"The curse required that Nyrissa destroy a thousand kingdoms. Each time a kingdom was ruined, a grain of dust

"The curse required that Nyrissa destroy a thousand kingdoms. Each time a kingdom was ruined, a grain of dust fell into a magic cup called the Apology. Now there are nine hundred and ninety nine of them — The number of kingdoms fallen to ruin in the Stolen Lands. Your kingdom must be the thousandth. If it falls, Nyrissa will be able to go to the Eldest and ask for forgiveness for her transgression. Please do not let this happen. The Eldest are cruel gods in my world, and they must not triumph."