Chapter 39: The March into Soldor
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
At the mouth of the Soldor mine, Radomir bellows a welcome, his helm marked with Ulysede's crest. Telor marvels at the ancient gate, wondering why he never destroyed it. Zander observes three separate lines of soldiers—Islorians, Ybarisans, and the saplings who once preyed on their own kin. Tension grips the company. Radomir's band of murderers and thieves has agreed to join, having witnessed the nymphs' power in Ulysede and heard Romeria's promise to lift their curse at Hudem's moon. They have shed their merth cords and accepted helms and shields. But Zander doubts their loyalty. He whispers to Elisaf that, once the saplings get what they want, they will try to claim Ulysede. Zander decides they will never be allowed back inside the gates. Drakon and Iago still burn with murderous intent, barely restrained by Abarrane's orders. Telor questions the wisdom of this alliance, but Zander insists they must reach the rift and hold off Neilina until the full Hudem moon. The Islorians, Ybarisans, and saplings all follow—for now. Zander leads by example, marching with Telor and Kienen into the mine, and silently prays that he will see the moon again.
Key Events
- Radomir and his saplings emerge from the Soldor mine, pledging to serve Romeria in exchange for transformation at Hudem's moon.
- Zander and Elisaf discuss the saplings' inherent untrustworthiness and plan to bar them from Ulysede.
- Telor expresses amazement at the ancient eastern gate and questions the necessity of the alliance.
- Zander reaffirms the urgent need to reach the rift and stop Neilina before the deadline.
- The combined force enters the mine; Zander prays for survival.
Character Development
- Zander – Shows strategic pragmatism by accepting dubious allies, yet remains clear-eyed about their likely betrayal. His private prayer reveals vulnerability and the weight of leadership.
- Elisaf – Serves as Zander's cautious confidant, voicing the doubts many share about the saplings.
- Telor – A loyal but wary lord who follows Zander despite unanswered questions, representing the Islorian nobility's trust in their exiled king.
- Radomir – Appears obedient after seeing Ulysede's power, but his scheming nature is noted; his true intentions remain suspect.
- Kienen – The Ybarisan leader joins the march, symbolizing the fragile unity between former enemies.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Trust and Betrayal – The saplings' promise to follow Romeria is tempered by Zander's conviction that they will eventually try to seize Ulysede for themselves. This underscores the chapter's central tension: can one truly trust those who have already betrayed their kin?
- Unity of Disparate Factions – Islorians, Ybarisans, and saplings march together toward a common goal, yet each group follows for different reasons, and cooperation is brittle.
- The Moon – Hudem's moon is both a deadline (for Neilina's attack and the saplings' release) and a symbol of hope; Zander's plea to see it again personalizes the stakes.
- The Ancient Mine Gate – Represents hidden history and unforeseen opportunities; Telor's ignorance of its existence hints at the vast unknowns surrounding Ulysede and the rift.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter sets the stage for the final confrontation with Neilina. It tests Zander's leadership as he must unite former enemies—Islorians, Ybarisans, and untrustworthy saplings—into a single fighting force. The decision to trust Radomir's band, even provisionally, creates a ticking clock: if the saplings betray them before Hudem's moon, the entire mission could collapse. Zander's prayer at the end underscores that this journey may be a one-way trip, raising the emotional stakes for the climax.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Zander allow Radomir's saplings to join despite deeply distrusting them?
Zander needs their numbers and knowledge of the mine to reach the rift in time to confront Neilina before Hudem's moon. He treats them as a necessary, temporary ally, planning to bar them from Ulysede afterward. -
What does Telor's comment about destroying the ancient eastern gate reveal?
It shows that Telor was completely unaware of this entrance, highlighting the vast secrets of Ulysede and the unexpected advantages it provides now that Zander has claimed the city. -
How does Zander's silent prayer at the end reflect his state of mind?
The prayer reveals Zander's deep uncertainty about surviving the mission. Despite his resolute leadership, he acknowledges the mortal danger and expresses a personal hope to see the moon again, humanizing the king.