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The book tells the story of Elspeth, a young woman who finds herself trapped in a dark, endless body of salt water with no memories, except for the recurring thought of "Let me out". She is eventually rescued by a man named Aemmory Percyval Taxus, who claims to know her and is waiting for her memories to return. As Elspeth's memories resurface, she recalls her past and her connection to Taxus, who is revealed to be the Shepherd King, a figure with a complex and intertwined history. The story unfolds through multiple characters, including Ravyn, Elm, and Ione, who are all connected to Elspeth and the Shepherd King. They navigate a world filled with magic, politics, and ancient secrets, where the balance of power is maintained by the Deck of Providence Cards. The characters must work together to unite the Deck and bring balance to the land of Blunder, which is plagued by a deadly mist. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including battles with infected individuals, treacherous landscapes, and personal struggles. Ultimately, the story culminates in a final confrontation where Elm and Ione unite the Deck, and the mist is lifted. The book concludes with Elspeth's release from the darkness, and the characters looking towards a new future, free from the mist and the secrets of the past.
A figure, later revealed to be Elspeth, finds herself floating in a dark, endless body of salt water, devoid of pain or memories, with only the recurring thought of "Let me out". As time passes, she begins to test the words out loud, and eventually, a shore materializes, where a man in golden armor stands watching her. He pulls her from the water and addresses her by name, revealing that he has been waiting for her, and seems to know her, although she does not recognize him.
Ravyn, still reeling from his encounter with Elspeth, digs at the base of a stone in a ancient chamber, driven by a frantic desire for truth. He uncovers a sword and a skeletal spine, which he realizes belongs to the Shepherd King, a figure Elspeth claims is buried in her mind. As Ravyn uses the Mirror Card to remain invisible, he meets a mysterious girl named Tilly, who is waiting for her father, the Shepherd King. Tilly reveals that she and her family are spirits, trapped between worlds, and that they have been waiting for the Shepherd King to fulfill his task. Ravyn learns that the Shepherd King's goal is to bring balance to Blunder and free it from the Rowans, but at a steep price. The encounter leaves Ravyn with more questions and a deepening sense of unease, as he begins to unravel the dark secrets surrounding the Shepherd King and Elspeth.
Elm Rowan, also known as Prince Renelm, arrives at Hawthorn House with two Destriers, Wicker and Gorse, to search for Elspeth Spindle's missing kin. However, they find the house empty, except for Ione Hawthorn, Elspeth's cousin, who is waiting for them. Ione seems calm and collected, which unnerves Elm, and he discovers that she has been using the Maiden Card, which makes her appear unblemished and new. As Elm tries to take Ione into custody, he uses his Scythe Card to compel the Destriers to ignore her and continue searching for Cards. He then escorts Ione out of the house, and they prepare to ride to Stone, where Ione's family members are being held, and she will likely face an inquest. Along the way, Ione reveals that she knows more about Elspeth's past and her abilities than she initially lets on, which raises concerns for Elm about the secrets he and his companions have been keeping.
Elspeth finds herself on a desolate shore with a man named Aemmory Percyval Taxus, who claims to know her and is waiting for her memories to return. As they sit together, Taxus reveals his name and seems to be familiar with Elspeth, but she has no recollection of him. He disappears and reappears, leaving Elspeth confused and disoriented. When he returns, he offers to tell Elspeth a story about their past, which he begins to recount, hinting at a complex and intertwined history between a girl, a king, and a monster. Elspeth's memories remain elusive, but Taxus's words spark a glimmer of curiosity, and she leans in to hear more about the story he is about to tell.
Ravyn visits the dungeon to speak with the Shepherd King, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body. The Shepherd King, also referred to as the Nightmare, reveals that he has knowledge of the Twin Alders Card and agrees to take Ravyn to it, but only if Ravyn can meet his conditions. Ravyn learns that the Nightmare has been hiding Elspeth's consciousness in a secret place within his mind, and he becomes determined to find a way to reach her. The King, accompanied by Jespyr, interrogates the Nightmare using a Chalice Card, but the Nightmare's responses are cryptic and unsettling. It becomes clear that Providence Cards do not affect the Shepherd King, but they do affect Elspeth, and the Nightmare can manipulate this duality to his advantage. The Nightmare agrees to help the King find the Twin Alders Card, but only if he honors their bargain and releases Emory Yew. The Nightmare then reveals that the journey to the Card will require three barters, each with its own challenges and dangers, and warns Ravyn that he will never leave the final location.
Elm and Ione continue their journey to Stone, where Ione will face an inquest. Along the way, they are ambushed by highwaymen who demand Elm's Providence Cards, including his Scythe. Ione uses the Scythe to turn the tables on their attackers, but not before one of the highwaymen is killed and another takes his own life. After the confrontation, Ione reveals a more calculated and ruthless side, using the Scythe to immobilize Elm and demand a promise from him: that he will convince the King to give her free rein of the castle. Elm, desperate to regain control of his Scythe, agrees to her terms. The encounter leaves Elm unsettled and wary of Ione's true intentions, as well as the secrets she may be hiding behind her newfound coldness.
