The Priory of the Orange Tree
Fifty-Eight
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter follows Lord Arteloth (Loth) aboard the *Elegant* as he journeys across the treacherous Abyss, weary of the sea and longing for land. The narrative reveals that Queen Sabran of Inys has successfully rallied support for an unprecedented alliance with Eastern heretics and wyrms, despite religious and political opposition. The desperate plan involves dividing the Draconic Army by besieging Cárscaro, forcing Fýredel to defend it, thereby weakening their forces for the impending battle against the Nameless One. Loth reflects on the high stakes, acknowledging the likelihood of death but resolving to fight rather than face annihilation.
Loth’s departure is marked by emotional farewells, including his mother and Queen Sabran, who gifts him her coronation ring as a token for the Unceasing Emperor. Sabran’s determination to protect her people and honor Ead, a fallen companion, underscores her leadership. Loth, haunted by memories of Ead, is interrupted by the cabin girl announcing their arrival at the Bonehouse Trench, where he must transfer to another ship bound for the Empire of the Twelve Lakes. The scene shifts to the deck, where the eerie Abyss, teeming with mythical dangers, sets a foreboding tone.
Upon spotting the *Rose Eternal*, Loth is greeted by Estina Melaugo, a privateer who expresses surprise at his survival. The crew assists Loth and his Inysh entourage onto the new ship, where he reunites with Captain Gian Harlowe. Harlowe introduces his new cartographer, Hafrid of Elding, and engages Loth in brief conversation about the perils of the Abyss. The exchange hints at Harlowe’s respect for Loth, despite their past tensions, and establishes the crew’s camaraderie and efficiency.
The chapter culminates with Loth’s transition to the *Rose Eternal*, symbolizing the next phase of his diplomatic mission. The interactions with Melaugo and Harlowe highlight the blend of danger and adventure inherent in their quest. Loth’s internal reflections on sacrifice, leadership, and loss intertwine with the external challenges of the journey, setting the stage for the high-stakes negotiations and battles to come. The Abyss serves as both a physical and metaphorical threshold, emphasizing the uncertainty and courage required to confront the looming threat of the Nameless One.
FAQs
1. What was the “Eastern Proposal” that Sabran argued for, and why was it controversial among the Virtues Council?
Answer:
The Eastern Proposal refers to Sabran’s plan to form an alliance with Eastern nations and wyrms—groups traditionally viewed as heretical by Inysh society. This was controversial because it directly contradicted Inysh religious doctrine, which condemned both Eastern beliefs and wyrms as evil. The Virtues Council’s primary concern was how the Inysh people would react to this alliance, as it challenged centuries of religious teachings. After extensive debate and consultations with the College of Sanctarians, Sabran successfully persuaded the council to approve the proposal, demonstrating her political skill and determination to prioritize survival over tradition (pages 623-624).2. Analyze the strategic purpose behind Sabran’s plan to attack Cárscaro. How does this connect to the broader conflict with the Draconic Army?
Answer:
Sabran’s plan to besiege Cárscaro serves as a diversionary tactic to weaken the Draconic Army. By attacking their stronghold in Yscalin, she aims to force Fýredel and his forces to defend it, thereby splitting their attention and resources away from the Abyss. This strategy increases the chances of success in the primary mission to defeat the Nameless One upon his awakening. The plan highlights the desperate stakes of the conflict—Sabran acknowledges that many may die, but she views it as the only viable option to prevent global annihilation (page 624).3. What symbolic and practical significance does Sabran’s coronation ring hold in Loth’s mission?
Answer:
Sabran’s coronation ring, which Loth carries on a chain around his neck, serves both symbolic and practical purposes. Symbolically, it represents Sabran’s authority and trust in Loth as her emissary to the Unceasing Emperor, lending legitimacy to his diplomatic mission. Practically, it acts as a tangible proof of his credentials, ensuring that Eastern leaders recognize him as an official representative of Inys. The ring also reflects Sabran’s personal investment in the alliance, as coronation rings are deeply significant to monarchs (page 624).4. How does the chapter portray the Abyss, and what does Loth’s reaction to it reveal about his character?
Answer:
The Abyss is depicted as a terrifying and mysterious expanse, home to mythical creatures like syrens, glowing fish, and massive baleens. Loth’s visceral discomfort—his reluctance to look at the water and his envy of Captain Lanthorn returning to “blue waters”—reveals his vulnerability and fear, contrasting with his usual bravery. This humanizes him, showing that even a nobleman who faced Yscalin’s horrors can be unsettled by the unknown. The setting also underscores the peril of his mission (pages 624-625).5. Evaluate the significance of Loth’s reunion with the crew of the Rose Eternal. What does this interaction suggest about his growth since his earlier encounters with them?
Answer:
The reunion highlights Loth’s increased respect and camaraderie with the privateers, who once viewed him as an outsider. Their surprise at his survival and their willingness to assist his entourage suggest a shift in their perception of him—from a naive noble to a resilient ally. Loth’s ease in bantering with Melaugo and his acknowledgment of the Donmata Marosa’s role in his escape also demonstrate his growth in humility and cross-cultural understanding. This interaction foreshadows his potential to bridge divides between Inys and the East (pages 625-626).
Quotes
1. “Either they must smite the Nameless One the hour he rose, or wait for him to annihilate the world. Loth would far sooner die with a sword in his hand.”
This quote captures the desperate stakes of the mission and Loth’s resolve. It highlights the existential threat posed by the Nameless One and the characters’ willingness to face certain death for a chance at victory.
2. “Her determination was something to behold. It was clear that she feared this alliance, but Sabran would do anything for her subjects. And he sensed this was her way to honor Ead.”
This passage reveals Sabran’s leadership qualities and personal motivations. It shows her overcoming fear for her people’s sake while also hinting at her emotional connection to Ead, adding depth to her character.
3. “The Abyss was home to many things that other seas were not. He had heard tell of syrens with needles for teeth, of fish that glowed like candles, of baleens that could swallow a ship whole.”
This vivid description establishes the ominous, supernatural nature of the Abyss. It creates atmosphere while foreshadowing potential dangers the characters might face on their journey, enhancing the sense of peril.
4. “We all wagered you were dead. How in Halgalant did you escape Cárscaro?”
This exchange between Melaugo and Loth serves as both a moment of levity and a reminder of Loth’s improbable survival. It hints at untold backstory while showing the camaraderie between characters from different social strata.