Emperor of Thorns (The Broken Empire, Book 3)
Chapter 48
by Mark, Lawrence,The chapter opens with Jorg and Elin interrupted by Father Merrin, a blind priest claiming to foresee the future. Merrin reveals his identity as a priest of the Free Church of Adam and hints at his purpose: to assist Jorg in accessing something beneath the throne. Jorg is skeptical but intrigued, especially when Merrin accurately describes his hidden intentions, including his desire to use a mysterious ring. The priest explains that helping Jorg will ultimately benefit the Free Church by securing a future favor from Lord Commander Hemmet, though his vision of the specifics remains unclear.
Jorg, Elin, and Father Merrin proceed to the throne room, where Merrin convinces Hemmet to move the throne and rug, revealing a copper plate embedded in the floor. Jorg uses the view-ring on the plate, triggering the appearance of two Builder-ghosts: the Custodian, revered by Hemmet and his guards, and Fexler, a familiar figure to Jorg. The ghosts briefly clash before vanishing, causing the Builder lights to flare and steel doors to temporarily seal the room. The sudden activation of ancient technology creates chaos, with guards scrambling to assess the situation.
The commotion intensifies when the real Custodian, awakened from stasis by Fexler’s interference, is brought into the throne room. Hemmet and his guards react with awe, treating the Custodian as a saint, while Jorg and Sindri’s party observe with curiosity. The Custodian, disoriented and speaking an unfamiliar language, repeatedly mentions the word “alert,” adding to the mystery. His presence underscores the chapter’s theme of ancient forces resurfacing and disrupting the present.
The chapter concludes with Jorg reflecting on the linguistic diversity of the Builders, hinting at deeper historical complexities. The encounter leaves lingering questions about the Custodian’s role, the significance of the ring, and how Jorg’s actions will shape future events. The blend of political maneuvering, supernatural elements, and technological relics creates a tense and enigmatic atmosphere, setting the stage for further revelations.
FAQs
1. Comprehension Question
What role does Father Merrin play in this chapter, and how does he influence the events that unfold?
Answer:
Father Merrin is a blind priest of the Free Church of Adam who claims to see glimpses of the future. He intervenes to help Jorg by convincing Lord Commander Hemmet to move the throne and rug, revealing a hidden copper plate beneath. This allows Jorg to use the view-ring, triggering a series of Builder-related events, including the appearance of data-ghosts and the awakening of the Custodian. Merrin’s actions are motivated by his belief that aiding Jorg will ultimately benefit the Free Church and weaken Roma, demonstrating his role as a catalyst for pivotal events in the chapter.2. Analytical Question
How does the interaction between Jorg and Elin contrast with his encounter with Father Merrin, and what does this reveal about Jorg’s character?
Answer:
Jorg’s playful, irreverent behavior with Elin (e.g., joking about their scandalous encounter) contrasts sharply with his cautious, calculating demeanor when dealing with Father Merrin. With Elin, Jorg displays charm and impulsiveness, while with Merrin, he is skeptical and probing, questioning the priest’s motives. This duality highlights Jorg’s adaptability: he can switch between lightheartedness and seriousness depending on the situation. It also underscores his distrust of authority figures like Merrin, even as he leverages their assistance for his own goals.3. Critical Thinking Question
Why might the awakening of the Custodian and the activation of Builder technology (e.g., lights, doors) be significant for the broader story?
Answer:
The Custodian’s awakening and the sudden activation of Builder technology suggest a major shift in the world’s power dynamics. The Custodian, as a living relic of the Builder era, represents lost knowledge and authority, which could challenge existing hierarchies (e.g., Hemmet’s reverence for him). The reactivated systems (lights, doors) imply that Jorg’s actions have triggered long-dormant mechanisms, potentially unlocking new threats or opportunities. This event likely foreshadows larger conflicts involving Builder technology, the Free Church, and political factions, setting the stage for future upheavals in the narrative.4. Application Question
If you were in Jorg’s position, how would you have approached the challenge of accessing the copper plate beneath the throne, given the constraints (e.g., Hemmet’s resistance)?
Answer:
Like Jorg, I would have sought an ally with influence over Hemmet (e.g., Father Merrin) to legitimize the request. However, I might have also prepared a backup plan, such as creating a diversion (e.g., feigning illness or staging a minor conflict) to distract the guards if persuasion failed. Alternatively, I could have attempted to study the throne’s mechanics beforehand to find a less conspicuous way to access the plate. Jorg’s reliance on Merrin’s authority was effective but risky; a more cautious approach would balance manipulation with independent contingency plans.5. Thematic Question
How does the chapter explore the theme of foresight versus unpredictability, particularly through Father Merrin and the Builder technology?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes Father Merrin’s limited foresight (“glimpses” of the future) with the unpredictable consequences of Builder technology. Merrin’s visions guide Jorg’s actions but are incomplete (e.g., he doesn’t foresee the Custodian’s awakening). Meanwhile, the Builder systems react in ways no one anticipates (e.g., lights activating, doors sealing). This contrast underscores the theme that even attempts to control fate (through prophecy or technology) are subject to chaos. The narrative suggests that foresight is fallible, and true power lies in adapting to the unexpected—a lesson Jorg embodies through his improvisational responses.
Quotes
1. “‘I am Father Merrin, priest of the Free Church of Adam.’ […] ‘I don’t see so much with these blind eyes, only a glimpse or two. All I know is that somehow it will make the Lord Commander owe you a favour.’”
This introduces the mysterious, prophetic figure of Father Merrin and sets up the chapter’s central tension—his vision of a future where Jorg’s actions will have far-reaching consequences for power dynamics. The quote captures the blend of religious authority and ambiguous foresight that drives the plot.
2. “‘You’re wanting to search beneath the throne, Jorg. Something to do with a ring you’re carrying. But you can’t see how to do it. […] All I know is that somehow it will make the Lord Commander owe you a favour.’”
Father Merrin’s revelation exposes Jorg’s hidden agenda and the chapter’s pivotal conflict—accessing the throne’s secret. The quote is significant for its demonstration of prophetic knowledge influencing present actions, a recurring theme in the series.
3. “All the lights came on. Every Builder light woke at the same moment so that the dome above our head sparkled like starry heavens. […] ‘The lights …’ said Norv the Raw, as if we might not have noticed.”
This moment marks the dramatic turning point where ancient Builder technology reactivates, shifting the chapter from political intrigue to supernatural revelation. The vivid description contrasts with Norv’s understatement, highlighting the scene’s awe-inspiring nature.
4. “‘Welcome, Custodian! Welcome!’ A broad grin on his face. The Custodian looked bewildered and perhaps fearful, but he had been asleep for a thousand years I supposed, so I allowed him that.”
The appearance of the awakened Custodian represents the chapter’s climactic revelation—a living relic of the Builder era. The quote captures both Hemmet’s reverence and Jorg’s characteristic pragmatism in interpreting the situation.