Summary

Chapter 7 informs the reader that the Living Council was established during Eldred's reign. It was meant to provide a group of advisors to help the High King make decisions. The members have become powerful as a group and individually. The members confront Jude about the scene in Cardan's chambers the previous night, citing rumors that he shot at his lover. Baphen, the Royal Astrologer, says there have been changes in Elfhame since Cardan's reign, including that “Storms come in faster. Colors are a bit more vivid, smells are sharper” (65), and that “ancient things” have been spotted in the forest. Jude cannot imagine that Cardan has this kind of strong connection to the land while he is completely under her control, but she has seen evidence of it – a drop of blood on a blanket and white flowers scattered nearby. Jude warns that Orlagh...