Continued from Session 29: Duel at Dark.
Amos Crow and his sister Laybeth talk about the documents acquired from Lady Zara fae'Fournius about the cover up regarding their mother's death. They know that Watch Commander Surt signed off on the forged copies, and wanted to confront him. Laybeth thinks it's a good place to start, but thinks Surt would be low in the pecking order of a possible conspiracy that also involves High Keeper Sidonia Sadafi and the imperial family. Regardless, Amos thinks it's important to talk to Surt, so they head to his office.
They show him the papers, but don't tell Surt where they are from. Surt begins to explain, and says he used to work with Trisa Crow, and was trained by her. She had gone off on her own without telling him to the Imperial Docks. The area isn't under the jurisdiction of the Vigilants, but rather than Imperial Army. Surt thinks she may have been trying to protect him. Trisa had already been earning a reputation as a Vigilant who could get things done. Her funeral was small with a closed casket; it wasn't until later when she had become recognized as an Imperial hero.
Surt says that the higher ups didn't think it would be possible to still Arcstone, but Trisa thought otherwise. The arcstone is important, and the Empire keeps tight control over it. Amos theorized that if someone could steal it, that could upset the balance of power. When asked who was involved, Surt says it was mostly Imperials, but he remembered Magistrate Ayham Tahir was involved as well. The connection to the emperor's brother, Aleron er'Ceasian, was a new wrinkle to Surt. Surt said he would look in the archives to see if any of Trisa's notes on the case couild be found.
Talking to Laybeth, Amos wondered if Lady Zara was truly trying to help them, or if was just another plot. He mentioned that there were a number of people that could benefit from a realignment of power, including House Fournius, Hezra, and Princes Barnabus and Tobias.
Meanwhile, Meriel, Tor'in, and Ren go to the Giving Hands to talk to Kith. Meriel warns Kennick that Kith may be in danger from Artellus. She told him about Artellus's henchman who spits aside. Kennick is astonished by the news, and tells Meriel that although he does not know Artellus's mind, he does find that he is a devout Solari. He lets Meriel know that if he hears or sees anything, he'll make sure to ler her or Amos know.
Meriel seeks out Kith, and asks the young Caithan if she knew anything about her gift. Kith was told by Allan before he died that it was special, possibly unique, and a gift from Solarian. Meriel thinks that Kith may be able to break spells with her singing, like she did before with Cephius. Meriel warns Kith that she may be in danger, and that Artellus may be looking for her. Meriel said she doesn't know his motives, but they can't be good. Meriel describes Artellus and his henchman to Kith.
Tor'in stays behind at the Giving Hands disguised as a Solari to keep an eye on Kith.
Ren has dinner at home on the last night of the Week of Remembrance. His brother Unknown tries to convince him to eventually tell their grandfather Augusintra that he is no longer with the Watch.