The Fetters

The Fetters are a pair of shackles devised by Akua from the Autumn Crown. They replace the Alliance’s original plan to offer Neshamah the crown as a gift with a proposed shared, permanent vigil. (Chapters 472, 475–476)

History

Akua's alteration of the crown

Akua changes Hierophant's design from a single crown into a pair of linked rings. The design makes the power of either wearer dependent on the consent of the other, and is intended to strip the Dead King of his mastery over the dead. Akua carries the artifact in a pouch during the final campaign and names it the Fetters. (Chapters 472, 475)

The final plan

When the Twilight Ways fail and the original plan becomes untenable, the Alliance considers using the Fetters to bind the Dead King. Hanno and Christophe volunteer to take the two ends. Akua instead uses one ring on herself and puts the other on the Intercessor, binding the Bard long enough for the final exchange to take place. The story does not establish who keeps the rings afterward. (Chapters 475–477)

Abilities and properties

The Fetters bind two bearers together: either wearer's use of power is subject to the other's consent. Akua's final use places one on the Intercessor; after Akua dies, the text states that the Intercessor is gone as well. The earlier plan to use them on the Dead King would have entailed an unending watch by those bound to him. Their later custody is not stated. (Chapters 472, 475–477)

Ownership and custody