Elspeth's memories start to resurface as she recalls fragments of her past, including a parlor with irises, a tree with red leaves, and a library. She remembers names such as Opal, Nya, Dimia, Erik, and Tyrn, who appear to be her relatives. As her memories return, she pieces together a walk in the wood on her nameday and an encounter with her cousin Ione. However, her recollections are incomplete, and she struggles to fill in the gaps. Meanwhile, Taxus appears and disappears, watching over her and promising that she will be safe, but Elspeth grows impatient and wants to leave the desolate shore where she finds herself. Despite Taxus's reassurances, Elspeth's determination to uncover her past and escape her current situation intensifies, driven by the haunting phrase "Let me out" that has been echoing in her mind.
Elm arrives at Stone castle with Ione, who is shivering and soaked from their journey. Despite his initial reluctance, Elm helps Ione warm up and change into dry clothes, and they share a tense and intimate moment as he assists her with her dress and she helps him with his doublet. As they interact, Elm's thoughts are interrupted by Ravyn's telepathic voice, and he learns that Ravyn has been absent for a while. When Ravyn finally appears in person, his gaze is sharp and intense as he takes in Ione's presence in Elm's room, and the atmosphere becomes charged with tension.
Ravyn is faced with the unexpected presence of Ione Hawthorn, Elspeth's cousin, at Stone castle, and he is determined to maintain his composure as the Captain of the Destriers. Despite his initial reluctance, he agrees to lead Ione to the King's inquest, where she will be subjected to the Chalice. As they navigate the castle corridors, Ravyn's conversation with his cousin Elm reveals that Ione saved Elm's life during a highwaymen attack, and Elm feels a sense of obligation towards her. However, Ravyn is wary of Ione's intentions and warns Elm not to be swayed by her beauty. The tension between the characters is palpable, and Ravyn's determination to maintain his mask as the Captain is tested as he struggles with his own feelings and loyalties.
The scene unfolds in the throne room of Stone castle, where King Rowan sits in judgment of Ione Hawthorn, Erik Spindle, and Tyrn Hawthorn, all of whom are accused of aiding Elspeth Spindle, who has been charged with high treason. The King, wielding a Scythe, forces the accused to submit to an inquest, using a Chalice Card to extract the truth from them. As the interrogation progresses, tensions rise, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly volatile. Elm, who has been compelled by Ione to save her, uses his Scythe to manipulate Tyrn into revealing a truth that could potentially absolve Ione of her crimes. However, the situation quickly spirals out of control, with Erik attacking Tyrn and Ione being injured in the ensuing chaos. Elm intervenes, using his Scythe to freeze time and restore order to the throne room, but not before Ione is severely injured and Elm's own nose begins to bleed from the strain of using the Scythe.
Elspeth's memories continue to resurface, triggered by the name "Ravyn", which brings forth a flurry of images and sensations from her past. As she recalls these memories, she finds herself on a desolate beach, where she encounters a young girl named Tilly, who claims to know her and seems to be waiting for her. Tilly's presence is followed by a group of boys, all with yellow eyes, except for one with gray eyes, who addresses Elspeth as "Father". The children's ability to appear and disappear without leaving footprints in the sand leaves Elspeth with a sense of unease and disorientation. As the scene unfolds, Elspeth's sense of identity and connection to the world around her remains tenuous, with her memories and perceptions blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
The King's anger and frustration boil over as he addresses Ravyn, blaming him for the events that have transpired, including Elspeth's infection and the betrayal of Erik and Tyrn. Ravyn remains calm and composed, despite the King's ire, and the two engage in a tense conversation. The King ultimately decides to let Ione Hawthorn remain in the castle, but warns Ravyn that he will be stripped of his command once the current situation is resolved. Ravyn is tasked with following Elspeth out of the castle and into the mist to find the Twin Alders Card, and is allowed to bring his sister Jespyr and another Destrier, Gorse, along on the journey. The King's true intentions and motivations are revealed, including his desire to unite the Deck and lift the mist that has plagued Blunder for centuries, and his willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.
Elm's encounter with Ione Hawthorn continues as he tries to uncover the truth about her injuries and the Maiden Card's abilities. Despite initial resistance, Ione eventually reveals that the Maiden Card has healed her wounds, and Elm begins to grasp the card's true potential. As they converse, Elm's thoughts turn to the implications of the Maiden Card's power and the secrets that have been kept hidden for centuries. He decides to take Ione to the dungeon to visit Elspeth, driven by a desire to understand the situation better and potentially uncover more secrets. The interaction between Elm and Ione is tense and complex, with underlying emotions and motivations that are slowly being revealed.
