Chapter 1: Darrow
Contains spoilersOverview
Darrow returns to Luna leading a fraught victory parade after Mercury, burdened by losses and determined to secure Senate support for a final assault on Venus. Wulfgar’s enforcement of disarmament and reminders of Senate orders expose the rift between Darrow’s actions and civilian authority. At the Forum, Darrow kneels before Sovereign Mustang, signaling looming political struggles.
Summary
Darrow marches up the flower-strewn Via Triumphia amid heavy security and a volatile crowd that alternately cheers and condemns the Reaper. Exhausted and haunted by the war’s toll, he reflects on lost friends, his transformation from Red to Gold, and his longing to return to his family after a year apart.
On the Republic’s fourth Liberation Day, fireworks mark Mercury’s liberation while Darrow focuses on the next objective: convincing the Senate to fund one last campaign against Venus, the Ash Lord’s final bastion. He surveys the diminished Seventh Legion—twenty-eight thousand of fifty—led by Thraxa au Telemanus bearing the standard with a new metal arm, as the mixed Colors of the legion revel with the crowd.
Midway up the Forum steps, Wulfgar and the Wardens greet them. Sevro trades crude jabs as Wulfgar admits he missed the Iron Rain and pointedly upholds the Senate’s authority, highlighting that Darrow disobeyed orders by assaulting Mercury. Sefi exchanges formal respect with Wulfgar, and the Wardens collect weapons. Wulfgar warns Darrow he will need fortune with the Senators.
Atop the stairs, 140 white-togaed Senators await; Dancer is notably absent. At the center stands the Sovereign, Mustang, bearing the Dawn Scepter. Darrow ascends, kneels, and greets his wife; she welcomes him home, closing the procession and setting the stage for the political battle to come.
Who Appears
- Darrow
Protagonist; returns to Luna in triumph, burdened by losses, seeks Senate support to attack Venus, and reunites with his wife, Sovereign Mustang.
- Sevro
Howler leader and Imperator; trades barbs with Darrow, reeks of liquor, surrenders weapons begrudgingly, and needles Wulfgar about missing Mercury’s Iron Rain.
- Wulfgar
ArchWarden of the Republic; greets Darrow, enforces disarmament, and pointedly upholds Senate authority, hinting at tension over Darrow’s disobedience on Mercury.
- Sefi Volarus
Obsidian queen; silent and wary beside Sevro, exchanges formal respect with Wulfgar and relinquishes her weapon.
- Thraxa au Telemanus
The Hammer; bears the legion standard, displays her new metal arm, and rallies the mixed-color Seventh Legion.
- Mustang
Sovereign of the Republic and Darrow’s wife; awaits atop the Forum steps, receiving his homage and welcoming him home.
- Holiday
Howler ally and bodyguard; keeps the drunken pack in line during the parade.