A Court of Mist and Fury
Chapter 7
by J, Maas, SarahThe chapter opens with a tense scene where the protagonist experiences a surge of fear and urgency as the threat of war looms. The word “War” rings loudly, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The protagonist pleads with Rhys, the High Lord of the Night Court, to avoid invasion, highlighting her concern for the defenseless mortal lands and her own exhaustion. Rhys, calm but firm, reveals that he does not intend to invade the mortal territories but warns of an impending threat that could escalate into war. The scene underscores the emotional toll and the mounting tension as the characters grapple with the reality of an approaching conflict.
Rhys then discloses critical intelligence about the ongoing threat posed by the King of Hybern, who has been planning his campaign for over a century. The King’s goal is to reclaim the land south of the wall and potentially seize Prythian and the faerie lands, with Prythian standing as the primary obstacle. Rhys explains that Hybern’s strategy involves stealth, trickery, and weakening their defenses, including the wall, which has only small holes allowing limited passage. The threat is imminent, and the urgency to prepare for an attack is palpable, setting the stage for the strategic and political complexities that lie ahead.
The narrative delves into Rhys’s past, revealing his involvement in the war and his aversion to large-scale slaughter. His military experience in the south, where he witnessed brutal fighting, has left a lasting impact, and he emphasizes that Hybern’s initial attack will likely come through covert means rather than outright force. The chapter explores the fragile state of alliances and the internal divisions within Prythian, with broken courts and power struggles among High Priestesses. Rhys’s insights underscore the danger of internal treachery and the importance of vigilance in the face of external threats.
In the final segment, Rhys confides in the protagonist, emphasizing her unique skills and the trust he places in her. He seeks her assistance in tracking down crucial information, hinting at her ability to catch a Suriel and trap formidable creatures. Rhys’s strategic motives are clear: he needs her talents to gather intelligence and strengthen their defenses. The chapter concludes with a subtle acknowledgment of her potential powers, hinting at the importance of her role in the looming conflict. This exchange underscores themes of trust, strategic alliance, and the weight of responsibility borne by the protagonist.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the main concerns Rhysand raises about the impending threat from Hybern, and how does he explain Hybern’s strategic approach to invasion?
Answer:
Rhysand emphasizes that Hybern’s king has been planning to reclaim territories south of the wall for over a century, with Amarantha’s rule being a mere experiment in conquest. He explains that Hybern’s approach will not be a direct, frontal assault but rather a stealthy and cunning campaign aimed at weakening Prythian from within. Hybern intends to exploit the holes in the wall, using trickery and sabotage rather than open warfare initially. Rhysand warns that Hybern’s ultimate goal is to shatter the wall, which has protected the mortal and faerie realms for centuries, and to seize control of the human lands and possibly the faerie territories, making Prythian a primary target. This strategic insight underscores the urgency and danger of the coming conflict.2. Question 2
How does Rhysand’s background in the war inform his perspective on the potential invasion, and what does he reveal about his past combat experience?
Answer:
Rhysand reveals that he fought in the war when he was young, commanding a legion of soldiers in the thick of the fighting in the south. His experience was brutal and traumatic, leaving him with a deep aversion to full-scale slaughter. This background informs his cautious and strategic approach to the threat, as he recognizes that Hybern will not attack openly at first but will instead use stealth and deception to weaken Prythian. His past combat experience gives him a realistic understanding of war’s horrors and the importance of preparedness, which he now applies to the current threat. It also explains his desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, influencing his tactics and diplomatic dealings.3. Question 3
What is the significance of Rhysand’s request for Feyre’s help in tracking down what he needs, and how does this reflect her unique skills and potential role in the upcoming conflict?
Answer:
Rhysand’s request highlights his recognition of Feyre’s unique talents, particularly her ability to catch a Suriel and trap the Middengard Wyrm—skills that are rare and valuable in their fight against Hybern. He trusts her to assist in tracking down critical information or objects essential for their defense, even though he keeps the specifics secret for now. This reliance on Feyre demonstrates her growing importance in the larger battle, emphasizing her potential as a key asset rather than just an outsider. It also underscores the theme that her skills, combined with her inherent resourcefulness, could influence the outcome of the impending war, positioning her as a crucial player in the resistance.4. Question 4
Analyze Rhysand’s attitude towards the political landscape of Prythian and the other High Lords. What does his perspective reveal about his leadership style and strategic mindset?
Answer:
Rhysand’s attitude reflects a pragmatic and cautious leadership style. He recognizes that the political landscape is fractured, with untested High Lords, broken courts, and ambitious High Priestesses vying for control. His mention of Hybern’s potential allies—those who may betray Prythian—indicates his awareness of internal threats and the importance of strategic alliances. Rhysand’s calm, measured demeanor and his willingness to share sensitive information with Feyre show that he values trust and intelligence over brute force. His approach reveals a leader who prioritizes strategic planning, subtle diplomacy, and preparedness, understanding that internal stability and clever tactics are vital to resisting the external threat posed by Hybern.5. Question 5
Critically evaluate the significance of Rhysand’s decision to reveal his fears and plans to Feyre. How might this transparency influence their alliance and her development as a character?
Answer:
Rhysand’s decision to share his fears and strategic insights demonstrates a level of trust and a recognition of Feyre’s potential as an ally. This transparency can strengthen their alliance, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual reliance. It also marks a turning point in her development, from a passive character to one actively involved in the political and military stakes of their world. By revealing his vulnerabilities, Rhysand humanizes himself, encouraging Feyre to see beyond her initial perceptions and understand the complexities of leadership and war. This act of trust challenges her to accept her role in the larger conflict and underscores the importance of honesty and alliance-building in overcoming formidable enemies.
Quotes
1. “Don’t invade—please.”
This plea underscores the tension and desperation of the narrator, highlighting the looming threat of war and the moral dilemma faced by Rhys. It captures the emotional core of the chapter, emphasizing the stakes involved in the impending conflict.
2. “The King of Hybern has been planning his campaign to reclaim the world south of the wall for over a hundred years… Amarantha was an experiment—a forty-nine-year test, to see how easily and how long a territory might fall and be controlled by one of his commanders.”
This quote reveals the long-term strategic planning of Hybern and contextualizes the scale of the threat, illustrating the depth of the antagonist’s ambitions and the historical scope of his machinations.
3. “He wants to reclaim the human lands there—perhaps seize the faerie lands, too. If anyone is to intercept his conquering fleet before it reaches the continent, it would be us.”
Here, Rhys articulates the immediate military threat to Prythian and the critical role the protagonists must play in defending their realm, emphasizing the urgency of the coming conflict.
4. “I am telling you for two reasons… One, you’re … close to Tamlin. He has men—but he also has long-existing ties to Hybern—”
This statement highlights the political and personal complexities at play, indicating the importance of alliances and the need for strategic diplomacy, which is central to the chapter’s themes of trust and betrayal.
5. “I’ve tried and failed. Twice. But that’s a discussion for another day. I saw you trap the Middengard Wyrm like a rabbit. I need you to help me. To use those skills of yours to track down what I need.”
This quote underscores the narrator’s unique skill set and the trust Rhys places in her, establishing her importance in the unfolding plans and hinting at her potential to influence the course of events.