Running the Gauntlet. The Missing Shield, #4

In the realm of Ostravah, magic lies broken and forgotten. Now, with the approaching millennium, an ancient strife that has spanned aeons will soon rekindle because the capricious Gods never rest - and they want their dues... The debilitating uncertainties continue.Solancei, Duchess of Ivanor and secret life shield of Iambre Actarione, is certain of one thing only: that her present situation cannot possibly get any stranger. However, when her jackal fight tormentor drags an unhinged prisoner before her, she is forced to bend her neck to the Gods' overwhelmingly bad sense of humour, for not only does the ranting madman seem to know her, he also insists on calling her Mistress, and moves to protect her.
Though she may not live to see sunlight again, Solancei still knows she cannot let this seemingly innocent man suffer either. Yet, will she manage to save this mad prisoner from his intended fate or is her unpredictable captor simply toying with them both? And what does he actually want? Playing a dangerous game to keep her true identity hidden, she is forced to wonder if she too will become a mad, abused substance addict like the other prisoner - or if the Gods might for once show mercy and favour her? Regardless of Gods or men, as Solancei counts her own fleeting odds, she is certain of the repercussions to Iambre, should she falter - and so for duty and love, she must prevail no matter the cost to herself.
Likewise mired, a victim of her own unsettling circumstances, Princess Iambre of Ostravah is heart sore from the binding promise finally made to her true love, Captain Metavo. Solancei's continued absence wreak havoc with her thoughts, and feeling the need to do the 'right thing' has suddenly very little to do with what's proper and everything to do with following a gut instinct that tells her she must act to help her missing Shield or else lose her forever. But how can she make a move when she is watched wherever she goes and remains surrounded by Zanzier's sycophantic nobles? Her ungraceful host conducts himself like a bore and threatens her patience, but worst of all he inspires aversion and suspicions of the worst kind, something that leaves her ever wary of his agenda.
Meanwhile, Zanzierian Lord Simarovien Zulavi pursue plans of his own. An uneasy alliance with a noble 'loon' from Tuxama Lake promises to produce the results he has long been striving for, but when a trial to test an old set of supposed-magical stones proves successful, Zulavi should perhaps be wondering if there is more to the ramblings of his bookish scholar-ally than meets the eyes?Tan'Xaviar is peculiar and turns Zulavi's guts, but an ally is an ally. At least, for now.