'''KentonKenton—Khriss'''

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. SHeShe 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 Sand Masters remove their sashes as the fight begins.

Khriss moves toward the guard rail at her seat, and Baon intercepts her, telling her that no matter how horrible the fight is, it is Kenton's choice to defend his people and she has no right to rob him of his choice by interfering.

Kenton thinks about how this isn;'t a fight, but an execution as he ends up on the ground again, with Drile standing over and saying they both want change but Kenton is too much like Praxton and refuses to listen to others. Kenton asks him to shut up and finish it.

Kenton sees a vision of the day he tested to enter the Diem and considers if it is a dream or a hallucination. Instead of the words spken then, the vision Kenton and Praxton are discussing the fight with Drile. Vision Kenton says he now agrees with Praxton that he never belonged in the Diem. Vision Praxton reminds Kenton that he claimed to be as good as any Mastrell with only one ribbon and that he is losing not because he is weaker, but becuse he is trying to be something he is not. Kenton himslef thinks about how that optimistic boy really beleivedbelieved he could be as good as any Mastrell with one ribbon. Kenton realizes that it is not how much power you have—have—it is how you use what power you have.

Kenton stands back up thinking on how he doesn't need more ribbons—he only needs one. On the sidelines, Elorin and Dirin discuss how Kenton is lasting so long while Kenton's single ribbons darts quickly through all of Drile's ribbons, cutting them down. Drile falls and begins to lose his temper. As drileDrile attacks again, Kenton notes that intercepting ribbons is just like Zo'Ken and that Drile already looks dangerously dehydrated, while his single ribbons uses far less water.

Khriss makes her way to the sand floor to ongratulatecongratulate him, but Kenton says one battle remains, Kenton turns to the watching Lady Judge and requests that the Taishin hold their vote immediately in the Diem. Heelis agrees after confirming that Kenton will not be able to "quibble technicalities" and if they vote now the decision will be final. High Judge Heelis begins taking the votes. Aarik, Vey, Gennel, Rite, The Lady Mason, and Lokkall all vote in favor of the Diem leaving only one vote.

Drile congratulates Kenton on securing his position as Lord Mastrell and the Diem's future as a whole. Kenton tells Drile that he has good ideas and that serving the people and charging for services helps hold the Diem accountable for their actions. Drile relates that he dehydrated tooquicklytoo quickly during their fight—the same effects that killed the Mastrells in the Kerla. Kenton admistadmits that he felt itthe effects as well. Together, they theorize that someone must have sabotaged their fight so they would kill each other, or possibly overburn and kill the Taishin as well. Kenton realizes that it must have been Elorin, who presented the water at both the promtion cermony and the fight.

Elorin relates how he converted six months ago and that was why he gave up the position as head of the Acolents. He stopped mastering sand and allowed people to assume he had burnt out. He says that the A'Karkar told him to remain in the Diem so he could orchestrate its downfall from within. He then says that because it is a new day, he is allowed to try assassinating Kenton again. Eloring pulls out a zinkall and shoots a terken arrow at Kenton. Kenton dodges while sending a ribbon of sand through Elorin's heart, killing him; but takes a grazing wound to the arm. Ais comes in saying she heard the end of the conversation, to include Kentons pleas to not attack. In her judgement it was self defense. She then adds that since the head of the assassins is now dead, Kenton should be safe until he makes another powerful enemy. He asks if she would return if the assassins do, but Ais, thinking of spending time with family, tells him she has other important tasks.

Two weeks later, Kenton is preparing to say goodbye to Khriss, Baon, and Cynder, who are boarding a ship back to Darkside. They are also taking several large barrels of charged sand and a few sand masters so that Khriss can further experiment and try to find a way to [[Khrissalla's_Journal#Sand_Mastery.2C_Starmarks_Connection.3F|recharge]] sand on Darkside. They also intend to test people to see if the myth that Darksiders cannot master sand is true. Kenton promises to visit sometime because he has always wanted to see his mother's heritage and discover if he has family on Darkside. Kenton will also need to bring the sand masters back after their contract is complete.

As the boat leaves the dock, Khriss remarks to Baon that she was surprised that Kenton chose Drile to be the Diem's Second, but Baon replies that it is not surprising since having leaders that disagree but can work togethertogther is stronger than having somebody who will never challenge your decisions.

On shore, Kenton tells Drile that he worries he made the wrong decisiondescision to not go now; since, he may be good in a crisis, but he makes a poor politician. However, Drile reminds him that he is needed where he is, for now.

Ais is on the roof of her house, praying, and Mellis joins her. She tells him that she plans to travel, alone, to [[Ker Kedasha]] to meet with the A'Karkar and seek her answers from the Sand Lord. Mellis insists that they go together, telling Ais she never has to do anything alone. When she protests that Lossandins are not treated well in Kerzta's capital, Mellis responds that they can handle it, together. Ais prays a thank you to her god for blessing her with a family she does not deserve.

Kenton and Drile stand together on a balcony, overlooking some of the families of Sand Masters 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 insistenceinsistance on remaining separate from society is what caused most of the problems they faced.

[[Serin]] reports to Heelis that after the Diem's reinstatement, the A'Karkar's support has crumbled. Heelis remarks that the A'Karkar is resolute and will likely find a method to come back to power before too long. She remarks that they should be grateful that an unknown greater crisis was somehow averted.

On the ship to Darkside [[Hoid]] is playing a song about how great achievements can be made by small actions. As an unnamed Lestrell puts sand in Baon's hand, Khriss recites what Kenton told her of the test for sand mastery - tomastery—to feel every grain of sand and offer it the water of your body. Baon indicates his hesitancyhesitence, only to set off a reaction stronger than anybody has seen so far. Khriss asks if he is all right, and he responds that he is merely surprised.

{{summaries|partialdone}}