Elspeth's memories have resurfaced, and she is overwhelmed by the weight of her past, including her infection, the Providence Cards, and the events that led her to this desolate shore. She is tormented by her thoughts and the silence of the Nightmare, who has taken her place. The children, including Tilly, Ilyc, Afton, Fenly, Lenor, and Bennett, appear and disappear, speaking to her but not to each other. They seem to be connected to the Shepherd King, and Elspeth realizes that this beach is a place where his secrets are kept. As she struggles to cope with her emotions and the bleakness of her surroundings, Elspeth finds a glimmer of hope in her memories of loved ones, including her aunt, Ione, and Ravyn Yew. With newfound determination, she decides to escape the shore and the darkness that holds her, and she walks into the waves, swimming and screaming until she falls beneath the surface, sinking deeper into the unknown.
Ravyn prepares to leave the King's castle with his brother Emory, who is suffering from a debilitating degeneration. As he helps Emory get ready, Ravyn's thoughts are filled with concern and sadness over his brother's condition. When Emory's magic is triggered by touch, he reveals a cryptic message about a "dark bird" with three heads, leaving Ravyn unsettled. Ravyn carefully navigates the situation, making sure not to trigger Emory's magic again, and eventually hands him over to their sister Jespyr to take to Castle Yew. As Ravyn watches them leave, he is filled with a mix of emotions, including anger and frustration towards the King and his circumstances. With a final defiant remark, Ravyn sets out on his own journey, leaving the castle behind.
Elm and Ione Hawthorn navigate the dark and icy corridors of the dungeon, their tension and complex emotions simmering just below the surface. As they reach Elspeth's cell, they find the Shepherd King, a monstrous entity that has taken over Elspeth's body, waiting for them. The Shepherd King reveals that he knows Elm and has been aware of his conversations with Elspeth, making Elm feel uneasy and vulnerable. Ione, meanwhile, is desperate to speak to Elspeth and to find her missing Maiden Card, which the Shepherd King claims is one of three hidden in the castle. As they leave the cell, Elm offers to help Ione find her Card and regain her sense of self, driven by a desire to make amends for his past mistakes and to prove himself as a better person. Ione, though guarded, seems to consider Elm's offer, and the two share a moment of tentative connection, with Ione's touch sparking a sense of warmth in Elm.
Ravyn prepares to leave the King's castle with the Nightmare, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, to search for the Twin Alders Card. Before departing, Ravyn sends notes to Gorse, a Destrier, and Filick Willow, instructing them on various tasks. He also writes a note to his cousin Elm, indicating that he will see him soon. As Ravyn and the Nightmare leave the castle, they are joined by Gorse and Ravyn's sister Jespyr. The Nightmare's true intentions and motivations are slowly revealed, including his interest in Elm and his potential role in the future. Ravyn is torn between his loyalty to the King and his growing unease with the Nightmare's presence, and he struggles to maintain his composure as they embark on their perilous journey. The chapter ends with Ravyn catching a glimpse of Elm and the King watching them leave the castle, and the Nightmare's ominous words about Elm's fate.
Elspeth's memories continue to unfold as she drifts through the water, experiencing visions of a boy, later revealed to be Taxus, who possesses a unique magical gift. The boy is able to communicate with trees and is granted a vision of his future, where he is tasked with shepherding the land and its people. The trees provide him with guidance, pointing him towards his home and a stone with a sword, adorned with a shepherd's staff. The vision is a pivotal moment in Taxus's past, shaping his destiny and connection to the natural world. As Elspeth witnesses this memory, she begins to piece together the fragments of her own past, including her connection to Taxus and the mysterious forces that have driven her to this point.
Elm watches as Ravyn and the Nightmare leave the castle, feeling a sense of unease and disconnection from his family and their plans. He is summoned by his father, the King, who reveals his intention to make Elm his heir and marry him off to a suitable bride. Elm is resistant to this idea and feels trapped by his family's expectations. He turns to Ione Hawthorn, who is being held in the castle, and together they navigate the complexities of court life and the King's demands. Elm's emotions simmer just below the surface as he struggles to maintain his composure and find a way to escape his predetermined fate. Meanwhile, Ione's presence and enigmatic nature continue to intrigue and unsettle Elm, and he finds himself drawn to her despite the danger and uncertainty surrounding her. As the night wears on, Elm and Ione make a plan to search for her missing Maiden Card, and Elm's desire for rebellion and freedom grows stronger.
Ravyn and the Nightmare, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, arrive at Castle Yew, where they are met with an eerie atmosphere. The Nightmare explores the castle, while Ravyn spends time with his family, including his ailing brother Emory. Ravyn later meets with his trusted allies, Petyr and Wik, to discuss their upcoming journey to find the Twin Alders Card. He also confronts the Nightmare, who reveals that he has a crown and demands the return of his sword. The Nightmare's true intentions and motivations are slowly unveiled, including his desire for revenge against the Rowans and his plan to use the Twin Alders Card to unite the Deck. Ravyn attempts to use his Mirror Card to communicate with Elspeth, but the Nightmare intervenes, warning him against meddling with Elspeth's mind. The chapter ends with the Nightmare threatening Ravyn, foreshadowing a darker journey ahead.
