The Assassin and the Desert: A Throne of Glass Novella
Chapter Four
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter begins with Celaena acknowledging her persistent efforts to improve her skills, particularly her running, which she does more frequently to avoid the Master’s scrutiny. Despite her attempts to stay ahead, her progress is slow, and she remains frustrated by her inability to seek out the Master directly, as she perceives his authority as distant and dismissive. Her focus shifts towards training with Ansel and the other assassins, where she receives rudimentary guidance on posture and technique from seasoned fighters. Throughout these sessions, she becomes increasingly aware of the silent, disciplined nature of the Silent Assassins, contrasting sharply with the brutal, cutthroat environment she was accustomed to under Arobynn’s rule.
The narrative explores the unique culture of the Silent Assassins, emphasizing their collective approach to learning and their reliance on shared wisdom. Unlike her previous experiences, where weakness was punished and betrayal rewarded, these assassins foster a sense of unity and mutual growth. Many of them are mute from birth, which adds an air of mystery and secrecy to their training. Celaena perceives the fortress as a place of hidden truths, where silence is a form of strength and a key to unlocking deeper knowledge. Despite her reservations, she recognizes the importance of demonstrating her competence, hoping that her dedication and skill will earn her the coveted letter of good behavior, which she believes could elevate her standing with the Master.
The chapter takes a tense turn with the night of the attack by Lord Berick’s soldiers. Celaena is caught in the midst of a covert operation that reveals the assassin’s strategic use of stealth and deception. From her vantage point atop the battlements, she observes the silent communication among the assassins, orchestrating a plan to defend the fortress without provoking an outright battle. The plan involves igniting a line of oil-soaked ropes to create a wall of fire, designed to intimidate and scare off the enemy rather than kill outright. Celaena’s role in this operation underscores her desire to prove herself capable and resourceful in dangerous circumstances, aligning her actions with her goal of gaining recognition and respect.
In the climax of the chapter, Celaena participates in the fiery attack, firing flaming arrows into the night sky as part of the defensive maneuver. The scene is chaotic and intense, with flames erupting and arrows raining down on the enemy soldiers. Despite the danger and the risk of injury, Celaena maintains her composure, exemplifying her resilience and determination. The successful execution of the plan results in a dramatic display of fire and light, serving as a powerful symbol of her growing skill and her commitment to earning her place among the assassins. The chapter concludes with the aftermath of the attack, highlighting her resolve to continue honing her abilities and to navigate the complex, perilous world of the Silent Assassins.
FAQs
1. Question 1
How does Celaena’s training with the Silent Assassins differ from her previous experiences with Arobynn, and what does this reveal about their respective approaches to training and leadership?
Answer:
Celaena’s training with the Silent Assassins emphasizes collective wisdom, patience, and the sharing of techniques among seasoned warriors, fostering a sense of unity and mutual learning. Unlike her previous experiences with Arobynn, which encouraged cutthroat competition, brutality, and the suppression of weakness—often using her and Sam against each other—the Silent Assassins focus on collaboration, secrecy, and internal discipline. This contrast reveals that Arobynn’s approach is more ruthless and individualistic, aiming to breed fear and strength through dominance, whereas the Silent Assassins value quiet mastery, collective growth, and the importance of silence and subtlety in their craft.
2. Question 2
What strategic purpose does the flaming arrow attack serve in the chapter, and how does Celaena’s involvement demonstrate her growth as an assassin?
Answer:
The flaming arrow attack is a calculated tactic designed to scare off Lord Berick’s soldiers without provoking an outright battle, aligning with the assassins’ goal of intimidation rather than destruction. Celaena’s involvement—dipping her arrow in oil, firing it into the flames, and participating in the coordinated effort—demonstrates her increasing confidence and skill. It also shows her understanding of subtlety and psychological warfare, core elements of her training. Her willingness to take risks and her ability to execute the plan under pressure highlight her growth from a novice to a more competent and strategic assassin, capable of using her environment and tools to her advantage.
3. Question 3
In what ways does the environment of the fortress and the silence of the Silent Assassins symbolize their philosophy and approach to combat?
Answer:
The fortress, situated at the ends of the earth and filled with secrets, symbolizes a place of hidden knowledge and inner discipline. The silence of the Silent Assassins, many of whom are mute from birth, embodies their emphasis on subtlety, restraint, and the power of unspoken communication. This silence and secrecy are central to their philosophy—they believe that true strength lies in mastery of oneself and in the ability to act without revealing intentions. Their environment, with its dark dunes and fortified walls, reinforces the idea of concealment and patience, contrasting sharply with more overt, brutal fighting styles. This symbolism underscores their focus on strategic, disciplined, and covert operations.
4. Question 4
Critically evaluate Celaena’s attitude towards her training and her desire for recognition within the assassin community. How does this reflect her character development?
Answer:
Celaena’s attitude reveals a blend of determination, pride, and a desire for acknowledgment of her abilities. She is eager to prove herself worthy of the letter of good behavior, even threatening the Master with a dagger to secure it. This shows her ambition and her understanding that recognition and validation are crucial for advancing her standing. Her attitude also reflects her resilience and her willingness to take risks to achieve her goals. This character development indicates her transition from a guarded, somewhat rebellious young woman to someone who recognizes the importance of discipline, strategic thinking, and earning respect through demonstrated competence. It highlights her growth as an aspiring assassin who values skill and recognition but also shows her readiness to confront challenges head-on.
Quotes
1. “She knew plenty—she wasn’t Adarlan’s Assassin for nothing. But she needed that letter of good behavior as proof of her training. These people might all be called upon by the Mute Master to give an opinion of her.”
This quote highlights Celaena’s awareness of the importance of external validation and her strategic mindset in navigating her training and reputation among the Silent Assassins. It underscores her determination to prove her worth through discipline and perception.
2. “Even as they corrected her posture and showed her new ways to control her breathing, she tried her best not to snarl at them. She knew plenty—she wasn’t Adarlan’s Assassin for nothing. But she needed that letter of good behavior as proof of her training.”
This passage emphasizes Celaena’s resilience and her desire to maintain composure, recognizing that her success depends on demonstrating discipline and earning the trust of her trainers, even amid frustration.
3. “Arobynn encouraged cutthroat behavior. Even when they were children, he’d set her and Sam against each other, use their victories and failures against them. He’d made her see everyone but Arobynn and Ben as a potential enemy.”
This quote captures the toxic environment cultivated by Arobynn, which fosters suspicion and brutality, contrasting sharply with the collective wisdom of the Silent Assassins and highlighting the corrupting influence of Arobynn’s leadership.
4. “Though they, too, might be killers, they looked to each other for learning. Embraced collective wisdom. Older warriors smiled as they taught the acolytes; seasoned assassins swapped techniques.”
This passage illustrates the difference in philosophy between the Silent Assassins and Arobynn’s followers — emphasizing collaboration, shared knowledge, and a sense of community as central to their training and strength.
5. “Light burst all around them, and the roar of the wall of flame drowned out the hollering of Lord Berick’s men.”
This vivid description marks a pivotal action scene, symbolizing the decisive and strategic use of fire as a non-lethal weapon to intimidate and disperse enemies, reflecting Celaena’s growing tactical skill.