The Spellshop

These chapters comprise the third act of the novel in the three-act structure. It begins with a brief respite as Radane declares herself no longer the enemy, and she and Kiera begin an uneasy alliance, thus reinforcing the theme of Rebirth and New Beginnings. Because this is intended to be such a positive novel, Radane faces little consequence for her actions toward the islanders; instead, they’re able to put their grievances aside. Kiela, in particular, rushes to Radane’s aid despite Radane’s harsh treatment, showing how much Larran’s kindness has influenced her: “How was that even a question? She thought of Larran rushing out into the storm when he spotted the floundering ship and wondered if this was how he had felt. If there was a way to help, she had to try” (314). For a little while, it seems as though everyone has gotten what they needed. This leads to several important developments and subplots, including Bryn’s romance with Radane. Although this happens predominantly off-page, there are hints of it in the way they interact in the group setting. It also has a significant impact on the way Radane is welcomed and protected by the island community. However, their moment of peace—the calm before the storm—is ruptured by the appearance of an even bigger adversary than Radane. 

The following chapters are rapid paced and action driven, in contrast to the more relaxed pace of the preceding chapters. At this stage, all the disparate threads created in earlier episodes come together to pay off in a time of crisis. For example, the forest spirits or “cloud bears” whom Kiela encountered previously now become a pivotal plot device for making Radane disappear. There is a particular emphasis on the storytelling history of these creatures: “But all the old folktales about so-called evil forest spirits […] said they were amoral, dangerous, and unfriendly, but to her, they’d been friendly” (320-21). This shows the power of stories to give people strength and resilience. The forest spirits are creatures of legend, and it’s only by turning to legends that Radane is saved.

Captain Varrik’s exploration of the island is what’s sometimes called a “false climax” or “pre climax,” a momentous conflict that appears to bring the story to a close. However, these stories always contain a second, bigger conflict as a direct result of the first. In this instance, the ship departs and leaves the islanders in peace, yet the victory is cut short by the rapid approach of the storm. In this moment, dozens of lives are suddenly at risk, and the heroes of the story need to choose between compassion and self-preservation. Even though saving the crew could prove catastrophic, Kiela and company band together to act. The ritualistic moment of union between Kiela, Radane, Bryn, Eadie, and Ulina is a culmination of everything that has come before: the formation of the Pine Cone Coven, Radane’s training as a wind-speaker, Kiela’s knowledge of spellcraft, and Larran’s altruistic influence that pushes Kiela to do the right thing. It’s only by working together and embracing their truest, best selves that each woman in the coven can make the magic work when it’s needed most. This provides resolution to the overarching theme of The Value of Kinship and Community, as it’s only by bonding with each other that they are able to overcome disaster.

As was inevitable, the lifesaving efforts of the group force their situational enemies to return. At this point, Varrik is faced with a similar choice to the one that each islander faced at the onset of the storm. His decision to leave Caltrey in peace, going as far as to break his moral code and lie to his men, is the final piece in a series of crossroads choices that have been made to bring the characters to the final stage of their journeys. Like Kiela, Larran, Bryn, and many others in the novel, Varrik chooses compassion. His ability to recognize how crucial Free Knowledge for the People is, with magic improving their quality of life and saving others in times of crisis, is a turning point for everyone involved. This leads to the novel’s denouement, the only part of the book given a time stamp: “Four Months Later.” This final chapter (which is given a number heading but functions as an epilogue) focuses on the foaling of the merhorses, an agricultural event that changes the island’s fortunes forever. This highlights how Kiela’s positive influence on the island goes beyond the good fortunes of the few and encompasses the entire island and its future.