Elm and Ione Hawthorn find themselves alone in the castle's cellar, where they engage in a game of truth-telling, using a Chalice Card to ensure honesty. As they take turns asking and answering questions, they delve into their pasts and reveal secrets about themselves. Ione shares her experiences with her betrothed, Hauth, and the mistreatment she suffered at his hands, while Elm opens up about his own childhood trauma and his complicated relationship with his brother. As the game progresses, their conversation becomes increasingly intimate, and they eventually give in to their desires, sharing a passionate kiss. However, their moment is interrupted by the arrival of Filick Willow, the castle's physician, who catches them in a compromising position. Ione quickly exits the scene, leaving Elm to wonder what will happen next.
Elspeth's memories continue to resurface, and she finds herself in a castle, reliving a moment from her past as Taxus, the Shepherd King. She recalls a conversation with her younger sister, Ayris, and a ceremony where she is hailed as the new king. The memories are vivid and filled with sensory details, but they are interrupted by a voice calling out to her, trying to reach her. Elspeth tries to respond, but she is trapped in the water, unable to move or speak. The voice grows more desperate, and Elspeth is left feeling helpless and disconnected from her surroundings. As the memories fade, Elspeth is left with a sense of longing and disorientation, still trying to escape the darkness that holds her.
The chapter begins with Ravyn's departure from Castle Yew, where he is joined by the Nightmare, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, as well as Jespyr, Gorse, and the Ivy brothers, Petyr and Wik. As they journey through the wood, the Nightmare's true intentions and motivations are slowly revealed, including his interest in Elm and his potential role in the future. The group encounters a series of challenges, including wolves and a magical lake that seems to be waiting for the Nightmare. To cross the lake, they must each give a drop of blood, which will allow the Spirit of the Wood to grant them safe passage to the next barter. However, the lake's magic also presents a test, conjuring up illusions of their deepest desires and fears. Ravyn and the others must swim across the lake, fighting off the illusions and monsters that lurk beneath the surface. Petyr is injured by one of the monsters, and the group eventually reaches the shore, only to discover that Petyr's wound is poisoned and festering. The Nightmare seems to know more about the poison than he is letting on, and Ravyn is left to wonder what other challenges and dangers lie ahead on their journey to find the Twin Alders Card.
Elspeth, still trapped in the dark waters, begins to recall memories of her past, triggered by a rhyme that Taxus, the Shepherd King, had once used to reach her. As she remembers, she manages to move and calls out Taxus's true name, prompting him to pull her to the surface. Taxus reveals that he can take her away from the darkness, but warns her that she will have no control over her body and will be trapped in his mind, which he describes as monstrous. Meanwhile, voices can be heard in the distance, including Ravyn's, who is calling out for help as he tends to an injured Petyr. Taxus waits for Elspeth's response, and with a deep breath, she utters her final words on the shore, "Let. Me. Out," as she reaches out for Taxus's hand.
The chapter begins with Petyr's severe injury from a poisoned wound, and Ravyn's desperation to save him. The Nightmare, who has been unresponsive, suddenly suggests using the Maiden Card to heal Petyr. Ravyn uses the Card, and Petyr's wound is miraculously healed, leaving him without scars or imperfections. The group is shocked and relieved, but the Nightmare's true intentions and motivations remain unclear. As they continue their journey, Ravyn discovers that Elspeth is alive and tries to communicate with her through his Nightmare Card. However, the Nightmare intervenes, warning Ravyn not to meddle with Elspeth's mind. The chapter also reveals that Ravyn possesses a rare and powerful Nightmare Card, which sparks suspicion and distrust among his companions. Despite the tensions and challenges, the group presses on, determined to find the Twin Alders Card and uncover the secrets of the Providence Cards.
Elm spends the day in the library, feeling listless and irritated, and engages in a conversation with Filick Willow, the castle's physician. Filick discusses Elm's potential as a future king and his complicated relationship with his brother, as well as the situation with Elspeth and the Shepherd King. Meanwhile, Elm is drawn to Ione Hawthorn, despite the danger and uncertainty surrounding her, and recalls their intimate encounter in the cellar. Later, Maribeth Larch, a potential bride chosen by the King, approaches Elm and offers to pose for a drawing, but he declines, sensing that she is being pressured by her family. Elm then seeks out the King's steward, Baldwyn, to access the record chamber and review the King's marriage contracts, particularly the one involving Ione Hawthorn. After gaining access to the chamber, Elm discovers the contract and reads it, learning more about the arrangement between the King and Ione's family. With a newfound understanding, Elm smiles, feeling a sense of freedom and possibility, and exits the room, leaving the door unlocked.
Elspeth, trapped in the Nightmare's mind, witnesses the world through his eyes as he walks with Ravyn, Jespyr, and the Ivy brothers. She sees Ravyn's concern and frustration with the Nightmare's antics, and the two share a brief, emotional moment when the Nightmare allows Elspeth to communicate with Ravyn through his Nightmare Card. However, their conversation is cut short when the Nightmare intervenes, and soon after, the group is ambushed by an unknown attacker, who shoots arrows tipped with glass vials that release a sweet-smelling smoke. The Nightmare falls into the grass, and Elspeth's vision blurs, but not before she sees Wik, one of the Ivy brothers, struck by an arrow and Petyr falling unconscious. As the Nightmare loses consciousness, Elspeth sees two pairs of leather boots approaching, belonging to unknown individuals who seem to be targeting the Destriers.
