Approximately a quarter of the crew was killed, including the stage mage, cook, and others. Cecily, stress pacing, is approached by Teer, who attempts to calm her. She thanks him for coming so quickly and expresses her concern that they will need so many diamonds to bring everyone back. While Teer attempts to get Cecily some coffee, he and Akaros discuss the possibility of finding enough diamonds in his hoard for everyone. This plan is limited by Talthis being the only one available to raise them. Akaros does point out that he's the ascendant dragon of rebirth, so it's possible that he can do something. Though the gods have left, they are still affecting things, keeping balance and keeping things going. So bringing everyone back could cause problems still. Akaros decides that he could give it a go. He needs to clear nearby trees and begin setting up the appropriate spell circle.

Luna approaches Shepherd, delighted to see him. They remark that the political goings-on in Kitheroc were stupid. He also cautions Luna to take her friends with her when going to Oceanside; he also promises that if she asks, he will go along with her. He encourages her to sleep—now.

Eck and Mira go out to forage for food. As they are attempting to catch fish, they hear the sounds of trees crashing, something incredibly large in a location near the ship knocking trees down. Cautiously approaching, they spy a large dragon ripping up trees in a circle—Akaros preparing the area for his resurrection plan. They approach and introduce themselves, explaining who they are. Akaros assigns them the task of clearing out the smaller folliage and ensuring that the ground is flat. As they are talking, both of Mira's boxes fly out to Akaros, and he has a brief, gutteral conversation with them. Once the boxes return to Mira, Akaros only says that it would be impolite to say what just happened, but assures them that they are in good hands. While it is rude to discuss the affairs of others, he explains that he was speaking in Primal Draconic, the speech used in ancient times; Mira can potentially learn it, though some of the sounds would be difficult. While he wouldn't be around for very long, he offers a rubbing of a large rock he has with some scratching on it that they might be able to learn it. He then realizes that he could use his breath weapon to clear the forest faster; the vegitation is denser when he's done. Annoyed, he decides to take a break and returns to his husband with Mira, Eck, and their fish.

Supper is a somber affair. Ward is present, to avoid being dragged to food. Dorean is present as well, but not eating out of politeness. Vera is with Alibi and Sapphire near Talthis, Cecily, Akaros, Teer, and an elderly elven woman. Talthis is explaining the plan, that he can potentially perform a particular ritual to bring everyone back, but it would have a cost. He just needs someone to scribble magic on the ground for him, for which Ward is volunteered. Akaros notices Vera, who notices him noticing them, and they smile at each other. Merely is having a great time discussing bugs; Invicta takes her meal to go, going to a tent due to her own exhaustion.

As the meal winds down, Akaros approaches Ward. He gives Ward a sketched out spell circle on a piece of paper, apparently something for something akin to a Mass Raise Dead. Parts are missing and it would take an enormous amount of magic to push through the array. He provides Ward with the chalk necessary to create the circle, carries Henrietta into the air so he can use her eyes to steer, and he begins making the circle.

Mira and Eck try to practice making sounds like they heard Akaros making when he was speaking Primal Draconic, with some success.

Late that night, while finding a bed for the night, Vera is accosted by Akaros. He recognizes them, and questions them about it. Eventually, Vera explains that they are from a very similar shard, and so aren't the version that he expects. He warns Vera to get a hat so that Teer doesn't recognize them. Vera explains that they are trying to remove their curses. They also ask if he knows where their dad is; Akaros does and could call them. Vera isn't sure when or where to do so. They ask for a task to help with the resurrection. Akaros is only able to come up with having them carry Henrietta for Ward while he finishes making the circle. They hug; Vera misses home, and Akaros is wiling to be that comfort for them.

The next morning, once the circle is complete and the bodies are moved into place, Akaros requests people to act as witnesses for what is about to happen, acting as a bridge for him. He requests those of conviction in chaos or with a connection with death. Dorean cautions Vera to reconsider participating, as they have no control of their dragon form if it comes out; Vera insists on helping. With the party, Talthis, Cecily, and Alibi participating, he arranges them around the circle, then flies up into the air. In dragon form, he breathes green flame on the circle. Everyone is transported to a void realm. Where the bodies were are balls of light. Standing next to Akaros is a figure cloaked in white with nondescript features. It comments that this is not his domain to interfere. Akaros says that it would be a bending of rules, rather than a breaking of them. The figure says that simply trading lives would be uninteresting, but their master has a proposal: those willing of their requested souls, but also someone or something that they loath. They will not be able to intentionally harm or be harmed by their choice for the next six months. The group pretty unanimously votes for Meneldin. They pluck a soul out, a white light surrounded with green flames and golden chains. They remove the flames and chains, and are pleased by the trade. It snaps its fingers, and everyone is returned to the field. The crew has been restored to life, in need of medical attention; Akaros is missing; and Meneldin, naked and confused, is in the center of the circle.

Introduced

• Figure in White

Returning

• Teer
• Akaros
• Cecily Cardew
• Shepherd
• Sapphire
• Alibi
• Talthis Vim
• Invicta
• Merely
• Meneldin

Mentioned

• Fulkin