Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 17
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Manon Blackbeak confronting the grim reality of her sister Asterin’s impending execution. As the sky over Morath darkens, Manon remains restless, her focus solely on her blade, Wind-Cleaver, and the weight of her decisions. Her thoughts are haunted by the consequences of her choices, including Asterin’s imprisonment in the deepest dungeon, guarded to prevent rescue or escape. Manon’s internal struggle reflects her sense of guilt and her understanding that her actions have led to this tragic outcome. Her loyalty to her Clan and her responsibilities as Wing Leader weigh heavily on her mind, shaping her resolve.
Manon’s interactions reveal her internal conflict and the harsh realities of her leadership. She recognizes that rescuing Asterin would betray her Matron and undermine her authority, especially after the failed Ferian Gap assault under Iskra’s command. Despite her desire to save her sister, Manon accepts her duty to uphold the rules and her sense of honor, knowing that her decision to let Asterin face execution is a form of mercy. Her focus shifts toward the moment when she must utter the Words of Request, a final act of compassion that will end her sister’s suffering swiftly, rather than through prolonged torture or slow death.
The chapter vividly depicts the somber execution scene on a broad Morath veranda, with the crowd eager for blood and the Matrons overseeing the proceedings. Asterin, in her riding leathers, is presented before her family and the gathered witches, battered but defiant. The ritual includes a brutal punishment—twelve blows for her supposed crimes—though her injuries suggest a more violent reality. Manon’s anger simmers beneath her composed exterior, but Asterin’s bold words and defiant attitude hint at her resilience. The scene underscores the brutal and ritualistic nature of their society’s justice, emphasizing themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of leadership.
As the chapter concludes, tensions reach a breaking point. Manon’s grandmother and the Yellowlegs Matron prepare to recite the ancient ritual, signaling the final act of blood sacrifice. The atmosphere is tense, with Manon’s internal conflict mounting as she prepares to carry out her duty. Sorrel’s silent defiance and Asterin’s unwavering spirit underscore the tragic costs of their brutal world. Manon’s resolve is tested as she braces herself for the moment of mercy or finality, knowing that her actions will define her leadership and her legacy. The chapter ends with the looming threat of violence, emphasizing the relentless cycle of loyalty, revenge, and sacrifice that pervades their society.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are the emotional and psychological states of Manon Blackbeak as she prepares for Asterin’s execution, and how do these states influence her actions?
Answer:
Manon is depicted as being deeply conflicted and emotionally strained as she prepares for Asterin’s execution. She has not slept, eaten, or drunk, and spends her time honing Wind-Cleaver in the cold, indicating her intense focus and inner turmoil. Her thoughts reveal feelings of guilt, regret, and a sense of responsibility for her cousin’s fate—she recognizes that Asterin’s imprisonment is a consequence of her own choices. Despite her internal struggle, she maintains a sense of duty to her Clan and her role as Wing Leader, which influences her decision to carry out the execution swiftly and mercifully, rather than torturously. Her emotional state underscores a complex mix of love, duty, and a desire for mercy, shaping her actions as both a leader and a relative facing a tragic moment.2. Question 2
How does the chapter explore themes of duty, sacrifice, and loyalty within the context of Manon’s decisions regarding Asterin?
Answer:
The chapter delves into the tension between personal feelings and the demands of duty and loyalty. Manon’s decision to let Asterin face execution without rescue reflects her sense of responsibility to her Clan and her role as Wing Leader. She perceives Asterin’s punishment as a consequence of her own mistakes, and she believes that rescuing her would betray her loyalty to her Matron and her people. The theme of sacrifice is evident as Manon accepts the loss of her cousin, understanding that her actions are necessary to uphold order and her leadership. Her internal dialogue reveals her prioritization of the greater good over personal attachment, emphasizing the burdens leaders bear and the difficult choices that loyalty to one’s people can entail, even at personal cost.3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of the “Words of Request” that Manon must utter before executing Asterin. What do they symbolize within the narrative?
Answer:
The “Words of Request” symbolize a formal, ritualized act of mercy and a final gesture of compassion in a brutal context. Manon’s internal struggle with the need to speak these words highlights their importance as a moral and cultural obligation—an act that elevates the execution from mere violence to a measured, purposeful act of mercy. These words represent a way for Manon to honor her cousin’s dignity in her last moments, contrasting the typical slow torture with swift mercy. Symbolically, they reflect Manon’s attempt to balance her role as a ruthless leader with her capacity for mercy and respect for her kin. The ritual underscores the gravity of the moment, emphasizing that even in death, there are rituals that uphold the values and traditions of their society.4. Question 4
In what ways does the chapter portray the theme of inevitability versus agency, particularly in the context of Asterin’s fate and Manon’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter portrays a tension between inevitability and agency through Asterin’s impending death and Manon’s choices. Asterin’s fate seems sealed—her imprisonment and scheduled execution appear predetermined by the political and social structures of their society. However, Manon’s internal conflict and her decision to deliver a swift, merciful death demonstrate her agency within these constraints. She recognizes her role in the larger system and chooses how to act within it, exercising her power to provide a form of mercy rather than prolong suffering. The narrative suggests that while certain outcomes may seem unavoidable due to societal rules and expectations, individuals still possess agency to influence the manner in which those outcomes occur, highlighting the complex interplay between destiny and personal choice.5. Question 5
Reflect on the chapter’s depiction of leadership and moral complexity. How does Manon exemplify these themes through her behavior and internal struggles?
Answer:
Manon exemplifies leadership marked by moral complexity, balancing ruthlessness with compassion. Her internal struggle—her reluctance to execute Asterin, her feelings of guilt, and her desire to show mercy—illustrate the challenging moral decisions leaders face. She recognizes the necessity of maintaining order and loyalty within her Clan, yet she also grapples with the personal pain of losing her cousin. Her decision to deliver a swift, merciful death rather than a prolonged torture reveals her attempt to uphold her values amid difficult circumstances. This nuanced portrayal underscores that true leadership involves difficult choices that may conflict with personal feelings, and that moral integrity requires balancing duty, mercy, and strength. Manon’s behavior highlights her depth as a leader who is aware of the moral weight of her actions and strives to act justly within a brutal world.
Quotes
1. “Her grandmother had ordered Asterin locked in the deepest bowels of the Keep’s dungeon, so heavily guarded that escape was impossible. Or rescue.”
This quote underscores the severity of Asterin’s punishment and Manon’s internal conflict between loyalty and compassion. It highlights the brutal measures taken to enforce discipline and the weight of her choices as a leader.
2. “Not the long, slow torture and beheading that was typical of a witch execution. But the swift mercy of Manon’s own blade.”
This passage emphasizes Manon’s resolve to show mercy, contrasting traditional cruel executions with her own act of mercy, reflecting her complex sense of justice and the emotional stakes involved in her decision to end her cousin’s life.
3. “Blood shall be paid with blood,” Manon’s grandmother and the Yellowlegs Matron said in unison, reciting from their eldest rituals.
This quote captures the chapter’s central theme of revenge and the cyclical nature of violence, illustrating the deep-rooted traditions that drive the characters’ actions and the inevitable cost of such vengeance.
4. “We do not wish. We do not hope. We will move on, adapt.”
Manon’s words reveal her pragmatic mindset and the harsh reality she faces—accepting loss without sentimentality, emphasizing her focus on survival and adaptation amid tragedy and sacrifice.
5. “She goes to her death to keep your secrets.”
Sorrel’s quiet but pointed statement highlights the theme of loyalty and sacrifice, emphasizing the heavy burdens carried by those who serve under Manon and the personal cost of political and familial loyalty.