Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 58
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter begins with a pivotal moment in the ongoing war, highlighting Kaltain Rompier’s unexpected triumph, which shifts the tide of conflict. Dorian reflects on his own shortcomings and feelings of shame, recognizing that all involved should have anticipated better outcomes. The scene then shifts to a tense observation of Aelin and her allies examining a mysterious chest in a ruined temple, as they prepare for a crucial step in their quest. The gathering of powerful characters, including Lady Elide, Manon, Lysandra, and others, underscores the significance of the moment, as divine influences subtly guide their actions and hint at the larger forces at play.
As the group investigates the contents of the chest, they discover it contains a witch mirror instead of the anticipated Lock. This revelation raises immediate questions about the true nature of the artifact and its purpose. Aelin’s calm yet tense demeanor reveals her awareness of the dangerous potential of such magic items. Manon provides insight into the mirror’s capabilities, explaining that it can reveal the past, present, and future, and serve as a communication device, making it a powerful tool—possibly even a weapon—if used correctly. The discussion underscores the threat posed by Erawan’s forces, who are constructing massive towers lined with similar mirrors to unleash devastating magic on their enemies.
The chapter then delves into the strategic implications of the witch mirror and the larger war effort. Manon confirms that the towers are designed for mass destruction, capable of incinerating armies with raw power channeled through these mirrors. The characters piece together that Erawan’s side is developing a formidable arsenal, including weapons that harness the mirrors’ destructive potential. The discovery that the chest contains a witch mirror, but not the Lock they seek, shifts their focus and raises new questions about the true objective. Aelin’s emotional exhaustion is evident as she prepares to rest, knowing the coming days will demand further strategic planning and understanding of the magical artifacts.
The final part emphasizes the logistical efforts underway, as the Fae carry the mirror across the land, and the group attempts to piece together the scope of Erawan’s military build-up. They learn that multiple towers are being constructed in the Ferian Gap, with unknown numbers elsewhere, and questions remain about their transportation and operational methods. Aelin, drained of her magic, contemplates the daunting task ahead, recognizing that she needs rest to face the challenges coming. The chapter ends with her resolve to understand the witch mirror and the larger threat, acknowledging that her current strength is insufficient but trusting that clarity will come after she sleeps and regains her focus.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of the witch mirror found in the chapter, and what potential capabilities does it possess according to the characters’ explanations?
Answer:
The witch mirror discovered in the chapter is highly significant because it is associated with the witches’ magical arsenal and their ability to influence events. Manon identifies it as a “witch mirror,” which can serve multiple functions: viewing the future, past, or present; facilitating communication between mirrors if the sister-glass is possessed; and amplifying raw power for destructive purposes. These mirrors can be used as weapons, capable of unleashing blasts of energy, and are integral to the towers the witches are constructing, which Erawan might use to incinerate armies. The specific mirror in the chest, however, remains mysterious—it is not the Lock they seek, but it still holds dangerous potential, emphasizing its importance in the ongoing conflict.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the interconnectedness of the characters and the divine influences guiding them? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The chapter highlights the deep connection between the characters and divine influences through references to gods and their blessings. For instance, Lorcan is described as being blessed by Hellas, the god of death, which signifies a divine favor that influences his role and power. Similarly, each scion is touched by a different god, subtly guided toward their current path, suggesting a divine orchestration behind their actions. The mention of Anneith and Hellas traveling together, along with the observation that the characters are “guided” by gods, underscores a theme that their fates are intertwined with divine will, making their actions part of a larger, divine plan beyond mere coincidence.3. Question 3
What are the strategic implications of discovering that the supposed Lock was not present in the chest, and how might this influence the characters’ next steps?
Answer:
Discovering that the Lock was not in the chest signifies a major setback, as the characters had believed it was the key to containing the Wyrdkeys and preventing Erawan’s plans. This revelation implies that their previous assumptions about the Lock’s location were incorrect, forcing them to reconsider their strategy. It suggests that Erawan’s forces may have hidden or moved the Lock elsewhere, possibly making it more difficult to find and control. Consequently, the characters will need to shift their focus from retrieving the Lock to uncovering its true location and understanding its nature. This setback emphasizes the importance of remaining adaptable and vigilant, as the true threat may be more elusive than anticipated.4. Question 4
Critically evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of power—both magical and political—and how it influences the characters’ decisions and tensions.
Answer:
The chapter vividly illustrates the complex interplay of magical and political power. The presence of the witch mirror and the towers under construction highlight the dangerous, raw potential of magical artifacts that can be weaponized, emphasizing how power can be wielded destructively. Politically, characters like Aelin and Manon are under immense pressure to secure the Lock and prevent Erawan’s rise, revealing the high stakes and tense dynamics among allies and enemies. The tension among characters—such as Dorian’s unease about the true nature of the mirror and the other characters’ cautiousness—reflects the uncertainty and volatility of power. This portrayal suggests that power, whether magical or political, is a double-edged sword that can lead to both salvation and destruction, influencing decisions driven by fear, hope, and strategic necessity.5. Question 5
Based on the chapter, how might the discovery of the witch mirror and the realization that the Lock is missing shape future conflicts?
Answer:
The discovery of the witch mirror and the realization that the Lock is absent significantly complicate future conflicts. The mirror’s potential to be used as a weapon or for foresight could give Erawan or his followers a strategic advantage, making them more dangerous and unpredictable. The missing Lock suggests that the key to controlling the Wyrdkeys and preventing Erawan’s destructive plans is not where they initially believed, meaning the characters must now race against time to locate it. This uncertainty heightens tension and risk, likely leading to new conflicts centered around the retrieval and protection of these powerful artifacts. It also underscores the importance of understanding the true nature and location of the Lock, which could be pivotal in the ultimate battle to thwart Erawan’s ambitions.
Quotes
1. “The stone chest held only one thing: An iron-bound mirror, the surface near-golden with age, speckled, and covered in grime. And along the twining, intricately carved border, tucked into the upper right corner … The marking of the Eye of Elena. A witch symbol.”
This quote highlights the unexpected nature of the discovery in the chapter—a seemingly simple object that carries deep significance—introducing the central mystery of the witch mirror and its potential power.
2. “They’ve been making towers. Enormous, yet capable of being hauled across battlefields, lined with those mirrors. For Erawan to use with his powers—to incinerate your armies in a few blasts.”
This passage underscores the strategic threat posed by the witch towers and mirrors, emphasizing their role as weapons of mass destruction and the magnitude of the danger the characters face.
3. “You can see the future, past, present. You can speak between mirrors, if someone possesses the sister-glass. And then there are the rare silvers—whose forging demands something vital from the maker.”
This quote provides a concise explanation of the powers of witch mirrors, establishing their significance as tools of prophecy, communication, and raw destructive power—central to the chapter’s exploration of magic and threat.
4. “Whatever this mirror is … I’m not sure what it was meant for. What it can even do. But it surely isn’t that Lock you sought.”
This statement reveals the uncertainty surrounding the true purpose of the discovered mirror, shifting the focus from the expected Lock to an unknown and potentially more dangerous artifact, deepening the mystery and tension.
5. “Her magic was exhausted. For the first time in days, that pit of magic now slumbered. She could sleep for a week. A month.”
This closing reflection emphasizes the toll of the characters’ efforts and the urgent need for respite, symbolizing a temporary pause amidst looming threats and unresolved mysteries.