Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 42
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 42 of *Crown of Midnight*, the narrative shifts between Celaena’s tense encounters with Mort and Chaol’s discovery of her secret. Mort teases Celaena about her recent actions, recognizing her as the Witch Slayer and noting her wounds from Yellowlegs. Mort reveals the significance of her marks, indicating she has been marked by a witch and potentially risking her safety due to her killing of Baba Yellowlegs, a powerful witch leader. The chapter underscores the dangerous political and magical alliances that still exist beneath the surface, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by the witch clans and their loyalty to ancient oaths, which may soon be activated upon Yellowlegs’s death.
Celaena’s investigation into the tomb’s riddles and the mysterious Wyrdkeys underscores her quest to understand the king’s dark power. She contemplates the potential threat if the king possesses one or more of these keys, which could grant him immense and possibly destructive power. Her discovery of the riddle and the clues about Wyrdgates deepen her sense of unease, as she begins to grasp the magnitude of what is at stake. Despite her exhaustion, her determination to uncover the truth drives her to seek an ancient book in the library catacombs, aiming to find a spell that might unlock the secrets she needs. Her focus remains on understanding and possibly thwarting the king’s plans, even as the danger intensifies.
Meanwhile, Chaol’s perspective reveals a moment of personal vulnerability and revelation. Wandering into Celaena’s cluttered quarters, he notices strange symbols reminiscent of her past and the mark burned on her forehead, hinting at deeper connections to her history. His curiosity is piqued when he finds her will, signed before Nehemia’s death, which leaves her entire estate to him, along with a request to consider giving some assets to Philippa. This gesture signifies her trust and affection, but also hints at her awareness of her own mortality and the precariousness of their situation. Chaol’s emotional response underscores the complex relationship between them, layered with loyalty, love, and unspoken fears.
The chapter concludes with Chaol’s realization of Celaena’s sacrificial gesture. Her decision to leave him her wealth is not just an act of generosity but a strategic move, ensuring he has security if he is ever dismissed or forced to confront harsh realities. Her comment about him falling back on her assets if he is sacked reveals her understanding of his vulnerabilities and her desire to protect him in her own way. The chapter ends with a sense of foreboding, as Chaol contemplates the implications of her will and the dangerous political landscape they navigate. Celaena’s actions and the secrets she keeps hint at the greater stakes involved, setting the stage for the coming conflicts.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the implications of Celaena killing Baba Yellowlegs for her standing with the witch clans, and how does Mort explain the potential consequences?
Answer:
Celaena’s killing of Baba Yellowlegs marks her as someone who has directly challenged a significant witch leader and a member of the Ironteeth Alliance. Mort explains that Baba Yellowlegs was a queen and a leader of her clan, which is part of a larger alliance that still honors ancient oaths. The death of such a figure could incite retaliation, prompting the witch clans—particularly the Blackbeaks and Bluebloods—to demand answers from the king. Mort warns Celaena that the clans are dangerous and potentially vengeful, and their response could involve them coming after her or others associated with her. This underscores the political peril of her actions and foreshadows possible conflict with the witch factions.2. Question 2
What does Celaena discover in the tomb that relates to the king’s power, and why does it terrify her?
Answer:
In the tomb, Celaena examines the wall’s riddle and the references to Wyrdkeys and Wyrdgates, which are mysterious and potentially powerful artifacts. She realizes that the king might possess one or more of these keys, which could explain his formidable power. This discovery terrifies her because the Wyrdkeys and Wyrdgates are linked to ancient magic that could be dangerous if misused. She recognizes that if the king has access to even one of these keys, he might be capable of wielding immense, possibly destructive, power. Her fear stems from the uncertainty of the king’s intentions and the threat these artifacts pose if they fall into the wrong hands.3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of Celaena’s will and her decision to leave her assets to Chaol. What does this reveal about her feelings and her understanding of their relationship?
Answer:
Celaena’s will, which leaves her wealth and assets to Chaol, signifies a deep level of trust and affection. By entrusting him with her possessions, she is acknowledging her feelings for him and her belief that he is someone she can rely on, even after her death. The fact that she explicitly requests that some of her wealth be considered for Philippa shows her concern for others close to her. Her decision reveals that she sees Chaol as more than just a friend or subordinate; she values him highly and possibly harbors romantic feelings. It also underscores her awareness of her own mortality and her desire to ensure his security, reflecting her emotional connection and the importance of their relationship.4. Question 4
How does Chaol’s discovery of Celaena’s will impact his perception of her, and what internal conflict might this create for him?
Answer:
Discovering Celaena’s will profoundly impacts Chaol, as it reveals her feelings for him and her trust in his judgment. He sees that she left her entire estate to him, which indicates her deep affection and regard, contradicting any previous doubts about her feelings. This realization may cause internal conflict, as Chaol struggles with guilt, confusion, and a newfound sense of responsibility. He might question whether his own feelings are reciprocated or if he is merely an object of her trust. Additionally, he could feel overwhelmed by the emotional weight of her gesture, knowing it signifies so much more than mere generosity—it’s a testament to her love or deep regard, which complicates his perception of their relationship.5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s events, what themes emerge regarding loyalty, power, and sacrifice, and how are they exemplified through the characters’ actions?
Answer:
Themes of loyalty, power, and sacrifice are central to this chapter. Celaena demonstrates loyalty to her friends and her sense of justice by killing Baba Yellowlegs, despite the political risks involved. Her discovery of the Wyrdkeys highlights the dangerous allure of power and the potential consequences of wielding ancient magic. Her act of leaving her estate to Chaol exemplifies personal sacrifice, as she entrusts him with her future security, possibly at her own expense. Chaol’s reaction to her will reveals internal conflict and loyalty to her, as he grapples with understanding her feelings and accepting her trust. Overall, characters are depicted as making difficult choices—whether in risking political repercussions, confronting powerful magic, or sacrificing personal happiness—to uphold their loyalties and ideals.
Quotes
1. “Mort chuckled when she staggered through the tomb door. ‘Witch Slayer, are you? Another lovely title to add to your repertoire.’”
This opening line highlights the chapter’s tone of dark humor and sets the scene for Celaena’s dangerous encounter with Mort, emphasizing her reputation and the perilous nature of her actions.
2. “You killed a witch—and you’re now marked by a witch. It will not be the usual sort of wound.”
This quote underscores the gravity of Celaena’s act of killing Baba Yellowlegs, revealing that the consequences extend beyond physical injury and into the realm of magical and political repercussions.
3. “The world dropped out from beneath his feet. It was Celaena’s will. Signed two days before Nehemia’s death. And she’d given everything—every last copper—to him.”
This moment reveals a profound act of trust and sacrifice by Celaena, illustrating the depth of her feelings and setting up a pivotal emotional and narrative turning point for Chaol.
4. “She wore a beautiful, ancient-looking blade at her side, along with a few daggers he’d never seen before. Where had she gotten them?”
This detail hints at Celaena’s preparedness and the layers of her past, symbolizing her complexity and the hidden facets of her character that are crucial to the story’s unfolding.
5. “At least now, when the king sacks you for being so damn lousy at your job, you’ll have something to fall back on.”
This sarcastic remark encapsulates the chapter’s blend of dark humor and underlying tension, emphasizing the precariousness of Chaol’s position and the sacrifices made out of loyalty and affection.