The Toll

Goddard had believed that gleaning the Toll would quell the Tonists; instead, the Tonists have banded against him more than ever. The gleaned Toll is now seen as a symbol of martyrdom. Whether it is true or not, Goddard, now Overblade of North Merica, believes all the regions are ganging up against him. That is why Goddard has equipped the garden around his chalet with cannon guns pointed downwards at Fulcrum City and reinforced the walls of his home. He has also redoubled his pursuit of Citra.

Citra, also known as Scythe Anastasia, is aboard The Spence, headed to SubSahara for refuge. She asks Jeri about Rowan, and from Jeri’s silence, understands that Rowan has been captured. She feels sick with misery. Jeri tells her that her devotion to Rowan is inexplicable. She tells Jeri that Jeri knows nothing about Rowan. The conversation turns to Jerico’s Madagascan roots and gender-fluid identity: Jerico is a man under the clouds and a woman under clear skies. Jeri finds Anastasia’s frankness on the subject refreshing.

Meanwhile, Rowan is taken to North Merica and revived. He is tied to a glass column in the center of Goddard’s chalet. Goddard and Ayn visit Rowan. Goddard’s happiness on seeing Rowan seems partly genuine; Rowan realizes it is because Goddard has the body of Tyger, Rowan’s best friend.