The Castillian Expedition
As promised during the Rock of Tormentos, the companions are journeying to Rancho Velasquez - in northeastern Zepeda, Castille - to reunite Don Cruz and his daughter Zoya with their family. Before the leave, however, Philip du Paix approaches Don Cruz and offers him a position as Governor of Zepeda (for the Montaignes) as General du Toille, the Montaigne general, is becoming too brutal for public consumption. Don Cruz refuses, and so Philip enlists the companions to try to convince Don Cruz to accept so that the southern front of the Castillian war can be wrapped up.