Chapter Twenty - Troubled Hearts

Returning in Hammerborg, Berem, Gully, Rudd and Zephyra enjoy a well deserved rest in their house. Berem starts to make arrangements to find a skyship to accompany them in their future endeavours, while Gully meets Valeros.

The young sky-knight informs her that Ghalan is in town, and wishes to see her. She plans to meet him later, as now she needs to discuss more important matters with Valeros. Gully asks him to make up his mind, and finally find the courage to ask Zephyra to marry him!

The man is stunned by the demands, and promises to think about it, and that he will meet Zephyra the day after to talk to her. Gully also revelas to Valeros that the great war that for so long was expected, is now certainly coming. She doesn't give more details about this.

Valeros meets Zephyra, and declares his love for her, though he admits he won't marry her under such circumstances, also knowing the hatred and contempt Zephy's parents have for the human race. The sky-knight believes he can show his qualities to the dragonborn, and be accepted. also, the looming war, and the racial differences between the two lovers don't really help.

At the sky-docks, Berem manages to contact a small-time smuggler, Captain Blackbeard of the "Century Hawk". At the beginning, Berem suggests to buy passage, but eventually convinces the old sailor to consider selling his skyship. After settling on a price, Berem discusses with the rest of the group about what to do.

Gully meets Ghalan, who has been looking for her to rejoin the party, and to ask for the help of his old friends. He wishes to recover Desert Wind, one of the Nine Swords. Gully welcomes him, although Ghalan cannot say for sure if he has once again aquired her trust. Time will tell.

Gully also meets Adhemar, the second son of the Emperor, a young man with no interest for politics, his life filled by the freedom of the forests, and the love for the hunt. The two have a meeting in Adhemar hunting lodge, and an old friendship is rekindled.