Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 36
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with a haunting depiction of silence beneath the waves, contrasting sharply with the chaos and violence echoing above. Aelin, immersed in her power and burdened by the Wyrdkey around her neck, drifts into a state of shock and disorientation, overwhelmed by guilt and confusion over her actions and their consequences. Her mind struggles to process the destruction she has caused, including the loss of lives and the chaos of battle. This moment underscores her internal conflict—her duty as Queen and her feelings of helplessness amid the devastation. The underwater scene sets a tone of introspection amidst external conflict.
As Aelin is pulled from the water by Fenrys, she is met with immediate danger and physical threats. Her shock begins to fade as she regains her senses, but her thoughts are haunted by her perceived culpability for the deaths of her allies and enemies alike. Fenrys’s steadying presence and his words of reassurance provide her with a fragile sense of safety, even as they are still embroiled in the ongoing chaos of the battle. Her focus shifts to Rowan, who is also present, fighting to stay alive amid the turmoil. The scene emphasizes the peril they face and the urgency of their situation, with the wreckage and burning ships illustrating the scale of destruction wrought by their enemies.
The narrative then intensifies with the team’s desperate attempt to escape the sinking ships and advancing enemy fleet. Fenrys urges Aelin and the others to swim toward safety, highlighting the physical toll and the magic expenditure involved in their escape. Rowan’s swift and commanding presence as he joins her in the water underscores his role as protector. The characters’ coordinated efforts to evade the pursuing ships and the lurking threats beneath the water demonstrate their resilience and the high stakes of their survival. Amidst the chaos, Aelin’s focus remains on Rowan and the hope of reuniting with her allies, despite the perilous environment.
In the concluding moments, the characters reach the safety of the reef, where Gavriel helps Aelin out of the water. Her body is exhausted, and her voice hoarse from the ordeal, but she affirms her identity and strength. Rowan and Fenrys assess their remaining options, contemplating whether to wait for their magic to replenish or risk swimming further in pursuit of safety. The chapter ends with a tense silence, hinting at new dangers beneath the water and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, as they prepare for the next phase of their perilous journey. The chapter encapsulates themes of resilience, internal conflict, and the relentless fight for survival amid chaos.
FAQs
1. What are the primary emotional and physical states experienced by Aelin during the scene, and how do these states contribute to the tension of the chapter?
Answer:
Aelin experiences a tumult of emotions—shock, guilt, fear, and determination—while physically she is exhausted, burned by salt water, and overwhelmed by the chaos around her. Her shock and guilt stem from her perceived role in the destruction and loss of life, which weigh heavily on her. Physically, her lungs burn, and her muscles tremble from exertion and trauma. These states heighten the chapter’s tension by portraying her vulnerability amid the chaos of battle and survival. Her emotional turmoil underscores her internal conflict and sense of responsibility, while her physical exhaustion emphasizes the perilous circumstances, making her struggle more visceral and immediate for the reader.2. How does Fenrys’s magic and physical actions demonstrate the challenges of magic use in high-stakes situations?
Answer:
Fenrys’s magic is depicted as powerful but clearly taxing, evidenced by the statement that “whatever magic he possessed to leap between short distances took everything he had.” His repeated teleportations through darkness and water showcase how difficult and draining magic can be, especially under extreme stress. His physical actions—tugging Aelin out of the water, swimming with her, and visibly tiring—highlight that even potent magic has limits and comes at a cost. This illustrates that in high-stakes situations, magic is not an inexhaustible resource; it requires effort, stamina, and strategic use, emphasizing the reality that magic is a tool with physical and mental boundaries.3. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of sacrifice, and how is this reflected in Aelin’s actions and mindset?
Answer:
The chapter underscores sacrifice through Aelin’s internal conflict and her actions during the chaos. She reflects on having “likely killed her first and only human ally,” recognizing the moral and practical costs of her decisions in war. Her focus on survival, despite guilt, and her willingness to risk what’s beneath the water—potentially dangerous creatures or threats—show her prioritization of the immediate need to escape over her safety. Her thoughts about later dealing with Deanna or the goddess symbolize her long-term sacrifices for the greater good. This theme is reinforced by her internal dialogue and her physical endurance, illustrating that she bears burdens that come with leadership and war—sacrificing her comfort, safety, and moral certainty for survival and future justice.4. How do the interactions between Rowan, Fenrys, and Gavriel illustrate the importance of teamwork and trust in life-threatening situations?
Answer:
The chapter highlights teamwork and trust through the coordinated efforts of Rowan, Fenrys, and Gavriel. Rowan’s calm and strategic approach—sheathing his sword, swimming to her, and guarding her—demonstrates reliance on skill and composure. Fenrys’s urgency and physical exertion show his commitment to the group’s survival, even at the cost of his own stamina. Gavriel’s steadying grip and gentle support as he hauls Aelin out of the water exemplify trust in each other’s abilities. Their actions—protecting, guiding, and supporting one another—are crucial in navigating the perilous environment, emphasizing that in life-and-death moments, mutual reliance and effective teamwork are vital for overcoming overwhelming threats.5. What does the chapter suggest about the unpredictable nature of battle and survival, particularly through the use of magical and physical elements?
Answer:
The chapter portrays battle and survival as unpredictable and chaotic, blending physical danger with magical uncertainty. Fenrys’s magic, which allows teleportation, is shown as powerful but depletes quickly, illustrating how even the most formidable powers can falter. The unpredictable movements beneath the water—debris, the presence of men, and the lurking threat of sea creatures—highlight the chaos and danger beneath the surface. The shifting environment, from darkness to water to the reef, underscores that survival depends on adaptability, quick thinking, and resilience. The narrative suggests that victory is often fleeting, and even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by unpredictable elements, emphasizing the harsh reality of war and survival’s chaos.
Quotes
1. “There was such quiet beneath the waves, even as the muffled sounds of shouting, of collision, of death echoed toward her.”
This opening line captures the contrast between the outward chaos of battle and the inward silence Aelin experiences beneath the water, emphasizing the chapter’s focus on moments of introspection amid turmoil.
2. “Her lungs constricted and burned. Shock. Perhaps this was shock.”
This quote reflects Aelin’s immediate physical and emotional response to trauma, highlighting the overwhelming nature of her experience and the initial disorientation she faces during the crisis.
3. “She focused on Rowan’s outstretched hand as she swam, his face so carefully calm—the commander on a battlefield.”
This passage underscores the importance of Rowan’s steadiness and leadership in moments of chaos, symbolizing hope and the unspoken trust between them amid danger.
4. “Rowan sheathed his sword, his knees bent— Then he was swimming to her, fast and smooth, cutting between and beneath the waves, the water seeming to part for him.”
This moment illustrates Rowan’s swift action and exceptional skill in rescue, emphasizing themes of bravery and the protective bonds among the characters during life-threatening situations.
5. “Her knees buckled as her boots steadied on the uneven coral heads, but Gavriel kept his grip on her, subtly letting her lean against him. Rowan and Fenrys were out a heartbeat later, and the prince instantly was there, hands on her face, slicking back her soaked hair, scanning her eyes.”
This quote highlights the support and care of her allies, illustrating the chapter’s focus on camaraderie and resilience in the face of chaos and imminent danger.