Part 1, Chapter 19 Summary

As with meals, which require much preparation and cleanup, Orual's actual fight with Argan takes but ten minutes, but the whole day is given over to the event. Now a freedman and the "Queen's Lantern," the Fox attends, splendidly (against his wishes) attired. Bardia argues Orual's veil will blind her but she refuses to fight barefaced. They compromise on a customized mask that makes her look ghostlike and dreadful. Trunia goes along, protected by truce. Orual is struck by how the turnout resembles Psyche's two goings out among the people and considers this is what the god might have meant, saying she shall be Psyche. She might also be an offering.

With all these eyes on her, Orual concentrates on making a brave show. Some of the nobles riding out with her assume she will be defeated, and the masses care...