Summary

Chapter 16 is narrated from Mare’s point of view as she daydreams about escaping Maven into Corvium to meet the Scarlet Guard. Maven’s convoy drives to the Choke and soldiers come out of their barracks to watch his and Mare’s arrival. To Mare’s surprise, the convoy does not stop in the center of the camp and continues to a white pavilion in the battlefield where the king of the Lakelands sits. Maven approaches and introduces himself, then asks Samson to return to the transport. He and his convoy, including Mare, take seats across from the court of the Lakelanders. The King, named Orrec, questions Maven about the house rebellion and the terms of a treaty between them. He tells Maven that he wants him to marry his daughter, Iris. Evangeline walks away as Maven proposes to Iris.

Chapter 17 is narrated...