Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 19
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Elide Lochan and Lorcan traversing the eastern edges of Oakwald, heading towards the plains beyond. Throughout their journey, Elide remains silent, intentionally withholding questions about Lorcan’s true motives and her own past, including her identity and the reasons behind his hunting. She perceives that Lorcan has his own secrets, especially regarding his interest in Morath and his reaction to references about Celaena Sardothien and Aelin Galathynius. Despite her curiosity, she chooses silence, knowing that pressing him might jeopardize her safety or reveal her own hidden truths, as Lorcan’s guarded demeanor hints at a complex, secretive nature.
As they approach the Acanthus River, the landscape shifts from the dense forest to a broad, sunlit riverbank. Lorcan’s cautious movements signal that they are nearing a critical crossing point, and Elide’s thoughts drift to her limited memories of sunlight and open spaces, contrasting sharply with her recent life of confinement and chaos. The river acts as a natural barrier, symbolizing a transition between her past and her potential future. Lorcan informs her that the crossing is about a mile upriver, emphasizing the importance of her readiness and the need for her to adapt her appearance to blend in with ordinary travelers, as part of their plan to evade detection.
Elide takes measures to disguise herself, removing her leather jacket, adjusting her hairstyle, and adopting a more mature appearance to appear less vulnerable and more trustworthy. She recognizes that Lorcan, despite his fierce exterior, must also pretend to be human to succeed in their ruse. Her efforts to modify her look reflect her strategic thinking, aiming to avoid suspicion from the guards and passersby. This scene highlights her adaptability and her understanding of the importance of appearances in her quest for safety, even as she grapples with her own insecurities and the realities of her situation.
Finally, as they near the guarded bridge, Elide observes the bustling activity of travelers, guards, and officials inspecting wagons and faces. The presence of armed guards in Adarlanian colors and the toll collection point to a heavily monitored border, reinforcing the dangerous environment she faces. Elide’s cautious approach, staying close to Lorcan, underscores her awareness of the risks involved. The chapter concludes with her noting the normalcy of the scene—humans going about their routines despite the underlying tension—yet she remains vigilant, knowing that crossing this boundary marks a significant step toward her uncertain future.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are Elide Lochan’s main reasons for remaining silent during her trek with Lorcan, and how do these reasons reflect her understanding of her situation?
Answer:
Elide chooses to remain silent during the journey primarily to avoid raising Lorcan’s suspicions and to protect herself. She recognizes that asking certain questions—such as why Lorcan is hunting her or what he plans to do—could jeopardize her safety by revealing her knowledge or intentions. Her silence also allows her to observe and assess Lorcan’s behavior, understanding that he may be keeping secrets of his own. This strategic withholding of information reflects her awareness of the dangerous circumstances she is in and her instinct to safeguard her vulnerabilities, knowing that revealing too much could lead to betrayal or harm.2. Question 2
How does the description of the river Acanthus and the landscape beyond serve as a symbolic boundary in the chapter, and what does crossing it signify for Elide?
Answer:
The river Acanthus functions as a symbolic boundary between two worlds: the darkness and confinement of her past, represented by Perranth’s tower and Morath, and the open, sunlit freedom of the landscape beyond. Elide’s reflection on not remembering the last time she saw sunlight or a meadow emphasizes her transition from captivity to potential liberation. Crossing the river signifies a pivotal moment—moving from her previous life of imprisonment and fear toward the possibility of a new beginning. This boundary underscores her internal and external journey, marking a transition from darkness into light, hope, and the uncertain promise of freedom.3. Question 3
What strategic measures does Elide take to disguise herself and Lorcan as they approach the guards at the crossing, and what do these measures reveal about her understanding of social perception?
Answer:
Elide instructs Lorcan to hide most of his weapons, leave only his sword, and alter his appearance by tying back his hair and unbuttoning his jacket to appear less intimidating. She also changes her hairstyle to resemble that of a married woman, and adjusts her clothing to appear more demure and trustworthy. These measures demonstrate her keen awareness that social perception can be manipulated to avoid suspicion, especially in a tense border crossing filled with guards checking identities. Elide understands that appearing ordinary and non-threatening increases their chances of passing unnoticed, highlighting her strategic thinking and her ability to adapt her presentation to serve her survival.4. Question 4
In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of appearances versus reality, particularly through Lorcan’s character and the disguise efforts?
Answer:
The chapter underscores the contrast between outward appearances and underlying truths. Lorcan, who is described as a fierce, powerful warrior, is asked to appear more human and less savage—an effort to mask his true nature. His frowning when asked to hide his weapons and alter his look reveals that he is not naturally inclined to conform to societal expectations of normalcy. Similarly, Elide’s efforts to appear as a trustworthy, unremarkable woman highlight how she must mask her true strength and resilience to navigate danger. This exploration emphasizes that appearances can be deceiving, and that true identity and intent often lie beneath the surface, a recurring theme in stories involving disguise, secrets, and hidden motives.5. Question 5
Based on the chapter, how does Elide’s perception of her own body and femininity influence her actions and strategies for crossing the border?
Answer:
Elide perceives her body and femininity as tools for survival, using them deliberately to influence how men perceive her. She hopes that by appearing more traditionally feminine—such as dressing in a way that suggests she is married and unremarkable—she can distract or placate potential threats, making men less likely to question her or pose danger. Her decision to ruffle her hair and adopt a modest hairstyle reflects her understanding that societal perceptions of women can be manipulated to her advantage. This strategic use of femininity demonstrates her awareness of gender dynamics and her resourcefulness in leveraging her appearance to increase her safety in a hostile environment.
Quotes
1. “She had not asked him the questions that seemed to matter the most, letting him think her a foolish girl, blinded by gratitude that he had saved her.”
This quote highlights Elide’s strategic silence and her awareness of the secrets Lorcan keeps, illustrating her cautious approach to their relationship and the dangerous game of trust she must play.
2. “Men would see what they wanted to: a pretty young woman who did not bristle at their attention, who spoke kindly and warmly. Someone trustworthy, someone sweet yet unremarkable.”
This passage underscores Elide’s conscious use of her appearance and demeanor to manipulate perceptions and navigate a hostile environment, emphasizing themes of deception and survival.
3. “The river was enormous, shades of rushing gray and brown—the last of the ice melt from the mountains. So wide and wild that she knew she could not swim it, and that the crossing had to be somewhere else. But past the river, as if the water were a boundary between two worlds…”
This vivid description symbolizes a transition point in the chapter, representing crossing into a new phase of her journey and the metaphorical boundary between safety and danger.
4. “If this ruse is to succeed, you at least need to … pretend to be human.”
Lorcan’s pragmatic advice encapsulates the necessity of disguise and adaptation in their mission, highlighting the chapter’s emphasis on deception as a tool for survival.
5. “Men would see what they wanted to: a pretty young woman who did not bristle at their attention, who spoke kindly and warmly. Someone trustworthy, someone sweet yet unremarkable.”
This quote emphasizes the strategic use of appearance and demeanor to mask true intent, a recurring theme in the chapter about navigating hostile territories through deception.