The Splinter and The Proof Summary

In the beginning of the chapter entitled, "The Splinter", the Isoldes devote themselves to the restoration of Tristan, whom they still know as Tantris, to health following his dragon's burn. It is while Isolde is sitting at Tristan's beside that she sees among his things the fractured sword, and wonders whether the piece missing from his sword could possibly be the piece she and her mother took from her uncle's fatal wound. When she discovers that it does, she insists on vengeance, even while Tristan denies his own identity. It is only the promise for mercy Queen Isolde made to Tantris, and his unique position as rescuer of Isolde from the scoundrel steward that saves him from their wrath. It is as a part of this conversation, in which Tristan must clear his name, that...