Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 20
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Rowan Whitethorn seeking refuge from a storm in Skull’s Bay, a chaotic yet lively port town characterized by dilapidated, colorful buildings. His primary concern is finding a quiet place to rest, indifferent to the type of shelter as long as it offers safety from the relentless rain. Rowan’s guarded demeanor and subtle financial transaction with the dockmaster highlight his cautious approach, knowing that the town’s rough inhabitants are on alert and potentially dangerous. His physical and mental exhaustion is evident, as he barely manages to keep himself functioning amid the ongoing strain from recent exertions and the heavy toll on his magic.
Skull’s Bay itself is depicted as a place of stark contrasts—lawless yet ordered, vibrant but crumbling—ruled by a pirate lord with a notorious reputation. Rowan and Dorian observe the harbor’s defenses, including the massive ship-breaking chain and watchtowers, remnants of past conflicts and defenses. Their cautious plans involve approaching Rolfe diplomatically, knowing the history of destruction Aelin caused two years prior, which had left the town and its defenses in ruins. Rowan’s reflections on the town’s devastation underscore the fragile nature of their current situation and the importance of a measured, respectful approach to their dealings with Rolfe.
Despite their intent to remain low-profile, Rowan’s heightened senses pick up an ominous, ancient power lurking nearby—a presence that feels feral and ruthless. His instincts and the storm’s chaos serve as clues to an unseen threat, prompting him to remain alert and cautious. Dorian, attuned to his own raw magic, recognizes the danger but cannot fully interpret it, describing the feeling as curious and concealed rather than outright malevolent. Their shared vigilance underscores the tension between their desire for diplomacy and the palpable threat that looms in the shadows, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the island’s hidden dangers.
The chapter concludes with a vivid depiction of Skull’s Bay’s unique social order—an anarchic city governed by a powerful Pirate Lord whose rule is rooted in a mysterious, tattooed map that supposedly reveals secrets of the ocean and treasures beyond. Dorian reflects on Rolfe’s soullessness and the potential significance of the map, pondering whether their presence might be foreseen or marked by the same ominous symbols. As they navigate the storm and the city’s labyrinthine streets, both characters are aware that Aelin’s anticipated arrival could be imminent, adding an undercurrent of tension and anticipation to their cautious exploration of this dangerous, unpredictable port.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What are Rowan Whitethorn’s immediate circumstances and goals upon arriving in Skull’s Bay, and how do these reflect his current state of mind and physical condition?
Answer:
Rowan Whitethorn arrives in Skull’s Bay seeking only a place to rest, showing his exhaustion and desire for safety amid his weary state. His attitude—caring only about shelter and quiet—indicates he is mentally and physically drained, allowing himself only brief naps to conserve energy. His disheveled appearance, combined with his decision to pay the dockmaster just enough to keep out of trouble, reflects his focus on survival rather than comfort or diplomacy. His current condition is fragile, fraying under the burnout of constant magical exertion and the stress of their journey, which is underscored by his effort to monitor threats from above while maintaining a low profile. This all illustrates a man pushed to his limits, prioritizing basic needs over strategic plans.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the political and social landscape of Skull’s Bay, and what significance does this setting have for Rowan and Dorian’s mission?
Answer:
Skull’s Bay is portrayed as a chaotic yet ordered place, governed by a Pirate Lord rather than a traditional monarchy, emphasizing lawlessness and independence. The town’s dilapidated, colorful buildings and bustling docks suggest a vibrant, gritty environment where rules are flexible but respect for power is paramount. The presence of the chain Ship-Breaker and the watchtowers indicates a guarded, militarized aspect, reflecting the town’s strategic importance and wealth derived from controlling shipping lanes and tolls. For Rowan and Dorian, this setting is significant because it represents a place of past destruction (Aelin’s previous attack) and ongoing power struggles. Their diplomatic approach and desire to avoid conflict highlight the delicate nature of their mission—seeking an audience with Rolfe without provoking hostility, knowing the town’s volatile history and complex social order.3. Question 3
What does Dorian’s perception of the mysterious power they sense reveal about his understanding of magic and its potential threats?
