5: Abandoned
Contains spoilersOverview
On the shuttle to Luna, Darrow is shunned as Augustus prepares to sell his contract. He dreads Bellona vengeance and a likely duel, reflects on Mustang and Sevro’s absence, and suspects Pliny’s machinations. Roque urges him to rely on Citadel protections until new patronage can be secured.
Summary
Darrow rides a shuttle away from Augustus’s flagship through the Scepter Armada, isolated among the lancers who wager on how long he survives without Augustus’s protection. Tactus pointedly bets on “ten days,” reminding Darrow of Tactus’s earlier betrayal with the escape pod. Darrow fixates on his looming contract auction at the Summit in three days, feeling like a discarded commodity.
He broods over the price on his head from Julia au Bellona, recalling the rumor of her nightly demand for his heart and recognizing that politics, not mercy, has kept him safe. With Augustus’s aegis ending, he anticipates a challenge—perhaps from Cassius—and endures taunts about his lack of fencing practice. Darrow admits, “I don’t fence,” revealing a dangerous weakness if honor forces a duel.
Memory pulls him to Mustang’s plea that he choose governance over war; Darrow chose the blade, acknowledging he withheld his full self from her. He notes Sevro’s reassignment to Pluto and suspects Pliny engineered the separation to isolate him further, deepening his sense of abandonment.
Roque counsels pragmatism: the Citadel forbids blood-feuds and restricts duels without the Sovereign’s consent. He advises Darrow to remain on Citadel grounds until another house claims him, though Roque admits his family won’t defy Augustus to bid. As Luna looms in the viewport, Darrow masks dread with resolve, telling himself he will be fine.
Who Appears
- Darrow
Protagonist; ostracized en route to Luna, fears Bellona vengeance and a duel, reflects on Mustang and Sevro, plans to hide in the Citadel.
- Roque au Fabii
Loyal friend; defends Darrow, urges him to rely on Citadel protections and await a new patron, cannot bid for him.
- Tactus au Rath
Former ally; wagers on Darrow’s survival and needles him, recalling his earlier escape-pod betrayal.
- Julia au Bellona
Bellona matriarch; rumored nightly demand for Darrow’s heart underscores the lethal vendetta against him.
- Mustang (Virginia au Augustus)
In memory; urged Darrow to choose peace and governance, highlighting their strained, unfinished relationship.
- Pliny au Grammaticus
Political operator; suspected of reassigning Sevro to isolate Darrow and weaken his support.
- Cassius au Bellona
Potential duelist; lancers predict he will challenge Darrow, threatening Darrow’s honor and safety.
- Sevro au Barca
Ally absent; reassigned to Pluto, his removal leaves Darrow more isolated.
- Nero au Augustus
Patron withdrawing protection; his plan to sell Darrow’s contract leaves Darrow exposed to enemies.
- Victra au Julii
Present among lancers; observes taunts and the tension without intervening.