Siobhan requests a private meeting with Autumn Walsh, who arrives by palanquin to Windbreak to discuss recent developments surrounding Whitestar. Post-Saffron Wars, Imperial troops have encircled Bridgevale under the guise of being wounded, though their true purpose is monitoring Whitestar. Smaller clans are moving into Silveroak, and while Imperial forces haven’t occupied the Imperial Bank, they’ve set up customs checks.
Autumn informs Siobhan that Ammon Henge left Ashmore over 25 days ago, after attending Orii’s funeral at Windbreak. Siobhan reveals that Ammon is being implicated in an assassination attempt on the King of Bells and Duchess of Pearstone. Siobhan fears Endi may have captured or killed him, and keeping Ammon alive might turn the Imperium against Silverridge.
Regarding the successful transfer of Northerton, Autumn confirms that it was resolved within 60-90 days with minimal conflict. She also updates Siobhan on Timothy Whitestar, who is doing well and comforted by his nephew. People hope the nephew will abdicate in favor of an unborn heir from Siobhan’s lineage. To mislead potential enemies, Autumn suggests using a decoy departure by palanquin while Siobhan and her retinue leave by boat.
Siobhan plans to send a message to her husband, warning him that their son, Tristian, is at risk of becoming a target due to Ammon’s actions. She suggests bringing Tristian along to the Jade Isles to keep him safe. Autumn estimates it will take a month to get Tristian out of Whitestar, and he can be smuggled via ship from Northernton.
The pirates aiding the group, led by Al Rashi, negotiate terms—if they assist in taking the Jade Isles, they want safe harbor for pirating. Litila agrees to the compromise to complete the mission. The group secures two ships: Trident’s Wrath and Raven's Spear (Al Rashi's ship). They avoid flying Silverridge’s banner, using pirate ships instead.
Before departure, a strange cosmic event occurs—a global boom, the sky turning red, and early nightfall without stars. The sailors navigate using glowing leyline creatures. El Rashi speculates this could be a gateway opening to another planet. Some view the event as a positive omen.
As they sail on day four, El Rashi spots three approaching enemy ships. Leon Blackwood, an arch-nemesis, commands the fleet. Imperial troops launch an aggressive attack. Despite the assault, the party holds strong, with Deva’s archers wounding sailors on the Blood Wave.
Peter connects to an avatar of an ancient god in the form of a massive whale, which attacks the enemy ships. The battle intensifies as Leon Blackwood boards their ship, critically injuring El Rashi, though the party strikes back. The whale flips the enemy ship, and Leon is dragged into the depths by the whale.
As the battle concludes, reinforcements arrive in the form of Seraphina Drakefang’s fleet, led by a woman captain. They rescue the group and secure the enemy ship. After the battle, the party recovers and continues their journey to the Jade Isles.
