A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 51: The Waiting King I
by Schwab, V. E.King Athos Dane sits in his throne room, observing the movements of Kell and his companion through a scrying stone. The stone, linked to its missing half, provides a clear view of their approach to his castle. Athos reflects on the events that unfolded across different Londons—Kell’s escape, the girl’s cleverness, and the failures of his own servants. His emotions oscillate between amusement, annoyance, and a dark excitement at the prospect of killing Kell, though he bristles at the loss of his servant, Holland.
Beside Athos sits the motionless body of his sister, Astrid, kept under a spell. He chastises her for her failure to handle Kell, noting that her inaction has led to chaos. Though Astrid is capable of wreaking havoc elsewhere, here she remains silent and lifeless. Athos considers waking her but decides against it, believing she would only complicate matters. He resolves to take matters into his own hands, confident in his ability to control the situation.
Athos revels in the power at his disposal, restraining the magic that thrums within him. He is a strict master, feeding the magic only what it needs to serve his purposes. As the image of Kell dissipates, Athos prepares to confront his guests, smoothing his appearance and adjusting his white cloak. His demeanor is calm yet calculated, underscoring his ruthless control over both magic and people.
The chapter concludes with Athos leaving the throne room to greet Kell and his companion, promising to rectify the chaos Astrid failed to contain. His tone is dismissive yet menacing, highlighting his arrogance and determination to assert dominance. The scene sets the stage for a confrontation, with Athos poised as a formidable and unyielding antagonist.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the black smoke and the stone in Athos’s hand, and how do they function in this chapter?
Answer:
The black smoke and the stone serve as a scrying tool, allowing Athos to observe events remotely. The smoke forms a “patch of night” in the throne room, functioning like a magical screen, while the stone acts as the focal point for this surveillance. The text notes that “where the stone’s other half had gone, so had its gaze,” implying a paired magical connection. Athos uses this to track Kell’s movements across various cities, watching events unfold with increasing clarity as Kell approaches. This magical device demonstrates Athos’s power and his obsession with controlling the narrative, as he monitors both his enemies and his sister’s failures.2. How does Athos’s relationship with his sister, Astrid, reflect their power dynamics and conflicting approaches?
Answer:
Athos and Astrid have a tense, competitive relationship marked by mutual frustration. While Astrid is physically present but spellbound (“still and pale”), Athos mocks her failure to handle Kell, saying, “You should have let me go… Now my plaything is dead, and yours has made an awful mess.” This reveals his belief in his own superiority and his willingness to override her methods. He withholds her revival, fearing she would “complicate things,” which underscores his authoritarian control. Their dynamic highlights a broader theme of power struggles—both familial and political—where trust is absent, and dominance is prioritized over collaboration.3. Analyze Athos’s emotional response to the events he witnesses through the scrying stone. What does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Athos exhibits a volatile mix of emotions: amusement, annoyance, excitement, and vengeful pleasure. He “bristles at the loss of Holland” but feels a “spike of pleasure at the thought of killing Kell,” showing his capricious and sadistic nature. His reactions are self-centered—he focuses on personal grievances rather than strategic consequences. The line “It was a thing to be controlled, and Athos had never been a lenient master” extends this trait to his magic, revealing his obsession with domination. These traits paint him as a tyrant who derives joy from others’ suffering and views all relationships through a lens of control.4. How does the author use physical descriptions of the throne room and characters to reinforce the tone and themes of the chapter?
Answer:
The stark contrast between the “white throne room” and the “black smoke” creates a visual dichotomy, symbolizing the clash of purity and corruption. Athos’s “white cloak” and Astrid’s “pale” corpse-like appearance juxtapose with the dark magic they wield, hinting at hypocrisy. The throne room’s grandeur (“sculpted stone”) contrasts with Astrid’s lifelessness, emphasizing the emptiness of their power. These descriptions cultivate a tone of eerie opulence, reinforcing themes of decay beneath a facade of order. The imagery mirrors Athos’s character—controlled yet cruel, elegant but morally rotten.5. Critical Thinking: Why might Athos choose to confront Kell personally at the chapter’s end, and what risks or motivations could drive this decision?
Answer:
Athos’s decision to “greet his guests” himself stems from his arrogance and desire for direct control. Having watched Astrid fail, he likely believes only he can “make things right,” reflecting his distrust of others. There’s also a performative element—he smooths his hair and adjusts his cloak, suggesting he views this as a theatrical display of power. However, this choice carries risks: it exposes him to potential defeat and undermines his earlier caution (e.g., keeping Astrid spellbound). His actions reveal a flawed leader who prioritizes ego over strategy, potentially setting up his downfall.
Quotes
1. “Athos had watched it all unfold with a mixture of amusement and annoyance and, admittedly, excitement. He bristled at the loss of Holland, but a spike of pleasure ran through him at the thought of killing Kell.”
This quote reveals Athos Dane’s complex and sinister personality, showcasing his cold detachment and sadistic pleasure in others’ suffering. It highlights his anticipation of violence and sets the tone for his ruthless approach to power.
2. “Astrid would be furious.”
This short but impactful line underscores the tense dynamic between Athos and his sister, Astrid. It hints at their rivalry and differing methods, while also foreshadowing potential conflict between them over how to handle Kell.
3. “It was a thing to be controlled, and Athos had never been a lenient master.”
This quote encapsulates Athos’s philosophy of power and his authoritarian nature. It demonstrates his belief in absolute control, whether over magic or people, reinforcing his identity as a merciless ruler.
4. “Do not worry yourself, Astrid. I will make things right.”
This chilling statement, delivered to his spellbound sister, reveals Athos’s arrogance and his belief in his own superiority. It marks a turning point where he takes full control of the situation, dismissing Astrid’s failed approach in favor of his own methods.