Tower of Dawn
Chapter Twenty-Nine
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Nesryn and Sartaq facing a fierce storm in the northern Asimil Mountains. As they seek shelter on a rocky outcrop, Kadara, their ruk, bravely withstands the icy rain and howling winds, shielding them from the worst of the weather. Nesryn, despite her physical resilience, is chilled to the bone and longs for warmth, reflecting on her past disinterest in magic and her reliance on physical skill rather than supernatural powers. The storm’s ferocity underscores the perilous journey they undertake, emphasizing nature’s dominance and the danger they face in their quest.
Nesryn’s thoughts turn to the broader political landscape, especially the disappearance of Aelin and her court. She contemplates the possibility of Aelin’s strategic maneuvers, suspecting that the queen’s absence might be part of a larger plan, possibly orchestrated by Morath or Aelin herself. Nesryn’s admiration for Aelin’s calculated restraint contrasts with her own feelings of vulnerability and frustration, highlighting her hope that Aelin still holds some unseen advantage. Her concern underscores the uncertainty and tension permeating their situation, revealing her reliance on hope and strategic thinking amid chaos.
After the storm subsides, Nesryn and Sartaq prepare for the next leg of their journey, flying across the mountains and into the grasslands below. They must camp in a forested area, cold and unprepared for comfort, which deepens Nesryn’s sense of alienation from her companion. Sartaq’s kindness, offering blankets and clothing, contrasts with her feelings of distance, as she perceives him more as a stranger than an ally. Her internal conflict about their alliance grows stronger as she questions her own choices, feeling the weight of the unfamiliarity and the risks involved in trusting someone she barely knows.
As dawn breaks, they set off again, heading toward the Darghan steppes with Sartaq providing insight into his homeland’s history and alliances. Their flight over the rugged terrain reveals the interconnectedness of the various tribes and regions, with Sartaq explaining the historical ties and military cooperation between the Darghan and the ruk. The conversation hints at ongoing conflicts and the harsh realities of loyalty and resistance within their world. Sartaq’s mention of the empire’s strict discipline and brutal consequences for dissent adds a layer of foreboding, emphasizing the oppressive political climate that Nesryn is navigating, and the dangerous path ahead.
FAQs
1. What challenges do Nesryn and Sartaq face during their journey in the chapter, and how do these challenges reflect the broader circumstances they are experiencing?
Answer:
Nesryn and Sartaq face severe weather conditions, including a storm with thunder, icy rain, and strong winds that threaten their safety. They are forced to take shelter on a rocky outcropping, with Kadara, the ruk, shielding them from the storm. The cold and exposure cause Nesryn to shiver and feel the biting cold down to her bones, highlighting their physical vulnerability. These challenges mirror the tumultuous political and magical instability in their world—stormy weather symbolizing the chaos and unpredictability they are navigating. Their reliance on natural elements and their mount also underscores their resilience and adaptability amid uncertain times.2. How does Nesryn’s attitude toward magic evolve throughout this chapter, and what does this reveal about her character and the current state of her world?
Answer:
Initially, Nesryn dismisses the importance of magic, having believed that good steel and physical prowess were sufficient after magic had vanished and its users were persecuted. However, during the storm, she finds herself wishing for a spark of magic or a Fire-Bringer to warm them, which indicates a shift from outright skepticism to a longing for its power. This evolution reveals her internal conflict—she recognizes her previous reliance on physical skills, but the current chaos makes her yearn for the very magic she once doubted. It also reflects the broader despair and loss experienced in her world, where magic’s absence has left a void that even the strongest fighters feel.3. In what ways does Sartaq’s background and his discussion of loyalty and war deepen our understanding of the political landscape in this chapter?
Answer:
Sartaq’s mention of his homeland’s loyalty to Kashin, his sister Tumelun, and their history of chasing ruks across the mountains provides insight into the complex political and cultural ties within their empire. His description of how the Darghan and the Rukhin once shared territory and how their traditions have persisted highlights a history of warfare, conquest, and alliance-building. Sartaq’s assertion that loyalty is rewarded and resistance is met with death underscores a strict, hierarchical political system that emphasizes obedience and control. This background helps us understand the rigid, militarized nature of his society and the underlying tensions that influence their actions, contrasting with the more chaotic, unpredictable environment Nesryn faces elsewhere.4. How do the physical hardships faced by Nesryn and Sartaq during their journey symbolize larger themes in the story, such as resilience, uncertainty, or power?
Answer:
The physical hardships—stormy weather, freezing rain, damp rides, and the discomfort of sleeping in the cold—serve as metaphors for the larger themes of resilience and uncertainty. Their endurance amid the elements reflects their inner strength and determination to continue despite the chaos surrounding them. The storm’s ferocity symbolizes the unpredictable forces at play in their world, including political upheaval and magical decline. Sartaq’s mention of loyalty and the potential for conflict underscores the theme of power—how it is maintained through strength and discipline—and the precariousness of their situation. These hardships emphasize that survival requires resilience not only physically but also mentally, as they navigate a world fraught with danger.5. Based on the chapter, what can be inferred about the relationship between Nesryn and Sartaq, and how might their interaction influence future events?
Answer:
Their relationship appears initially to be one of cautious alliance—Nesryn, a trained soldier, and Sartaq, a prince and warrior—who are thrown together by circumstance. Sartaq’s concern for Nesryn’s comfort, offering his clothes and blankets, suggests a degree of respect or at least a recognition of their shared vulnerability. However, Nesryn’s internal doubts about trusting him and her feelings of unfamiliarity indicate that their relationship is still developing. This dynamic could influence future events by affecting their cooperation and trust in critical moments. Their interaction hints at potential alliances or conflicts, depending on how their perspectives and loyalties evolve as they face further challenges in their journey and the larger political landscape.
Quotes
1. “Even before magic had vanished, Nesryn had never longed for magical gifts. And after magic had disappeared, after the decrees banning it and the terrible hunts for those who had once wielded it, Nesryn hadn’t dared to even think about magic.”
This quote encapsulates Nesryn’s initial rejection and loss of belief in magic, highlighting the societal suppression of magical abilities and her personal stance before the current crisis. It sets the tone for her internal conflict and the chapter’s exploration of reliance on non-magical strength.
2. “Magic had failed before, Nesryn reminded herself as her teeth clacked against each other. And she’d do everything she could to find a way to fight Morath without it.”
This line underscores the chapter’s central theme of resilience and adaptability—despite the historical failure of magic, Nesryn resolves to confront her enemies through other means, emphasizing human ingenuity and perseverance.
3. “We chased down the ruks atop our Muniqi horses, tracked them deep into the Tavan Mountains. And when we tamed the ruks, some of the horse-lords chose not to return down to the steppes.”
This passage provides important cultural and historical context about the Darghan and their traditions, illustrating the deep-rooted connection between their land, their horses, and their history of warfare. It also hints at the enduring nature of their customs despite political changes.
4. “Loyalty is rewarded. And resistance is answered with death.”
Sartaq’s succinct statement reveals the harshness of the ruling regime and the brutal enforcement of loyalty within their empire. It adds a stark tone to the political landscape and foreshadows the dangers faced by those who oppose authority.
5. “She wondered if Aelin Galathynius might yet have some card up her sleeve that even her court might not know about. She prayed Aelin did. For all their sakes.”
This quote reflects the chapter’s underlying hope and uncertainty about Aelin’s whereabouts and plans. It emphasizes trust in her strategic abilities and the importance of hope amid chaos, serving as a powerful conclusion to the chapter’s themes of cunning and resilience.