EP18: Best Intentions

Lean on us.' Granny Dewshine faces judgment for using the Magna Mater's power offensively during the battle — the same act that saved the city is deemed a violation of the healers' society's strictures.

Best Intentions. The centurion Merick reaches his spiritual crossroads. 'It’s ruining me,' he declares of the Dread Mother's corruption, renouncing her darker gifts in favor of the Mother's Touch. He weaves Granny Yulia's hair into his bracelet as a sacred bond. Marcus journals with characteristic warmth: 'As he was leaving, I found myself pitying Griff. There's no doubt in my mind that he loved his brother dearly. But what he seeks to do ain't justice.' Nilishli follows Griff immediately after the meeting in Lady Livia's office, revealing more of his past to the divine construct and convincing him to join the Fellowship's journey to Jason Tenderheart's island. Granny Dewshine is to leave Juramentum on a walkabout to cleanse herself, returning to face judgment from her eldest daughter Korma. Marcus converses with Lady Livia, setting in motion several gambits crucial to the city's survival — her appreciation and trust in the true cleric continues to grow. Titus holds an intimate family dinner in the keep's kitchen with Livia, Rutilius, a distracted Catryn, and little Jerim. Merick speaks with Jasmine — she confides that she wishes to have a child with him but doesn't know if she's able to anymore. Marcus attempts to heal Merick's injuries from his captivity in Pulex to make this possible, but fails. Time marches on, and the negotiations with Leptis Regium draw ever closer.