Elm navigates the complexities of court life and his family's expectations as he attends a feast at the King's castle, where he engages in a tense conversation with his father, the King. The King is drunk and irritable, but Elm seizes the opportunity to barter with him, requesting a written agreement with the King's seal in exchange for accepting his role as heir. The King agrees, and Elm feels a sense of freedom and possibility. Later, Elm encounters Ione Hawthorn, who is being detained by Royce Linden, a Destrier. Elm intervenes, using his Scythe to threaten Linden and protect Ione. After Linden backs down, Elm and Ione have a tense but flirtatious conversation, during which they discuss their plan to continue searching for her missing Maiden Card. Elm apologizes for not helping Ione sooner and promises to resume their search in the morning, leaving Ione with a sense of anticipation and uncertainty.
The chapter delves into the memories of the Shepherd King, also known as Taxus, as he recalls his past and his interactions with the Spirit of the Wood. He remembers creating Providence Cards, each with its own unique magic, and bartering with the Spirit to acquire them. Taxus's memories reveal his desire to use the Cards to help his people and to gain strength, but also show the costs and risks associated with their power. The chapter also touches on Taxus's relationships with his family, including his wife Petra and his children, and his friendships, particularly with Brutus Rowan. As the memories unfold, it becomes clear that Taxus's obsession with the Providence Cards and his desire for more power and control have come at a great personal cost, and that the Spirit of the Wood demands a terrible price for her gifts. The chapter ends with Taxus's decision to give himself to the Spirit in exchange for an eleventh Providence Card, one that will allow him to enter people's minds, but at the cost of his very soul.
Ravyn and his companions, including the Nightmare who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, are captured by two women, Otho and Hesis, who are the leaders of a group of infected individuals living in a fortified stronghold. The women, seeking revenge against the Destriers and the King, force Ravyn, Jespyr, and Gorse to fight each other in a brutal and deadly battle. Ravyn, fueled by rage and hate induced by Otho's magical smoke, kills Gorse. After the fight, Opal Hawthorn, Elspeth's aunt, arrives at the stronghold and recognizes the Nightmare, but is distraught to learn that Elspeth is not in control of her body. Ravyn and the Nightmare work together to escape the stronghold, with the Nightmare using his strength to overpower Hesis and Ravyn using a hidden knife to cut through their restraints. As they escape, the Nightmare reveals that he has plans for the Rowans, and Ravyn vows to get Elspeth back, no matter the cost.
Elm visits the catacombs beneath the castle with Ione Hawthorn, where they search for her missing Maiden Card in the King's private vaults. Although they don't find the correct Maiden Card, Ione reveals more about her past and her feelings, and Elm begins to understand her better. They then head to the library, where Elm signs paperwork confirming his position as heir to the throne. Ione acts as a witness, and they encounter other women who may be using Maiden Cards to enhance their beauty. Elm takes some Providence Cards from the vaults, including the Prophet, which Ione uses to try and locate her Maiden Card. Her vision is unclear, but it seems to involve a meadow, the Yew family, and several important characters, including Elm himself. The vision also mentions the Twin Alders Card, which is a key part of the story. As Elm and Ione continue to navigate the complexities of court life and their own feelings, they grow closer and begin to trust each other more.
Ravyn, Jespyr, and the Nightmare, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, continue their journey to find the Twin Alders Card. As they approach the alderwood, the Nightmare uses his magic to communicate with the trees and creates a barrier to protect them from potential threats. They set up camp for the night, and the Nightmare tends to Ravyn's broken nose, causing him significant pain. Ravyn uses the Nightmare Card to communicate with Elspeth, who is trapped in the Nightmare's mind, and they share a moment of tenderness. The Nightmare reveals that he knew Brutus Rowan, the first Rowan King, and implies that Rowan was responsible for his death. As the night wears on, Ravyn and Jespyr reflect on their experiences and the weight of their emotions, and they eventually drift off to sleep, preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the alderwood.
Elm attends a feast at the King's castle, where the theme is Providence Cards, and he wears a black tunic, symbolizing the Black Horse Card. He searches for Ione Hawthorn and finds her wearing a burgundy gown, a Nightmare Card costume, given to her by the King. They converse and Elm offers to help Ione find her missing Maiden Card. They search the garden, specifically the rose maze and the rowan grove, where they find a statue of Brutus Rowan, the first Rowan King. Elm dives into a pond to search for the Card, but instead, the statue topples, and he loses his horsehair charm. Ione helps him by sharing her own charm, and they escape the mist that fills the garden. As they return to the castle, Filick Willow, the Physician, arrives with blood on his tunic, announcing that High Prince Hauth is awake, filling Elm with dread.
