- For the anthology, see Sun in Glory and Other Tales of Valdemar.
This is a previously-untold story referred to in Winds of Change and Winds of Fury. It includes cameos from some major characters in Selenay's reign.
Overview[]
Solaris covertly sends an envoy to Alberich to propose an alliance of long-time enemies Karse and Valdemar.
Characters[]
Main character[]
- Herald Alberich
Major characters[]
- Hierophant Karchanek - Priest-mage of Vkandis
- Solaris - Son of the Sun
- Queen's Own Herald Talia
- Companion Kantor - Alberich's Companion
Minor characters[]
- Father Gerichen - Valdemar priest of Vkandis
- Queen Selenay
- Herald-Chronicler Myste
- Herald-Captain Kerowyn
- Herald Eldan
- Companion Kantor
- Herald Jeri
- Companion Rolan
- Herald Dirk
- Firecat Hansa
- Father Ulrich - Sunpriest
- Father Larschen - Sunpriest
- Father Grevenor - Sunpriest
Referenced characters[]
- Reulan - legendary Son of the Sun
- Ancar - usurper-king of Hardorn
- Companion Ahrodie - Dirk's Companion, not mentioned by name
Places[]
- Haven, Valdemar
- Companion's Field, Haven
- Sunhame, Karse
- Palace of the Sun, Sunhame
- High Temple of Vkandis, Sunhame
Terminology[]
Synopsis[]
Alberich and Myste meet Father Gerichen's unusual guest - a covert envoy from Solaris to broach the possibility of peace and Alliance. Hierophant Karchanek, a Sunpriest, is acting under her instructions to contact Alberich as the intermediary to bring the question to Selenay.
Karchanek summarizes the crowning of Solaris by Vkandis, and adds that she is accompanied by a Firecat, a legendary symbol of Vkandis' favor and advice.
And as an indicator to tell all of Karse of His disapproval of hostilities toward Valdemar, Vkandis directed her to send for a Herald so that He can make her a priest of Vkandis. Not just any Herald, but the Queen's Own, Talia.
Chronology notes (SPOILERS!)[]
Per Karal in Storm Warning, Solaris was crowned at Winter Solstice.
In Winds of Fate, Elspeth left Valdemar in the summer (and was riding the Dhorisha Plains by "high summer.") It must be inferred from this story that the envoy covertly approached Alberich right after Elspeth left Valdemar, and that Talia was invested by Vkandis at summer solstice.
In Winds of Change Chapter 11, news of Solaris' rank, consolidation of power and contact with Valdemar doesn't reach Elspeth at k'Sheyna Vale until winter weather is about to begin there. Elspeth said, "If Gwena is relaying what Rolan told her correctly ... The infighting [in Karse] settled this fall—and the Priest-King suddenly seems to be a Queen now." Elspeth was told that Karse had covertly approached Alberich in "Early fall—about when we reached here," a month before Elspeth is speaking. She says that three weeks ago, official contact was made, and a week ago Valdemar sent Talia and Dirk to the border to negotiate for allies against Hardorn. Due to the information in "Sun in Glory," it must be inferred that the information was delayed.
To sum up, in Winds of Fury, Chapter 1, Ancar knows that Elspeth is still "missing" from Valdemar, and that Talia is a Sun-Priest(ess). In Winds of Fury, Chapter 2, spring is beginning, and Elspeth knows of the Alliance with Karse and Talia's investiture as a Priestess of Vkandis.