Brief synopsis of chapters 41 - 53

[Anna]

In the Grasslands, Kyth and his party are doing all they can to cure Mai’s wounds. One of the remedies is effective in stopping the bleeding and the spreading infection, but sends Mai into a delirious rage, so that he nearly kills Kyth. During the confrontation, Kyth is able to use his growing power to control the situation and in the process learns more about his ability. Mai’s life is out of immediate danger and they return to the Cha’ori camp and revive Kara. Kyth speaks to the Cha’ori leaders and they promise their allegiance and help.

Aided by Ayalla the Forest Mother, a powerful, ageless sorceress, the party heads back to Castle Illitand to rescue the king for the conspirators led by the Duke. The Majat sneak into the fortress and take turns to fight the overwhelming Kaddim force while Kyth uses his ability to protect one person from the mind magic. During the fight Kara is nearly killed and Mai steps into the battle unprotected to save her. Unexplicably, he is able to break through the Kaddim power blast and gain resistance to their magic. Together, they succeed in driving off the Kaddim and rescue everyone inside the castle.

On the way back to the capital, Egey Bashi questions Mai about the way he was able to gain resistance to the Kaddim. When it comes up in the conversation that the necessary focus for such resistance can arise only from being in love, Mai refuses to talk any further. The party returns to the castle, where King Evan presides over the High Council and, with the support of the Cha’ori leader and Ayalla, exposes the Kaddim conspiracy. The Kaddim are driven off, at least for the moment.

Kara reconciles with Kyth. Now that the Guild believes her to be dead, she is temporarily free of her obligations to the Guild. Even though she does not think this situation can possibly last, she is willing to spend the time she has to explore her feelings for Kyth.