The Priory of the Orange Tree
Sixty-Four
by Shannon, SamanthaTané prepares for a covert mission to Inys, entrusted with delivering a crucial letter on behalf of her homeland. Equipped with weapons, supplies, and a finely crafted saddle for her dragon Nayimathun, she departs under the cover of darkness from the City of the Thousand Flowers. Only a few companions, including Loth, bid her farewell, emphasizing the secrecy of her task. Loth requests Tané to convey messages to Queen Sabran and Ead, revealing his concern and hope for their reunion. As Tané and Nayimathun take flight, the chapter highlights the weight of their mission and the emotional stakes for those left behind.
The journey westward is fraught with challenges as Tané and Nayimathun navigate harsh weather and avoid areas ravaged by fire-breathers. They rest briefly on an island in the Sleepless Sea, where Nayimathun regains strength after her captivity. A rare moment of levity occurs as the dragon playfully splashes Tané, eliciting genuine laughter—a respite from her recent hardships. Despite the looming dangers, Tané finds unexpected peace in the freedom of flight, her bond with Nayimathun deepening as they press on toward the ominous Abyss.
Crossing the Abyss proves physically and emotionally taxing, with freezing nights and eerie darkness reminding Tané of the Nameless One’s imprisonment. Nayimathun’s resilience is tested, but she periodically descends to swim, offering brief reprieves. Tané’s unease in these waters contrasts with her earlier tranquility, underscoring the Abyss’s malevolent history. Their conversations about Inys reveal cultural tensions, as Tané recounts the kingdom’s disdain for Eastern traditions. Nayimathun urges compassion, reminding Tané that Queen Sabran’s request for aid signals a potential shift in perspective.
As they approach the Ersyr, the Golden Land, the harsh journey gives way to warmer seas and clearer skies. Tané glimpses remnants of civilization beneath the waves, hinting at forgotten stories. The chapter closes with Nayimathun’s need to rest before venturing into the desert, leaving Tané to reflect on the duality of their mission—bridging divides while confronting ancient enmities. The narrative balances the urgency of their task with moments of human (and draconic) vulnerability, setting the stage for the challenges ahead in Inys.
FAQs
1. What preparations were made for Tané’s journey to Inys, and what do these reveal about the mission’s importance and secrecy?
Answer:
Tané was equipped with significant resources for her journey, including a Seiikinese pistol, a finer sword, Lacustrine bladed wheels, and enough food for two weeks. She was also given an elaborate saddle resembling an open palanquin for comfort during long flights. Notably, her departure was shrouded in secrecy—only Thim and Loth were present to witness it, with no Lacustrine courtiers or officials in attendance. These preparations highlight the mission’s critical nature (carrying vital news to Inys) and the need for discretion, possibly due to political sensitivities or the urgency of the situation. The high-quality equipment suggests Tané’s role as an official emissary, while the secrecy implies potential risks or opposition to this diplomatic effort.2. How does the relationship between Tané and Nayimathun evolve during their journey, and what key moments demonstrate this?
Answer:
The chapter shows deepening trust and camaraderie between Tané and Nayimathun. Key moments include Nayimathun’s playful teasing about Tané’s tendency to “stumble into trouble” (p. 696), their shared laughter during the water fight on the island (p. 697), and Nayimathun’s reassurance about Queen Sabran’s potential growth (p. 698). These interactions reveal a shift from formal respect to affectionate companionship. Notably, Tané laughs for the first time since Susa’s death, indicating emotional healing. Their mutual care is also practical—Tané monitors Nayimathun’s health after her captivity, while the dragon adjusts flight patterns for Tané’s comfort, showing a partnership that balances duty with genuine concern.3. Analyze the symbolic significance of crossing the Abyss. How does the narrative use this setting to reflect Tané’s internal state?
Answer:
The Abyss serves as both a physical and metaphorical threshold. As the prison of the Nameless One, it represents historical divisions between East and West, mirroring Tané’s mission to bridge these worlds. The “vault of darkness” (p. 697) evokes Tané’s fears and trauma, while the harsh conditions (cold, isolation) test her resilience. Notably, she feels peace only when airborne, suggesting liberation from past burdens. The mirrored stars (p. 698) symbolize hope amid darkness, paralleling Tané’s cautious optimism about her diplomatic role. This passage underscores her transformation—like Neporo, who imprisoned the Nameless One here, Tané now carries the potential to alter history through her actions.4. What cultural contrasts between the East and Inys are highlighted in this chapter, and how might these impact Tané’s diplomatic mission?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes deep-seated differences: Inys views Easterners as “blasphemers” (p. 697), framing their relationship as “sin to their virtue.” Tané’s laconic description suggests internalized tension about these prejudices. However, Nayimathun urges compassion, noting Sabran’s youth and responsibility (p. 698), which hints at potential common ground. The mission’s low-profile nature (no embassy, just one rider) implies anticipation of resistance. Key challenges include overcoming historical animosity (rooted in differing dragon lore) and demonstrating Eastern goodwill through actions rather than formal diplomacy. The narrative sets up a clash between Tané’s personal growth (learning empathy) and institutionalized divides she must navigate.5. How does the chapter use sensory details to create atmosphere during the journey sequences?
Answer:
Vivid sensory imagery immerses readers in the journey’s physicality: the “pearly lakes” and pine trees “dressed in white” (p. 696) contrast with the Abyss’s “stain”-like darkness (p. 697). Tactile details like the saddle’s “black leather edged with gold lacquer” (p. 695) and the “harsh wind [cracking] her lips” (p. 698) ground the fantasy in tangible experience. Auditory elements are sparse, emphasizing isolation, while taste/smell appear through practical details (ginger root for sickness, salt spray). The water fight scene stands out with its kinetic energy—”rainbows in the spray” (p. 697)—offering relief before the eerie star-mirroring moment (p. 698). These details balance wonder with tension, reflecting the journey’s emotional arc.
Quotes
1. “One dragon and one woman would carry the news.”
This opening line establishes the gravity and intimacy of Tané’s mission to Inys, emphasizing how a world-changing message rests on just two beings—a stark contrast to the usual pomp of diplomatic envoys. It sets the tone for the chapter’s themes of quiet resolve and personal responsibility.
2. “‘I am certain. Besides,’ the dragon said, and nudged Tané with her snout, ‘you seem to have a habit of stumbling into trouble without me.’”
Nayimathun’s playful remark reveals the deep bond between dragon and rider, blending humor with underlying concern. This moment of levity contrasts with their perilous journey, showcasing resilience through companionship.
3. “For the first time in an eternity, she laughed. She laughed until her stomach hurt.”
This rare moment of joy between Tané and Nayimathun during their rest stop highlights healing amid hardship. The laughter symbolizes a temporary reprieve from trauma and foreshadows Tané’s growing emotional peace.
4. “‘Remember to be compassionate when you judge her, Tané. She is a young woman, responsible for the welfare of her people.’”
Nayimathun’s wisdom reframes Tané’s preconceptions about Queen Sabran, advocating for empathy across cultural divides. This quote crystallizes the chapter’s moral core: leadership burdens transcend East/West ideological differences.
5. “Cloaked in the darkness of the new moon, they left another capital behind.”
The poetic closing of their departure from the City of a Thousand Flowers mirrors Tané’s earlier flight from Seiiki, emphasizing cyclical journeys and the weight of leaving sanctuaries for uncertainty. The imagery underscores transformation through movement.