Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
Chapter 45
by J, Maas, SarahIn Chapter 45 of *Crown of Midnight*, Celaena Sardothien is consumed by urgency and exhaustion as she rushes through the dungeon without pause, driven by a sense of betrayal and fear. Her thoughts reveal her suspicion that she has been manipulated, especially concerning Kaltain’s disappearance and her own unwelcome captivity. The chapter emphasizes her growing awareness of the sinister plans surrounding her, including the potential use of her as a pawn in broader magical schemes involving the Wyrdkeys. Her physical and emotional exhaustion underscores her determination to uncover the truth, despite the risks and her own weariness.
The narrative delves into the mysterious disappearance of Kaltain, who was taken to Morath to become the duke’s wife, hinting at darker motives behind her abduction. Celaena’s concern deepens as she recognizes the dangerous implications of these events, especially considering the ominous whispers about the creature Roland has become and the worsening headaches that plague him. These physical symptoms suggest a connection to the dark magic at play, and Celaena questions the true nature of the beings and magic involved, sensing that they are more than they appear.
Further, Celaena investigates the hidden library catacombs, observing the damaged Wyrdmarks and the sealed door that conceals deeper secrets. Her attempt to access the chamber reveals that the door is heavily warded and impenetrable, symbolizing the barriers to understanding the full scope of the king’s dark plans. Her restless curiosity and the ominous atmosphere highlight her growing awareness of the dangerous power the king seeks to harness, including the potential threat posed by the Wyrdkeys and the creatures they can control.
In the closing moments, Celaena reflects on the perilous situation she faces and the magnitude of the threat posed by the king’s ambitions. She notices the blood at the sealed door, linking it to her own investigations and the danger lurking within. Her discovery of a scribbled note referencing “Time’s Rift” hints at a crucial clue to solving the ancient mysteries that could hold the key to stopping the king’s destructive plans. The chapter ends with her resolve to piece together these secrets, knowing that the fate of Erilea hangs in the balance.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What significant event occurs when Celaena visits Kaltain’s cell, and what does this reveal about Kaltain’s situation?
Answer:
When Celaena arrives at Kaltain’s cell, she finds it empty except for her discarded cloak, indicating that Kaltain has been taken. The guards reveal that the duke took her to Morath to be his wife. This event signifies a critical turning point, showing that Kaltain has been forcibly removed from her confinement and possibly subjected to a new, possibly sinister, purpose. It underscores the dangerous political and magical machinations at play, highlighting that Kaltain’s fate is intertwined with the dark plans unfolding behind the scenes.2. Question 2
How does the chapter suggest that the Wyrdkeys and Wyrdmarks are connected to the broader threat posed by the king?
Answer:
The chapter indicates that the Wyrdkeys and Wyrdmarks possess the power to control life and potentially unleash great terrors. Celaena reflects on the king’s twisted ambitions, suggesting he is seeking to gather all the Wyrdkeys to open the Wyrdgate and summon destructive forces. The mention of the Wyrdmarks turning flaky but still bearing their outlines hints at ongoing secret manipulations. The king’s pursuit of these keys and the dangerous creatures they can summon reveal a threat far worse than mortal enemies, with the potential to devastate Erilea if he succeeds.3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of Celaena’s discovery of the “Time’s Rift” note among her papers. How does this detail contribute to her understanding of the chapter’s mysteries?
Answer:
The note “Time’s Rift” among Celaena’s papers symbolizes a crucial clue in her quest to understand the ancient and magical secrets she is uncovering. It suggests the existence of a portal or a significant event related to time manipulation, which could be key to solving the riddle of the Wyrdkeys and the library’s mysteries. This detail deepens the intrigue, indicating that the solution involves more than just physical keys—it may involve manipulating time or understanding a hidden history. This discovery pushes her closer to unraveling the complex magical puzzles necessary to thwart the king’s sinister plans.4. Question 4
Critically evaluate Celaena’s decision to examine the sealed door to the library catacombs. What does this reveal about her character and her approach to the unfolding threats?
Answer:
Celaena’s choice to inspect the sealed door demonstrates her curiosity, determination, and willingness to confront dangerous mysteries directly. Despite exhaustion and the risk involved, she refuses to ignore the clues about the Wyrdmarks and the secret chamber beneath the castle. This proactive approach reveals her resourcefulness and her refusal to succumb to fear or complacency. It also underscores her role as a seeker of truth, willing to push boundaries and face the unknown in her quest to prevent the king’s destructive ambitions.5. Question 5
Based on the chapter, what can be inferred about the potential consequences if the king acquires all the Wyrdkeys?
Answer:
If the king acquires all the Wyrdkeys, the chapter suggests he could unleash immense and possibly catastrophic power by opening the Wyrdgate. Celaena fears that he might bring forth terrors and creatures from beyond, which could threaten all of Erilea. The mention of unrest on the continent and the warning that the king “wouldn’t tolerate it for long” implies that his control over these keys would allow him to crush resistance and establish a reign of terror. The chapter warns of a future where his ambitions could lead to widespread chaos, destruction, and the domination of the entire realm by forces beyond mortal comprehension.
Quotes
1. “They want to use me. They tricked me.”
This quote encapsulates Celaena’s realization of her manipulation and betrayal, highlighting the chapter’s theme of deception and the dangerous schemes surrounding her. It marks her awakening to the true intentions of those around her.
2. “Because that was the other thing the Wyrdkeys could do, the other power that the Wyrdmarks controlled: life.”
This statement underscores the immense and dark power of the Wyrdkeys, emphasizing their ability not just to influence reality but to manipulate life itself. It is central to understanding the stakes of the conflict and the threat posed by the king’s use of these artifacts.
3. “No one would believe her about this place—just like no one would believe her wild, highly unlikely story about the Wyrdkeys.”
This quote reflects Celaena’s awareness of the disbelief she faces, emphasizing the isolation of her knowledge and the challenge of convincing others of the dangers she perceives. It highlights the chapter’s focus on secrecy and the necessity of her own resolve.
4. “If he ever got all three Wyrdkeys, what might he bring into Erilea to serve him? Things were already stirring on the continent; unrest was brewing.”
This line draws attention to the potential catastrophe if the antagonist consolidates all the Wyrdkeys’ power, linking the chapter’s exploration of looming threats with the broader political unrest, and emphasizing the urgency of her mission.
5. “She reached into her pocket, looking for something to wipe off her fingers. She drew out a handful of papers. Scraps was more like it—bits of things that she’d carried around to study whenever she had a spare moment.”
This moment illustrates Celaena’s resourcefulness and her persistent pursuit of knowledge, even amid chaos, symbolizing her determination to understand and confront the mysteries threatening her world.