Slogging on, and occasional dancing.

Right now, the progress on this book is quite satisfactory. I've made great progress by changing the beginning of the Fall from Azren confronting his meddlesome cousin, to the point of view of a young woodcutter's son whom Azren encounters several years earlier, and the information this youth had that would ultimately change the destiny of the entire country. From this innocent bystander's POV, the reader is better introduced to Azren's ways and character, and sets up the story's main plot. I'd say the next chapter will have Azren confronting his cousin, who is a member of the Council, and the disaster that happens afterward, that goes in Azren's favor. While it does create hardship for the main character, he is propelled into his mission in such a way that there is no turning back. And yes, while his best friend, former Patrol partner Atero (Frenet's husband) hunts him down, and another disaster causes tragedy and irretrievable setbacks for Azren, it also causes him to gain another strategic advantage. The Trade Route is destroyed by a severe earthquake, and so are parts of the boundary walls. This weakens Anyat's economy and causes further unrest among its citizens. Which plays into Azren's hands.
This took me years to work out, and it's all finally coming together. The jigsaw pieces are starting to form a clear picture. And so I am inspired once again.