Chapter 23: Ammontraíeth – War, Training, and a Forbidden Kiss

Spoiler Warning: This chapter reveals major plot developments, including the first physical intimacy between Saeris and Kingfisher and Saeris’s public use of her alchemy power.

Summary

Saeris, Fisher, Ren, and Carrion travel through a shadow gate to a massive Fae war camp hidden in the mountains near Sanasroth. Across the river Darn, the blackened wasteland and obsidian fortress of Ammontraíeth loom. Fisher refuses to address his troops, deferring to Ren. Ren trains Carrion and then Saeris with swords; Saeris proves quick and skilled, momentarily forcing Ren back. Fisher interrupts and takes Saeris to his magically enlarged tent, where they eat in tense silence. A fierce argument erupts, culminating in Fisher kissing Saeris passionately. She responds, and they grope each other until Fisher pulls away, places her hand on his racing heart, and whispers he can trust nothing, then leaves. Saeris flees to the war council tent, where Ren notes her scent. Danya, a bitter captain, confronts Fisher about abandoning them at Gillethrye a century ago. When Danya draws her sword, Saeris instinctively shouts “STOP!” and shatters the blade with her power, revealing herself as an alchemist. Fisher claims her. An alarm sounds—icebreakers—the enemy is crossing the river, and all warriors rush out to break the ice.

Key Events

Saeris sees Ammontraíeth and the war camp for the first time.
Fisher refuses to lead, deferring command to Ren.
Ren sword-trains Carrion and then Saeris; Saeris shows real skill.
Fisher and Saeris share a passionate, interrupted kiss in his tent.
Saeris uses her alchemy power publicly to stop Danya’s attack.
An enemy attack at the river forces all Fae to mobilize.

Character Development

Saeris: Grows in combat confidence; her desire for Fisher becomes undeniable; she accepts and wields her alchemical power openly.
Fisher: Reveals deep emotional conflict and vulnerability; his heart races when near Saeris; he struggles with trust and his past abandonment of his people.
Ren: Displays loyalty mixed with frustration; he insists Fisher face his captains.
Danya: Embodies the betrayal and grief of those left behind; her anger is raw and justified.
Carrion: Provides comic relief but remains observant; his friendship with Saeris is firm.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

War and Sacrifice: The camp is a scar on the landscape; Fisher’s abandonment weighs on his soldiers.
Trust and Vulnerability: Fisher’s inability to trust anyone, even himself, contrasts with the racing heart he lets Saeris feel.
Power and Identity: Saeris’s alchemy emerges as a weapon she can no longer hide.
Forbidden Attraction: The kiss is charged with danger and longing, set against a backdrop of war.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in the central romance: Fisher and Saeris cross a physical and emotional boundary. It also forces Saeris to reveal her power in front of hostile Fae, cementing her role in the conflict. Fisher’s past is hinted at, and the war plot accelerates with the enemy at the river.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Fisher refuse to address his troops, and what does this reveal about his character? Fisher believes Ren has been a perfect leader in his absence and wants to avoid undermining him. This reveals Fisher’s guilt, self‑isolation, and difficulty reclaiming his authority after abandoning his people.
How does Saeris’s use of the command “STOP!” affect the other Fae’s perception of her? It immediately identifies her as an alchemist—a rare and feared power. Danya and the others are shocked; Fisher claims her as his own, signaling that she is now publicly tied to him and the war effort.
What is the significance of Fisher’s heart racing when Saeris touches his chest? The rapid heartbeat contradicts his usual calm exterior and his earlier argument. It shows that she affects him physically and emotionally in a way he cannot control, deepening their bond.