Elendara's Promise

Talon and the King's Hand depart Faithspire, heading to Arcanveil Academy in order to pick up Landor before the Sentinel Tournament.

On the way there, Marik speaks with Talon and inquires about what to do about the dragon. Talon suggests that Marik becomes the dragon's ward and takes full responsibility for it, along with any consequence should Marik allow the dragon to cause harm. Marik agrees, though voices that the rest of his siblings need to agree to the plan as it puts them all in more danger. Marik departs, but not before promising his father that he is going to try and do better, as he puts faith in Talon's plan.

Meanwhile, Cailynn and Xanthe speak and try to come to some sort of understanding. Cailynn wants to understand why Xanthe hates her. Xanthe voices that she wants Cailynn to not abandon her heritage, but acknowledge that she is a Falkrest and Ederian as well as being from the Serpent Grove. Xanthe worries that she cares more for her homeland rather than the family she has now. Cailynn assures Xanthe that this isn't the case, and that she cares about Ederia and wants to see it succeed, but she will not abandon her beliefs and traditions to make it happen.

Via and Talon speak about Via's visions, with Talon opening up that he was always so against them because he was worried that anyone from Elysia would grow concerned and afraid of her visions, and potentially steal her away. Via is clearly upset with her father's response, wishing that her mother would have been around and an active part of her life. Talon offers his support to Via, reassuring her that he made a mistake but that he loves her dearly and will make this right.

After dinner that night, Marik attempts to gather the King's Hand and dispel any remaining issues. This is met with a mixed reception, as old wounds are reopened and old issues brought to light. Many agree to try, but Marik's revelations about his connection to the Sanguine causes issues.

Later that night, Via opens up to Cailynn about a ritual she's been performing with her former classmates. She performed a draconic ritual that she believes might have caused the eggs to appear or perhaps connect to Marik like they did. Cailynn urges Via to share everything with her, and even performs a veilwalking to try and see what might be connected to Via. She sees a large draconic skeleton that starts to rise up, but quickly ends the connection to not risk letting anything out. The two agree to do more research in the academy and see what they can find out.

After Talon gives Xanthe a letter that was written by his mother, Xanthe quickly reads it and soon calls a family meeting. She explains that the letter explains her tiefling nature, Elendara having made the deal that claims Xanthe's soul to save Talon and Edemere on the night of crimson tears. She leaves a key to her hidden study, saying that Xanthe can do research and hopefully challenge the devil on her own terms in the future. Xanthe, visibly shaken is hugged by Via, and accepts it. The King's Hand reaffirm that they are sticking together now before deparing for Arcanveil.

Meanwhile, back in Crown's Rest, Raynere is struggling against the piece of whatever monster harmed him. A bishop by the name Mellis arrived to help Raynere fight against the corruption, performing advanced healing techniques to the surprise of others around. Raynere speaks about how "Blood marks the path. Five must Fall" . While Mallis is alone with Raynere, he recounts how Raynere remembers more than he expected, before leaving once again.