Tears of Cinder

The conversation with Derek continues as the King's Hand tries to advocate for mercy to be shown to Lady Irradesa. Ultimately, it's decided that a search of the keep would be necessary to decide her punishment. Derek summons several Solar Champions to accompany him as they make their way to Sunveil Keep.

Upon arrival though, they are denied entrance by Lyonel, who has been too upset and offended by both Derek and the King's Hand to allow this investigation to take place, trusting neither group to seek out the best interest of his house. Thankfully, Cailynn and Marik are able to talk him into agreeing to the search, though with some stipulations to get the other churches involved to make sure that the investigation is entirely legal. Derek agrees to return in three days, even agreeing to allow Lyonel to visit his mother as a gesture of good will.

The King's Hand enters into the keep, requesting to speak privately. Lyonel offers the throne room, but is disheartened when the King's Hand ask him to stay out so they can speak privately. Lyonel agrees before they begin to speak. The siblings are divided on how to approach the situation, mainly a divide between breaking the Lady Paramount out of jail, or just doing what they can to lessen her sentence and ensure there is no execution.

In the middle of the conversation, Lyonel seems to come out of nowhere, having secretly snuck back in to listen to the conversation. He speaks angrily to the heirs, pointing out how they can't have a single conversation without it degrading into an argument, and he believes they will be the doom of Ederia. After more conversation, they are able to calm Lyonel down, and he suggests that they invoke the Edict of Mercy in order to pardon his mother with the King's approval. Marik disagrees, but ultimately it's decided that this is the path the siblings will take. Lyonel apologizes, and leaves the heirs to further their plans.

Cailynn remains in the throne room for some time, with Via asking if she's alright. Cailynn opens up, wondering if Via hates her. Via denies this, saying that Cailynn was always the sister she wanted to be when she grew up, and how large of an inspiration she was. The two sisters bond before Via eventually leaves. Lyonel returns and thanks Cailynn for the kindness and respect she showed to him. He offers her a ring as a gift.

Meanwhile, Edwinn, Via, and Xanthe use the library in order to look at past pardons and realize the weight of the rite that they're invoking to save the lady paramount. Via is even able to find a time where Elyndara Falkrest pardoned their uncle Raynere. Edwinn takes the time to do some research on the spymaster's house, though finds everything a little too clean. Via is able to dig further and finds some altered documents, leading her to the conclusion that the spymaster has a son not too far from here. They hold on to the information, uncertain as to what they'll do with it.

Marik in his room suddenly hears a voice, realizing that the green dragon egg is somehow reaching out to him from crown's rest. The two speak, discussing their future plans and how the young dragon only wishes to be a hero and help people. The dragon even offers to somehow figure out a way to come to Faithspire to help. Marik insists that it stay in crown's rest and continues to grow its strength. They discuss the other dragon eggs with the green egg suggeesting that it's worried his siblings are talking to others, but he can't tell what they're saying or who they're speaking to. Marik tells the dragon to tell Selara so that she can keep an eye on them as well.

Lyonel shows up after that conversation and thanks Marik for his help with his mother. Marik warns that he believes they're making a mistake, but he will support Lyonel's choice.

The next evening, Talon's personal airship arrives in Faithspire, ready to hear his children's argument for the edit of mercy.