The Nightmare watches over Ravyn and Jespyr as they sleep, and Elspeth, trapped in the Nightmare's mind, explores his memories. She witnesses the Shepherd King, Taxus, recalling his past and his interactions with the Spirit of the Wood. Taxus remembers creating Providence Cards and bartering with the Spirit to acquire them, but at a great personal cost. He recalls his relationships with his family and friends, including his sister Ayris and his Captain of the Guard, Brutus Rowan. Taxus's memories reveal his obsession with the Providence Cards and his desire to lift the mist that has plagued Blunder. Elspeth also sees glimpses of Taxus's life, including his conversations with his daughter Tilly and his son Bennett, who possesses powerful magic. The memories show Taxus's growing distance from his family and his increasing reliance on the Providence Cards, which ultimately lead to his downfall. As the memories unfold, Elspeth begins to understand the complexities of the Shepherd King's past and the motivations behind his actions.
Elm struggles to maintain his composure as he visits his brother Hauth, who has been severely injured and is now awake. The King, drunk and emotional, tries to reach Hauth through the Nightmare Card, but is unsuccessful. Ione, who had been hesitant to enter the room, eventually does so and is met with Hauth's gaze, which seems to unsettle her. After the King fails to reach Hauth, Elm and the King have a tense conversation in the hallway, during which Elm asserts his independence and refuses to be controlled by the King's Scythe Card. Elm then leaves the castle and rides to Hawthorn House, where he collects Ione's dresses and returns to the castle to invite her to the next feast. He offers to help her find her missing Maiden Card and promises to take her anywhere she wants to go after the feast. Ione agrees to attend the feast with him, and Elm feels a sense of freedom and possibility.
The group, including Ravyn, Jespyr, and the Nightmare, stands at the edge of the alderwood, preparing to enter in search of the Twin Alders Card. However, the Nightmare reveals that the Spirit of the Wood demands a payment, a charm, in exchange for entry. Ravyn refuses to let Jespyr or Petyr give up their charms, knowing it would leave them vulnerable to the mist's infection. The Nightmare insists that there is no other way, and Jespyr ultimately decides to give up her charm, despite Ravyn's attempts to stop her. As she inserts her charm into a hole in an alder tree, the wood responds by opening a narrow path. Jespyr takes a deep breath, and with a final glance at Ravyn, runs into the alderwood, disappearing into the dense mist. Ravyn follows close behind, determined to support his sister.
Elm attends a feast at the King's castle, where he searches for Ione Hawthorn and eventually finds her. They dance together, and Elm uses a Nightmare Card to enter Ione's mind and uncover her memories. Through her memories, Elm learns about Ione's past, including her engagement to Hauth, her treatment by him, and her attempts to regain her Maiden Card. Elm discovers that Ione's Maiden Card is hidden in the throne room, and he retrieves it for her. With the Card returned to Ione, Elm proposes a final barter: he offers to marry her and make her Queen, using a loophole in the marriage contract that his father had written. Ione agrees to consider the proposal, and they share a romantic moment. As they stand together, Ione decides to release herself from the Maiden Card's magic, preparing to face the emotions and feelings she had been suppressing.
The group, including Ravyn, Jespyr, and the Nightmare, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, continues their journey to find the Twin Alders Card. As they approach the alderwood, the Nightmare uses his magic to communicate with the trees, creating a barrier to protect them from potential threats. However, the trees demand a payment, a charm, in exchange for entry, and Jespyr decides to give up her charm, despite Ravyn's attempts to stop her. As they venture deeper into the alderwood, they encounter various obstacles, including wolves, wildcats, and birds of prey. The Nightmare's true intentions and motivations are slowly revealed, including his interest in Elm and his potential role in the future. The group eventually reaches a valley filled with bodies, where they find Jespyr, who has been infected by the mist. The Nightmare and Ravyn work together to try and save her, but the trees of the alderwood refuse to let her go, stating that she must stay and feed them with her rot. Ravyn is forced to leave Jespyr behind and continue his journey to find the Twin Alders Card, but not before the Nightmare intervenes, using his sword to cut Jespyr free from the trees' grasp. The group manages to escape the alderwood, but not without the Nightmare being severely injured. As they emerge onto a pale shore, the sound of waves and the smell of salt fill the air, and the Nightmare's vision begins to fade. Elspeth, still trapped in the Nightmare's mind, urges him to keep going, and he eventually finds the strength to continue, determined to rewrite the history of Blunder and prevent Ravyn from suffering the same fate as he did.
The chapter focuses on Elm and Ione Hawthorn's evolving relationship as they navigate the complexities of court life and their own feelings. Ione, now free from the Maiden Card's magic, is struggling to come to terms with her past and the emotions she had been suppressing. Elm is drawn to her vulnerability and humanity, and they share a romantic and intimate moment. As they spend more time together, Elm opens up to Ione about his childhood, his family, and his plans to challenge the Rowan monarchy. Ione is touched by his honesty and vulnerability, and they decide to announce their marriage contract, which would allow them to work together to bring about change. However, their happiness is short-lived, as they return to the castle to find Hauth, Elm's brother, waiting for them, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic confrontation.
