Tower of Dawn
Chapter Thirty-Five
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with a tense scene where Falkan, wounded and bleeding, drops to his knees amidst scattering pine needles, revealing his vulnerability and pain. Nesryn quickly moves to aid him, but Sartaq’s cautious warning indicates the danger surrounding Falkan. Despite his injury, Falkan admits to following them, having overheard their conversation at the fire. His presence raises suspicion, especially given Sartaq’s mistrust of his motives, rooted in Falkan’s past as a merchant and his hidden magical heritage. Falkan’s attempt to explain his innocence highlights the complex interplay of trust and suspicion among the characters.
Falkan’s revelations deepen as he confesses his desire to regain lost years through magic, which he discovered he possessed but never fully harnessed. His bitterness about his lost youth and the fact that his brother’s and father’s magic ran in his family adds layers of personal regret. Nesryn’s insistence on helping him, despite Sartaq’s hostility, underscores her compassion and the importance of loyalty. Falkan’s frustrated admission that he could change forms at will illustrates his concealed magical ability, which he views as both a gift and a curse, further complicating perceptions of his character.
The narrative quickly shifts to their perilous return flight to the aerie, with Nesryn tending to Falkan’s wound as they soar through the sky. The flight is tense, with Falkan’s weight making the journey difficult and Sartaq’s pragmatic decision to prioritize safety over sentiment. The imagery of the mountains glowing with fires as the sun sets emphasizes the dramatic and dangerous environment. Kadara’s frantic scream signals their arrival and sets the stage for the tense arrival at the Mountain-Hall of Altun, where allies are gathered in anticipation, yet the fate of Falkan remains uncertain.
Upon landing, the scene reveals a complex web of political tension and unspoken concerns. Sartaq’s focus on questioning Kadara’s condition and the black blood on her talons hints at a deeper conflict involving her and possibly other supernatural elements. Nesryn and Borte’s observations suggest underlying guilt and unease among the characters, as they assess Kadara’s injuries and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her. The chapter ends with an atmosphere charged with suspicion and unresolved questions, setting the stage for further revelations about the characters’ motives and the unfolding conflict.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What motivates Falkan to reveal his true nature and intentions to Nesryn and Sartaq, and how does his background influence his actions?
Answer:
Falkan’s motivation to reveal his true nature stems from a combination of injury, desperation, and a sense of shared vulnerability. His injury and blood loss make him more open and honest, as he admits to being a merchant with a gift for magic that he never fully embraced. His background as someone who grew up in Adarlan, unaware of his magical heritage, and his subsequent disillusionment with that heritage, influence his reluctance and later honesty about his abilities and origins. Falkan’s desire to be understood and his attempt to explain that he is neither an assassin nor a spy reflect his complex identity and the need for trust in a perilous situation. His honesty is driven by a need for aid and perhaps a hope for redemption or acceptance despite his past.2. Question 2
How does Sartaq’s attitude toward Falkan reflect broader themes of suspicion and trust among different groups or individuals in this chapter?
Answer:
Sartaq’s suspicion of Falkan—viewing him as an assassin or spy and suggesting he should be left to die—illustrates a broader theme of mistrust rooted in cultural or racial biases. Sartaq’s immediate assumption that Falkan’s kind are dangerous reflects a common prejudice that can hinder cooperation and compassion. Nesryn’s insistence on helping Falkan, despite Sartaq’s hostility, emphasizes the importance of individual judgment over collective suspicion. This tension highlights how trust must often be earned in a hostile environment, and how preconceived notions can obstruct acts of mercy. The chapter explores the necessity of overcoming suspicion to recognize the humanity and potential loyalty in others, regardless of their origins.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter depict the physical and emotional toll of the characters’ experiences, and how do these tolls influence their actions?
Answer:
The chapter vividly portrays the physical toll through Falkan’s blood loss, pain, and fainting, emphasizing the severity of his injury and the urgency of medical attention. Sartaq’s effort to stabilize him with bandages and a honey-like substance reflects the immediate physical danger they face. Emotionally, characters like Nesryn and Sartaq exhibit tension, suspicion, and concern, revealing their internal struggles. Falkan’s bitter laughter and admission of wishing to regain his youth underscore his emotional pain and regret. These tolls influence their actions by fostering a sense of urgency—prompting quick decisions like the airborne rescue—and by shaping their interactions, such as Nesryn’s insistence on helping Falkan and Sartaq’s cautious suspicion. The chapter underscores how trauma and injury are intertwined with emotional resilience and moral choices.4. Question 4
What does Kadara’s reaction upon returning to the Mountain-Hall of Altun reveal about her character and her relationship with other characters?
Answer:
Kadara’s shrill scream upon returning signals her heightened emotional state, likely a mixture of relief and anxiety. Her reaction indicates a strong attachment to her group and a protective instinct, as she signals the others to gather supplies. Her behavior demonstrates that she is fiercely loyal and perhaps sensitive to the dangers they face, especially after witnessing the injury and rescue of Falkan. Kadara’s interaction with Nesryn and her immediate concern for their safety show her as a vigilant and emotionally expressive character. Her reaction also hints at a possible underlying guilt or concern about the events that transpired, reflecting her depth of feeling and her integral role within the group dynamics.5. Question 5
How do the chapter’s events explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexity of moral judgments?
Answer:
The chapter explores loyalty through Nesryn’s unwavering commitment to helping Falkan despite Sartaq’s suspicion and hostility. Her insistence on providing aid, even risking conflict, underscores the importance of compassion and moral integrity. Sacrifice is evident in Falkan’s willingness to risk his life by revealing his magic and intentions, and in Sartaq’s decision to help despite his initial mistrust. The complex moral judgments are highlighted by Sartaq’s dilemma—whether to trust Falkan or to see him as an enemy—and by Nesryn’s stance that aid should be given regardless of Falkan’s background. These themes demonstrate that loyalty and morality often require difficult choices, emphasizing that understanding and compassion can transcend prejudice and suspicion.
Quotes
1. “Trust me, it’s more than I’ve done in my—” Falkan groaned, swaying.”
This quote highlights Falkan’s acknowledgment of his limited experience with his own magic, emphasizing the chapter’s exploration of self-awareness and the burden of hidden powers.
2. “He saved our lives. Now we return the favor.”
Nesryn’s assertion underscores themes of loyalty and moral obligation, emphasizing that acts of compassion should transcend suspicion and prejudice, even in tense circumstances.
3. “I am no assassin,” Falkan insisted, still shaking. “I’ve met a few, but I’m not one.”
This statement reveals Falkan’s attempt to distance himself from the dangerous reputation of spies and assassins, illustrating his desire to be understood beyond stereotypes and past labels.
4. “It seems my death blow was taken, too.”
Falkan’s bitter reflection on his failed attempt to reclaim his youth through violence encapsulates the chapter’s themes of regret and the destructive consequences of past choices.
5. “Black blood on her talons, her beak, and chest. Lots of black blood.”
This observation by Borte provides a stark, visceral image of Kadara’s condition, symbolizing the toll of her actions and the chapter’s focus on the physical and moral scars of conflict.