Kragen's men are laughing and taunting the guards of Orison.
And Lebbick is stewing at a low simmer, waiting for something or someone to set off the explosion......and he can't wait for that someone to be Terisa.
Lebbick cannot bring himself to trust or believe a word Terisa says. He still blames her for all the problems they are having and believes she is behind this plot to overthrow Orison & the King.Yes, the Castellan mused, she was an interesting woman.And her turn was coming. Someday soon he would have her in his power. Then she would learn what it really meant to be accused. He would teach her thoroughly.
Lebbick seems to have a serious anger management problem......That woman's turn was coming.
Finally, the Alend Monarch's full might is upon Orison - ten thousand strong with massive seige engines readying for the attack.
Kragen & Elega ride out under a flag of truce, offering a meeting between Joyce & the Alend Monarch. Lebbick offers the King's response:
Elega is infuriated:King Joyce asks me to point out to you - and your illustrious father - that neither of you understands hop-board. You wouldn't have gotten as far as a stalemate without help. Instead of waving your swords at us, you ought to remember what happened the last tie you went to war with Mordant.
Lebbick responds with one of the best quotes from the book:"By the stars Lebbick," cried out the lady Elega, "is he still playing hop-board? Tell him to surrender!"
With this and Joyce's threat to "unleash the full force of the Congery" any hope of a peaceful resolution are gone and the seige begins. Geraden goes to try to talk to Artagel & Terisa retreats to her rooms and finally falls asleep."I am sure that my daughter Elega has acted for the best reasons. She carries my pride with her wherever she goes. For her sake, as well as my own, I hope that the best reasons will also produce the best results."
She wakes to the impetuous Eremis, making the "moves" on her and she finds herself not able to say no. His sway on her is great - he is still the only man to ever show an interest in her (in a physical sense) and she finds herself very attracted to that. She does find her internal struggle coming to a breaking point. Eremis' advances & physical interest in her are new & exciting & really make her feel alive & wanted, but Geraden's trust & emotional support are vital to her also.
Luckily, Eremis really helps her by spewing his usual arrogant, self righteous B.S., reminding her of just how clever & intelligent he really is & how he's got it all figured out. This guy really irritates me.
And Geraden helps out by pulling another of his impeccable entrance timings and walks in on Terisa & Eremis, just as Eremis is beginning to "claim" her. This is one of the funniest scenes in the book. I can just see Eremis all revved up and Geraden pops in & says "hey, whats up?" (hehe)
Before Eremis & Geraden can kill each other, Gart shows up & tears the place apart. Eremis says an interesting thing when Gart appears:
Hmmmmm, what does that mean, I wonder???????"Gart!" Master Eremis shouted. "Whelp of a dog! Your timing is miraculous!"
The chapter ends with yet another retreat into Terisa's wardrobe and yet another threat to Geraden by Eremis.