Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
Chapter 70
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Lysandra witnessing a dramatic aerial assault involving Abraxos and twelve other wyverns, led by the Ironteeth witches. The scene is chaotic, with the witches unleashing destruction upon the Fae fleet, smashing through lines and creating a temporary advantage. Rowan’s voice commands the archers to hold fire, emphasizing the tension and urgency of the battle. The witches’ precise strikes and their strategic attack highlight their formidable power and the chaos of the battlefield, setting a tone of intense confrontation and showcasing the unpredictable nature of this aerial warfare.
Asterin Blackbeak, leading the Thirteen witches, engages fiercely in the fight, coordinating her coven to break through the enemy’s defenses. Her wyverns, armored and disciplined, spear into the enemy fleet, forcing the opposing ships into disarray. Lysandra, longing to join the fray, wishes she had the strength to transform and fight alongside them. The witches’ tactical use of their wyverns, blades, and magic demonstrates their skill and determination, turning the tide of battle. Meanwhile, Rowan and the others continue to combat Maeve’s forces with relentless magic and strategic prowess, emphasizing the high stakes and the ferocity of the conflict.
As the battle rages on, Rowan’s magic strains under the pressure, and the chaos begins to wane as the enemy fleet starts retreating. Rowan’s command to hold the line reflects the fragile hope of victory. Amidst the turmoil, Rowan notices the absence of Maeve’s flagship, the Nightingale, which alarms him deeply. The missing ship signifies a potentially critical development in the battle, raising questions about Maeve’s intentions and the overall strategic situation. Rowan’s concern underscores the uncertainty and danger that still loom, even as the tide turns against their enemies.
The chapter concludes with Rowan arriving at Aedion and Lysandra’s ship, finding it bloodied and overwhelmed with casualties. Aedion’s urgent command to find Aelin and the others reveals that the battle is far from over. Dorian’s report about Aelin’s location by the coast adds a new layer of urgency and mystery, hinting at a larger, ongoing conflict beyond the immediate naval battle. The chapter leaves readers with a sense of suspense and anticipation, as the characters face the aftermath of the clash and prepare for the next phase of their struggle.
FAQs
1. What role do the witches and wyverns play in the battle described in the chapter, and how do their actions influence the outcome?
Answer:
The witches, led by Asterin Blackbeak, and their wyverns serve as a formidable force that disrupts and attacks Maeve’s fleet, creating chaos and buying crucial time for the Fae allies. Their swift, coordinated assault—smashing enemy ships, breaking lines, and engaging in fierce combat—shifts the tide of battle in favor of the Fae. The wyverns’ armor and the witches’ clever tactics allow them to effectively challenge Maeve’s forces, forcing the enemy to panic and retreat. Their actions exemplify strategic bravery and magical prowess, significantly influencing the battle’s outcome by turning the momentum against Maeve’s fleet and providing the Fae with a crucial advantage.2. How does Rowan’s perception of the missing Nightingale reflect his emotional state and the gravity of the situation?
Answer:
Rowan’s realization that the Nightingale, Maeve’s personal battleship, is missing underscores the severity of the situation and heightens his sense of foreboding. His blood runs cold, indicating fear and concern for the safety of those aboard. The ship’s absence suggests a new threat or complication, intensifying the chaos and uncertainty of the battle. Rowan’s immediate focus on finding Aedion and Lysandra and his awareness of the missing ship reflect his protective instincts and the gravity of the threat Maeve poses. This detail emphasizes the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the conflict, highlighting Rowan’s emotional turmoil and the stakes involved.3. In what ways do the chapter’s descriptions of magic and combat illustrate the themes of chaos and heroism?
Answer:
The chapter vividly depicts magic and combat as chaotic, intense, and unpredictable, emphasizing the tumult of war. Rowan’s strained magic, the fierce attacks of the witches and wyverns, and the panicked, sloppy aiming of the enemy all contribute to a sense of disorder. Despite this chaos, acts of heroism shine through—Asterin’s commanding leadership, the witches’ clever tactics, and the fighters’ determination to hold the line. These moments highlight the resilience, bravery, and strategic ingenuity of the characters, portraying heroism as arising amid chaos and requiring courage and skill to navigate and overcome perilous circumstances.4. How does the chapter explore the theme of loyalty and sacrifice among the characters during the battle?
Answer:
Loyalty and sacrifice are central themes, exemplified by characters risking everything for their allies and the greater good. The witches and wyverns fight fiercely to protect the Fae, risking their lives in the process. Rowan’s effort to heal Aedion and Lysandra, despite his own exhaustion, reflects personal sacrifice. Aedion’s urgent command to find Aelin, even amid his injuries, demonstrates his unwavering loyalty. The collective effort to hold the line against a formidable enemy underscores the characters’ willingness to sacrifice their safety for their friends and their realm, illustrating the deep bonds and sense of duty that drive their heroic actions.5. What does the chapter suggest about the importance of strategic planning and quick thinking in warfare?
Answer:
The chapter highlights the critical role of strategic planning and quick thinking through the actions of the witches, wyverns, and Fae warriors. Asterin’s commands, the coordinated attack, and the rapid response to enemy movements showcase how clever tactics and adaptability can turn the tide of battle. Rowan’s decision to fly higher and scan for threats, as well as his concern over the missing ship, illustrate the importance of vigilance and situational awareness. The chaos of the fight underscores that victory often depends on the ability to think on one’s feet, adapt to evolving circumstances, and execute well-coordinated strategies under pressure.
Quotes
1. “Hold your fire!”
This command, shouted from a distance, underscores the chaos of battle and the importance of restraint even amidst violence. It highlights Rowan’s attempt to control the situation and prevent friendly fire, illustrating the tension between chaos and command in warfare.
2. “The witch was beautiful, a strip of black braided leather across her brow, and she called to none of them in particular, ‘Where is Manon Blackbeak?’”
This quote introduces Asterin Blackbeak, emphasizing her commanding presence and the mystery surrounding her identity. It marks her as a key player in the conflict, revealing her directness and importance within the scene.
3. “Rowan’s magic was strained to the breaking point, his panic a dull roaring in the back of his mind, but he kept attacking, kept swinging his blades at any that got past his wind and ice, or Dorian’s own blasts of raw, unchecked power.”
This passage captures Rowan’s physical and emotional toll during the battle, illustrating the desperation and relentless effort of the fighters. It emphasizes the high stakes and the immense pressure on the combatants.
4. “There was one boat missing. A boat he’d sailed on, worked on, fought on in past wars and journeys. Maeve’s personal battleship, the Nightingale, was nowhere to be seen.”
This quote signals a critical turn in the battle—the disappearance of Maeve’s flagship—raising the stakes and hinting at a strategic threat or impending development. It reflects Rowan’s growing concern and the shifting dynamics of the conflict.
5. “Rowan’s skin tightened over his bones. He had the feeling that the ground was about to slip from under his feet as Dorian appeared at the rail of the main deck, gaunt-faced and haggard, no doubt having used the last of his magic to propel a longboat over, and panted, ‘The coast. Aelin is out by the coast where we sent Elide—they all are.’”
This concluding quote underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, revealing that the main characters are now scattered and in danger, setting the stage for future action and emphasizing the chapter’s overarching theme of chaos and pursuit.