Plot Summary
Inheritance Brings Unexpected Imprisonment
Halla of Rutger's Howe finds herself unexpectedly wealthy after inheriting her great-uncle Silas's fortune. However, this windfall quickly turns into a nightmare as her greedy relatives, led by Aunt Malva, imprison her in her own home. Malva plans to force Halla into marrying her cousin Alver to keep the inheritance within the family. Trapped and desperate, Halla contemplates suicide as her only escape from this oppressive situation.
A Sword's Secret Revealed
In a moment of despair, Halla attempts to use an old sword in her room to end her life. Instead, she inadvertently releases Sarkis, a warrior bound to the sword by magic. Sarkis, now free, is sworn to protect the sword's wielder. Surprised by Halla's predicament, he vows to help her escape her oppressive relatives, marking the beginning of their unexpected alliance.
Escape with a Sword's Servant
With Sarkis's assistance, Halla manages to escape her imprisonment. They navigate through the house, confronting her cousin Alver and the family's guardsman, Roderick. Sarkis's combat skills ensure their successful escape, and they flee into the night, leaving Halla's relatives behind. Halla is both relieved and bewildered by the sudden turn of events, as her life takes a dramatic new direction.
A Journey to the Temple
Halla and Sarkis set out on a journey to the Temple of the White Rat, hoping to find assistance in securing her inheritance. Along the way, they face various challenges, including encounters with suspicious priests of the Hanged Mother. Despite the dangers, Halla's determination and Sarkis's protection keep them moving forward, forging a bond between them as they navigate the perils of their journey.
The White Rat's Offer
Upon reaching the Temple of the White Rat, Halla explains her dire situation. The Temple offers to help her reclaim her inheritance for a fee and expresses interest in purchasing the magical sword. However, Halla refuses to sell Sarkis, valuing him as a person rather than a mere artifact. The Temple agrees to assist her, assigning a priest named Zale to accompany them back to Rutger's Howe, setting the stage for the next phase of their journey.
Confrontations on the Road
As Halla, Sarkis, and Zale travel back to Rutger's Howe, they are repeatedly harassed by priests of the Hanged Mother. Tensions rise, but Halla's quick thinking and Zale's legal knowledge keep them safe. Sarkis remains vigilant, ready to defend Halla at a moment's notice. These confrontations highlight the constant danger they face and the importance of their growing camaraderie.
Discovering the Past
During their journey, Sarkis learns more about his past and the nature of his existence. He discovers that he has been bound to the sword for over four hundred years. Despite the revelations, Sarkis remains committed to protecting Halla, who has become more than just his wielder. This newfound understanding of his past adds depth to his character and strengthens his resolve.
A Sword's Mysterious Properties Unveiled
As Halla, Zale, and Sarkis delve deeper into the peculiarities of Sarkis's existence within the sword, they uncover that his physical needs vanish when he is sheathed, and he can heal from injuries, even death, when inside the sword. This exploration reveals the genius of the smith who created the sword, hinting at a complex magic that sustains Sarkis's near-immortality. Despite these revelations, Sarkis longs for a true end to his existence, tired of the endless cycle of life and death.
A Desperate Bargain and Betrayal
Upon returning to Rutger's Howe, Halla and Zale find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit. Bartholomew, a supposed ally, betrays them, seeking the sword's power for himself. Halla is captured by her cousin Alver, who plans to force her into marriage to secure her inheritance. Sarkis, bound by the sword's magic, is powerless to help, leading to a desperate act of self-sacrifice to protect Halla, further complicating their quest.
A Dangerous Journey to Amalcross
Determined to reclaim the sword and save Sarkis, Halla and Zale embark on a perilous journey to Amalcross. They are aided by paladins of the Dreaming God, who help them travel swiftly. Along the way, they confront the moral complexities of their quest, grappling with the necessity of violence and the weight of their actions. This journey tests their resolve and strengthens their bond as they face the challenges ahead.
Confrontation with the Hanged Motherhood
Halla and Zale face off against the Hanged Motherhood, who accuse them of witchcraft and harboring demons. With the help of the paladins, they defuse the situation, revealing the absurdity of the accusations. The encounter underscores the dangers of fanaticism and the importance of allies in their quest, highlighting the themes of power and belief as they navigate the treacherous landscape of religious extremism.
A Wedding and New Beginnings
With the sword reclaimed and their enemies defeated, Halla and Sarkis marry, forging a new life together. They navigate the complexities of their relationship, balancing love with the realities of Sarkis's cursed existence. Their union symbolizes hope and resilience, as they face the future together, determined to make the most of their time. This new beginning marks the culmination of their journey, as they embrace the possibilities of their shared life.
Characters
Halla
Halla
evolves from a passive victim to a proactive force, reclaiming her inheritance and fighting for Sarkis. Her journey is marked by resilience and growth, as she navigates betrayal and danger with courage and wit. Her love for Sarkis drives her actions, culminating in a marriage that defies societal norms, showcasing her strength and determination.
Sarkis
Sarkis
grapples with the burden of his cursed existence, longing for an end to his cycle of life and death. His love for Halla challenges his resignation, driving him to acts of self-sacrifice. Sarkis's journey is one of redemption, as he seeks to protect Halla and find meaning in his existence, ultimately embracing the hope of a new beginning with her.
Aunt Malva
Aunt Malva
is Halla's oppressive relative who seeks to control her inheritance by forcing her into marriage with her cousin Alver. She is manipulative and willing to go to great lengths to achieve her goals, including imprisoning Halla in her own home. Her actions set the stage for the story's central conflict, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition.
Cousin Alver
Cousin Alver
is Halla's cousin, whom Aunt Malva wants her to marry. He is portrayed as unpleasant and cowardly, more interested in Halla's inheritance than in her as a person. His proposal is part of the scheme to keep the fortune within the family, underscoring the story's themes of greed and betrayal.
Zale
Zale
provides legal and moral support to Halla, guiding her through the complexities of her inheritance and the dangers they face. Their practical wisdom and unwavering loyalty make them an invaluable ally, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of power and betrayal, offering a steady presence throughout the journey.
Brindle
Brindle
is a gnole who assists Zale and the group during their journey. He is practical, loyal, and has a straightforward view of the world. Brindle's presence adds an element of humor and wisdom to the group's dynamic, providing support and camaraderie as they face the challenges ahead.
Bartholomew
Bartholomew
