Tower of Dawn
Chapter One
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol Westfall, the former Captain of the Royal Guard and now Hand to the King of Adarlan, arrives at the Khagan’s palace in Antica, resentful of the sound of his wheelchair’s wheels. The palace’s grandeur, built from materials across the Southern Continent, reflects the khaganate’s power and history. Chaol observes the intricate mosaics depicting the empire’s rise, drawing parallels to what Adarlan could have been without its corrupt ruler. Accompanied by Nesryn, his companion and Captain of the Guard, he prepares to meet the khagan, aware of the high stakes of their mission.
Chaol’s internal struggle is evident as he grapples with his physical limitations and the trauma of his past. The absence of his sword and the discomfort in his formal attire underscore his vulnerability. His hatred for the word “fix” reveals his deep-seated resentment toward his condition. Despite his pride, he acknowledges the necessity of seeking healing from the Torre Cesme, the renowned tower of healers, though the prospect fills him with disgust and uncertainty.
The chapter highlights the cultural richness of Antica, from its diverse death rituals to the bustling city life. Nesryn’s knowledge of local customs provides context for their surroundings, including the significance of the white cloths hanging throughout the city. The Torre Cesme looms in the distance, a symbol of hope and dread for Chaol. His focus remains divided between his two goals: securing the khagan’s support for the war and finding a healer who can restore his mobility.
As they approach the khagan’s court, Chaol and Nesryn maintain a composed demeanor, aware of the palace’s watchful eyes. The chapter sets the stage for their diplomatic challenge, emphasizing the political and personal stakes. Chaol’s determination to fulfill his duties clashes with his internal turmoil, creating a tense atmosphere. The narrative foreshadows the difficult negotiations ahead, blending themes of power, resilience, and the quest for redemption.
FAQs
1. Comprehension: What are Chaol Westfall’s two main objectives in Antica, and why is each significant?
Answer:
Chaol has two primary missions in Antica: first, to convince the Khagan and his heirs to lend their armies to the war against Erawan, and second, to find a healer in the Torre Cesme who can restore his ability to walk. The first task is critical for the survival of Adarlan and Terrasen, as the Khaganate’s military strength could tip the scales against Erawan’s forces. The second is deeply personal, as Chaol struggles with his physical limitations and the psychological toll of his disability. The chapter emphasizes his disgust at the idea of being “fixed,” revealing his internal conflict about accepting help (pp. 5–6).2. Analytical: How does the description of the Khagan’s palace reflect the empire’s history and values?
Answer:
The palace’s architecture and decor symbolize the Khaganate’s unity, conquests, and cultural diversity. The green marble floors (from the southwest), red pillar “trees” (from northeastern deserts), and Tigana-crafted mosaics showcase materials sourced from across the empire, illustrating its vast reach. The mosaics depict key historical moments, such as the nomadic origins and the first Khagan’s unification of tribes, reinforcing themes of strategic brilliance and imperial glory. This contrasts with Chaol’s reflection on Adarlan’s wasted potential under demonic rule, highlighting the Khaganate’s stability and pride in its heritage (pp. 3–4).3. Critical Thinking: Why does Chaol resent the sound of wheels, and what deeper symbolism might this hold?
Answer:
Chaol hates the clattering of wheels because they remind him of his dependence on his chair—a “prison” that also represents his only mobility. The sound underscores his loss of autonomy and former identity as a capable guardsman. Symbolically, the wheels mirror his emotional turmoil: they propel him forward physically but trap him in frustration and self-disgust. His aversion to being “fixed” further reveals his struggle to reconcile his new reality with his pride (pp. 3, 6). The detail humanizes his grief and resentment, making his journey toward acceptance more poignant.4. Application: If you were Nesryn, how would you navigate the political challenges of their mission based on the chapter’s clues?
Answer:
Nesryn’s observant demeanor and caution (e.g., noting the palace’s “ears and eyes”) suggest she would prioritize discretion and cultural awareness. To persuade the Khagan, I would:- Study Antican customs (e.g., the white death rituals) to avoid missteps.
- Leverage visual symbolism, like wearing Adarlan’s colors, to project authority (p. 5).
- Identify allies among the heirs or courtiers by observing their interests.
- Avoid discussing Chaol’s disability unless necessary, as his pride could alienate potential healers (p. 6).
The chapter hints that subtlety and patience are key in a court where every detail is scrutinized (p. 5).
5. Analytical: Compare Chaol and Nesryn’s attitudes toward their mission. How do their perspectives differ?
Answer:
Chaol is consumed by personal struggles—his disability, grief for his men, and resentment toward his limitations—which color his interactions (e.g., avoiding looking at guards, p. 5). In contrast, Nesryn remains composed and alert, her “dark eyes darting” as she assesses the palace (p. 5). While Chaol dwells on the past, Nesryn focuses on the present, embodying practicality. Her silence and uniform (p. 5) suggest she views the mission as a professional duty, whereas Chaol’s internal conflict reveals emotional stakes. This dynamic sets up potential tension between their approaches moving forward.- Study Antican customs (e.g., the white death rituals) to avoid missteps.
Quotes
1. “Chaol Westfall, former Captain of the Royal Guard and now Hand to the newly crowned King of Adarlan, had discovered that he hated one sound above all others. Wheels.”
This opening line powerfully establishes Chaol’s physical and emotional state—his disability and the frustration it brings. The simplicity of “Wheels.” as its own sentence underscores how this sound has become a constant, grating reminder of his confinement.
2. “Perhaps the mosaics provided a vision of what Adarlan might have been, Chaol mused… That is, if Adarlan hadn’t been ruled by a man controlled by a demon king hell-bent on turning this world into a feast for his hordes.”
This reflection contrasts the khaganate’s prosperous history with Adarlan’s tragic downfall under Valg influence. It reveals Chaol’s perspective on his homeland’s wasted potential and sets up the stakes for their diplomatic mission.
3. “Two tasks. He had two tasks while here, and he still was not certain which one would prove the more impossible: Convincing the khagan and his six would-be heirs to lend their considerable armies to the war against Erawan… Or finding a healer in the Torre Cesme who could discover some way to get him walking again.”
This internal monologue lays out the chapter’s central conflicts—both the political mission and Chaol’s personal struggle with his disability. The parallel structure emphasizes how both challenges feel equally daunting to him.
4. “He hated that word. Almost as much as the clattering of the wheels. Fix. Even if that’s what he was beseeching the legendary healers to do for him, the word still grated, made his gut churn.”
This passage reveals Chaol’s complex feelings about seeking healing—his simultaneous desperation and resentment. The word “Fix” in italics emphasizes how the concept itself feels like a personal violation, showing his struggle with self-perception after his injury.