Once again losing the thread of the thing, or maybe kust becoming a little bored with the one dimensional nature of the story. I think this is another good example of the importance of plotting. It helps you recognize what does not work quickly enough to get to what does.
Chapter 17
Esme (had to go back to day 7 for that name) is down and barely conscious. A sick feeling creeps over the group as they realize that she is possibly dying from the same thing that took their guide. This momentary distraction is enough to allow the forces to regroup and surround them. The unit is captured without incident and brought to see the commander.
They meet with the commander and explain their purpose and what they’ve been sent to give him in exchange for the release. They are taken to the place where the brother is being held though Marek and Thea are primarily concerned with Esme. Those two are refused the chance to see her. They are all angry and distraught and Ikrivain is broken, because he feels as though he’s failed. He is also desperate to salvage this situation.
They find the brother working a ritual. He is a spellcaster and a powerful one, but he looks drained and thin and sunken eyed. he stops and he is fed.He is clearly a prisoner here but he is bargaining for his freedom by working the spell. What is it? They ask, but the question is ignored. It is made clear that they are not going to release him unless another spell caster is drawn to take his place in the ritual.
They are returned to their cells.