A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 25: The Follower II
by Schwab, V. E.Kell, standing on a bridge in Grey London, senses a powerful magical signature—Holland’s—and realizes he’s been lured into a trap. Despite knowing it’s a setup, he follows the magic, driven by urgency when he hears Lila’s scream. He reflects on his earlier confidence that no one could follow him between worlds, yet Holland, another Antari, has done exactly that. Kell understands Holland is after the magical stone in his possession, and Lila, marked by residual magic, has become a target. Though he blames her recklessness, Kell rushes toward the danger.
Arriving at the scene, Kell finds Holland holding Lila at gunpoint, demanding the stone. Holland’s calm demeanor masks his ruthlessness, and Kell’s attempts to negotiate fail. Lila, though defiant, is powerless against Holland’s magic. Kell reluctantly reveals the stone, bargaining for her release. As Lila escapes, Holland dismisses her, focusing solely on Kell. The tension escalates as Holland taunts Kell, emphasizing their unequal strength and experience, revealing his disdain for Kell’s perceived naivety.
Kell, though wounded and outmatched, refuses to surrender. He attempts to use the stone’s power to summon a cage, but Holland acts faster, pinning him to a door with metal spikes. Holland retrieves the stone, examining it with curiosity while Kell struggles to break free. The chapter highlights the stark contrast between the two Antari: Holland’s ruthless efficiency versus Kell’s desperate defiance. Kell’s internal conflict—weighing his loyalty to Lila against the stone’s dangerous power—adds depth to the confrontation.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Holland closes his fist around the stone, unleashing an ominous surge of dark magic. Kell’s fate remains uncertain, and the power dynamics between the two Antari are laid bare. Holland’s mission to “clean up a mess” suggests broader consequences, while Kell’s vulnerability underscores the stakes of their conflict. The scene sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the stone’s origins and the true motives behind Holland’s pursuit.
FAQs
1. Comprehension Question
What are the key pieces of evidence that Kell uses to deduce Holland’s motives for coming to Grey London?
Answer:
Kell deduces Holland’s motives through several key observations. First, he recognizes Holland’s magical signature—heated steel and ash—which confirms his presence. Second, he realizes Holland is the only person who could follow him between worlds, indicating a deliberate pursuit. Third, Kell understands Holland’s flare of magic is a trap meant specifically for him. Finally, Kell concludes Holland is after the black stone, as it holds significant power that the White throne (Astrid and Athos) would want to reclaim. These observations collectively reveal Holland’s mission to retrieve the stolen artifact.2. Analytical Question
How does the dynamic between Kell and Holland illustrate their differing approaches to power and morality?
Answer:
The chapter highlights stark contrasts between Kell and Holland. Kell, though conflicted, shows compassion by risking himself to save Lila, even blaming himself for her endangerment. He hesitates to use the stone’s full power, fearing its consequences. Holland, however, is pragmatic and ruthless—using Lila as leverage and dismissing Kell as naïve. His statement, “We may share an ability… but that does not make us equals,” underscores his view of power as a tool for control, not protection. Their confrontation reveals Kell’s moral struggle versus Holland’s cold efficiency.3. Critical Thinking Question
Why might Kell’s internal monologue (“It’s her own fault…”) be significant to his character development?
Answer:
Kell’s bitter thought reflects his internal conflict and guilt. While he blames Lila for being “a torch” due to her traces of magic, he still rushes to save her, revealing a tension between self-preservation and loyalty. This moment humanizes Kell, showing he isn’t purely heroic—he resents the consequences of his choices but acts against his rational self-interest. It also foreshadows deeper themes of responsibility, as Kell grapples with the unintended consequences of wielding power and involving others in his battles.4. Application Question
If you were in Kell’s position, how would you respond to Holland’s trap, considering the stone’s risks and Lila’s safety?
Answer:
A strategic response might involve leveraging the stone’s power earlier to create distance between Holland and Lila, as the stone’s magic could overwhelm Holland if used decisively. Alternatively, feigning surrender to free Lila before counterattacking could minimize collateral damage. However, the stone’s corrupting influence makes this risky—its “bad magic” might escalate the conflict unpredictably. The optimal balance would require prioritizing Lila’s escape (as Kell did) while avoiding direct reliance on the stone, perhaps using environmental elements (e.g., the river or buildings) to disrupt Holland’s focus.5. Thematic Question
How does the black stone symbolize broader themes of power and fear in the chapter?
Answer:
The stone embodies power’s duality: it offers strength but invites destruction. Kell resists using it fully, fearing its corruption, while Holland seeks it for the Danes’ gain. Its presence also triggers fear—characters act out of desperation (Kell’s rescue attempt, Holland’s trap). The stone’s origins (deliberately sent away to avoid the twins’ misuse) further reflect fear of power’s concentration. Like the magic-poor world around it, the stone becomes a focal point for struggles over control, autonomy, and the costs of wielding forbidden forces.
Quotes
1. “Holland would go after Lila because of him. Because in a world with so little magic, every trace stood out. And Lila would have traces—both his magic, and the stone’s—written all over her.”
This quote highlights the dangerous connection between Kell and Lila, as well as the vulnerability created by magic in a world where it is scarce. It underscores Holland’s strategic thinking and the stakes for Lila as an unwitting beacon.
2. “We may share an ability, you and I, but that does not make us equals.”
Holland delivers this cutting remark to emphasize the vast difference in experience and power between himself and Kell, despite both being Antari. It reveals his disdain for Kell’s perceived naivety and sets the tone for their confrontation.
3. “Hesitation is the death of advantage.”
This terse observation by Holland serves as both a taunt and a lesson to Kell during their fight. It encapsulates the chapter’s tension and the consequences of Kell’s impulsive decisions versus Holland’s calculated actions.
4. “I’m cleaning up a mess.”
Holland’s chilling declaration as he retrieves the stone reveals his mission’s cold efficiency and his view of Kell as a problem to be resolved. This line marks a key turning point where Holland gains the upper hand physically and psychologically.
5. “Such a small gesture, slow, casual, but the moment his fist closed, black s…”
The truncated final quote (cut off by the input’s end) builds suspense around Holland activating the stone’s power. This moment represents the chapter’s climactic threat and the looming danger of the stone’s forbidden magic.