The question has finally been answered of where Merlin would go next. With the announcement of the termination of their marriage, it is now clear that the Duke and Duchess of Jesby are not in accord. She goes home to her mother, and Darik stands alone in the face of Merlin’s army.
The timing cannot be coincidental. There has to have been a deal done. Darik Jesby has sold his support to Merlin, who tonight is going to be sitting within sight of the Abyss edge, and with the towers of Thelbane city visible on the other side of it. Was it money? Was it political gains? For now we must await the formal announcement, but the effects are clear.
Whatever the strange happenings were the other night, they do not appear to have stopped the mighty war machine that Bleys has prepared to back Merlin’s campaign. We are now entering the final moves of that campaign. Will it be talking, or will it be fighting? We must again wait and see.
Viscount Charles Wellesley
Wellesley Defence Review