Peripeptia

The heirs continue their interviews with the remaining contestants: Thalia, Seraphina, and Astarius. While each has their own story, it is mainly the realization that Astarius was once a sword wielded by the original Astarius that proves the most interesting.

However, shortly after their meetings, Via goes to visit Seraphina and learns that she sensed a pact of some kind on Xanthe, believing that she may have created a deal with the devil that owns her soul. Xanthe would later deny this when Via came in to check on Xanthe later. At Via's pleading, Xanthe agrees to meet with Seraphina later to be examined and perhaps gain a greater understanding of what she had originally sensed.

Cailynn confronts Bjorn, questioning why he did not fight harder under Xanthe's earlier questioning, and also wondering she he isn't doing more to help guide her. Bjorn acknowledges that Cailynn must open herself back up to the guardian spirit that is trying to communitate with her, though Cailynn still feels hesitant to do so. Bjorn also reveals that Samson has more knowledge, leaving Cailynn hurt that her best friend did not tell her the truth.

The next event of the festival begins, a duel of endurance as any hit someone lands on their opponent, they must endure themselves. The winners are: Bjorn, Garrett and Seraphina.

The next morning, Marik goes to speak with Talon, first inquiring about why he was made a Falconer before moving on to discussions of the dragons. Marik, not wishing to put his siblings in any more harm, asks Talon to announce that the dragon is bonded with him, hoping that any attackers will come for him along instead of the others. Talon agrees to honor Marik's wishes, though reminds him that he believes Marik's siblings will not let him endure this alone.

With that, the final event of the festival begins, with each contestant facing a fear of theirs in front of the King's Hand.

The event continues, with some contestants overcoming their fears, while others seemingly refusing to acknowledge entire truths. The trial allows the King's Hand to see how each contestant braces this challenge.

With the events ended, the King's Hand debated about who should be the new Sentinel amongst Bjorn, Thalia, and Garrett. While there is much discussion, the heirs ultimately decide on electing Garrett Greenmire as their new sentinel.

Later that night, there is a large banquet to honor the new sentinel. At first, things go well, however later into the evening, several of the nobles strike out, assassinating their tablemates before declaring their loyalty to the Return of the Dragon Triarchy. Their intent seemingly to slaughter the heirs of Ederia.

The heirs are escorted away by Garrett and several guards, but as they head outside they are faced with several cultists, Seraphina, Brenna, and a dragon approaching. The heirs stand ready to fight, and Garrett stands ready to prove his worthiness of the title Sentinel.

Meanwhile, back at Crowns Rest another attack is taking place. Many cultists attack the castle, with Salara Astralor barely avoiding conflict while retrieving the green egg at its own behest. Salara retreated to the infirmary and was soon cornered. After crying out for help, an injured Raynere burst through the doors and killed the two cultists. He cautions Salara to stay close, the danger not yet over.