Tower of Dawn
Chapter Sixty-Six
by Maas, Sarah J.In this chapter, Nesryn is depicted as emotionally exhausted yet determined, walking alone toward Kadara’s minaret after a period of intense upheaval. She is acutely aware of the impending events surrounding Sartaq’s father, Hasar, and the delicate situation with Chaol and Yrene, prompting her to consider her own living arrangements. The chapter emphasizes her sense of responsibility and the emotional toll her recent experiences have taken, highlighting her desire for solitude amidst chaos. Her journey through the city reflects her internal struggle to find clarity and resolve amid the turmoil of war and personal loss.
The narrative shifts to Nesryn’s swift and daring flight on her ruk, Salkhi, as she races toward Antica after receiving a mysterious, long-overdue letter from her uncle. The scene vividly captures the awe and wonder of the city’s inhabitants as the ruk soars overhead, symbolizing Nesryn’s connection to her roots and her past. Her bond with Salkhi is deeply personal; she formally claims him as her own, establishing a new rider-ruk relationship rooted in trust and shared history. This act signifies her readiness to confront her future and the challenges ahead with renewed purpose.
Upon landing outside her family’s home, Nesryn is overwhelmed with emotion, falling to her knees and weeping as she reunites with her father, sister, and children. The scene is charged with joy, relief, and tears, illustrating her deep familial ties and the significance of her return. Her family’s stories of their perilous voyage and their decision to remain in Antica during wartime underscore themes of resilience and unity. Nesryn’s emotional vulnerability is palpable, revealing her longing for connection and stability after her tumultuous journey.
The chapter concludes with a poignant moment as Sartaq appears, greeted by her family, and approaches Nesryn’s father with respect. The interaction between Sartaq and her family highlights the cultural importance of honor and recognition among the rukhin and humans alike. The scene is lively, with children excitedly reaching out to Kadara and Salkhi, symbolizing innocence and the blending of worlds. Nesryn’s subtle flirtation with her sister and the prince’s warm reception reinforce themes of hope, belonging, and the bridging of different communities amid ongoing conflict.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What emotional state is Nesryn experiencing at the beginning of the chapter, and what actions does she take that reflect this state?
Answer:
Nesryn is utterly drained and overwhelmed emotionally, feeling the need to sleep for an extended period, even a month. Despite her exhaustion, she finds herself walking alone to Kadara’s minaret, indicating a sense of restless contemplation or perhaps seeking solitude. Her actions—walking alone, rushing to her family upon arrival, and weeping upon seeing her father—highlight her deep emotional fatigue, grief, and longing for connection. These behaviors reflect her internal turmoil and the weight of recent events, including her concern for Sartaq and the upheaval in her personal life.2. Question 2
How does Nesryn’s interaction with Salkhi and Kadara demonstrate her connection to the rukhin and her role within this chapter?
Answer:
Nesryn’s interaction with Salkhi and Kadara shows her developing bond and acceptance of her role as a ruk rider. She claims Salkhi upon leaving the aerie, introduces herself to him, and shares her identity and intentions, indicating her commitment to her new connection. Her choice to fly Salkhi toward Antica and her affection for Kadara—shown when she pats her and dismounts—highlight her growing trust and kinship with the rukhin. This connection signifies her transition from a spectator to an active participant in the rukhin’s world, symbolizing her integration into their community and her acceptance of her new responsibilities.3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of Sartaq’s greeting and the gesture of respect he shows to Nesryn’s father. What does this reveal about his character and the cultural context?
Answer:
Sartaq’s greeting, where he approaches Nesryn’s father and extends his hand, then bows deeply, signifies respect and recognition of familial authority. This gesture reflects his honorable and respectful nature, embodying the values of leadership and reverence within his culture. It demonstrates that Sartaq values social hierarchy and personal dignity, especially in a diplomatic context. His willingness to show such respect to Nesryn’s father, despite being a prince, emphasizes his humility and the importance of respect in their interactions. This act helps build trust and demonstrates Sartaq’s role as a considerate and noble leader.4. Question 4
What does the scene with the children and the rukhin reveal about cultural attitudes toward rukhin and the impact of Nesryn’s presence?
Answer:
The scene where children eagerly rush to touch and stroke the rukhin Kadara and Salkhi reveals a reverence and admiration for the rukhin, almost akin to a cultural reverence or awe. The children’s tentative yet respectful approach indicates that the rukhin are seen as noble or special creatures, deserving of gentle treatment. Nesryn’s presence and her connection to the rukhin seem to elevate their status in the eyes of the community, inspiring admiration and even hero-worship among the younger generation. The children’s excitement also reflects a cultural pride in their rukhin and Nesryn’s role as a rider, symbolizing hope and continuity of tradition.5. Question 5
Reflect on the significance of Nesryn’s emotional reunion with her family. How does this moment deepen our understanding of her character and the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
Nesryn’s emotional reunion with her family, where she weeps and embraces them in the street, underscores her deep longing for connection and her vulnerability despite her strong exterior. It highlights her human side—her love, relief, and the emotional toll of her journey. This moment deepens our understanding of her as a character torn between duty and personal desire, emphasizing themes of family, belonging, and resilience. Her tears reveal that beneath her strength lies a need for love and stability, making her more relatable and emphasizing the importance of personal bonds amid chaos and war.
Quotes
1. “Nesryn was utterly drained. Wanted to sleep for a week. A month.”
This opening line sets the tone for Nesryn’s emotional and physical exhaustion, highlighting her toll from recent events and establishing her as a character overwhelmed yet determined to continue. It underscores the chapter’s focus on her resilience amid chaos.
2. “She had claimed him upon leaving the Eridun aerie. Had gone right to the nests, where he had still waited for a rider who would never return, and looked deep into his golden eyes. Had told him that her name was Nesryn Faliq, and she was daughter of Sayed and Cybele Faliq, and that she would be his rider, if he would have her.”
This passage captures Nesryn’s decisive moment of connection with Salkhi, emphasizing themes of trust, belonging, and newfound purpose. It marks her commitment to her role as a ruk rider, symbolizing her step into a new identity.
3. “Sartaq laughed as the children shoved past Nesryn’s father, racing for the golden bird.”
This quote illustrates the warmth and innocence of the scene, contrasting with the chapter’s underlying tensions. It highlights Sartaq’s approachable nature and the sense of unity and celebration among the characters, serving as a pivotal moment of cultural bonding.
4. “Her father bowed. Deeply.”
A succinct yet powerful gesture of respect from Nesryn’s father toward Sartaq, signifying diplomatic acknowledgment and the beginning of mutual respect between the human and ruk leadership. It underscores the chapter’s themes of alliance and harmony.
5. “Because standing beside Salkhi was Sartaq, a half smile on his face. And on the other side of Salkhi … Kadara patiently waited, the two ruks a proud pair indeed.”
This closing image encapsulates the chapter’s focus on unity, strength, and the symbolic importance of the rukhin as both creatures and symbols of alliance. It leaves the reader with a sense of hope and shared purpose.