Prince of Thorns
Chapter 7
by Mark, Lawrence,The chapter opens with Prince Jorg and his companions arriving at the ruined town of Norwood, which has been burned to the ground. Makin suggests the destruction is the work of Count Renar, while Father Gomst speculates it could be Baron Kennick’s men. Jorg reflects on his childhood memories of Norwood and concludes Renar is responsible, noting the absence of bodies and the likelihood of a mass pyre. The scene sets a grim tone, highlighting the brutality of war and Jorg’s detached, almost appreciative view of it as a form of “artistry.”
Jorg interrogates Father Gomst about his recent whereabouts, revealing the priest had been sent by Jorg’s father to identify his son among the dead. Gomst’s nervous demeanor betrays his mission, and Jorg deduces his father is still searching for him after four years. The revelation that the Queen is pregnant and a heathen advisor named Sageous is influencing the king adds tension. Jorg’s sharp questioning underscores his distrust of authority and his father’s cold, calculating nature, which prioritizes succession over familial bonds.
A confrontation erupts when Rike, furious over the lack of loot, attacks Fat Burlow and turns his rage on Jorg. Jorg diffuses the situation by leading Rike to a hidden cache of festival beer beneath the grain-store tower. The discovery momentarily distracts Rike, but Jorg maintains control by holding a sword to his throat. The interaction showcases Jorg’s cunning and ability to manipulate his volatile companions, even as tensions simmer beneath the surface.
The chapter closes with Makin’s return and Gomst urging Jorg to return to his father, which Jorg angrily rejects. Rike’s confusion over Jorg’s royal title and the group’s dynamics adds a layer of dark humor. The scene underscores Jorg’s conflicted identity—caught between his past as a prince and his present as a ruthless leader of outlaws. The chapter masterfully blends action, intrigue, and character development, leaving the reader eager to see how Jorg’s past will continue to haunt him.
FAQs
1. What evidence suggests that Count Renar was responsible for the destruction of Norwood, and how does this reveal the political tensions in the region?
Answer:
The absence of bodies and Makin’s observation that Renar burns victims together—both living and dead—point to his involvement (Makin notes: “We’ll find the pyre in the fields to the west. Renar burns them all together”). This brutality reflects Renar’s bold defiance of Ancrath’s authority, as Norwood was an Ancrath protectorate. The attack signals escalating territorial conflicts, with Renar challenging King Olidan’s rule. Jorg’s remark—”But these were my shit-poor bog-farmers”—underscores the personal and political stakes, framing the violence as both a strategic move and a personal affront.
2. Analyze the significance of Father Gomst’s mission to Jessop. How does this revelation deepen our understanding of Jorg’s relationship with his father?
Answer:
Gomst admits King Olidan sent him to Jessop—a marshland where corpses surface—to identify Jorg among the dead (“I had to confirm the succession”). This exposes Olidan’s relentless pursuit of Jorg, not out of concern but to secure succession for his unborn heir (revealed when Gomst mentions the Queen’s pregnancy). The cold pragmatism—prioritizing dynasty over his son’s life—mirrors Jorg’s own ruthlessness. Jorg’s shock (“After four years!”) highlights their fractured bond, while Gomst’s fear of Jorg’s reaction underscores the prince’s volatile reputation.
3. How does Jorg manipulate Rike’s aggression to maintain control, and what does this reveal about his leadership style?
Answer:
Jorg diffuses Rike’s rage by redirecting it toward loot (the hidden beer barrels) and reasserting dominance with a sword at his throat. He leverages Rike’s greed (“There’s more than one kind of gold in Norwood”) while subtly threatening him (“I ain’t a bastard”). This shows Jorg’s tactical charisma: he avoids outright confrontation but uses psychological manipulation and calculated violence. His ability to calm Rike—a notoriously volatile follower—demonstrates his understanding of the band’s dynamics, where respect is earned through a mix of rewards and intimidation.
4. Interpret Jorg’s statement: “War is a thing of beauty… and those who say otherwise are losing.” How does this philosophy reflect his worldview?
Answer:
Jorg romanticizes war as an “artistry” to be admired (e.g., his command to Makin: “appreciate [Renar’s] game”). This nihilistic aestheticism reveals his trauma and moral detachment—he sees violence as inevitable and judges it by its execution, not its morality. The phrase also reflects his survivalist mindset: winners dictate narratives, while losers lament brutality. His smile that “didn’t fit” hints at performative desensitization, masking deeper turmoil over Norwood’s destruction, a place tied to childhood memories (treacle-apples with William).
5. What role does Sageous play in the political intrigue, and why might Gomst despise him?
Answer:
Sageous, a “heathen bone-picker,” influences King Olidan by prophesying a male heir, threatening Jorg’s status (“confirm the succession”). Gomst’s disgust (“spat the words”) stems from religious rivalry—Sageous’s pagan practices undermine Gomst’s authority as court priest. His presence also symbolizes Olidan’s willingness to embrace outsiders over his own son, deepening Jorg’s alienation. The tension between tradition (Gomst) and occultism (Sageous) mirrors the kingdom’s instability, where power shifts unpredictably.
Quotes
1. “War is a thing of beauty, as I’ve said before, and those who say otherwise are losing.”
This quote captures Jorg’s twisted philosophy on violence and power, revealing his brutal worldview where war is not just necessary but aesthetically appreciated. It reflects the chapter’s dark tone and Jorg’s character as a ruthless leader.
2. “Jessop is where the marsh-tide takes the dead… It’s a slow current but sure. The marsh keeps her secrets, but not forever, and Jessop is where she tells them.”
This poetic yet ominous quote reveals Jorg’s knowledge of the land’s dark secrets and foreshadows the discovery of his father’s continued search for him. It blends the setting’s grim reality with Jorg’s personal history.
3. “I may be little, Little Rikey, but I ain’t a bastard… If I was a bastard, you wouldn’t have to risk life and limb to search the dead for me, now would you?”
A pivotal moment where Jorg asserts his royal identity while threatening Rike, showcasing his dangerous charisma and the revelation about his father’s motives. This quote ties together themes of lineage, power, and deception.
4. “My father can damn well wait!”
This explosive outburst reveals Jorg’s unresolved anger toward his father and rejection of royal expectations. It marks a key emotional turning point where personal grudges override political calculations.
5. “There’s more than one kind of gold in Norwood.”
A clever double-meaning that demonstrates Jorg’s strategic mind as he defuses Rike’s rage by revealing hidden beer barrels. This quote exemplifies his ability to manipulate situations and people through wordplay and hidden knowledge.