The Pursuit of the Courier

De brief voor de Koning

Tiuri’s progress is repeatedly threatened by enemies who track him through disguises, spies, and direct attacks.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Red Riders in the Forest Red Riders in the Forest from "De brief voor de Koning". Red Riders in the Forest A dangerous encounter Tiuri meets Red Riders who question him about his movements.

Red Riders in the Forest from "De brief voor de Koning". Red Riders in the Forest A dangerous encounter Tiuri meets Red Riders who question him about his movements.

Red Riders in the Forest A dangerous encounter Tiuri meets Red Riders who question him about his movements. He has no weapon and must conceal the letter without exposing his fear. Flight and concealment More riders join the pursuit, so Tiuri sends his horse onward and hides in a tree. His quick thinking saves him, but confirms that the enemy is actively searching for him.

A Ring Reveals Him A Ring Reveals Him from "De brief voor de Koning". A Ring Reveals Him The ring’s signal The ring glows in darkness, a comfort to Tiuri but also a visible clue to others.

A Ring Reveals Him from "De brief voor de Koning". A Ring Reveals Him The ring’s signal The ring glows in darkness, a comfort to Tiuri but also a visible clue to others.

A Ring Reveals Him The ring’s signal The ring glows in darkness, a comfort to Tiuri but also a visible clue to others. Its connection to Edwinem makes it valuable and dangerous. The Grey Knights’ suspicion The Grey Knights learn of the ring and assume Tiuri stole it after murdering its owner. Their pursuit adds a second threat: Tiuri must evade both killers and mistaken avengers.

A Spy on the Mountain Path A Spy on the Mountain Path from "De brief voor de Koning". A Spy on the Mountain Path Jaro’s false companionship Jaro joins Tiuri and Piak, presenting himself as a traveler seeking his son.

A Spy on the Mountain Path from "De brief voor de Koning". A Spy on the Mountain Path Jaro’s false companionship Jaro joins Tiuri and Piak, presenting himself as a traveler seeking his son.

A Spy on the Mountain Path Jaro’s false companionship Jaro joins Tiuri and Piak, presenting himself as a traveler seeking his son. Tiuri distrusts him, but compassion makes him accept the company. A hidden assignment Jaro confesses that he was sent to kill Tiuri and steal the letter. Tiuri’s rescue of him from a ravine has weakened his resolve and interrupts the pursuit from within.

The Dangria Trap The Dangria Trap from "De brief voor de Koning". The Dangria Trap A false welcome The mayor invites Tiuri and Piak into the town hall, then tries to detain them for an unseen accomplice.

The Dangria Trap from "De brief voor de Koning". The Dangria Trap A false welcome The mayor invites Tiuri and Piak into the town hall, then tries to detain them for an unseen accomplice.

The Dangria Trap A false welcome The mayor invites Tiuri and Piak into the town hall, then tries to detain them for an unseen accomplice. Piak senses the danger and pretends that he has the letter. Separate escapes Piak draws the pursuers away while Tiuri escapes through the building. The trap shows how the enemy has extended its reach beyond the eastern kingdom.

Slupor at the Gate Slupor at the Gate from "De brief voor de Koning". Slupor at the Gate The final disguise Slupor appears as a beggar and waits for Tiuri at the city gate.

Slupor at the Gate from "De brief voor de Koning". Slupor at the Gate The final disguise Slupor appears as a beggar and waits for Tiuri at the city gate.

Slupor at the Gate The final disguise Slupor appears as a beggar and waits for Tiuri at the city gate. His apparent helplessness conceals a concealed weapon and a final attempt to stop the courier. The pursuit ends Tiuri recognizes the danger and resists the attack with Piak’s help. The guards capture Slupor, ending the immediate pursuit but not the larger conflict with Eviellan.

The morning after Edwinem’s death

Several days into the forest journey

During the mountain journey

After crossing the mountains

At the entrance to Unauwen’s capital