A Court of Silver Flames
Chapter Seventy-Nine
by J, Maas, SarahCassian reluctantly meets with Eris in the Hewn City to assess his loyalty and gather information. Despite being recently kidnapped and tortured by his father, Beron, Eris appears composed, though tension lingers beneath his polished demeanor. Their conversation quickly turns confrontational as Cassian probes Eris about his past actions, particularly his abandonment of Mor in the woods years earlier. Eris deflects, revealing he manipulated Beron with a mix of truth and lies to protect their alliance, but his bitterness and jealousy toward other courts hint at deeper emotional wounds.
The chapter delves into Eris’s complex relationship with his father, highlighting the abuse he endures to maintain his position. Cassian recognizes the parallels between their upbringings—both surrounded by violence—but where Cassian found love and purpose, Eris remains trapped in a cycle of cruelty. Eris’s defiance masks his pain, and when Cassian presses him about Mor, he refuses to explain, suggesting only she deserves an answer. This evasion fuels Cassian’s frustration, as Eris’s actions contradict his apparent desire to overthrow Beron and ally with Rhysand’s court.
Their exchange shifts to political threats, with Eris warning that Beron may ally with Koschei, urging Cassian to focus on the larger conflict rather than old grievances. Despite his hostility, Eris’s commitment to their cause is evident, as he endured torture to safeguard their secrets. Cassian, however, remains torn between distrust and a grudging acknowledgment of Eris’s sacrifices. His thoughts drift to Nesta, his mate, whose strength and growth inspire him, reinforcing his gratitude for the life he’s built—a stark contrast to Eris’s isolation.
In a final, cutting remark, Cassian challenges Eris’s self-perception, calling him a “decent male” too afraid to act on his morals. The accusation strikes a nerve, exposing Eris’s internal struggle between survival and redemption. Cassian leaves, pitying Eris’s loveless existence but refusing to absolve him of his past cruelty. The encounter underscores the chapter’s themes of trauma, choice, and the possibility of change—even for those long shrouded in darkness.
FAQs
1. What was the purpose of Cassian’s meeting with Eris, and what key information did he seek?
Answer:
Cassian met with Eris to assess his loyalty and gather intelligence after Eris’s rescue from Briallyn and Koschei. Specifically, Cassian wanted to know what Eris had told his father, Beron, about the Night Court’s involvement in his rescue. The chapter reveals that Eris had deceived Beron by mixing truth and lies, claiming the Night Court intervened only because they mistook him for a more valuable asset from another court. This strategic deception protected the alliance between Eris and the Night Court while avoiding Beron’s suspicion (pp. 744–746).2. Analyze the significance of Cassian’s observation about Eris’s jealousy toward other courts. What might this reveal about Eris’s character and motivations?
Answer:
Cassian notices a subtle tension in Eris’s words when he mentions the other courts, suggesting jealousy or resentment. This detail hints at Eris’s deeper desire for acceptance and validation, particularly from the Night Court, despite his outwardly aloof demeanor. It aligns with his actions—allying with Rhysand’s circle, enduring torture to protect their secrets, and expressing bitterness about his father’s cruelty. The jealousy underscores his isolation in the Autumn Court and his unspoken longing for the camaraderie and trust he witnesses among other fae leaders (p. 745).3. How does Cassian’s final statement to Eris (“You’re just too much of a coward to act like one”) reflect the chapter’s themes of morality and courage?
Answer:
Cassian’s parting words challenge Eris to confront his own potential for goodness, framing his moral ambiguity as a choice rather than inherent nature. The statement ties into the chapter’s exploration of trauma and agency: Eris, raised under Beron’s tyranny, has internalized survival tactics (deceit, emotional detachment) but demonstrates flashes of integrity. Cassian—who recognizes Eris’s suffering—positions courage as the missing ingredient for redemption. This moment highlights the tension between inherited cruelty and the possibility of change, a recurring theme in the series (p. 747).4. Why does Eris refuse to explain his past actions toward Mor to Cassian, and what does this imply about their relationship dynamics?
Answer:
Eris dismisses Cassian’s question about abandoning Mor in the woods, stating Cassian isn’t the “person [he] wants to explain myself to.” This evasion suggests unresolved guilt or complexity in his motives, possibly tied to Mor herself. It also reflects the strained trust between Eris and the Night Court: while they collaborate politically, personal wounds remain unhealed. Eris’s refusal hints that his actions may have involved hidden sacrifices or pressures from Beron, but his pride and the lack of mutual respect with Cassian prevent honesty (pp. 746–747).5. How does the chapter contrast Cassian’s and Eris’s upbringings to underscore their differing worldviews?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes Cassian’s “blessings” (love, found family, and purpose in the Night Court) with Eris’s “destitution” (material wealth overshadowed by Beron’s abuse). Cassian, though raised among Illyrian brutality, finds strength in loyalty and love, while Eris, despite his privilege, is emotionally and morally starved. This contrast explains Cassian’s empathy—he sees Eris as a victim of circumstance—and Eris’s bitterness. Their exchange underscores how nurture shapes morality: Cassian’s resilience allows him to act bravely, whereas Eris’s trauma manifests as self-preservation at the cost of vulnerability (pp. 746–747).
Quotes
1. “Always mix truth and lies, General. Didn’t those warrior-brutes teach you about how to withstand an enemy’s torture?”
Eris reveals his strategic thinking and survival tactics under his father’s tyranny, showing how he navigates dangerous political waters by blending deception with truth. This quote highlights the complex dynamics of the Autumn Court.
2. “I know what sort of creature my father is. I don’t need your sympathy.”
Eris rejects Cassian’s pity, demonstrating his pride and self-awareness about his abusive upbringing. This moment reveals the depth of his suffering while maintaining his hardened exterior.
3. “I think you might be a decent male, deep down, trapped in a terrible situation… You’re just too much of a coward to act like one.”
Cassian’s parting words cut to the core of Eris’s character conflict, suggesting his potential for goodness is hindered by fear. This serves as both judgment and challenge, marking a pivotal moment in their tense relationship.