The Assassin and the Desert: A Throne of Glass Novella
Chapter Twelve
by Maas, Sarah J.In this chapter, Celaena demonstrates her resourcefulness and compassion as she tends to Ilias’s bleeding wound, showing her resolve in the face of danger. She quickly assesses the threat, binds Ilias’s wound, and calls for help, revealing her ability to remain composed under pressure. Meanwhile, the Master’s condition is critical, having been poisoned with a paralyzing agent in his wine—an act of betrayal by Ansel, intended to incapacitate him before her final act of violence. Celaena’s quick thinking to find an antidote underscores her role as both healer and protector in a perilous situation.
As the scene shifts to a tense chase, Celaena prepares to confront Ansel, who is fleeing across the desert on horseback. Using her skills with a bow, she takes aim at her target, firing an arrow that narrowly misses. Her decision to fire after the allotted twenty minutes reflects her sense of duty and the weight of her promises. The pursuit culminates with her watching Ansel disappear into the horizon, symbolizing a complex mix of duty, regret, and the harsh realities of her mission. The chapter emphasizes her internal conflict between personal feelings and the demands of her role.
The narrative then reveals a long night of recovery and reflection. The aftermath of the battle leaves many dead, including twenty assassins, and the fortress is filled with mourning. The Master’s discussion about Ansel’s past reveals a history of pain, loss, and the consequences of unresolved trauma. His insights into her character—how she endured pain and transformed it into hate—add depth to her motivations. Celaena’s presence in this moment highlights her understanding of the complex nature of her enemies and the importance of mercy and restraint.
In the concluding moments, the Master confides in Celaena about his long-held knowledge of Ansel’s true background and his hope that she would eventually reveal herself. His reflection on pain, endurance, and the potential for redemption underscores a recurring theme: that suffering can forge strength or destroy a person. The chapter ends with a poignant acknowledgment of the fragile connection between Celaena and Ansel, emphasizing that her mercy and kindness might leave a lasting impact. The chapter explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities faced by those caught in the shadows of war and revenge.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What actions does Celaena take immediately after arriving at the scene of the attack, and what do these actions reveal about her character and priorities?
Answer:
Upon arriving at the scene, Celaena rushes to Ilias, who is wounded and bleeding in his stomach. She quickly rips strips from her soaked tunic to bind his wound and shouts for help, demonstrating her immediate concern for others’ well-being and her resourcefulness in a crisis. She also assesses the Master’s condition, checks for poison, and calls for an antidote, showing her attentiveness and determination to save lives. These actions highlight her bravery, decisiveness, and her compassionate nature, emphasizing her role as a protector even amid chaos and danger.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict Celaena’s strategic thinking during the confrontation with Ansel, and what does her decision to shoot the arrow signify?
Answer:
Celaena’s strategic thinking is evident in her decision to fire an arrow after giving Ansel a twenty-minute head start. She focuses intensely on her target from the battlements, carefully aiming her shot to ensure a precise kill. The act of firing the arrow is not just about physical pursuit but also symbolizes her commitment to her promise and her sense of duty. Her decision to shoot slightly after the deadline reflects her awareness of the importance of timing and her willingness to take calculated risks to fulfill her mission, demonstrating her discipline, patience, and sense of honor.3. Question 3
What insights does the chapter provide about the Master’s understanding of Ansel’s past and motivations, and how does this influence his perspective on her actions?
Answer:
The Master reveals that he has known about Ansel’s true circumstances for years, including her family’s murder and her subsequent disappearance. His inquiries to the Flatlands and the lack of communication from her family indicate his deep concern and suspicion. His perspective on Ansel is nuanced; he hopes she would trust him enough to face her pain and believes her pain turned into hate, transforming her into someone she may not have wished to become. His understanding influences his view of her as a tragic figure shaped by loss and hardship, leading him to withhold judgment and wish for her eventual redemption.4. Question 4
In what ways does the chapter explore themes of pain, endurance, and forgiveness, particularly through the dialogue between Celaena and the Master?
Answer:
The chapter delves into the themes of pain and endurance through the Master’s reflections on how different people handle suffering—some drown it in sorrow, others turn it into anger. He suggests that Ansel’s pain consumed her, leading to hatred and transformation into someone else. Celaena’s own feelings of hurt and her contemplation of whether to turn her pain into rage highlight the internal struggle of enduring hardship. The Master’s decision not to expose Ansel’s actions publicly and his belief that she sent Celaena away out of genuine care emphasize forgiveness and understanding, suggesting that healing involves recognizing pain and choosing compassion over revenge.5. Question 5
How does Celaena’s emotional response at the end of the chapter reflect her character development and the impact of her experiences?
Answer:
At the chapter’s end, Celaena’s chest aches with a mixture of pain and regret, revealing her vulnerability despite her tough exterior. Her reaction to the Master’s words—feeling the weight of loss, betrayal, and the hope that her actions might influence Ansel’s future—shows her capacity for empathy and introspection. Her emotional response indicates significant character growth; she begins to understand the complexities of pain and forgiveness, recognizing that enduring suffering and showing kindness can leave a lasting impact. This moment underscores her inner conflict and evolving sense of purpose, balancing strength with compassion.
Quotes
1. “It’ll wear off soon,” she told the Master, but she still called for an antidote to speed up the process.
This quote highlights the peril of betrayal and deception—poisoning intended to paralyze rather than kill—underscoring the treacherous nature of the political and personal machinations at play.
2. “If you can learn to endure pain, you can survive anything. Some people learn to embrace it—to love it. Some endure it through drowning it in sorrow, or by making themselves forget. Others turn it into anger. But Ansel let her pain become hate, and let it consume her until she became something else entirely—a person I don’t think she ever wished to be.”
This passage explores the chapter’s central theme of pain and resilience, illustrating how different characters cope with suffering and how it shapes their identities.
3. “Many believed Ansel was their friend—and part of me, too, believes that at times she was.”
This line reveals the complex perception of Ansel, emphasizing the blurred lines between friend and foe, and suggesting the nuanced nature of her betrayal.
4. “She spared her life, and returned her father’s sword. She will not soon forget that. And maybe when she makes her next move to reclaim her title, she will remember the assassin from the North and the kindness you showed her, and try to leave fewer bodies in her wake.”
This concluding insight underscores the significance of mercy and kindness, hinting at their potential to influence future actions and the possibility of redemption.