The scene unfolds on a desolate, gray beach, where Ravyn sits with his sister Jespyr, who lies unresponsive in his arms. The Nightmare, inhabiting Elspeth's body, watches them with a mixture of curiosity and detachment. Ravyn's frustration and desperation grow as he waits for the Spirit of the Wood to appear, hoping to find a way to save his sister from the deadly fever that grips her. The Nightmare's interactions with Ravyn are laced with a sense of tension and foreboding, as he seems to know more about the situation than he is letting on. Finally, the Spirit of the Wood emerges from the sea, her voice echoing through the landscape as she addresses the group, including Elspeth, who is trapped in the Nightmare's mind. The Spirit's arrival sets the stage for a potentially pivotal confrontation, as the group prepares to barter with her in a desperate bid to alter the course of their fate.
Elm's world is turned upside down as his brother Hauth, who had been severely injured, suddenly appears healed and menacing. Hauth reveals that he has been healed by the Maiden Card, which was found by Linden, and he uses his newfound strength to attack Ione, plunging a dagger into her chest. Despite the fatal wound, the Maiden Card's magic allows Ione to survive, and she eventually awakens, much to Elm's relief. As the scene unfolds, Elm's emotions are in turmoil, and he vows to kill Hauth for his actions. The arrival of Filick Willow and the King adds to the tension, and the chapter ends with Hauth's sinister intentions and the King's joy at his son's recovery, while Elm is left to grapple with the aftermath of the violent events and his desire to protect Ione.
Ravyn is transported to a place with no time, where he must make a final barter with the Spirit of the Wood to obtain the Twin Alders Card. The Spirit presents him with two offers: to save the people he loves, including his siblings and Elspeth, or to become the King of Blunder. Ravyn refuses both offers and instead demands to know the price of the Twin Alders Card. The Spirit takes him to a field of snow, where he witnesses a series of events from the past, including the Shepherd King's death at the hands of Brutus Rowan. Ravyn also sees the Shepherd King's son, Bennett, who destroys the Scythe Card and later becomes a highwayman and eventually marries. The vision ends, and the Spirit demands that Ravyn answer her riddle: what is his name? After some reflection, Ravyn realizes that his name is Taxus, a revelation that comes from his understanding of the past and his connection to the Shepherd King and his family.
The chapter begins with Elm sitting in the great hall, feeling overlooked and unimportant now that his brother Hauth has returned and is being praised by the courtiers. Hauth, who has been healed by the Maiden Card, is using its magic to maintain his perfect appearance and is also using his Scythe Card to control the actions of those around him, including Elm and Ione. As the scene unfolds, the King becomes ill and eventually dies after being poisoned, and Hauth accuses Elm of being responsible. In the chaos that follows, Elm uses his Scythe Card to freeze everyone in the hall and escapes with Ione. However, he soon realizes that he cannot keep using the Scythe Card without causing himself immense pain and decides to let Ione go on alone, giving her his Scythe Card and telling her to find Ravyn and the others. Elm stays behind, determined to face Hauth and prevent him from using Ione as a bargaining chip when Ravyn returns. The chapter ends with Elm sitting on the road, looking up at the moon, waiting for the Destriers to find him.
The Nightmare, still holding Jespyr, stands on the shore, waiting for Ravyn's return. When Ravyn emerges from the sea, he reveals that he has obtained the Twin Alders Card, but at a personal cost, having given up his name. The Nightmare and Ravyn engage in a conversation, during which the Nightmare's true intentions and motivations are revealed. He seeks balance and revenge, not just through violence, but by using the legacy of pain in Blunder to his advantage. The Nightmare believes that Elm, Ravyn's cousin, is the key to achieving this balance, as he has refused to let pain turn him into a monster. The Spirit of the Wood appears, and the scene ends with the Nightmare, Ravyn, and Jespyr being transported back to the alderwood, where they find themselves in a snowy landscape, with the branches of two trees tangled above them. Elspeth, still trapped in the Nightmare's mind, begins to understand the truth about the Nightmare's past and his connection to Ravyn and Elm.
Ravyn, Jespyr, and the Nightmare, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, finally emerge from the alderwood after a month-long journey, only to find that time has passed differently in the outside world. They soon discover that it is Solstice, and they have until midnight to unite the Deck of Providence Cards. The group meets up with Petyr and Ione Hawthorn, who informs them that Elm is being held at Stone by his brother Hauth, who has been healed by the Maiden Card and is now using its magic to control others. Ione also reveals that the King has been murdered, and Elm is being framed for the crime. The group decides to swim across the lake to get back to Castle Yew, and once they reach the shore, they see the castle in the distance. However, as they approach, they smell smoke and hear voices, including Hauth's, in the meadow. The Nightmare comes up with a plan, and Ravyn agrees to listen, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic confrontation.
