The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
Chapter Three
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with a tense scene where Celaena and Sam meticulously search their cramped quarters for any signs of espionage or danger, indicating the covert nature of their mission. They quickly secure the room by checking for spy-holes, sealing gaps, and covering windows, emphasizing the need for stealth. Once assured of their safety, Celaena removes her mask and confronts Sam, revealing their shared uncertainty about the true purpose of their assignment. Their dialogue highlights the suspicion and mistrust surrounding Arobynn’s motives, especially regarding their presence at a mysterious meeting involving a man who is overly self-absorbed and manipulative.
As the conversation deepens, Celaena questions Arobynn’s involvement in the slave trade, revealing her moral conflict with such dealings. She reflects on her past, her wealth, and her belief that Arobynn’s riches were limitless—spent on her upbringing and appearances—yet now she doubts his motives. Sam suggests that Arobynn’s interest might be driven by greed rather than loyalty or honor, hinting at darker secrets behind his wealth. Her frustration grows as she considers the implications of Arobynn’s actions, especially in contrast to her own moral code, and her regret over being involved in such a corrupt enterprise.
Later, the scene shifts to a formal dinner where Celaena struggles with her inability to eat properly due to her mask, which adds to her discomfort and frustration. The dinner serves as a backdrop for her to observe the pirates and Rolfe, whose mocking remarks and insinuations reveal the dangerous, gritty environment she is entangled in. Despite the luxurious setting, her guarded demeanor and her sharp retorts underscore her defiance and mistrust of Rolfe’s intentions. Sam’s quiet presence and their shared glances hint at a complex relationship of mutual understanding amid the chaos, as Rolfe probes into her past and her connection to Arobynn.
The chapter concludes with a tense reveal about Celaena’s history and her training. Rolfe’s interest in her origins and the mention of a static continent map symbolize the unchanging, rigid power structures she is up against. Sam’s wary demeanor and the mention of the banishment of the Fae and the loss of magic underscore a world in upheaval, where secrets and hidden agendas threaten to unravel. The chapter ends on a note of foreboding, suggesting that beneath the surface of their interactions lie deeper political and personal stakes that will influence their future actions.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What measures do Celaena and Sam take to ensure their safety during their covert meeting, and what does this suggest about the environment they are in?
Answer:
Celaena and Sam conduct a thorough search of their cramped room, checking for spy-holes, signs of danger, and sealing entry points like gap between the door and floor, and covering the window with Sam’s weatherworn cloak. These precautions indicate they are in a hostile or espionage-prone environment where privacy and security are uncertain. Their careful measures reflect the high stakes of their situation, possibly involving espionage, betrayal, or dangerous political intrigue, and showcase their need to remain undetected and cautious.
2. Question 2
How does Celaena’s perception of Arobynn Hamel’s involvement in the slave trade influence her view of his character and her role as his assassin?
Answer:
Celaena’s disgust at Arobynn’s involvement in the slave trade reveals her moral conflict and sense of justice. She perceives him as corrupt and morally compromised, contrasting with her self-image as a noble assassin who fights against evil. Her reflection that Arobynn’s wealth might be built on illegal and brutal activities deepens her internal conflict and highlights the contrast between her personal values and her responsibilities. This awareness also underscores her disillusionment with her employer and raises questions about her role within a corrupt system.
3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of the conversation about Sam’s face and the mask. What does this reveal about his character and their relationship?
Answer:
The discussion about Sam’s face and the mask highlights themes of secrecy and trust. Sam’s reluctance to reveal his face, even once, suggests he is guarded and possibly hiding a significant aspect of his identity. Celaena’s teasing and her own concealment behind the mask demonstrate mutual concealment and mistrust, yet also a bond formed through shared secrets. Sam’s wary reaction and her protective attitude suggest that beneath their guarded exteriors lies a complex relationship rooted in mutual understanding, caution, and the need for self-preservation.
4. Question 4
What does Rolfe’s interrogation about Celaena’s training and the map reveal about the political and magical context of the story?
Answer:
Rolfe’s focus on Celaena’s training and the mention of the map, which has remained unchanged for eight years, hint at a deeper political and magical history. The map symbolizes a long-standing stasis or a secret about the continent’s power structures. Rolfe’s intense interest and the reference to the banishment and execution of the Fae suggest a world where magic was once prominent but has been suppressed or lost, and where ancient knowledge or artifacts still hold significance. This context indicates a world of hidden histories, political intrigue, and the potential for magic’s resurgence.
5. Question 5
Critically evaluate Celaena’s reaction to her circumstances and her attitude toward her employer, Arobynn. How do her internal conflicts shape her actions and outlook?
Answer:
Celaena’s reaction—her disgust at Arobynn’s involvement in slavery, her frustration with her living conditions, and her moral outrage—reflect her internal conflict between her duties and her personal morals. Her pride as Adarlan’s assassin clashes with her disillusionment about her employer’s corruption. Her internal struggles influence her guarded behavior, her sarcasm, and her desire for independence. These conflicts motivate her to question her role, seek moral clarity, and reinforce her resilience. Her attitude suggests she is a complex character torn between loyalty, morality, and a desire for justice, which will likely influence her future decisions.
Quotes
1. “When she was certain that no one could either hear or see her, Celaena ripped off her hood, untied the mask from her face, and whirled to face him.”
This moment marks her transition from concealment to confrontation, highlighting her need to reveal her true self despite the risks, and sets the tone for her inner conflict and resilience.
2. “Arobynn has his reasons.”
This line underscores the chapter’s exploration of hidden motives and the suspicion that Arobynn’s involvement in questionable activities, like the slave trade, might be driven by deeper, perhaps darker, reasons—prompting questions about loyalty and the true nature of power.
3. “Some of us had to climb to the top.”
Celaena’s remark reveals her journey of self-made success and resilience, contrasting her hard-earned position with the more privileged backgrounds of others, and emphasizing themes of perseverance and self-reliance.
4. “This map hasn’t moved for eight years.”
Rolfe’s statement symbolizes stagnation and the loss of magic and change in their world, hinting at the broader historical and political shifts that have shaped the current landscape—an ominous reflection on the passage of time and its impact.
5. “Don’t think,” Rolfe continued, withdrawing his hands, “that I haven’t had to claw and kill my way as much as you.”
This quote reveals the brutal reality of survival and power struggles in their world, emphasizing that everyone has had to fight their way to their position, regardless of appearances or backgrounds, and adds a layer of understanding to Rolfe’s character.