The Weight of Steel and Shadow

The council convenes back at Crown's Rest. Conversation turns to the newly appointed King's Hand and how the nobles and common folk are concerned that the group is "set up to fail". Talon speaks sternly to the council, reminding them to have faith in his children, as one would be the future ruler. The Spymaster stays behind and informs Talon that the Clergy has found the one they were looking for "One of the blood".

Meanwhile, Marik down with the dragon eggs. Before he makes any decisions he hears a voice in his mind from the emerald egg, saying that it's cold. After wrapping it up, Marik sent the egg up before retrieving the ruby egg. He leaves the third, believing there's a trap.

The King's Hand discuss what to do, some wanting to destroy them while others want to take them back to the capital. They decide to keep the eggs hidden while sending a secret letter to Talon requesting further instructions. Xanthe goes back into the room to translate the dragonic writing, bringing back several phrases that are cryptic.

Marik stays with the eggs while the rest return to Rosemont in order to settle the land dispute between House Rivermoor and House Melanth. Ultimately, we give control to House Melanth, believing that the connection House Astralor had with the throne would ensure more loyalty. House Rivermoor did not like this decision, but left without inciting further problems.

The heirs receive a sending from Talon, instructing them to take an escort and return to the capital immediately. They retrieve the last egg as well.

The next day, the Lady Paramount of House Astralor arrives to escort the King's Hand back to the capital. She requests for Xanthe (her granddaughter) to join her for a conversation on their way back.

On their way back the caravan is stopped by a group from The Church of the Cleansing Tempest, this group's sole purpose to destroy any remnants of the King in Crimson, or any traitors to the throne.

Thankfully, Cailynn is able to take the lead on negotiations, convincing them they on orders of the King they must return to the Capital immediately. Elandor Veythryn, the remnant that leads the church seems to agree and allows the group to pass, though still remains suspicious. His eyes flash with a mysterious magic, though shows no sign of detecting anything. The caravan travels on, only a day away from the Capital, and hopefully, safety.