Prince of Thorns
Chapter 36: — Four years earlier
by Mark, Lawrence,The chapter opens with a conversation between the young protagonist and the Nuban, a mercenary companion, as they approach the castle of Count Renar. The protagonist insists on finding a way to assassinate the Count despite the Nuban’s repeated warnings that it’s impossible. He argues that conventional tactics—targeting weaknesses—are flawed because they trigger layered defenses. Instead, he proposes a direct approach, targeting the Count’s most relied-upon protection, a magician named Corion. The Nuban remains skeptical but doesn’t argue, highlighting their dynamic of mutual respect despite differing perspectives.
As they near the castle gates, the protagonist questions the Nuban about Corion’s rumored magical abilities and the mercenaries guarding the Count. The Nuban confirms the magician’s reputation but offers no certainty. To gain entry, the protagonist cleverly offers the Nuban’s enchanted crossbow as a bargaining chip, piquing the guards’ curiosity. The rain intensifies as they wait, symbolizing the growing tension. The protagonist reflects on his vengeful mission, acknowledging its futility yet embracing the burning desire for retribution, which drives him forward.
After a long wait, they are admitted into the castle, escorted to Corion’s chambers in the neglected West Tower. The protagonist feigns naivety by asking if they should surrender their weapons, drawing mockery from the guards. The atmosphere grows ominous as they stand before Corion’s door, marked with a disturbing symbol. The guards abruptly leave, and the door opens to reveal a darkness that evokes primal fear in both the protagonist and the Nuban, suggesting Corion’s terrifying power.
The chapter ends with a chilling encounter as Corion’s voice commands them to enter, accompanied by unseen screams. The protagonist’s resolve wavers momentarily, but the scene culminates in his first glimpse of Corion, leaving the outcome uncertain. The chapter masterfully builds tension, blending strategic dialogue with visceral horror, and sets the stage for a confrontation with the enigmatic magician.
FAQs
1. What is the protagonist’s strategy for attacking Count Renar, and how does it differ from conventional military tactics?
Answer:
The protagonist advocates for a direct, surprise attack on Count Renar’s strongest defense—his magician advisor Corion—rather than targeting perceived weaknesses in the Count’s defenses. He argues that conventional approaches of exploiting weaknesses are flawed because they trigger layered defenses, leaving attackers weakened and the target forewarned. This unconventional strategy reflects his preference for decisive, high-risk actions that bypass escalation. The chapter highlights his belief that “surprise is our only real weapon” and his willingness to confront the heart of the problem directly, even if it means facing formidable magical opposition.2. How does the interaction at the castle gate reveal the dynamic between the protagonist and the Nuban?
Answer:
The gate scene demonstrates a relationship built on mutual respect but marked by differing perspectives. The Nuban initially doubts the protagonist’s plans (“It can’t be done”), yet complies with requests like handing over his crossbow despite visible confusion. The protagonist values the Nuban’s refusal to argue pointlessly, while the Nuban increasingly recognizes the boy’s unnerving competence. Their exchange about the bow—where the Nuban seriously considers if the boy might shoot the guard—shows growing familiarity with the protagonist’s ruthless creativity. This dynamic balances the Nuban’s practical experience with the protagonist’s strategic boldness.3. What symbolic and thematic significance does the protagonist’s cloak hold in this chapter?
Answer:
The oversized cloak taken from a dead man serves as a multilayered symbol. Physically, its looseness emphasizes the protagonist’s youth and unnatural preparedness for violence. Thematically, it represents the burden of stolen identity and foreshadows his morally ambiguous path—wrapped in another’s possessions while pursuing vengeance. The line “it hung loose about me” visually contrasts with his tightly held purpose, reinforcing the disconnect between his childish appearance and hardened psyche. The cloak also becomes a tactile reminder of mortality in the rain, anchoring his abstract thirst for revenge in physical discomfort.4. Analyze how the chapter builds tension around Corion before his appearance.
Answer:
Corion’s menace is established through gradual revelation and atmospheric cues. Initially mentioned as a “shield” and “magician,” his reputation grows via the Nuban’s wary description of his mercenary guards. The gate guard’s nervous handling of the enchanted crossbow hints at Corion’s supernatural authority. Physical details—the burned door symbol that makes eyes “crawl,” the guards’ abrupt departure—create unease. Most powerfully, Corion’s voice precedes him, described as capable of melting resolve, while the door’s disappearance into darkness and the screaming (possibly psychic) craft a horror-like reveal. This layered buildup makes his eventual appearance feel both inevitable and terrifying.5. How does the protagonist’s internal monologue about vengeance reveal his character’s contradictions?
Answer:
His reflection that vengeance “wouldn’t give me back what had been taken” yet “I didn’t care” exposes a self-aware but willful embrace of destruction. He acknowledges the futility philosophically, but the visceral need—described as a shaping force and internal fire—overrides logic. The comparison to his father’s hypothetical military losses shows cold calculation (soldiers have “their own mothers”), yet his personal stake (“She was my mother”) reveals emotional vulnerability. This contradiction defines him: a strategist who plans meticulously for an irrational goal, and a child who intellectualizes trauma while being consumed by it.
Quotes
1. “Few things worth having can be got easily.”
This quote captures the protagonist’s determined and ambitious mindset, setting the tone for the chapter. It reflects his philosophy of pursuing difficult goals despite the Nuban’s skepticism, foreshadowing the dangerous mission ahead.
2. “The weakest spot in a good defence is designed to fail. It falls, but in falling it summons the next defence and so on. It’s all about layers.”
This insight reveals the protagonist’s strategic thinking about overcoming defenses. It introduces a key tactical concept that drives their unconventional approach to infiltrating the Count’s castle, emphasizing the importance of surprise and direct action.
3. “Hold to a thing long enough, a secret, a desire, maybe a lie, and it will shape you.”
This profound observation about obsession and vengeance shows the protagonist’s self-awareness about his motivations. It provides crucial insight into his character while explaining his unwavering commitment to revenge for his mother’s death.
4. “Come, Prince of Thorns, come out of your hiding, come out into the storm.”
This chilling invitation from Corion marks the chapter’s dramatic climax. The magician’s recognition of the protagonist (revealing his title) and the ominous atmosphere create a powerful turning point as they finally confront their mysterious adversary.