A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 8: Cassian
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Cassian anticipating an approaching storm in Windhaven, disrupting the usual Solstice preparations. He halts training exercises and limits patrols to only the most skilled warriors, aware that enemies might strike despite the harsh weather. The camp braces for being snowed in for days, prompting Cassian to visit the craftsman center to procure winter supplies. The scene sets a tone of urgency and practicality, highlighting Cassian’s leadership and foresight in protecting his people.
Cassian enters Emerie’s clothier shop, noting its relative newness and the warmth inside. He is immediately struck by the scars on Emerie’s wings, evidence of the brutal Illyrian tradition of clipping females’ wings. Despite this, Emerie meets his gaze with defiance, reminiscent of Nesta’s unyielding demeanor. Cassian learns that her father, Proteus, died in the war, leaving her to inherit the shop—a rare occurrence in Illyrian society, where females seldom hold such roles. Their interaction reveals Emerie’s resilience and Cassian’s respect for her strength.
Cassian observes the well-stocked shop, realizing Emerie’s business struggles due to the camp’s biases. He decides to buy all her winter gear, offering payment without condescension. Emerie initially resists charity but accepts the transaction on her terms, meticulously calculating the cost. Cassian’s gesture reflects his understanding of Illyrian pride and his desire to support those marginalized by their own culture. The exchange underscores the tension between tradition and progress in Illyrian society.
In a final act of generosity, Cassian pays Emerie to distribute the winter supplies to those most vulnerable in the camp before the storm hits. Emerie, though wary of her unpopularity, agrees to the task, showing a willingness to help her community. The chapter closes with Cassian’s quiet admiration for Emerie’s courage and a sense of hope for change in Illyrian attitudes. Their partnership hints at potential future collaboration, bridging divides within the camp.
FAQs
1. What does Cassian’s observation about Emerie’s clipped wings reveal about Illyrian society?
Answer:
Cassian’s immediate recognition of Emerie’s clipped wing tendons highlights the brutal traditions within Illyrian culture, particularly the systemic oppression of females. Clipping wings—a practice that permanently grounds Illyrian females—symbolizes the patriarchal control enforced by traditionalists. His visceral nausea upon noticing her scars underscores his personal opposition to this practice, aligning with his broader efforts to reform Illyrian society (as seen in his training of female warriors). Emerie’s survival despite this mutilation, and her defiance in maintaining eye contact, further illustrate the tension between progress and tradition in their culture.2. How does Cassian’s interaction with Emerie reflect his leadership style and values?
Answer:
Cassian demonstrates pragmatic empathy in his approach to Emerie. Rather than overtly pitying her, he respects her autonomy by acknowledging her ownership of the shop and treating her as an equal business partner. His decision to purchase all her winter gear serves dual purposes: supporting her financially while discreetly aiding the camp’s vulnerable populations before the storm. This reflects his leadership values—direct action, resourcefulness, and a focus on tangible outcomes. His refusal to mention the rarity of Illyrians accepting his money also shows his awareness of social dynamics and reluctance to undermine Emerie’s dignity.3. Analyze the significance of the impending storm as a narrative device in this chapter.
Answer:
The approaching storm functions as both a literal and metaphorical catalyst. On a practical level, it drives the urgency of Cassian’s actions (postponing training, securing supplies), showcasing his responsibility as a leader. Symbolically, it mirrors the brewing conflicts in Illyrian society—between reformers like Cassian and traditionalists who clipped wings like Emerie’s. The storm’s potential to “bury the camp for days” suggests looming challenges to progress, while Cassian’s preparedness hints at resilience. The motif also connects to the Solstice timing, possibly foreshadowing renewal or reckoning after the tempest passes.4. What parallels can be drawn between Emerie and Nesta based on Cassian’s observations?
Answer:
Cassian explicitly compares Emerie’s unflinching stare and defiant posture to Nesta’s demeanor, particularly noting their shared “I Will Slay My Enemies” attitude. Both females embody resistance against societal constraints—Nesta against the Night Court’s expectations, Emerie against Illyrian misogyny. Their physical descriptions (angular faces, sharp eyes) and emotional guardedness further align them as kindred spirits. Cassian’s internal cataloguing of Nesta’s “poses” (e.g., reading smut) reveals his affectionate familiarity with strong-willed women, suggesting Emerie might similarly earn his respect and become an ally in challenging Illyrian norms.5. Why does Cassian entrust Emerie with distributing the winter supplies instead of doing it himself?
Answer:
Cassian’s delegation is strategically insightful. As an outsider (despite his rank), he recognizes Emerie’s local knowledge would ensure supplies reach those most in need—a task she’s better equipped for, given her awareness of the camp’s social hierarchies. This also empowers Emerie, reinforcing her authority as a businessowner and subtly integrating her into community leadership. His payment for “delivery charges” further formalizes their partnership without charity. The act reflects Cassian’s understanding that sustainable change requires elevating local voices like Emerie’s, rather than imposing solutions from above.
Quotes
1. “A storm was coming. Right in time for Solstice. It wouldn’t hit for another day or two, but Cassian could smell it on the wind.”
This opening line sets the atmospheric and symbolic tone for the chapter, foreshadowing both the literal storm and the brewing social tensions in Illyria. It establishes Cassian’s attunement to his environment as a leader.
2. “Her eyes did not lower, not in the way Illyrian females had been ordered and trained to do. No, even with the clipping scars that proved traditional ways ran brutally deep in her family, she held his stare.”
This moment introduces Emerie’s defiance against Illyrian gender norms, mirroring Nesta’s strength. The clipped wings become a powerful symbol of oppression, making her unbroken eye contact revolutionary.
3. “He’d seen Nesta in that particular pose, too. He called it her I Will Slay My Enemies pose. Cassian had named about two dozen poses for Nesta at this point.”
This humorous yet tender insight reveals Cassian’s deep familiarity with and affection for Nesta, showing how he interprets her subtle body language while maintaining the chapter’s lighter moments amidst heavier themes.
4. “They—a lot of them don’t like me,” she said, more softly than she’d spoken before.”
Emerie’s vulnerable admission underscores the isolation faced by those who defy Illyrian traditions. This moment humanizes her struggle and sets up Cassian’s act of solidarity through the winter gear distribution.
5. “For the delivery charges… I’d like you to distribute this amongst those who might feel its impact the hardest.”
Cassian’s strategic generosity demonstrates his leadership style - empowering marginalized individuals (Emerie) while addressing community needs. The transaction becomes political, challenging Illyrian hierarchies through economic means.