Black Sun

It’s the day before the convergence. Naranpa has been locked in her room in the celestial tower for a week when Iktan comes to visit. Iktan asks for the Sun Priest mask so that another priest can wear it instead of her, although he also mentions that her confinement is temporary until Carrion Crow “has been dealt with” (387). Naranpa gives Iktan the mask. He says that the others would never accept her because of her background and upbringing, though he also confesses feelings for her. When Iktan leaves, Naranpa cries.

Only a short time later, one of the other priests comes to kick Naranpa out of the tower. Four strange men, ostensibly from Golden Eagle, kill the guard posted outside the door and kidnap Naranpa.

Xiala arrives in Tova the day before the convergence. The attractive woman from the riverboat invites her to spend time with her in Tova, but Xiala rejects her in favor of spending one last day with Serapio. She wavers, thinking he’s only offering to spend time with her out of obligation, but he assures her it’s what he wants.

The city of Tova is decorated for the solstice, with bonfires and paper lanterns, and many people are out in the street celebrating.