Emperor of Thorns (The Broken Empire, Book 3)
Chapter 47
by Mark, Lawrence,The chapter opens with the protagonist, Jorg, arriving at the Gilden Gate, a modest yet significant archway deep within the palace. Accompanied by Sindri and Hemmet, the Lord Commander of the Gilden Guard, Jorg is surprised by the Gate’s unassuming appearance—a simple oak arch, worn smooth by time. When he attempts to pass through, he is struck by intense pain from his old wounds and the weight of the thorn-patterned box at his hip, forcing him to retreat. Hemmet explains that the Gate prevents anyone “tainted” by magic or ungodly powers from entering, ensuring the purity of the Hundred’s gatherings.
Excluded from the main entrance, Jorg is led through dark, sparsely lit corridors by Captain Kosson. The passageways, devoid of decorative niches, reveal remnants of Builder technology, such as non-functional ceiling lights. Kosson shares that the palace was once a grand Builder legislature, challenging Jorg’s perception of their utilitarian nature. The conversation shifts when Kosson reveals a Builder frozen in stasis, a custodian whose appearance and tools mirror Hemmet’s staff of office. This discovery hints at a deeper connection between the Gilden Guard and the Builders, blurring the lines between history and legend.
The frozen Builder, identified as a custodian, is described as weak and fearful, contrasting with the strength often attributed to his kind. Kosson reveals that Hemmet traces his lineage back to this figure, whom the Guard reveres as a patron saint. Jorg notes the similarity between the custodian’s rod and Hemmet’s staff, suggesting a deliberate emulation of Builder symbolism. This encounter raises questions about the Roma’s canonization of a Builder, hinting at a complex interplay of power, tradition, and forgotten history.
Reunited with Sindri and Elin before the throne, Jorg is reassured that his scars are not seen as a taint by the North. The throne itself, a plain yet ancient wooden chair, is rumored to have once seated Builder kings. The chapter closes with Jorg standing before the throne, the grandeur of the dome-covered hall underscoring the weight of history and the unresolved tensions between past and present. The scene sets the stage for deeper exploration of power, legacy, and the lingering influence of the Builders.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the Gilden Gate, and how does it function as described in the chapter?
Answer:
The Gilden Gate serves as a magical barrier that prevents anyone “tainted” from passing through, ensuring that no unnatural influences enter the emperor’s throne room during important gatherings like Congression. According to Hemmet, the Gate detects and rejects individuals carrying magical influences, mind-control enchantments, or “ungodly powers,” causing intense pain to those affected. The Gate’s purpose is to maintain purity and fairness among the Hundred rulers by stripping away external manipulations. Jorg’s experience demonstrates its function—his old wounds and the thorn-patterned box triggered severe pain when he attempted to pass, revealing his “tainted” status.2. How does the chapter contrast Jorg’s expectations of the Gilden Gate with reality, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Jorg initially imagines the Gilden Gate as a massive, imposing structure requiring great effort to open, reflecting his tendency to associate power with grandeur. Instead, he finds a modest, ancient wooden archway, which surprises and disappoints him. This contrast highlights Jorg’s preconceived notions of authority and his struggle to reconcile appearances with true power. His reaction—immediate skepticism (“That’s it?”)—reveals his pragmatic, somewhat cynical nature. The Gate’s subtle yet profound magic forces him to confront his own vulnerabilities, as seen when his hidden pains resurface, exposing his “tainted” past.3. Analyze the significance of the Builder artifacts in the chapter, particularly the “Custodian” in stasis and the throne. How do they shape the world’s lore?
Answer:
The Builder artifacts—such as the frozen “Custodian” and the plain yet legendary wooden throne—serve as remnants of a technologically advanced past, blending mystery with reverence. The Custodian, preserved in time, connects to Hemmet’s lineage and the Gilden Guard’s traditions, suggesting a cultural appropriation of Builder relics into myth (e.g., the staff of office mimicking the Custodian’s “broom”). The throne, rumored to have housed Builder kings, symbolizes continuity between past and present rulers. These artifacts deepen the world’s lore by implying that current power structures are built on misunderstood or repurposed ancient technologies, adding layers of historical weight and irony.4. How does Kosson’s attitude toward the Builder hall and its lighting reflect the broader societal view of the Builders?
Answer:
Kosson’s dismissive remark about the non-functional Builder lights (“They don’t work though”) underscores a pragmatic, utilitarian view of the past. While he acknowledges the hall’s grandeur, his focus on its impracticality reflects a common societal attitude: the Builders’ achievements are either obsolete or merely tools to be exploited. This contrasts with Jorg’s curiosity (“You think they might have had souls after all?”), which hints at a more philosophical reckoning with history. The guard’s archival knowledge (e.g., deciphering “Custodian”) shows selective reverence, blending admiration for power with indifference to the Builders’ humanity.5. Evaluate the symbolic role of pain in this chapter, particularly in relation to Jorg’s identity and the Gilden Gate’s test.
Answer:
Pain operates as both a literal and metaphorical barrier in the chapter. The Gate’s magic resurrects Jorg’s physical scars (his burn and chest wound) and the weight of his thorn-patterned box, forcing him to confront his past traumas and “tainted” nature. This moment symbolizes how Jorg’s history of violence and suffering defines him, excluding him from traditional paths to power (e.g., walking the “longer route like a servant”). The Gate’s judgment reflects societal norms that equate purity with legitimacy, while Jorg’s pain underscores his outsider status—a king marked by experiences that both weaken and distinguish him.
Quotes
1. “Nothing tainted may pass… When the Hundred meet no magics can be taken within, no mind-sworn can enter to sway men’s loyalties, none tainted with ungodly powers can enter to threaten their fellow rulers with more than men should possess.”
This quote explains the mystical function of the Gilden Gate, establishing a key world-building concept about political purity and protection against supernatural influences in governance. It’s significant as it both explains Jorg’s exclusion and reveals the empire’s safeguards against corruption.
2. “Not everything they made was ugly. This was a place of power. Some kind of legislature. They built it grand.”
This observation about the Builder architecture challenges common perceptions of the ancient civilization, showing their capacity for beauty in functional spaces. It’s particularly insightful as it reveals the complexity of the Builders’ legacy beyond their typical technological marvels.
3. “The strength of the Builders was never in their arms… I agree with you myself, he’s no warrior. The Lord Commander tracks his ancestry back to the first custodian. This man. He’s the family’s patron saint.”
This exchange reveals the surprising veneration of a Builder as a saint, blending ancient technology with religious tradition. It’s significant for showing how contemporary society has reinterpreted Builder remnants through a medieval lens, creating a fascinating cultural syncretism.
4. “Legend had it that kings among the Builders had sat in this same seat and the same secret fire that ran through their machines had run through their veins.”
This description of the throne connects the present empire to the ancient Builder civilization through physical artifact and mystical belief. It’s particularly impactful as it suggests a continuity of power across vastly different eras while maintaining an air of mystery.