Faith in Peril

The King's Hand work the ship as hard as they can, pressing forward to arrive in Faithspire. Upon arrival, they are stopped for a ship inspection by Captain Dawnguard. He questions them, mainly about Via's condition and the passenger they picked up on the way here. Despite things growing tense, Marik and Edwinn are able to take Via to see Father Stillwater, hoping that his healing will be able to help her regain consciousness.

Meanwhile, Cailynn and Xanthe make their way toward Sunveil Keep, in an attempt to gain an audience with the Lady Paramount. Upon arrival though, they find that even her own son Lyonel is not permitted entry. High Solar Darek Marathis comes to speak with Cailynn and Xanthe, informing them that the Lady Paramount and all in the Rectery are suspected of being corrupted, and the High Solar wishes to contain the evil before it spreads. Despite their attempts to get in, the High Solar calls upon ancient Edicts that are set in place, giving him the power to even deny them. The two decide to take Lyonel back to the Keep, looking to make a plan.

As the King's Hand gather back together, Lyonel decides to trust them and open up about his mother was attempting to call upon the gods for further clarification or elaboration on a prophecy that was recorded long ago. The prophecy spoke of a queen that would unite frayed threads, and a reign of ice. It specifically mentions that she has a pact sword of frost and flame. This prophecy made several in the church uncomfortable, hence the Lady Paramount trying to seek more clarity on it.

The King's Hand speak with the Spymaster the next morning, hoping to learn more about their options. They end up deciding to seek out aid from all the other churches, who each have their own reason to want to go against the High Solar. Before setting out though, Marik decides to go off on his own, wanting to follow up on the Sanguine lead that he was told of a few days ago.

Cailynn, Xanthe and Edwinn head out to meet with the churches, recruiting several of them to help with their cause, due in large part to Edwinn's own faith and connection to various churches.

Meanwhile, Marik is able to find Lorainne Hunter, the pirate who once had issue with the Sanguine as well. The two of them speak but as Marik asks about her connection, Lorainne isn't able to provide alot, until she reveals that she is a bastard of Garen Veltaris, Marik's grandfather. She said that she was drowned as a child and since then has had a strange connection to the sanguine. It got to the point where she can't even go out to fish anymore. She said if Marik is struggling with the connection, he likely was unwanted and drowned at one point too. Shaken by the revelation, Marik left to join back with his siblings.

The King's Hand then arrived at the Church of the Cleansing Tempest where they speak with Elandor Venthryn. He seems to agree that the High Solar is abusing the edicts and is likely covering something up. He agrees to help but wishes to speak with Cailynn alone. Their conversation is very back and forth, as Elandor seems to support Cailynn in her bid for the throne but also seems very concerned about whatever they were transporting to the Capital. Cailynn refuses to give him anything. Elandor reminds her that he will seek out corruption in his own way, and he hopes that she does not stand against him. Cailynn leaves, rejoining her siblings.