The Assassin and the Desert: A Throne of Glass Novella
Chapter Ten
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Celaena awakening abruptly to a pounding noise, which she initially perceives as an anvil but quickly realizes is a metaphorical representation of her headache. She finds herself alone in the desert, miles from her presumed location near the assassin’s fortress, with Kasida watching over her. Her belongings are mostly gone, except for her dagger and a tucked-in scroll. The scene sets a tone of confusion and vulnerability, as Celaena grapples with her situation and the realization that she has been abandoned or possibly betrayed, intensifying her sense of isolation in the vast desert landscape.
Celaena discovers a farewell letter from Ansel, apologizing for the abrupt end and instructing her to go home, accompanied by the Master’s approval letter. She questions why she was expelled so suddenly, suspecting it might be due to her recent conflicts or perceived flaws. Her mind races to interpret her standing with the Master and the assassin’s organization, feeling hurt and betrayed by the apparent rejection. Despite her doubts, she considers breaking the seal on the approval letter, but hesitates, fearing repercussions or uncovering unpleasant truths. Her emotional turmoil underscores her vulnerability and longing for belonging.
Determined to leave her uncertain fate behind, Celaena mounts Kasida and rides toward the port of Xandria, opting to find a ship there instead of crossing treacherous sands. As she journeys, she notices a large contingent of soldiers marching into the desert—members of Lord Berick’s forces—raising her suspicion. Her careful observation reveals no sign of their lord, hinting at a larger, possibly ominous, military movement. The presence of the assassins’ fortress in the distance, along with the approaching soldiers, heightens her awareness of the dangerous political and military tensions at play, prompting her to remain cautious and alert.
The next morning, Xandria appears eerily quiet, likely due to recent conflicts or the aftermath of an attack on the assassins. Celaena manages to secure passage on a ship bound for Amier, a remote port in Melisande, as the region faces an embargo on ships to other parts of the empire. Her plan is to travel from Amier back to Rifthold via Kasida, hoping to find another vessel to complete her journey. The chapter concludes with her preparing for departure, emphasizing her resolve to escape her current predicament and the uncertain future awaiting her beyond the desert and political upheaval. This chapter captures her ongoing struggle for freedom and the complex web of loyalties and betrayals surrounding her.
FAQs
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1. What circumstances lead Celaena to believe she is being dismissed from her position, and what clues in the chapter support this interpretation?
Answer:
Celaena interprets her situation as a dismissal after finding a note from Ansel, which apologizes and instructs her to go home, implying her departure is voluntary. The fact that her belongings are packed, her sword is missing, and she is left in the desert with only a scroll of Ansel’s note and a lantern strongly suggests she has been expelled or abandoned. Additionally, her suspicion that her departure is hurried and that she might have offended the Master or others is supported by her reflection on her possible flaws—being spoiled and selfish—and the idea that everyone might have been tolerating her only out of obligation. The chapter’s details, such as her finding the letter of approval sealed with the Master’s sea-green wax and her doubts about what it truly signifies, reinforce her sense of being cast out unexpectedly.2. How does Celaena’s perception of her own worth and her place among the assassins evolve throughout this chapter?
Answer:
Initially, Celaena feels a sense of belonging and hope, believing she might be learning something more meaningful than deceit and killing. However, her discovery of the note and her realization that she is being sent away—possibly because she is perceived as spoiled or selfish—shatters her sense of acceptance. She questions whether her actions or attitude have alienated her from those she thought were her allies. Her internal dialogue reveals her vulnerability and hurt, as she considers that everyone might have been just tolerating her. This shift from a tentative sense of belonging to feelings of rejection and insignificance marks a critical change in her self-perception, highlighting her internal conflict and the fragile nature of her self-worth in the context of her environment.3. What strategic considerations does Celaena make when she notices the soldiers approaching the fortress, and what do these choices reveal about her character?
Answer:
When Celaena sees the approaching soldiers, she chooses to continue riding toward Xandria rather than warning the fortress or engaging with the soldiers. She observes that the soldiers are led by Lord Berick’s men and notices the absence of Lord Berick himself, implying a possible surprise or covert operation. Her decision to nod to the soldier and continue her journey, despite the danger, shows her cautious and pragmatic nature. She recognizes that the assassins’ fortress can handle itself and that her presence might be unnecessary or even risky. This choice reflects her independence, situational awareness, and a desire to avoid unnecessary conflict, demonstrating that she values her safety and understands her role as an outsider observing a potentially dangerous situation.4. In what ways does Celaena’s journey reflect her internal quest for identity and belonging?
Answer:
Celaena’s journey, both physically across the desert and metaphorically within herself, symbolizes her search for purpose and a place where she belongs. Her departure from the assassin’s fortress and her decision to travel to Xandria and then to Amier indicate her desire to find a new path and perhaps a fresh start. Her reflection on feeling like she belonged only temporarily and her realization that she might have been tolerated rather than truly accepted underscore her internal struggle with self-worth and identity. The act of riding into the night, leaving behind the false security of her previous environment, signifies her attempt to forge her own destiny. Ultimately, her journey embodies her hope for self-discovery, independence, and a sense of belonging beyond the confines of her past roles.5. How does the chapter portray the theme of trust and suspicion, particularly in relation to Celaena’s interactions with others and her environment?
Answer:
The chapter explores trust and suspicion through Celaena’s cautious observations and internal doubts. Her hesitation to move when the soldier with the bow is nearby shows her suspicion of potential danger, reflecting a survival instinct. Her decision not to warn the fortress about the approaching soldiers, assuming they can handle themselves, indicates a cautious trust in the assassins’ capabilities but also a recognition of her outsider status. Additionally, her doubts about the Master’s intentions—questioning whether he knew about the impending military movement or if he deliberately sent her away—highlight her internal conflict between trusting others and remaining wary. This portrayal underscores the complex dynamics of trust in a world rife with deception, alliances, and hidden motives, emphasizing Celaena’s need to navigate carefully to protect herself.
Quotes
1. “Someone was hammering against an anvil somewhere very, very close to her head. So close that she felt each beat in her body, the sound shattering through her mind, stirring her from sleep.”
This opening line vividly captures Celaena’s disoriented state and the intensity of her awakening, setting a tone of chaos and confusion that underscores her current predicament.
2. “I’m sorry it had to end this way. The Master said it would be easier to let you go like this, rather than shame you by publicly asking you to leave early. Kasida is yours—as is the Master’s letter of approval, which is in the saddlebag. Go home.”
This quote reveals the sudden and mysterious dismissal of Celaena, highlighting themes of betrayal and the unseen manipulations at play, and marks a crucial turning point in her journey.
3. “Her fingers hovered over the seal. If she broke it, then Arobynn might accuse her of tampering with the letter. But what if it said horrid things about her? Ansel said it was a letter of approval, so it couldn’t be that bad.”
This passage emphasizes Celaena’s internal conflict and suspicion, illustrating her vulnerability and the uncertainty surrounding her true standing with her master, which is central to her character development.
4. “They all possessed broadswords, daggers, shields, and arrows. This definitely wasn’t going to be a friendly visit, not with this many men.”
This line underscores the imminent danger Celaena faces as she observes the approaching soldiers, emphasizing the threat and tension that drive her strategic decisions.
5. “Still, the muffled thump of Kasida’s steps away from the fortress became more and more difficult to bear.”
This closing reflection encapsulates Celaena’s emotional turmoil and foreshadows her sense of loss and uncertainty as she leaves behind the only place that offered her a semblance of belonging, hinting at her ongoing internal struggle.