Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 67
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Rowan revealing to Enda the depth of his love for Aelin and the peril posed by Maeve and Erawan, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. Rowan pleads for his cousin’s help, urging her to avoid attacking Terrasen’s armada directly, and instead focus on Maeve’s forces to prevent further darkness from spreading. Enda’s response, a cautious “I will consider it,” underscores the high stakes and the delicate balance of loyalty and treason involved. Rowan’s desperation leads him to seek allies among his cousins, risking everything to gather a formidable army for Aelin’s cause, driven by loyalty and a desire to protect their land.
As the battle intensifies, Rowan’s efforts culminate in a daring and treasonous assault on Maeve’s fleet, orchestrated with the help of his cousins. Despite the risks of betrayal and destruction, they launch a surprise attack, turning the tide of the sea battle with a combination of magic, arrows, and sheer determination. Rowan’s leadership and the collective courage of his allies result in a chaotic yet strategic engagement, with the Whitethorn line fighting fiercely against Maeve’s forces. The scene captures the chaos and heroism of wartime, highlighting the sacrifices made to secure a chance at peace and to oppose Maeve’s oppressive regime.
Meanwhile, Lorcan observes the battle with disbelief as Maeve’s fleet unexpectedly turns on her own ships, revealing her treacherous plans. The banners bearing silver insignia confirm that Whitethorn’s influence and tactics are working, but Lorcan’s focus shifts when he notices Gavriel and Fenrys vanish in the midst of the chaos. Their sudden disappearance signals that Maeve’s true game is not on the sea but inland, on the shore where Elide is waiting. Lorcan’s internal conflict deepens as he realizes that his priorities must now shift from the battle to the urgent rescue of Elide, whom he promised to protect, even at the cost of abandoning the fight temporarily.
Elide remains hidden among the sand dunes, listening to the distant sounds of battle and feeling the tension in the air. She prays for guidance from Anneith, her celestial guide, asking for Lorcan’s safety and Maeve’s retreat from their lives. As she observes the landscape, she becomes acutely aware of the strategic movements and the dangerous game Maeve is playing. Lorcan’s decision to leave the battlefield and head toward the shore underscores his unwavering commitment to her and signifies the personal stakes involved amid the larger conflict. The chapter concludes with a tense anticipation of what lies ahead, as Elide’s fate hangs in the balance and the chaos of war continues to unfold around them.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What motivates Rowan to seek aid from his cousins in the battle against Maeve, and how does he attempt to persuade them?
Answer:
Rowan is motivated by a desire to protect Terrasen and to fight Maeve’s threat, particularly regarding the keys and the darkness looming over their lands. His love for Aelin and his loyalty to her drive him to risk treason and betrayal by begging his cousins for military aid. He appeals to their sense of loyalty and the greater good, emphasizing the importance of halting Maeve’s destructive plans and preventing the darkness from consuming everyone. Rowan’s emotional plea—getting down on his knees and begging—underscores the urgency and desperation he feels, hoping to rally support for a cause that could jeopardize his own standing and safety.2. Question 2
Describe the significance of the battle scene involving Rowan’s fleet and the role of magic and loyalty among the characters.
Answer:
The battle scene is a pivotal moment showcasing Rowan’s strategic alliance and the collective effort of his allies. Rowan’s fleet, including his cousins’ ships, attacks Maeve’s armada in a chaotic and fierce confrontation. Magic plays a crucial role, with Rowan unleashing ice and wind, while other characters like Dorian and Gavriel use their powers to turn the tide. Loyalty is evident in the characters’ actions—every ship and soldier fighting for Aelin’s cause, even risking their ships and lives. The rallying cry of “Whitethorn” signifies unity and shared purpose, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to their leader and the cause of salvation. The scene highlights how magic and unwavering loyalty can be powerful forces in warfare.3. Question 3
Analyze Lorcan’s decision to leave the battlefield and how it reflects his priorities and emotional state.
Answer:
Lorcan’s decision to abandon the battlefield and pursue Elide reveals his deep personal attachment and sense of responsibility toward her. Despite the chaos of the naval battle and his promise to the prince, his focus shifts when he sees Gavriel’s warning and the indication that Maeve’s true plan involves Elide on the shore. His willingness to risk betrayal and potential consequences demonstrates that his emotional connection and protective instincts outweigh strategic considerations. This choice underscores Lorcan’s character as fiercely loyal and driven by love, willing to defy orders and face danger to ensure Elide’s safety, highlighting the theme that personal bonds often influence pivotal decisions even amidst larger conflicts.4. Question 4
How does the chapter depict the use of magic as a strategic tool in warfare, and what does this suggest about the nature of power in this story?
Answer:
Magic in this chapter is depicted as an essential and dynamic element of warfare—used offensively to attack, defensively to protect, and strategically to outmaneuver enemies. Rowan’s ice and wind, Dorian’s magic, and the teleportation of Fenrys and Gavriel illustrate how magic amplifies physical combat and creates unpredictable, powerful effects. The chapter suggests that power in this story is not solely about physical strength but also about mastery of magical abilities. Magic is intertwined with loyalty, strategy, and personal strength, making it a vital tool that can turn the tide of battles and influence political alliances. This portrayal indicates that power is fluid, multifaceted, and often dependent on the wielder’s skill and intent.5. Question 5
Critically evaluate Maeve’s strategy of allowing her ships to engage in battle while her true plans unfold elsewhere. What does this reveal about her character and her approach to conflict?
Answer:
Maeve’s strategy of permitting her fleet to fight while she operates from the shore demonstrates her cunning, patience, and manipulativeness. It reveals her as a master tactician who prefers psychological and strategic warfare over direct confrontation, using deception to mislead her enemies about her true position. Her willingness to sacrifice her ships and risk chaos signifies her confidence in her overarching plan and her dominance in the conflict. This approach reflects her ruthless and calculating nature, emphasizing that she values control and manipulation over brute force. Maeve’s tactics reveal her as a formidable antagonist who views conflict as a game of chess, where deception and strategic foresight are key to her eventual victory.
Quotes
1. “He had told his cousin about the woman he loved, the queen whose heart burned with wildfire. He had told Enda about Erawan, and the threat of the keys, and Maeve’s own desire for them.”
This opening highlights Rowan’s vulnerability and the depth of his loyalties, setting the stage for the chapter’s exploration of love, sacrifice, and political intrigue.
2. “So he’d gone, ship to ship. To the cousins he knew might listen. An act of treason—that was what he had begged them for. Treason and betrayal so great they could never go home.”
This quote underscores the high stakes of Rowan’s actions—his willingness to risk everything for the greater good—and emphasizes themes of loyalty and rebellion.
3. “Maeve was in that armada somewhere. She would retaliate. She would strike back, make them all suffer—”
This statement foreshadows the inevitable retaliation from Maeve, illustrating the dangerous game of strategy and the looming threat of violence that permeates the chapter.
4. “Lorcan’s blood went cold. Maeve was allowing the battle to explode across the water because she had other games afoot. Because she was not on the seas at all. But on the shore.”
This moment reveals Maeve’s cunning and the strategic layers of the conflict, highlighting her manipulation and the imminent danger lurking beyond the battlefield.
5. “He had made a promise to her first.”
A powerful reflection of Lorcan’s priorities, this line captures the personal motivations driving his decisions amid the chaos, emphasizing themes of loyalty and love that transcend the broader conflict.