Prince of Thorns
Chapter 11: — Four years earlier
by Mark, Lawrence,The chapter opens with Prince Jorg and his tutor, Lundist, stepping out of the schoolroom into the sunlight. Lundist emphasizes the importance of keen observation, urging Jorg to listen and interpret the sounds around them—training swords, birdsong, and the fluttering of the execution flag. This exercise reveals Lundist’s teaching philosophy: a sharp mind notices details others overlook. The black-and-scarlet flag signals the king’s order to clear the dungeons, foreshadowing the brutal executions to come on Saint Crispin’s Day. Lundist reflects on the political use of terror, comparing Ancrath’s methods to the elaborate tortures of Ling.
Jorg’s thoughts drift to Count Renar, the man responsible for his mother and brother’s deaths. He fantasizes about revenge but dismisses prolonged torture, preferring a swift, personal justice. Lundist warns against the excesses of Ling, hinting at his own past as a slave, while Jorg dryly notes its absence from his father’s maps. Their conversation underscores the chapter’s themes of power, violence, and the moral ambiguities of rulership. The pair then encounter Sir Makin, the new Captain of the Guard, who embodies the martial values Lundist critiques.
Sir Makin challenges Jorg to spar, teasing him with a younger opponent before reluctantly agreeing to let him face Robart, a skilled squire. Lundist protests, citing Jorg’s injuries and the king’s displeasure, but Jorg insists, asserting his autonomy. The tension between Lundist’s intellectual guidance and Makin’s physical bravado highlights Jorg’s internal conflict: whether to rule through wisdom or force. Makin tests Jorg’s swordsmanship, surprised by his skill despite his youth, and ultimately allows the duel to proceed.
The chapter closes with Jorg preparing to fight Robart, defying expectations and asserting his pride. His determination to face the stronger opponent reflects his stubbornness and desire to prove himself, even as Lundist and Makin represent opposing paths for his future. The scene sets the stage for Jorg’s growth, balancing his ruthless ambition with the lessons of his tutor and the harsh realities of his world. The execution flag looms overhead, a grim reminder of the violence that shapes his kingdom—and his choices.
FAQs
1. What lesson does Lundist teach Jorg about observation, and how does this manifest in their interaction on the castle steps?
Answer:
Lundist teaches Jorg that keen observation separates exceptional individuals from others, allowing them to perceive opportunities beneath surface-level obstacles. This lesson unfolds as Lundist guides Jorg through an auditory exercise on the castle steps, challenging him to identify increasingly subtle sounds—training swords, skylarks, and finally the execution flag’s flutter—without visual cues. The exercise demonstrates how focused attention reveals hidden details in familiar environments. Lundist emphasizes this skill’s strategic value, noting it helps Jorg interpret his surroundings beyond superficial appearances, as seen when he deduces the flag’s meaning before seeing it (e.g., “A man who can observe is a man apart”).2. How does the execution flag serve as a thematic device in this chapter, and what does it reveal about the story’s political and moral landscape?
Answer:
The black-on-scarlet execution flag symbolizes the brutal pragmatism of Ancrath’s rule, where state power is maintained through public violence. Lundist explicitly frames executions as tools combining “terror and entertainment,” highlighting how the monarchy weaponizes spectacle to control the populace. The flag’s presence also foreshadows the upcoming Saint Crispin’s Day events, where mass executions will occur—a practice Jorg already recognizes as routine, having missed previous spectacles due to his mother’s intervention. This reflects a world where cruelty is institutionalized, as further underscored by Lundist’s anecdote about Ling’s torture competitions. The flag thus encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of power, vengeance, and desensitization to violence.3. Analyze the dynamic between Sir Makin and Lundist during the sparring invitation. What conflicting philosophies do they represent?
Answer:
Sir Makin and Lundist embody opposing worldviews: martial prowess versus intellectual discipline. Makin, the new Captain of the Guard, dismisses Lundist’s scholarly advice (e.g., mocking Proximus’s thesis) and prioritizes physical combat, urging Jorg to spar to prove his mettle. His taunt—”book learning” won’t aid in battle—reflects a knight’s reliance on instinct and strength. Lundist, conversely, emphasizes strategic knowledge and cautions against reckless physicality, citing Jorg’s injuries and royal status. Their tension peaks when Jorg defiantly chooses the strongest opponent, revealing his inclination toward Makin’s boldness despite Lundist’s protective reasoning. This clash foreshadows Jorg’s future struggles to balance brute force with cunning.4. How does Jorg’s response to Count Renar’s hypothetical torture reveal his character development and moral boundaries?
Answer:
Jorg’s rejection of prolonged torture for Count Renar—”Let him do his burning in Hell”—signals a nuanced moral stance amid his thirst for vengeance. While he craves Renar’s death and desires him to know his killer’s identity (highlighting Jorg’s need for agency and recognition), he draws a line at sadism. This contrasts with Ling’s “artform” of pain, which Lundist describes as culturally sanctioned. Jorg’s restraint here suggests his violence is purposeful rather than gratuitous, shaped by personal trauma rather than spectacle. His focus on justice (“knowing why he died”) over cruelty hints at a developing, albeit ruthless, ethical code.5. What significance does Jorg’s choice of Robart as a sparring partner hold, and how does it align with his broader characterization?
Answer:
Jorg’s insistence on fighting Robart, the most formidable squire, exemplifies his trademark defiance and need to assert dominance. Despite being ten years old and recovering from injuries, he refuses Lundist’s caution and Makin’s suggestion to duel a weaker opponent (Stod). This mirrors his earlier boldness in deducing the execution flag’s identity and foreshadows his later reckless leadership style. By demanding Robart “do his level best,” Jorg reveals his disdain for pity and his belief in proving worth through challenge—a trait that defines his rise to power. The scene encapsulates his combative nature and willingness to escalate conflicts to assert control.
Quotes
1. “It never pays to walk blind. Especially not in your own castle where familiarity hides so much—even when we have the eyes to see.”
This opening statement by Lundist establishes the chapter’s theme of observation and perception. It introduces the mentor-student dynamic while foreshadowing the political intrigue surrounding the castle.
2. “Terror and entertainment are weapons of statehood, Jorg. Execution combines both elements.”
Lundist’s chilling lesson reveals the brutal realities of governance in this world. The quote encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of power dynamics and foreshadows the coming executions.
3. “It’s always been that way with me. Answers come when I stop trying to think it through and just speak. The best plan I’ll come up with is the one that happens when I act.”
This introspective moment from Jorg reveals his impulsive nature and decision-making philosophy. It’s key to understanding his character development throughout the story.
4. “If this ginger oaf doesn’t do his level best, I’ll make sure the closest he gets to being a knight is clearing the horse dung after the joust.”
Jorg’s aggressive challenge to Robart demonstrates his combative personality and refusal to be underestimated. This moment showcases the young prince’s determination and pride.
5. “A knight trusts in his own judgement, and the weight of his sword.”
Sir Makin’s statement contrasts sharply with Lundist’s scholarly approach, representing the tension between brute force and strategic thinking that runs through the chapter.