Answer:
Dorian perceives the gathered power as “old,” “feral,” and “ruthless,” which indicates his recognition of a dangerous and primal force beyond ordinary magic. His comparison to the Valg, which he describes as abhorrent and destructive, shows his awareness of dark, corrupting magic and the threat it poses. However, Dorian notes that this new power is “concealed” and “curious,” suggesting he senses something unfamiliar yet potentially significant. His ability to identify the power as “old” and “ruthless” reveals his developing understanding that not all magic is inherently evil; some entities or forces are ancient and primal, capable of both destruction and intrigue. This perception underscores his cautious approach and foreshadows the potential danger if this power is unleashed or exploited.4. Question 4
In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of power—both magical and political—and its influence on characters like Rowan, Dorian, and Rolfe?
Answer:
The chapter highlights how power manifests in various forms: Rowan’s magical ability, Dorian’s burgeoning control over his magic, and Rolfe’s political dominance as a Pirate Lord. Rowan’s fatigue and fraying grip on his magic illustrate the toll that wielding power takes on an individual, especially when pushed to exhaustion. Dorian’s tentative efforts to learn magic reflect the potential for growth and the danger of untrained power, especially when confronted with mysterious, ancient forces. Rolfe’s authority, symbolized by the town’s defenses and his reputation, underscores the political power that maintains control over Skull’s Bay. The chapter suggests that power is both a tool and a burden, capable of destruction if mishandled, and that those who hold it must navigate its complexities carefully.5. Question 5
How might the knowledge of Rolfe’s tattooed map and the history of Aelin’s previous attack influence Rowan and Dorian’s approach to their diplomatic mission?
Answer:
Knowing Rolfe’s tattooed map and his history of destruction—particularly Aelin’s attack that caused significant damage—heightens the stakes for Rowan and Dorian. They are aware that Rolfe is a formidable and potentially unpredictable figure, capable of unleashing chaos if provoked. This knowledge encourages them to adopt a cautious, diplomatic approach, aiming to avoid conflict and secure Rolfe’s cooperation through respectful negotiation rather than force. Their plan to take rooms at a reputable inn and seek an audience with Rolfe reflects this strategy. Understanding Rolfe’s past actions also informs their awareness of the delicate political landscape, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, patience, and strategic planning to achieve their goals without reigniting past violence.
Quotes
1. “Rowan Whitethorn just needed a place to rest. He didn’t give a shit if it was a bed or a pile of hay or even beneath a horse in a stable. As long as it was quiet and there was a roof to keep out the driving veils of rain, he didn’t care.”
This opening line immediately establishes Rowan’s exhausted, indifferent state and sets the tone for his desperate need for refuge, highlighting his physical and emotional fatigue.
2. “Thunder grumbled across Skull’s Bay, and the turquoise sea beyond the harbor seemed to glow brighter, as if a distant lightning strike had lit up the entire ocean.”
This vivid description emphasizes the storm’s intensity and the charged atmosphere of Skull’s Bay, symbolizing underlying tension and the brewing conflict in the chapter.
3. “Since their plan for announcing themselves would be … calm. Diplomatic.”
This line underscores the strategic approach Rowan and Dorian have chosen in their interactions, contrasting past destruction with their current intent to proceed cautiously—an important shift in their tactics.
4. “It feels … old. Feral. Ruthless. I can’t glean anything more.”
Dorian’s perception of the gathering power signals the presence of an ancient, dangerous force. This quote highlights the chapter’s theme of lurking, concealed threats that could have catastrophic implications.
5. “A map, rumor claimed, that had revealed where enemies, treasure, and storms awaited him. The cost: his eternal soul.”
This statement encapsulates the perilous nature of Rolfe’s power and the dangerous allure of treasure and secrets in Skull’s Bay, framing the stakes and the dark undercurrents of the setting.