Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of gender discrimination, rape, physical abuse, animal death, and death.

The fae commander is called Rip because of his “predisposition to literally rip soldiers’ heads from their bodies” (315). Though Auren cannot see his face beneath the helmet, she has heard that he has either horns or scars in addition to the sharp spikes on his arms and back. She is afraid to find out which rumor is true.

Fane welcomes Commander Rip nervously, and when Rip asks why Fane is so far north this time of year, Fane says that he got a tip about a caravan that he could not pass up. Rip says that he caught and killed every messenger hawk that Fane sent about an imminent auction of royal saddles. Rip intends to buy every saddle from Fane and will not take no for an answer. Fane tries to argue, but he relents when faced with Rip’s vague threats. The two leave to discuss details and a suitable price.

The pirates have dinner with Rip and his soldiers. The captured saddles serve the food and keep the men entertained, but when Fane orders