The Assassin and the Underworld
Chapter Twelve
by Maas, Sarah J.In Chapter Twelve, Celaena confronts Arobynn in his study after a tumultuous night filled with deception and violence. She reports that Doneval’s partner has destroyed his documents before dying by poisoning, and she has burned Doneval’s house, leaving his fate ambiguous. Despite her efforts, Arobynn remains stoic, revealing that the documents she obtained were sent to Leighfer rather than being part of a legitimate trade agreement. This indicates a deeper conspiracy involving the king and Leighfer, centered around negotiations in the glass castle, which threaten to entangle Celaena in political and moral conflicts.
The chapter exposes the intricate web of lies and betrayal orchestrated by Arobynn, who confesses that the supposed trade deal was a fabrication. Instead, the real negotiations about slavery and political influence are happening at the highest levels, with the king and Leighfer in secret talks. Celaena’s moral outrage grows as she realizes she has been manipulated into killing Doneval, a man who genuinely sought to help slaves and oppose the corrupt system. Her actions, driven by Arobynn’s schemes, have inadvertently supported the very forces she despises.
Celaena’s sense of shame deepens as she reflects on her choices, including selling Kasida to Leighfer Bardingale and paying her debts through her actions. She recognizes that her efforts to undermine the corrupt dealings have been compromised, and her moral clarity is challenged by the realization that her sacrifices may have been exploited. Arobynn’s manipulation becomes clear, as he reveals that her money was used to fund his personal pursuits, including his victory at Lysandra’s Bidding, further emphasizing her powerlessness within this treacherous game of political and personal betrayal.
In the closing moments, Celaena prepares to leave Arobynn’s influence behind, announcing her move to an apartment to escape his control. Arobynn’s cruel smile and cryptic remarks underscore his ongoing dominance and the manipulative nature of their relationship. Her final act of defiance—declaring that Sam’s debt is paid and that she and Sam are now free—underscores her desire for independence. However, the chapter ends with her realization of how deeply Arobynn has manipulated her, using her funds for his own gains and leaving her to grapple with feelings of betrayal, shame, and a faint glimmer of hope for her own future.
FAQs
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1. Question 1
What are the key revelations Celaena uncovers about the true nature of the trade negotiations and the political intrigue involving Doneval, Leighfer, and the king?
Answer:
Celaena discovers that the supposed trade agreement between Doneval and his source in Rifthold is a lie. Instead, the real negotiations are happening at the glass castle between the king and Leighfer Bardingale, concerning the slave trade and the construction of a new road. This revelation exposes that the documents she obtained and thought implicated Doneval in corruption are actually part of a larger deception. It indicates that Doneval was working against slavery and was involved in a clandestine effort to help slaves, which contradicts the narrative Arobynn and Leighfer promote. This insight shifts her understanding of the political landscape, revealing a web of manipulation that hides the true motives behind the trade and the alliances among powerful figures.2. Question 2
Analyze Celaena’s moral conflict in this chapter regarding her actions against Doneval. How does her perception of her deeds evolve, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Initially, Celaena believes she has killed Doneval and torched his house to prevent a trade deal that would favor slavery. However, as she uncovers the truth—that Doneval was working to help slaves and was betrayed—her moral conflict deepens. She recognizes that she has killed someone who genuinely loved his country and was working for a noble cause, which starkly contrasts with her initial justification. Her feelings of shame and misery grow as she realizes she has been manipulated into committing an act of betrayal. This evolution highlights her inner struggle with morality, guilt, and her role as an assassin. It underscores her complex nature—capable of violence but also driven by a desire for justice, which is often clouded by deception and political machinations.3. Question 3
How does the chapter illustrate the theme of manipulation and deception among the powerful, and what consequences does this have for the characters involved?
Answer:
The chapter vividly depicts manipulation and deception through Arobynn’s revelation that the trade negotiations are a false front, with the real discussions about slavery happening elsewhere. Arobynn’s lies about the documents and the trade agreement, along with his manipulation of Celaena into believing she was fighting for a noble cause, show how powerful figures deceive others for their own benefit. Celaena’s realization that she has been used to cover up darker political motives exemplifies the danger of such deception. The consequences are profound: Celaena’s moral integrity is compromised, she feels betrayed, and her actions have unintended consequences—killing Doneval, who was actually working against slavery. This manipulation underscores the corrupting influence of power and the peril of trusting appearances in a treacherous political environment.4. Question 4
Discuss the significance of Celaena’s decision to sell Kasida and her declaration that Sam’s debt is paid. What does this reveal about her character development and her current emotional state?
Answer:
Celaena’s decision to sell Kasida and her declaration that Sam’s debt is paid symbolize her attempt to regain a sense of control and to make amends for her perceived failures. Selling Kasida, a symbol of her connection to her past and her former life, signifies her willingness to let go of emotional attachments and accept the consequences of her actions. Declaring that Sam’s debt is paid reflects her desire to free him from her influence and to affirm her commitment to his freedom. These acts reveal her internal conflict—she is exhausted, guilt-ridden, and seeking redemption. Her emotional state is one of vulnerability, but also resilience, as she begins to accept her role in a larger, complicated political landscape and her own moral shortcomings.5. Question 5
Evaluate Arobynn’s actions and attitude toward Celaena in this chapter. What do his words and behavior suggest about his character and his intentions?
Answer:
Arobynn’s actions and words portray him as manipulative, cruel, and self-serving. His mockery of Celaena’s efforts, his revelation that he used her money to fund his own pursuits (such as Lysandra’s Bidding), and his callous indifference to her moral conflict highlight his manipulative nature. His smile and mocking tone suggest he enjoys exerting control and watching her suffer emotionally. His attitude indicates that he views Celaena as a pawn in his larger schemes, and his intentions are driven by greed and power rather than loyalty or genuine concern. His behavior underscores his role as an antagonist who exploits others’ trust and uses deception to maintain his dominance, revealing a deeply selfish and ruthless character.
Quotes
1. “There was no trade agreement… The real meetings about the slave-trade negotiations have been going on in the glass castle—between the king and Leighfer.”
This quote reveals the chapter’s central deception—that the supposed trade agreement was a lie, and the true negotiations involving slavery were hidden at the highest levels of power. It underscores the theme of betrayal and the corrupting influence of political manipulation.
2. “Doneval loved his country… Doneval had been working to set up a system of safe houses and form an alliance of people against slavery across the empire. Doneval, bad habits or not, had been working to help the slaves.”
This passage highlights Doneval’s true intentions and moral integrity, contrasting sharply with the lies and treachery that led to his death. It emphasizes the tragic cost of deception and the betrayal of genuine efforts to combat injustice.
3. “I suppose that’s a good thing,” Arobynn said, then shrugged. “Because I spent all the money you gave me when I was at Lysandra’s Bidding last night. My vault feels a little empty because of it.”
This moment captures Arobynn’s manipulative nature and the way he uses others’ sacrifices for his own amusement or gain. It also marks a turning point, revealing his selfishness and the emotional toll on Celaena, who realizes her efforts have been effectively squandered.
4. “From right now until forever, he’s a free man.”
Celaena’s declaration signifies her attempt to free herself from her past debts and the control Arobynn exerted over her, symbolizing a moment of personal assertion amidst the chapter’s overarching themes of betrayal and loss.
5. “He’d spent her money on a person he knew… Why had he saved her life nine years ago just to treat her this way?”
This poignant reflection exposes the deep betrayal and manipulation Arobynn inflicted, questioning the true motives behind his past actions and emphasizing the chapter’s exploration of trust, deception, and the corrupting influence of power.