Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 26
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Dorian’s ongoing discomfort in Skull’s Bay, where the relentless heat and humidity continue to wear on him, affecting his sleep and daily routine. Despite their repeated attempts to meet with Rolfe, the elusive leader remains indifferent, forcing Dorian to occupy his days with magic practice and physical training under Rowan’s strict supervision. Dorian reflects on Aelin’s resilience and love for the warrior’s brutal environment, acknowledging their shared sadistic streak that bonds them. The oppressive climate and the unfulfilled hope of a meeting with Rolfe set a tense, restless tone that underscores Dorian’s frustration and sense of helplessness.
Throughout the chapter, Dorian and Rowan gather intelligence about Rolfe’s forces and the wider war effort. They observe the dwindling fleet and the strategic division of Erawan’s ships across key locations, revealing a calculated plan to stretch Adarlan’s defenses thin. The news from Rifthold paints a bleak picture of a city under witch control, with chaos and ruin spreading as the city’s nobility flees. Rumors of strange soldiers and beasts arriving by sea heighten the sense of impending catastrophe, while the absence of concrete information about key figures like Aelin and her allies adds to the uncertainty. Dorian recognizes that the war’s true scope and Erawan’s plans are more complex and far-reaching than he previously understood.
As the days pass, Dorian and Rowan work tirelessly to piece together snippets of intelligence, analyzing secondhand reports and rumors from traders, sailors, and whores. Their focus is on tracking Erawan’s fleet movements and the potential threat they pose to their homeland. Dorian’s concern grows as he realizes the strategic deception behind the fleet’s division, which could allow Erawan to launch a devastating attack. The tension mounts as they grapple with the possibility that Erawan’s forces may soon be on the move, sailing around Eyllwe and heading toward Orynth, with the potential for widespread destruction looming on the horizon.
Eventually, Dorian’s impatience reaches a breaking point, prompting him to take action. He expresses his desire to stop waiting for Rolfe’s meeting and requests a messenger and paper to send crucial information. Rowan, aware of the stakes, agrees to facilitate this plan, and they orchestrate a covert operation to ensure their message reaches Rolfe. Their careful planning involves deception and subtle signals to avoid detection, knowing that Rolfe’s spies are everywhere. The chapter culminates with Dorian and Rowan heading to Rolfe’s office, prepared to deliver their urgent intelligence, fully aware that the outcome could significantly influence the course of the war and their future.
FAQs
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1. What are the main challenges Dorian faces during his stay in Skull’s Bay, and how do these challenges reflect his internal state?
Answer:
Dorian struggles with the oppressive heat and humidity, which physically exhausts him, causing him to wake drenched in sweat and discomforted by his surroundings. His physical discomfort mirrors his emotional turmoil—he is frustrated by Rolfe’s refusal to meet and the uncertainty of their situation. The relentless environment symbolizes the chaos and unresolved tension inside him, as he grapples with feelings of helplessness and the desire for action. His attempts to fill his days with training and gathering information reflect his need to regain control and purpose amid the stagnation and frustration of waiting. These challenges highlight his vulnerability and the internal conflict between patience and the urge to act.2. How does the strategic division of Erawan’s fleet demonstrate his military cunning, and what implications does this have for the unfolding war?
Answer:
Erawan’s division of his fleet across key locations—near Eyllwe’s coast, Melisande’s ports, and the Gulf of Oro—exemplifies his strategic foresight and ability to disperse his forces to maximize flexibility and surprise. By not concentrating his ships in one area, he complicates the efforts of Rowan and Dorian to predict his movements or mount a coordinated defense. This division allows Erawan to threaten multiple targets simultaneously and to adapt to changes on the battlefield, ultimately forcing his enemies into difficult decisions about sacrificing land, allies, or advantages. The implication is that the war will be prolonged and more complex, with Erawan maintaining the upper hand through strategic placement, even as his forces remain hidden and unpredictable.3. In what ways does the chapter illustrate the theme of information and secrecy, and why is this significant to the characters’ plans?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes the importance of gathering and controlling information, as seen in Dorian and Rowan’s discreet efforts to overhear gossip, analyze intelligence, and send secret messages. The use of shields to protect their plans and the careful orchestration of their communications highlight how crucial secrecy is in the context of war and political intrigue. This theme underscores the uncertainty and danger of their situation, where misinformation or leaks could jeopardize their plans. For the characters, controlling information is a strategic advantage—allowing them to anticipate enemy moves, protect allies, and plan their next steps without revealing their intentions. It reflects the broader reality that knowledge is power in this conflict.4. How does Dorian’s emotional response to the war and his situation reveal his character development?
Answer:
Dorian’s emotional reactions—discomfort, frustration, and a sense of helplessness—reveal his vulnerability and growth as a character. His acknowledgment of never having heard the full scope of Erawan’s plans shows his realization of how much he has been kept in the dark, highlighting his initial naivety and subsequent awareness of political machinations. His desire to send a messenger and his dissatisfaction with waiting demonstrate his increasing assertiveness and willingness to take initiative despite the risks. This chapter illustrates his evolution from a somewhat passive noble into someone actively seeking information and influence, willing to confront danger to protect those he cares about and to contribute to the war effort.5. What does the chapter suggest about the nature of leadership and alliances in times of war?
Answer:
The chapter portrays leadership as a complex interplay of strategy, secrecy, and trust. Dorian and Rowan’s covert planning and careful observation reflect the necessity of alliances built on shared goals and mutual understanding, even if they are temporary or fragile. The alliance between Dorian, Rowan, Gavriel, and Fenrys is based on a shared interest in preventing Erawan’s advance, and their coordinated efforts exemplify the importance of unity and information exchange. The chapter also hints at the fragility of such alliances, as trust must be earned and maintained through careful actions, especially in a war where deception and subterfuge are vital. Ultimately, leadership in war involves not only military tactics but also strategic alliances and the ability to adapt to shifting circumstances.
Quotes
1. “He wasn’t sure whether to thank the Fae Prince for noticing or to hate him for the kindness.”
This quote highlights Dorian’s internal conflict regarding the subtle kindness he perceives from Rowan, contrasting with his feelings of guilt and suspicion. It underscores the complex emotional landscape he navigates amidst the chaos of war and uncertainty.
2. “Erawan was no fool with planning this war. Those ships prowling the Avery were too small, Rowan had claimed, and there was no way the force at the Dead End was the entirety of Erawan’s armada.”
This passage emphasizes the strategic depth of Erawan’s military planning, revealing that the true scale of the threat is greater than it appears. It underscores the theme of deception and the looming danger that the characters are trying to decipher.
3. “War was coming—and the fate of a child and a flippant queen who had never bothered to take power for herself was of little concern to anyone but Dorian, it seemed.”
This quote captures the tragic indifference of the broader political landscape toward personal or moral concerns, highlighting Dorian’s sense of isolation and the gravity of the impending conflict centered around those he cares about.
4. “His idea had unfolded smoothly—perfectly. No one had noticed that the letter Rowan mailed after lunch was the same one that was later delivered to Dorian at the inn.”
This line underscores the careful planning and covert operations at play, illustrating how the protagonists manipulate information to gain an advantage. It marks a pivotal moment of strategic deception in the chapter.
5. “He doubted that expression would improve when Rolfe realized there was no news whatsoever—and he’d have this meeting whether he wanted to or not.”
This quote reflects the tense anticipation and the high-stakes nature of the political maneuvering, emphasizing the suspense and the importance of the upcoming confrontation with Rolfe.