Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 21
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with a scene set in the office of the Pirate Lord of Skull’s Bay, where Rolfe, a seasoned and guarded pirate captain, observes the arrival of Dorian and Rowan. Rolfe is depicted as a pragmatic figure, immersed in his work amidst the chaos of his surroundings, with piles of papers hinting at his dealings. Despite his apparent casualness, there is an underlying tension, as Rolfe’s keen gaze and calm demeanor suggest he is well aware of the political and military stakes involved. The setting emphasizes a world where alliances and power are maintained through subtlety and strategic silence, establishing a tense atmosphere for the unfolding dialogue.
The conversation quickly shifts to political intrigue, with Rolfe revealing that Dorian has been declared a traitor and enemy of the kingdom by Duke Perrington, now proclaimed King Perrington. Rolfe’s information, delivered quietly yet pointedly, underscores the gravity of Dorian’s situation, with the decree accusing him of atrocities and asserting that his brother Hollin is now the heir. Dorian’s internal reaction hints at his concern for his family’s safety and the fractured state of his realm. This revelation deepens the sense of crisis, illustrating the dangerous political landscape Dorian faces and the personal toll it takes on him, as he grapples with feelings of helplessness and betrayal.
The dialogue then explores the allegiances and territorial boundaries within the archipelago. Rolfe’s stance is pragmatic; he claims to stand on the side that avoids interference in his territory, yet the tension hints at underlying conflicts. Rowan’s challenge about the eastern islands’ status and Rolfe’s revealing of a magical shield on those islands introduce a layer of mysticism and danger. Rolfe’s depiction of the islands as haunted by mysterious, possibly supernatural creatures, and the presence of an invisible barrier, suggest a world where magic influences political and military realities. This segment highlights the complex interplay between political power, magic, and territorial sovereignty.
In the final part, Rolfe’s ominous description of the threats lurking around the islands emphasizes the peril that surrounds the characters’ world. His mention of strange beasts and magical defenses paints a picture of an environment filled with ancient, supernatural dangers that challenge human control. Dorian’s defiance, despite the threat, reveals his resilience and readiness to confront nightmares beyond ordinary comprehension. The chapter concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the characters are reminded of the unseen forces and enemies that threaten to engulf them, underscoring the overarching themes of war, magic, and political upheaval.
FAQs
1. What does the scene reveal about Captain Rolfe’s character and his attitude toward the political conflict involving Dorian and Rowan?
Answer:
The scene portrays Captain Rolfe as a calm, observant, and pragmatic individual. His demeanor is composed, as seen in his measured language and deliberate actions, such as removing his gloves to reveal a detailed map of the archipelago. His comment that he stands on the side that “keeps the hell out of my territory” indicates a desire to remain neutral or uninvolved in the political upheaval, prioritizing his own interests and safety. Rolfe’s subtle teasing and acknowledgment of Dorian’s royal status suggest he is perceptive, unafraid to assert his independence, and not easily swayed by political pressures. This reveals a character who values practicality over alliances, emphasizing self-preservation in a turbulent world.2. How does the chapter illustrate the political instability and threat levels faced by Dorian and Rowan?
Answer:
The chapter vividly depicts a landscape of chaos and danger, with political instability at the forefront. Dorian learns that he has been declared a traitor and that Duke Perrington, now called King Perrington, has issued a decree condemning him and Rowan as enemies of the kingdom. The fact that Dorian’s brother, Hollin, has been named heir to Perrington underscores the fractured state of the royal family and the dangerous shifts in power. Additionally, Rolfe’s description of the mysterious, shielded islands and the presence of unnatural beasts signifies a threat beyond political intrigue—an impending danger from supernatural forces and hostile entities. This combination of political treachery and supernatural threat underscores the precariousness of Dorian and Rowan’s situation.3. In what ways does the chapter explore themes of identity and perception, particularly through Rowan’s correction of Dorian’s terminology and Rolfe’s observations?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes the importance of identity and perception through subtle dialogue and character interactions. Rowan corrects Dorian by stating that “Fae males are not human men,” highlighting the distinctions that define their identities and how they are perceived by others. Rolfe’s comments about Dorian’s appearance—specifically his silver hair, pointed ears, and tattoo—serve as visual markers of his Fae heritage, which influence how others interpret him. Rolfe’s remark about “semantics” and his own recognition of these traits reflect how perceptions are shaped by language and appearance, influencing alliances and judgments. These exchanges underscore how identity can be both inherent and socially constructed, affecting characters’ interactions and their standing in a tumultuous world.4. What does Rolfe’s map of the archipelago reveal about the nature of the threat from the eastern islands, and how does this inform the broader conflict?
Answer:
Rolfe’s map reveals a significant supernatural and military threat emanating from the eastern islands, which are shielded by magic and appear to be unapproachable and heavily guarded. The fact that ships cannot reach these islands, and that scouts never return, indicates a formidable barrier—both magical and physical—protecting whatever lies there. The presence of almost-human and inhuman creatures, along with the description of the islands as “things standing out on those rocks,” suggests a dangerous and possibly hostile force operating beyond normal perception. This information broadens the scope of the conflict, showing that the threat is not solely political but also supernatural. It underscores the danger that these islands pose to the entire archipelago and highlights the urgency of understanding and confronting these hidden forces.5. How might the information about the supernatural beasts and the shielded islands influence Dorian’s strategic decisions moving forward?
Answer:
Understanding the existence of supernatural beasts and the magical shielding of the islands provides crucial intelligence for Dorian. It indicates that conventional military strategies might be insufficient against such otherworldly threats. This knowledge could prompt Dorian to seek alliances with magic users or specialists who understand these supernatural forces, or to develop new, magical means of reconnaissance and defense. It also emphasizes the importance of information gathering and caution before engaging directly with these islands. Strategically, Dorian might prioritize uncovering the secrets of the magic shielding and the nature of the beasts to develop a plan that addresses both political and supernatural threats, ensuring he is better prepared to protect his realm and counteract Perrington’s ambitions.
Quotes
1. “Dorian finally tugged back his hood. ‘What of it?’”
This moment signifies Dorian’s defiance and willingness to confront the accusations and political chaos surrounding him, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of power, reputation, and identity.
2. “I stand on the side that keeps the hell out of my territory.”
Rolfe’s blunt declaration encapsulates his pragmatic stance on conflict and territorial integrity, highlighting a theme of self-preservation over ideological allegiance that runs through the chapter.
3. “They have magic that shields them—even from this… I can’t get a count of their ships, or men, or beasts. Scouts never return. This winter, we’d hear roaring from the islands—some almost-human, some definitely not.”
This quote reveals the mysterious and threatening nature of the enemies lurking beyond the known world, emphasizing the unseen dangers that influence the political and military landscape in the story.
4. “Ones to make you consider fleeing this continent, Majesty.”
Rolfe’s grim smile and this warning underscore the presence of formidable, supernatural threats that challenge even the most seasoned characters, adding an ominous tone to the chapter’s unfolding conflict.
5. “Silence filled his head. Rolfe went on, perhaps a bit more gently, ‘Your brother has been named Perrington’s heir and Crown Prince.’”
This statement exposes the internal conflict and tragic realization of Dorian regarding his family’s downfall, serving as a pivotal moment that underscores themes of loss, betrayal, and the fractured state of his world.