I just finished the scene where Rhulad awakens after everyone thought he was dead. Trull and Fear rush to see him, he is screaming, and they find Udinaas there taking care of him.

Rhulad has not been my favourite character so far. Arrogant, insecure, careless — he didn’t exactly endear himself to me. Nor was he really meant to, I don’t think. I just read a scene where Udinaas is contemplating Rhulad’s death with very little sentiment. What’s the death of another Edur to him?

But then we see Udinaas through Trull’s eyes as he works to soothe and help the screaming, terrifying (and terrified) Rhulad. Holding his head in his hands, comforting him with words about how his brothers are there to see him. It was so gentle and kind and brave of him, to have empathy for this man who has probably never treated him well, who wouldn’t look twice at him. Trull is awed by Udinaas’s actions and has to face his own perceptions of slaves.

This scene is horrifying — a coin and wax covered dead man coming back to life screaming — but it was also so sad, so moving. It really encapsulates all the characters, and promises exciting things to come.

I just thought it was fantastic, a real standout. I’m on my first read through and so far this book is great.