Tower of Dawn
Chapter Twenty-Five
by Maas, Sarah J.Yrene and Chaol visit the Torre library after lunch, where Chaol demonstrates improved mobility by mounting his horse with ease. Yrene feels a deep sense of belonging upon entering the Torre, as if the tower itself welcomes her. The library’s lower levels are accessible via ramps, though Yrene must occasionally help Chaol navigate stairs, marking the first time she physically assists his wheelchair. Their camaraderie is evident as Chaol interacts with Yrene’s peers, and Yrene reflects on his progress—his foot now regaining sensation and movement, a promising sign for his recovery.
The pair seeks out Nousha, the head librarian, who initially eyes Chaol’s weapons with suspicion before guiding them to ancient Eyllwe texts. A watchful Baast Cat observes their exchange, adding an air of mystique to the scene. As they descend deeper into the library, Chaol marvels at its vastness and age, comparing it favorably to Rifthold’s royal library. Yrene shares the Torre’s history—a 1,500-year-old gift from a grateful queen to a healer, surviving countless conquests due to the enduring value of healers in any regime.
The atmosphere grows more solemn as they reach a dusty corridor housing the sought-after scrolls. Nousha’s curt departure leaves them to explore the shelves alone, where Chaol is stunned by the Torre’s antiquity. Yrene explains how the tower’s purpose has remained unchanged through centuries of political upheaval, its preservation a testament to the universal need for healing. Chaol’s creative swearing underscores his awe, while Yrene remains focused on the task at hand, scanning the texts for answers.
The chapter blends moments of lightheartedness—like Chaol’s amused reaction to Nousha’s sternness—with deeper themes of resilience and legacy. Yrene’s emotional connection to the Torre contrasts with her clinical focus on Chaol’s recovery, highlighting her dual role as both healer and protector. The library’s ancient knowledge and the watchful presence of the Baast Cats suggest hidden depths yet to be uncovered, setting the stage for future discoveries. The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation, as Yrene and Chaol stand on the brink of unraveling secrets buried for centuries.
FAQs
1. How does Yrene’s relationship with Chaol show progress in this chapter, both physically and emotionally?
Answer:
The chapter demonstrates significant progress in Yrene and Chaol’s relationship on multiple levels. Physically, Chaol shows improvement in his condition as Yrene helps him regain feeling and movement in his foot through targeted exercises. Emotionally, there’s a notable moment when Yrene moves Chaol’s wheelchair for the first time, which surprises him and marks a shift in their dynamic. Additionally, their shared smiles and silent communication (like Chaol’s look about “cranky librarians”) show growing comfort and camaraderie. The chapter also reveals Yrene’s admiration for Chaol’s skills as she observes him buckling his weapons with practiced ease, indicating her deepening respect for him.2. What symbolic significance does the Torre hold for Yrene, and how does the author convey this?
Answer:
The Torre serves as both a physical and spiritual home for Yrene, symbolized through sensory details and personification. The text describes how the Torre’s presence makes Yrene feel at ease, with phrases like “some part of her eased in its presence” and the imagery of the tower as “a pale arm thrust toward the sky in greeting.” The author uses metaphorical language to suggest the Torre actively welcomes Yrene (“We have been waiting for you”), implying a destined connection. This symbolism is reinforced by Yrene’s emotional response to the tower’s scent of lemon and lavender, which evokes a sense of belonging and purpose in her healing journey.3. How does the chapter establish the historical importance and unique nature of the Torre library?
Answer:
The chapter establishes the Torre library’s historical significance through several key details. It reveals the library is part of a 1,500-year-old complex built by an ancient queen for a healer, predating even the khaganate. The text emphasizes its age and preservation compared to other structures (“the khagans are the latest in a long line of conquerors”). The library’s vastness and ancient texts (particularly the Eyllwe scrolls) impress even Chaol, who compares it favorably to Rifthold’s royal library. Unique features like ramped halls for book carts, the presence of Baast Cats as apparent guardians, and the depth of the collection all contribute to portraying the library as both ancient and functionally remarkable in its design for healers’ needs.4. What role do the Baast Cats play in the chapter, and what might they symbolize?
Answer:
The Baast Cats serve as both observers and symbolic guardians within the Torre. The white cat in the library is described as “no doubt listening to every word—likely to report to her sisters,” suggesting they function as a network of watchers. Yrene’s respectful bow to the cat indicates these felines hold special significance, possibly as spiritual protectors or keepers of knowledge. Their frequent appearances throughout the library—sprawled on shelves, sitting at crossroads—create an atmosphere of mystical surveillance. Symbolically, they may represent ancient wisdom, the interconnectedness of knowledge, or the protective spirit of the Torre itself, maintaining vigilance over both the physical space and the information it contains.5. How does the chapter contrast the permanence of healing knowledge with the transience of political power?
Answer:
The chapter creates a striking contrast between the enduring nature of healing knowledge and the instability of political regimes through historical context. While conquerors and khagans have risen and fallen over fifteen centuries (“the latest in a long line of conquerors”), the Torre has remained constant. The text specifically notes how the original queen’s palace was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, while the Torre endured unchanged. This contrast is emphasized when Chaol learns the Torre predates the khaganate and survives multiple conquests because “healers are in high demand” regardless of who holds power. The implication is that medical knowledge transcends political boundaries and outlasts empires, making the Torre’s preservation a testament to the timeless value of healing arts.
Quotes
1. “As if to proclaim to her, Welcome, daughter. We have been waiting for you.”
This quote captures Yrene’s deep emotional connection to the Torre Cesme, portraying it as both a physical and spiritual homecoming. It reflects the tower’s symbolic role as a sanctuary and destiny for healers like her.
2. “He’d stared at her when she’d done it. And when she asked why, he’d said it was the first time she’d touched his chair. Moved it.”
A pivotal moment in Yrene and Chaol’s relationship, highlighting how small actions carry significance in their dynamic. It shows Yrene’s growing comfort with Chaol’s disability and his awareness of her evolving attitude.
3. “This would give the royal library in Rifthold a run for its money… Yes, but this might be larger. Older, definitely.”
Chaol’s observation about the Torre’s library underscores the ancient wisdom and grandeur of the healer’s institution. The exchange emphasizes the contrast between the Northern and Southern cultures through their repositories of knowledge.
4. “Healers are in high demand, whether you are the current ruler or the invading one. All other posts … perhaps unnecessary.”
This quote encapsulates the timeless value of healers across changing regimes and civilizations. It presents a cynical yet pragmatic view of how political powers prioritize practical survival over other institutions.