Summary

Chapter 17 is titled “West.” Loth and Kit, cleared by the doctor, have a meeting with Donmata Marosa, princes of Yscalin. They notice her family crest, which includes an image of the broken sword Ascalon. Marosa wears a mask that conceals her face and distorts her voice. She refers to the “religious differences” between their two countries. She comments on Sabran's upcoming marriage, which is the first Loth has heard of it. Marosa orders Lady Priessa to dance with Loth, and she slips something in his hand at the end of the dance. He conceals it. Marosa dismisses them but Loth asks about Sabran's father. She says he chose to leave the court on his own and that she does not know where he is.

Loth discovers that Priessa gave him a note saying he should go to a specific place at...