A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 7: Rhysand
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Rhysand in his private study at the House of Wind, reflecting on the tense atmosphere surrounding the political and military tensions in Prythian. He is burdened by sleeplessness, haunted by warnings about Tamlin’s borders, and preoccupied with the delicate balance of power. Azriel, his loyal spymaster, arrives with crucial intelligence, and their conversation reveals the gravity of the situation. Rhysand’s focus on gathering information underscores the fragile peace and the potential for unrest among the different factions, especially the Illyrian clans, whose loyalty and internal conflicts pose a significant threat to stability.
The dialogue between Rhysand and Azriel delves into the complexities of Illyrian society and military strength. Azriel’s shadows, born from a dark past, symbolize his deep connection to hidden knowledge and power. They discuss the state of the Illyrian clans, noting the growing discontent and the spread of dissent, particularly among certain women who oppose the war. Azriel’s blunt assessment of the Illyrians as hypocrites highlights the internal struggles and contradictions within their society, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining unity and control over their formidable army.
Rhysand emphasizes the precariousness of the current peace, pointing out that the human queens remain in their shared palace, and Hybern’s population is restless after losing the war. With the wall destroyed, the risk of other territories attempting to seize human lands increases, making the situation volatile. He stresses that the Illyrians might need to be called upon again to defend their borders, even if it means shedding blood. The chapter underscores the strategic considerations Rhysand must weigh, balancing military readiness with political diplomacy to prevent further chaos.
Throughout the chapter, there is an undercurrent of secrecy and cautious planning. Rhysand and Azriel agree to monitor dissent within the Illyrian camps and to keep certain information from Cassian until after the Solstice holiday, recognizing that he has enough on his plate. They avoid discussing Nesta openly, hinting at underlying tensions and unresolved issues. The chapter concludes with a sense of ongoing vigilance, as Rhysand and Azriel prepare for the uncertain future, knowing that alliances must be maintained and threats contained to preserve the fragile peace in Prythian.
FAQs
1. What are the main concerns Rhysand discusses with Azriel regarding the current political and military situation in Prythian?
Answer:
Rhysand and Azriel focus on several pressing issues: the growing dissent among the Illyrian clans, the potential threat of rebellion or attack from these discontented groups, and the instability caused by the absence of human queens in their territories. Rhysand emphasizes the fragile peace, noting that the Illyrians are crucial for future military needs and warning against disbanding their army, which could provoke an assault. He also highlights the risk posed by Hybern’s weakened position and the possibility of other territories exploiting the situation. The chapter demonstrates their strategic concern for maintaining stability and the delicate balance of power in Prythian.2. How does Azriel’s ability with shadows and his heritage contribute to his role in the chapter, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Azriel’s mastery over shadows and his Illyrian heritage make him a vital intelligence asset, capable of gathering secret information and understanding the nuances of political unrest. His shadows, born from a dark, imprisoning place, speak to his resilience and adaptability, as he has learned their language despite their origins. His ability to read maps and analyze the growing dissent indicates his role as a covert operative and strategist. This also reveals his stoic, guarded nature—he communicates with few words and prefers action over speech. His scars and shadows symbolize a complex, troubled past, underscoring his importance as a loyal, battle-hardened warrior who has endured great hardship.3. In what ways does the chapter illustrate the theme of political tension and the importance of strategic secrecy?
Answer:
The chapter underscores the fragile political landscape through the discussion of unrest among the Illyrians, the absence of human queens, and the potential for territorial conflicts. Rhysand and Azriel deliberately withhold information from Cassian, knowing that revealing the full scope of dissent could jeopardize their efforts. The decision to wait until after Solstice to inform him reflects the strategic importance of timing and secrecy in maintaining stability. The chapter highlights that in political and military contexts, withholding sensitive information can be a vital tactic to prevent panic, rebellion, or exploitation by enemies, emphasizing the importance of careful communication and discretion.4. How does Rhysand’s leadership style and attitude towards the unfolding threats reflect his character?
Answer:
Rhysand’s leadership style is calm, calculated, and strategic. He shows a deep awareness of the delicate balance of power and prefers to handle threats discreetly, avoiding unnecessary panic among his allies. His readiness to consider the worst-case scenarios and his insistence on monitoring dissenters demonstrate his proactive approach. Rhysand’s attitude reflects confidence, responsibility, and a willingness to make tough decisions for the greater good. His interactions reveal a leader who values intelligence, patience, and strategic planning, rather than impulsive action, which aligns with his reputation as a shrewd and protective ruler.5. What does the chapter suggest about the potential future conflicts in Prythian, and how might the characters’ actions influence these outcomes?
Answer:
The chapter hints at several possible future conflicts: rebellion within the Illyrian clans, territorial disputes following the loss of Hybern’s influence, and the uncertain status of human territories. The growing dissent among the Illyrians and the strategic positioning of the queens suggest that instability is imminent. Rhysand and Azriel’s cautious approach—monitoring dissenters and withholding certain information—aims to prevent open rebellion or war. Their actions, such as maintaining a strong Illyrian army and controlling the dissemination of information, are designed to manage and mitigate conflict. However, if tensions escalate or if outside territories exploit vulnerabilities, these conflicts could intensify, shaping the future of Prythian’s political landscape.
Quotes
1. “Shadows different from anything my powers summoned, spoke to. Born in a lightless, airless prison meant to break him. Instead, he had learned its language.”
This quote highlights Azriel’s unique connection to shadows, emphasizing the depth of his character and the significance of his shadow-singer gifts, which are rooted in a traumatic past but have become a source of strength and identity.
2. “The Illyrians are pieces of shit… They train and train as warriors, and yet when they don’t come home, their families make us into villains for sending them to war?”
This statement reveals Azriel’s raw honesty about the Illyrians’ reputation and the complex, often hypocritical, perceptions of their warriors’ sacrifices, illustrating the chapter’s exploration of war, honor, and societal judgment.
3. “I am not going to disband the Illyrians. There is nowhere for them to go, anyway. And if we try to drag them out of those mountains, they might launch the very assault we’re trying to defuse.”
This passage underscores the strategic and political dilemma faced by the protagonists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Illyrians’ strength to prevent further conflict, and reflects the chapter’s focus on delicate peacekeeping.
4. “This peace is tenuous.”
A succinct yet powerful statement capturing the fragile state of the current political and territorial stability, emphasizing the underlying tension and the potential for conflict that pervades the chapter.
5. “We continue to watch. You continue to watch.”
This concluding remark encapsulates the overarching theme of vigilance and surveillance, implying that constant oversight is necessary to maintain peace and prevent chaos, which is central to the chapter’s narrative of cautious diplomacy.