The Assassin and the Desert: A Throne of Glass Novella
Chapter Two
by Maas, Sarah J.In this chapter, Celaena Sardothien undergoes a rigorous combat test designed to evaluate her fighting skills and readiness for training. Despite lacking weapons, she demonstrates her prowess through quick reflexes and strategic movements, effectively disarming and subduing multiple attackers. Her layered clothing hampers her speed, but her agility and strength shine through as she fights off the assault. The scene emphasizes her resilience, confidence, and innate talent, setting the stage for her potential as a formidable assassin. The master overseeing the test observes her performance with a smile, hinting at her suitability for the training ahead.
The chapter further introduces the environment and the people within it, highlighting the diverse group gathered around. A young woman named Ansel catches Celaena’s attention with her striking armor, which is both ornate and symbolic, featuring wolf motifs that suggest strength and independence. Ansel’s playful demeanor and bright personality contrast sharply with the seriousness of the training, providing a glimpse into the camaraderie and underlying tensions among the recruits. Celaena’s cautious curiosity about her new surroundings reveals her awareness of her unfamiliarity with this world and her desire to adapt quickly.
As the scene shifts, Celaena learns she will be staying for a month, a period that signifies her temporary acceptance into the training program. Her relief is palpable, especially given her previous doubts fueled by her manipulative master, Arobynn. The master’s approval for her to stay indicates her potential and the possibility of a new path ahead. Ansel’s friendly yet teasing attitude suggests an evolving relationship, and the promise of beginning her training at dawn underscores the chapter’s focus on her transition into this new, challenging environment.
The chapter concludes with Celaena preparing to leave the chamber, feeling a mixture of anticipation and wariness. She is conscious of her missing weapons, which were confiscated at the gate, and remains alert for any threats. Her observation of Ansel’s armor and demeanor hints at her own insecurities and the uncertainty of her place among these strangers. Despite her guarded exterior, she recognizes that sharing a room with someone new could be an opportunity for growth, even if it initially feels like an unwelcome surprise. The chapter ends with her cautious optimism about the future and her determination to prove herself.
FAQs
1. What does Celaena Sardothien’s response to the combat test reveal about her character and confidence?
Answer:
Celaena’s confident reaction to the combat test demonstrates her self-assurance and resilience. Despite the physical challenge, she quickly adapts and effectively fights off her attackers, showcasing her skill and composure under pressure. Her declaration, “Of course she was worthy. She was Celaena Sardothien, gods be damned,” underscores her strong sense of identity and pride in her abilities. This moment also indicates her readiness to prove herself, her combat experience, and her belief in her own worth as an assassin. It sets the tone for her character as fierce, capable, and unyielding in the face of adversity.2. How does the description of Ansel’s armor contribute to her characterization, and what might it suggest about her personality or role?
Answer:
The detailed description of Ansel’s armor, with its ornate wolf motifs and elaborate design, suggests that she is both a skilled fighter and someone who values artistry and perhaps a sense of individuality. The armor’s flamboyance contrasts with typical utilitarian combat gear, implying that Ansel might have a confident, playful, or even rebellious personality. Her armor also indicates that she is proud of her identity and role, possibly blending strength with a sense of style. The wolf symbolism could hint at qualities such as loyalty, cunning, or fierceness—traits valuable in an assassin or warrior. Overall, the armor portrays her as a complex character who combines combat prowess with a flair for self-expression.3. What is the significance of Celaena being separated from her weapons and how might this impact her initial interactions at the training facility?
Answer:
Celaena being disarmed—her long daggers, sword, and pack taken away—symbolizes a loss of her usual power and independence, forcing her to adapt to a new environment where she cannot rely solely on her lethal skills. This separation challenges her to demonstrate discipline, patience, and resourcefulness without her weapons. It also heightens her awareness of her vulnerability, prompting her to remain alert during her interactions, especially with her roommate Ansel. This situation sets the stage for her to build new skills and adapt to unfamiliar circumstances, emphasizing her mental toughness and resilience. It also underscores the theme that true strength involves more than just weaponry—it’s about adaptability and inner resolve.4. How does Celaena’s perception of her roommate, Ansel, reflect her attitudes toward other women in her world, and what might this imply for her development?
Answer:
Celaena’s initial comparison of Ansel to the courtesans she knows—who are not “the sort of person she cared to know”—reveals her preconceived notions about women in her environment. Her surprise that there are many women among the assassins and her acknowledgment that Ansel might be “better than her” suggest a complex attitude toward female peers—one of cautious curiosity and perhaps insecurity. This perception hints at her internal struggle with her identity as a woman in a male-dominated world and her tendency to judge based on appearances or roles. Recognizing that Ansel is just another face in the crowd may serve as a catalyst for her personal growth, encouraging her to see women as equals and fostering a sense of camaraderie or rivalry that could influence her development as an assassin and as a person.5. In what ways does the chapter establish the tone and setting for Celaena’s training, and how might this influence her expectations?
Answer:
The chapter’s vivid descriptions of the combat test, the ornate armor of Ansel, and the formal interactions with the Master create a tone of seriousness mixed with a hint of camaraderie and anticipation. The setting—a training facility in a desert-like environment—implies a rigorous and disciplined environment where strength, skill, and adaptability are paramount. The chapter establishes that Celaena will face a demanding training regime, but also hints at opportunities for personal connections and growth. Her relief at being allowed to stay and start training emphasizes her determination and hope. This combination of a tough environment with moments of human connection sets her expectations for a challenging yet potentially rewarding journey, where her skills and character will be tested and refined.
Quotes
1. “Celaena leapt back, landing where her escort had been standing only seconds before, careful to avoid crashing into the Master. This was another test—a test to see at what level she might begin her training. And if she was worthy.”
This quote highlights the rigorous and evaluative nature of her training, emphasizing that her combat skills are being scrutinized to determine her readiness and worthiness. It sets the tone for her journey into a brutal, merit-based environment.
2. “None of the four men on the ground moved. The Master began smiling, and it was then that the others gathered around the chamber stepped closer to the light. Men and women, all tan, though their hair showed the range of the various kingdoms on the continent.”
This passage underscores the diversity and the serious, almost ritualistic atmosphere of the training environment, hinting at an international and varied community of fighters united by their purpose.
3. “The right shoulder was fashioned into a snarling wolf’s head, and her helmet, tucked into the crook of her arm, featured a wolf hunched over the noseguard. Another wolf’s head had been molded into the pommel of her broadsword. On anyone else, the armor might have looked flamboyant and ridiculous, but on the girl… There was a strange, boyish sort of innocence to her, and that was what made her so striking.”
This description reveals the striking visual symbolism of the armor, representing strength and ferocity, yet contrasting with Ansel’s innocence—highlighting the complex layers of identity and perception in this world.
4. “Celaena fought her frown. ‘One month.’ She inclined her head to the Master. ‘If you allow me to stay that long.’”
This quote reflects her cautious optimism and strategic mindset—she recognizes the importance of securing her training opportunity despite her circumstances, emphasizing her determination.
5. “Her hands dangle at her sides, ready to react to the slightest movement from her guide. Whether or not Ansel noticed Celaena’s readiness to fight her, the girl swung her arms casually, her armor clanking with the movement.”
This passage illustrates Celaena’s instinctual alertness and readiness for conflict, even in a seemingly casual situation, emphasizing her background as an assassin and her constant vigilance.