Elm is being held captive in the dungeon of Stone castle, where he is eventually joined by Erik Spindle and Tyrn Hawthorn. The three prisoners are later dragged out of the dungeon and taken to the meadow near Castle Yew, where Hauth, now wearing their father's crown, reveals his plan to use them as bait to lure Ravyn and the others into a trap. Hauth's true intentions are to maintain control over Blunder through fear and the mist, rather than uniting the Deck of Providence Cards. As the night wears on, Ione Hawthorn appears in the meadow, holding the Twin Alders Card, and a confrontation ensues. Ravyn arrives, and with his sword drawn, he challenges Hauth and the Destriers, offering them a chance to leave and live. However, the Destriers refuse, and a chaotic battle breaks out, with the yew trees themselves seeming to come to life and attack the Destriers. In the midst of the chaos, Elm is instructed by Ravyn to follow Ione into the wood and then meet him in the stone chamber, where they plan to bring an end to the conflict.
The scene unfolds in the meadow near Castle Yew, where Ravyn and his allies are fighting against the Destriers. Ravyn's family, including his parents and Emory, are being held captive, but Ravyn is able to free them and instructs them to return to the castle. He then focuses on defeating Hauth, who has been using the Maiden Card to heal his injuries. Ravyn and Hauth engage in a fierce battle, with Ravyn using his Mirror Card to disappear and reappear, gaining the upper hand. However, Hauth is able to land a critical hit, stabbing Ravyn with a ceremonial dagger. As Ravyn lies wounded, Hauth retrieves the Providence Cards, including the Scythe, and disappears using Ravyn's Mirror Card. The chapter ends with Ravyn's fate uncertain, as he lies bleeding in the snow.
The scene unfolds in the wood, where Ione is riding her horse, being chased by Destriers. The Nightmare, who is inhabiting Elspeth's body, uses his magic to communicate with the trees and cut down the Destriers. Ione eventually joins the Nightmare, and they wait for Elm, Erik Spindle, and Tyrn Hawthorn, who are being held captive by Hauth. When they arrive, the Nightmare and Elm work together to take down the remaining Destriers, including Royce Linden. As they prepare to head to the stone chamber, the Nightmare senses that something is wrong and discovers Ravyn, who has been stabbed by Hauth. The Nightmare promises to find Hauth and end the conflict, and with his magic, he and the trees chase Hauth down and capture him. The Nightmare then enters the stone chamber, where Hauth is waiting, and reveals that he plans to crown Elm as the new King of Blunder, rather than killing Hauth. As the clock strikes midnight, Elm and Ione arrive with the final Cards of the Deck, and the Nightmare hands Elm his sword, tasking him with completing the ritual to unite the Deck and bring balance to Blunder.
Elm and Ione Hawthorn stand in the stone chamber, ready to unite the Deck of Providence Cards and bring balance to Blunder. However, Hauth, Elm's brother, reveals that no one in the room is infected, making it impossible to unite the Deck. Ione places the Cards on the stone, and when she adds the Scythe, Hauth lunges at Elm. In the ensuing struggle, Elm rips Hauth's charm loose, allowing the mist to infect him. As Hauth's mind is consumed by the Spirit of the Wood, Elm and Ione use the Shepherd King's sword to end his life, spilling his blood onto the Deck. The Cards disappear, and the mist begins to clear. With Hauth gone, Elm and Ione emerge from the chamber, finding a new, unfamiliar Providence Card in the chasm left behind. They look up at the night sky, now free from mist, and Elm knows that everything has led to this moment. He picks up the new Card and, with Ione, steps into a new, quiet world, ready to start anew as the King of Blunder.
Ravyn wakes up in his bedroom after being stabbed by Hauth, and is relieved to find that the mist has cleared and the world is a brighter, more colorful place. He is visited by his cousin Elm, who tells him that the Deck of Providence Cards has been united and the mist has been lifted. Ravyn is also visited by the Nightmare, who reveals that he has been waiting for him to wake up and has something important to show him. The Nightmare takes Ravyn to the Shepherd King's chamber, where he reveals that Elspeth's magic is strange and that if she touches the Shepherd Card, she will absorb all of the barter's and payments that the Nightmare made, and will not be healed. The Nightmare tells Ravyn that the only way for Elspeth to return is for him to destroy the final Nightmare Card, which will release the Nightmare's soul and allow Elspeth to come back. Ravyn is torn, but ultimately decides to destroy the Card, saying goodbye to the Nightmare and hoping that Elspeth will return.
The chapter concludes the story of Elspeth and the Nightmare, also known as Taxus, as they reflect on their experiences and the consequences of their actions. The Nightmare, who has been inhabiting Elspeth's body, is preparing to pass on, and Elspeth is trying to come to terms with the fact that she will be freed from the darkness that has held her. The two share a poignant moment, and the Nightmare expresses his regret for dragging Elspeth into the darkness with him. Elspeth reassures him that it was worth it to unite the Deck and lift the mist, and that she would do it all again to know him better. The Nightmare then asks Elspeth to tell him a story, and she begins to recount a tale about a girl and a king who are connected in a profound way. As they speak the final words of the story together, the Nightmare's presence begins to fade, and Elspeth is left to face the uncertainty of her own future.