The Priory of the Orange Tree
Eleven
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with the characters aboard the *Rose Eternal*, approaching the draconic-infested land of Yscalin. Estina Melaugo and Kit exchange grim remarks about their impending danger, while Loth observes the distant lights of Perunta through a spyglass, his hands still unsteady from encountering Fýredel, a High Western dragon. The narrative reveals the significance of these dragons as commanders of the Draconic Army, whose awakening signals a resurgence of their destructive power. Though the Nameless One remains imprisoned, his servants pose a grave threat, recalling the devastation of the Grief of Ages. The group’s tension is palpable as they confront the reality of their mission.
Loth’s thoughts delve into the history of the Draconic plague, a deadly disease originating from the Nameless One and spread by High Westerns and their wyverns. The plague’s symptoms—reddened hands, scaly rashes, fever, and visions—are described in horrifying detail, culminating in the fatal bloodblaze phase. With no known cure or protection, the disease looms as a silent killer. Melaugo attempts to reassure Loth, suggesting the palace may be safe, but her detached tone underscores the peril they face. The scene shifts as Captain Harlowe and Plume approach, signaling the end of the characters’ time aboard the ship.
Kit, desperate to avoid their fate, attempts to bargain with Harlowe, offering land and claiming sailing experience to join the crew. Loth, however, remains resolute, emphasizing their duty to uncover the truth behind Prince Wilstan’s disappearance. Kit’s frustration peaks as he privately confronts Loth, accusing Combe of sending them to their deaths. Despite Kit’s pleas, Loth refuses to abandon his mission, driven by a sense of justice. Harlowe, unimpressed by their indecision, ultimately orders them off the ship, leaving the pair to face Yscalin’s dangers alone.
As they prepare to disembark, Kit chooses to stand by Loth, citing loyalty and fellowship. The two descend via a rope ladder into a rowing boat, accompanied by Melaugo, who bids a playful farewell to the crew. The pirates’ mocking laughter echoes as they row away, underscoring the isolation and uncertainty of their journey. The chapter closes with a mix of camaraderie and foreboding, as Loth and Kit brace themselves for the challenges ahead in the plague-ridden land of Yscalin.
FAQs
1. What is the Draconic plague, and what are its symptoms according to the chapter?
Answer:
The Draconic plague is a deadly disease originating from the Nameless One and carried by High Westerns and their wyverns. According to Loth’s knowledge from books, it begins with reddening hands and a scalelike rash, followed by joint pain, fever, and visions. In its advanced stage (bloodblaze), victims scream as if burning and can spread the plague through skin contact. Most die within days, though some survive longer. Notably, there is no known cure or protection against this plague, making it especially feared among the characters as they approach Yscalin.2. How does Kit attempt to avoid entering Yscalin, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Kit desperately tries to convince Captain Harlowe to let them join the pirate crew, offering land and claiming (falsely) to have sailing experience. This reveals Kit as pragmatic and self-preserving, willing to lie or bargain to avoid danger. His contrast with Loth—who remains duty-bound—highlights Kit’s lack of piety and his preference for survival over honor. However, his eventual decision to stay with Loth (“What little piety I have, I owe to you”) shows loyalty to friendship despite his fears.3. Analyze the significance of Fýredel’s awakening in the broader context of the chapter.
Answer:
Fýredel’s awakening is a pivotal threat because, as the “right wing of the Nameless One,” his return suggests other High Westerns may follow. This undermines the long-held belief that wyrms were “living fossils” after their slumber post-Grief of Ages. The chapter implies their resurgence is tied to an unresolved cosmic event (the comet) and foreshadows larger chaos. For Loth, it heightens the stakes of entering Yscalin, as the Draconic Army’s strength is linked to High Westerns, and their presence likely exacerbates the plague’s spread.4. How does the chapter portray the dynamic between the aristocracy and the commons in this world?
Answer:
Melaugo’s remark—”It’s those of us you call the commons who suffer most in times of need”—critiques class disparity. While Loth and Kit fear the plague, she implies the aristocracy (like Yscalin’s palace dwellers) are insulated from suffering. This tension resurfaces when the pirates mock the lords with pomanders, symbolizing privilege. The pirates’ disdain for “pious talk” further contrasts with Loth’s noble ideals, emphasizing a world where survival often overrides honor, and class divides shape perspectives on danger and duty.5. Why does Loth refuse Harlowe’s offer to join the crew, and what does this decision reveal about his motivations?
Answer:
Loth refuses because he feels compelled to uncover Prince Wilstan’s fate and fulfill his duty, despite personal risk. His resolve highlights his unwavering sense of honor and loyalty to Inys, even when exiled. Unlike Kit, Loth prioritizes justice over survival, embodying the “balls” Melaugo admires. His choice also reflects his faith in the Knight of Fellowship’s tenets (invoked by Kit), suggesting his actions are driven by moral conviction rather than practicality. This sets up his role as a steadfast, if idealistic, protagonist.
Quotes
1. “Fýredel. Right wing of the Nameless One. Commander of the Draconic Army. If he had woken, then the other High Westerns would surely follow. It was from them that the rest of wyrmkind drew strength.”
This quote introduces the looming threat of the Draconic Army’s resurgence, emphasizing the hierarchical power structure among the wyrms and foreshadowing the danger the characters will face in Yscalin. It sets the tone for the chapter’s tension.
2. “There was no cure for the plague. No cure and no protection.”
A stark declaration about the Draconic plague’s lethality, underscoring the hopelessness of the situation as Loth and Kit prepare to enter Yscalin. This quote heightens the stakes and reinforces the gravity of their mission.
3. “This is the Night Hawk sending us both to our deaths for a pennyworth of gossip.”
Kit’s bitter accusation reveals his skepticism about their mission’s true purpose, hinting at political machinations behind their exile. It adds a layer of intrigue and questions the morality of their quest.
4. “You’re not the Saint.”
Kit’s poignant remark to Loth highlights the latter’s idealism and self-sacrificing nature, contrasting it with the harsh reality of their situation. It serves as a moment of emotional vulnerability between the two friends.
5. “What little piety I have, I owe to you. And he might not be my patron, but I know the Knight of Fellowship tells us not to leave our friends alone.”
Kit’s declaration of loyalty to Loth, despite his fears, showcases their deep friendship and the themes of camaraderie and duty. It marks a turning point where Kit chooses solidarity over self-preservation.