The Priory of the Orange Tree
Fifty-Two
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Queen Sabran of Inys confronting Ead and Loth in the Council Chamber after a night of upheaval. Sabran, having narrowly escaped a treasonous plot by the Duchess of Justice, demands answers from her companions. Ead, dressed in warrior-like attire, and Loth exchange uneasy glances as Sabran, weakened but resolute, presses them to explain their recent actions. The queen’s return to power follows the arrest of traitors and the arrival of dubious allies claiming to support her, all of whom she imprisons pending further investigation.
Ead reveals her true identity as Eadaz du Zāla uq-Nāra, a mage sent to protect Sabran by Chassar uq-Ispad. She explains her connection to the Priory of the Orange Tree and the magic of siden, derived from the same tree that once shielded Cleolind Onjenyu. Sabran reacts with skepticism, mocking the idea of enchanted trees, but Ead challenges her dismissiveness. Meanwhile, Loth recounts his own journey, including his exile to Cárscaro, the death of his companion Kit, and his encounters with the Flesh King and the Donmata Marosa, all of which deepen the mystery surrounding Sabran’s lineage.
The conversation takes a darker turn as Ead and Loth unravel the hidden truths of Inys’s history. They disclose that Sabran’s ancestor, Galian Berethnet, may not have been the hero the kingdom believes him to be. Instead, he allegedly stole credit for defeating the Nameless One from Cleolind and wielded a sword forged by the Witch of Inysca, Kalyba. Ead further explains the dual nature of magic—siden and sterren—and their connection to the Long-Haired Star. Sabran listens in silence, her expression unreadable, as her faith in her family’s legacy is shaken.
The chapter concludes with Sabran grappling with the revelations about her ancestry and the foundations of her reign. Ead’s defiance and Loth’s corroboration force the queen to confront the possibility that her bloodline is built on lies. Despite her initial resistance, Sabran’s curiosity and inner conflict suggest a willingness to reconsider long-held beliefs. The tension between tradition and truth sets the stage for deeper exploration of Inys’s past and its implications for the future.
FAQs
1. What were the key revelations Ead made about her true identity and mission in Inys?
Answer:
Ead revealed that her true name is Eadaz du Zāla uq-Nāra and that she was sent to Inys by Chassar uq-Ispad as a bodyguard, not merely as a lady-in-waiting. She disclosed her identity as a mage who practices siden, a branch of magic derived from the orange tree in Lasia—the same tree that protected Cleolind Onjenyu. Ead also explained her connection to the Priory of the Orange Tree, which was founded to protect the world from the Nameless One. Her mission was to guard Sabran, as the Priory believed her lineage was crucial to maintaining the balance against the Nameless One’s return.2. How did Sabran react to Ead’s revelations about Galian Berethnet and the true origins of Inys’s founding myths?
Answer:
Sabran initially responded with skepticism and mockery, dismissing the idea of an enchanted orange tree and challenging Ead’s claims. However, as Ead elaborated on the Priory’s beliefs—including that Galian Berethnet did not defeat the Nameless One (Cleolind did) and that he wielded a sword forged by the Witch of Inysca—Sabran maintained a stoic demeanor, though her flickering gaze hinted at inner turmoil. She confronted the implication that her ancestor was a fraud and that her entire lineage’s legitimacy might be built on falsehoods, culminating in her pointed question: “You think I am the seed of such a man?” Ead’s reply, “Fair roses have grown from twisted seeds,” suggests Sabran’s character transcends her disputed heritage.3. What role did the Duchess of Justice play in the events leading up to this chapter, and how was her plot uncovered?
Answer:
The Duchess of Justice, Crest, orchestrated a treasonous plot to force Sabran to sign the Oath of Relinquishment, which would transfer the Inysh throne to the Crest family permanently. She exploited Sabran’s illness, confining her in darkness and threatening exposure of her barrenness or death if she refused. The plot unraveled when Ead and Loth returned to the palace, leading to Crest’s arrest. Most of her retainers surrendered upon hearing of her treason, and the Knights of the Body spent the night rooting out remaining conspirators. Other nobles like Nelda Stillwater and Lemand Fynch arrived under pretenses of “liberating” Sabran but were also detained pending investigation.4. How does the chapter portray the dynamic between Ead and Sabran, and how has it evolved?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a dramatic shift in their relationship. Previously, Ead was a reserved lady-in-waiting, but now she speaks to Sabran with boldness, even goading her (“Does the Queen of Inys mock what she does not understand?”). Sabran, though initially distrustful, listens intently to Ead’s revelations, suggesting a grudging respect. Their interactions are charged with tension—Ead’s protective instincts (staying close to Sabran) clash with Sabran’s need for control. The dynamic has moved from formal hierarchy to a more complex partnership, underscored by Ead’s unwavering loyalty despite her deception and Sabran’s vulnerability after her ordeal.5. What critical information did Loth contribute about the conspiracy against Sabran’s family?
Answer:
Loth revealed that the Flesh King confessed to arranging the murder of Sabran’s mother, Queen Rosarian, implicating a shadowy figure called the Cupbearer in the plot. He recounted his imprisonment in the Priory and his escape, emphasizing the iron box he carried (likely tied to the broader mystery of the Nameless One). His testimony connected disparate threads—the Flesh King’s machinations, Kit’s death, and the political unrest in Virtudom—painting a picture of a long-standing conspiracy targeting the Berethnet line. This forced Sabran to confront the possibility that her mother’s death was not an isolated tragedy but part of a larger scheme.
Quotes
1. “Even while she was too weak to feed herself. Even when Crest had shut her up in darkness.”
This quote powerfully illustrates Queen Sabran’s defiance in the face of imprisonment and coercion, showing her remarkable resilience when threatened with the loss of her throne. It sets up the chapter’s exploration of political intrigue and personal strength.
2. “My name is Eadaz du Zāla uq-Nāra. And I was brought to you by Chassar uq-Ispad as a bodyguard.”
This revelation marks a pivotal identity disclosure, as Ead finally reveals her true name and mission to protect Sabran. It represents a turning point in their relationship and the chapter’s unfolding truths.
3. “I am a mage. A practitioner of a branch of magic called siden. Its source is the same orange tree in Lasia that protected Cleolind Onjenyu when she vanquished the Nameless One.”
This quote introduces key magical concepts that challenge Inys’s established religious beliefs, serving as the foundation for the chapter’s exploration of alternative histories and power systems.
4. “Fair roses have grown from twisted seeds.”
Ead’s poignant response to Sabran’s concern about her ancestry encapsulates the chapter’s theme of legacy versus personal merit. This elegant metaphor suggests that one’s origins don’t determine their worth or potential.
5. “If Sabran the First was not born of Cleolind… then who was her mother? Who was the first Queen of Inys?”
This question cuts to the heart of the chapter’s central mystery, challenging the foundational mythology of the Inysh monarchy and setting up major revelations about the kingdom’s true history.