A Court of Mist and Fury
Chapter 60
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with Rhysand assuring that Velaris remains protected, with the city’s wards restored after the recent attack. The characters, exhausted and covered in dirt and blood, reflect on the brutal conflict and their efforts to heal both physically and emotionally. Rhysand’s leadership is evident as he oversees the rebuilding process, while others like Cassian, Mor, and Azriel show signs of the toll taken by the battle. Amren’s role in using illusions to deceive the enemy and cause chaos highlights the strategic use of dark powers to weaken their foes, emphasizing the ongoing threat and the necessity of cunning tactics.
Despite the temporary safety of Velaris, concerns linger about the future. Cassian questions how long their defenses will hold, given that Hybern is aware of Velaris’s vulnerabilities thanks to the wyrm-queens’ intelligence. Rhysand’s inner burden weighs heavily on him, as he contemplates the possibility of having to leave the city to confront Hybern directly. Amren volunteers to stay and defend Velaris if Rhysand departs, asserting that her unique powers position her as the best protector of their home in his absence. The group recognizes the need for rest and recovery, but the underlying tension about future threats remains palpable.
Later, Rhysand and the narrator share a quiet, intimate moment on the roof, away from the chaos. Rhys reflects on his feelings of guilt and self-blame for the destruction and vulnerability of Velaris. Their conversation reveals the depth of their bond and mutual support, as Rhys admits feeling unworthy and conflicted. The narrator reassures him, emphasizing their shared right to happiness despite the ongoing peril. Their tender exchange culminates in a passionate moment under the stars, symbolizing hope and resilience amid ongoing darkness. This scene underscores the importance of emotional connection in the face of external chaos.
The chapter concludes with the discovery of a crucial but ominous revelation: Amren’s decoding of the Book of Breathings. She explains that to nullify the Cauldron’s destructive power, they must directly touch it and speak specific words. However, combining the two halves of the Book would unleash a destructive force capable of awakening ancient, malevolent entities. Rhysand and the others grapple with the dangerous implications of this knowledge, contemplating whether to proceed with their plan. The narrative ends with a sense of urgency and foreboding, as they prepare to move forward with their next strategic step, fully aware of the risks involved in their quest to defeat Hybern.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of Rhysand’s statement that “Velaris is secure,” and how does this reflect the overall state of the city after the recent attack?
Answer:
Rhysand’s assertion that “Velaris is secure” signifies that the city’s defenses have been successfully restored after the recent attack, with the wards remade and the immediate threat contained. This statement underscores the resilience of Velaris and the efforts of its inhabitants and leaders to rebuild and fortify their home. However, the chapter also hints at underlying vulnerabilities—Rhys’s concern about how long this security will last and the threat of future attacks—highlighting that while the city appears safe now, its safety remains precarious. This reflects a broader theme of ongoing vigilance and the fragile nature of peace in a war-torn world.2. Question 2
How does Amren’s decision to stay and defend Velaris demonstrate her understanding of her role and the importance of the city’s security?
Answer:
Amren’s decision to stay and defend Velaris shows her awareness of her unique powers and her sense of responsibility toward the city’s safety. By stating she is the only one capable of holding the city until help arrives, she recognizes her crucial role in maintaining the defenses and stability during a critical moment. Her willingness to remain underscores her strategic understanding that her dark power and illusions are vital in deterring enemies and protecting Velaris from further threats. This decision also highlights her loyalty and commitment to the cause, emphasizing that her presence is essential for the city’s continued security.3. Question 3
What are the potential risks and consequences of attempting to nullify the Cauldron’s power by touching it and speaking the prescribed words, according to Amren?
Answer:
Amren warns that nullifying the Cauldron’s power by touching it and speaking the specific words will unleash a destructive and chaotic blast felt across the earth. This act could attract not only the King of Hybern but also older, more malevolent entities that have long been dormant. The risk is that the power released could awaken ancient evils or create uncontrollable chaos, threatening both the world and the balance of power. This highlights the perilous nature of such a potent magical object and the careful consideration needed before attempting to disable it, as the consequences could be catastrophic.4. Question 4
How does the chapter explore the theme of sacrifice, particularly through Rhysand’s feelings of guilt and his interactions with Feyre?
Answer:
The chapter vividly depicts the theme of sacrifice through Rhysand’s internal struggle and his interactions with Feyre. Rhys feels responsible for the safety of Velaris, lamenting that he handed the city over to enemies and questioning whether he hates himself or the others more. His guilt is palpable when he admits he doesn’t deserve Feyre, and his emotional vulnerability is expressed in his inability to connect fully, even as he seeks comfort in her presence. Feyre’s reassurance and her willingness to fight for the city exemplify mutual sacrifice—both characters are willing to risk and give up personal safety for the greater good. Rhys’s guilt and Feyre’s support highlight the personal cost of leadership and love amid chaos.5. Question 5
In what ways does the chapter depict the balance between hope and despair in the aftermath of the attack, and how do the characters’ actions reflect this?
Answer:
The chapter portrays a delicate balance between hope and despair through the characters’ responses to the aftermath of the attack. Despite the devastation, there is hope in the fact that Velaris remains secure and that the wards have been rebuilt. Amren’s decision to stay and fortify the city, and the plan to use the Book of Breathings to potentially disable the Cauldron, reflect a proactive hope to turn the tide. Conversely, the bleakness in Rhysand’s voice and his feelings of guilt introduce despair, emphasizing the ongoing threat and the high stakes. The characters’ actions—resting, strategizing, and preparing for retaliation—demonstrate resilience and a collective resolve to confront future dangers, embodying the enduring human (and fae) spirit to hope even amid adversity.
Quotes
1. “Velaris is secure,” Rhys said in the black hours of the night. “The wards the Cauldron took out have been remade.”
This quote underscores the immediate relief and resilience of Velaris following the recent attack, highlighting the importance of the city’s defenses and the ongoing efforts to restore security after devastation.
2. “You shut me out,” he breathed. “You—shielded against me. Completely. I couldn’t find a way in.”
Rhysand’s admission reveals the emotional and strategic toll of the protective barrier his partner created, emphasizing themes of trust, vulnerability, and the strain of safeguarding loved ones amid chaos.
3. “To nullify the Cauldron’s power,” she said by way of greeting as we crowded around the dining table in the town house, having rushed in from the repairs we’d all been making on very little sleep, “you must touch the Cauldron—and speak these words.”
This passage introduces the critical, dangerous plan to neutralize the Cauldron’s destructive power, setting up the chapter’s central strategic dilemma and the peril involved in such a bold move.
4. “We deserve each other. And we deserve to be happy.”
This intimate declaration encapsulates the chapter’s underlying message of hope and mutual worth, emphasizing the importance of love and connection even amidst darkness and turmoil.
5. “And then we retaliate.”
Azriel’s succinct statement signals the chapter’s shift toward action and vengeance, underscoring the resolve of the characters to fight back against their enemies after the recent hardships.