Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 7
by Maas, Sarah J.In this chapter, we witness Dorian’s desperate attempt to defend his city amidst a brutal wyvern attack. Despite sounding the alarm and trying to assist, he is restrained by his guards, who implore him to stay within the safety of his tower. From his vantage point, Dorian observes the chaos unfolding outside: wyverns tearing through buildings, snatching civilians, and unleashing destruction across the city. His initial feelings of helplessness are contrasted with his rallying of magic, as he attempts to use ice and wind to combat the monstrous creatures. The chapter emphasizes his internal struggle between fear, frustration, and a burgeoning desire to fight back.
As the wyverns approach his castle, Dorian’s magic becomes more intense and deliberate. He recognizes his limitations and laments not having trained more or sought help from Aelin, who might have taught him to harness his powers more effectively. Despite his lack of experience, he unleashes his magic with fierce determination, aiming to destroy the wyverns and protect his people. His efforts result in a violent, bloody battle where ice and wind tear into the beasts and their riders, showcasing his growing mastery of destructive magic. However, the chaos outside continues to escalate, with the castle’s defenses crumbling under the relentless assault.
The chapter’s tension heightens when Dorian’s tower is struck from behind, causing it to shake violently. A powerful witch appears, smiling with deadly intent, revealing her presence as she breaks into his tower through a gaping hole. Dorian’s magic falters under the pressure, and he realizes he’s not yet strong enough to fully control his powers. As more wyverns and witches attack, the castle’s defenses collapse, and Dorian faces imminent danger. His quick thinking prompts a daring, last-ditch effort to escape—he flings ice into the wyvern’s eyes and runs toward the door, risking everything for a chance at survival.
In the final moments, Dorian is severely wounded by the wyvern’s tail and poisoned with venom, which paralyzes him and threatens his life. Despite his weakened state, he fights to stay conscious, summoning healing magic and attempting to crawl toward safety. The chapter ends with the witch commanding her wyvern, and Dorian’s resilience and determination shine through as he struggles against the odds. The scene underscores his transformation from a reluctant ruler to a fierce, determined fighter, facing the chaos with a mix of desperation and resolve. The chapter leaves readers on a tense note, highlighting the high stakes of his battle for survival and the city’s fate.
FAQs
1. Question 1
How does Dorian’s use of magic during the attack reflect his emotional state and development as a character in this chapter?
Answer:
Dorian’s magic during the attack reveals a complex mix of desperation, anger, and a desire for control. Initially, he attempts to rally his magic to confront the wyverns, summoning ice and wind with a sense of determination. However, as the chaos intensifies, his magic becomes uncontrolled and draining, indicating his emotional turmoil and lack of full mastery. The moment he kills the wyverns and witches of his own volition signifies growth—he is no longer merely a victim or enslaved, but someone capable of decisive action. His magic’s destructive power, especially when he unleashes it to tear into the wyverns, underscores his transition from helplessness to a fierce, active defender of his city, despite the toll it takes on him emotionally and physically.2. Question 2
What are the symbolic implications of the glass wall in this chapter, and how does its destruction reflect the unfolding events?
Answer:
The glass wall symbolizes a fragile barrier of protection around the castle and city, representing both physical safety and emotional or psychological boundaries. Its cracking and eventual collapse mirror the vulnerability of the city and Dorian’s own defenses in the face of chaos. The wyverns’ attack on the glass wall signifies an invasion of safety and stability, emphasizing the threat to what is protected within. As the wall shatters, it reflects the breaking of illusions about security and control, highlighting the chaos and destructive force of the wyverns. The destruction of the wall marks a pivotal moment where the city’s defenses are overwhelmed, forcing Dorian to confront the reality of his powerlessness and the danger that threatens everyone.3. Question 3
In what ways does Dorian’s physical and magical response to the venom illustrate his limitations and resilience?
Answer:
Dorian’s physical response to the venom—stunned, paralyzed, and bleeding—illustrates his human limitations and vulnerability in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite his magical abilities, he is not invincible; the venom’s paralyzing effect and his weakened state show that even a powerful mage can be incapacitated. However, his resilience is evident in his mental determination to crawl toward safety and his attempt to summon healing magic, despite his exhaustion and injury. This resilience underscores his growth—he refuses to succumb entirely, and his willingness to fight through pain and paralysis demonstrates his inner strength and resolve to survive and protect his city, even when physically debilitated.4. Question 4
How does the chapter explore themes of power and helplessness through Dorian’s actions and experiences?
Answer:
The chapter vividly contrasts Dorian’s moments of power—such as summoning ice and wind to attack the wyverns—and his feelings of helplessness, especially as he is overwhelmed by the attack, injured, and paralyzed by venom. His attempt to rally his magic and fight back shows his desire for control and agency, but the destruction of the tower, the collapsing wall, and his injuries highlight the limits of his power. The scene underscores that even those with great magical ability can feel vulnerable and powerless in the face of overwhelming violence. This tension emphasizes a core theme: true strength involves resilience and perseverance even when circumstances threaten to crush one’s capacity to act.5. Question 5
Based on this chapter, what might be the significance of Dorian’s internal struggle with his magic and morality during the attack?
Answer:
Dorian’s internal struggle with his magic—particularly when he kills the wyverns and witches—reflects a deeper moral conflict about wielding power responsibly. His magic, capable of destruction, becomes a double-edged sword; he recognizes that he has used it in the past while enslaved but now is choosing to do so of his own free will. The chapter highlights the moral weight of this power, as he is haunted by the violence he unleashes and the bloodshed that results. This internal conflict underscores a key theme: the challenge of maintaining morality when faced with chaos and violence, and the importance of choosing how and when to use power ethically, even in dire circumstances.
Quotes
1. “Let them come. Let them get close enough for his magic.”
This quote highlights Dorian’s defiant attitude and his resolve to confront the wyverns on his own terms, emphasizing the chapter’s theme of courage in the face of overwhelming danger.
2. “His magic was a film around him, shielding his bones, his skull, as he was hurled against the stone wall. Hard enough that the stones cracked. Hard enough that most humans would have been dead.”
This passage illustrates the immense power of Dorian’s magic and underscores the peril he faces, showcasing his resilience and the destructive potential of his abilities.
3. “His magic thrashed against the venom’s paralyzing, lethal kiss. But slow, weakened by his careless expenditure moments before.”
This quote emphasizes the consequences of overextending one’s power and the fragility of control in moments of crisis, reflecting a key internal conflict for Dorian.
4. “Beyond the cracking glass wall, his city was bleeding. Screaming in terror.”
This stark image captures the devastating impact of the attack on the city, symbolizing the high stakes and the chaos that drive the chapter’s tension.
5. “He’d give them a king.”
A powerful declaration of defiance, this line signifies Dorian’s refusal to be a passive victim and his desire to take control amid chaos, reinforcing the chapter’s themes of leadership and resistance.