Heat of the Everflame

Diem and her companions arrive in Umbros. In the city, they seek out the docks in hopes of sailing back to Lumnos. They find Luther’s contact, Zalaric, for help. The two have known each other for years. At their inn for the night, Diem feels the intensity of someone’s magic.

Luther leads Diem to a room where there are half-mortal children Luther and Zalaric have rescued. Diem is overwhelmed by Luther’s love and sacrifice. Then they retreat to their own room where they talk intimately about Taran’s condition and the future. Suddenly they realize they’ve been locked in.

Diem and Luther struggle to get through the magic shield sealing them into their room. Luther reveals that although Zalaric has helped him over the years, there “was always a fee” (211) for his kindness. He assumes Zalaric expects something of them now. Then they realize that their magic is fading, and assume Zalaric stole it. Together, Diem and Luther work their hardest to break through Zalaric’s magic shield, bursting open the door.

Diem, Luther, and Zalaric discuss what’s going on. Zalaric admits that he is of House Hanoverre. They rejected him because they are precious about their bloodline and he’s half-mortal.