The Priory of the Orange Tree
Fifty-One
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Tané approaching Elder Vara at dawn in the courtyard of Vane Hall, where he is oiling his iron leg. She brings him food and engages in a conversation about his prosthetic, revealing his dependence on it since its creator is deceased. Their exchange shifts to more pressing matters when Elder Vara shares troubling news: the Fleet of the Tiger Eye is rumored to be holding the dragon Nayimathun hostage, using her as leverage for safe passage. Tané is visibly shaken by this revelation, as Nayimathun is a revered figure in her culture, and the possibility of her survival reignites Tané’s determination to act.
Elder Vara further reveals that the Golden Empress seeks the fabled mulberry tree on the lost isle of Komoridu, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding events. Tané, struggling to contain her emotions, asks for permission to access the repository to research celestial jewels, also known as tide or wishing jewels. Elder Vara, though surprised by her knowledge of these secret artifacts, agrees and provides her with a letter to gain entry to Windward Hall’s archives. This sets Tané on a new path, as she believes the celestial jewels might hold the key to freeing Nayimathun.
Prepared for a arduous journey, Tané dresses warmly and sets off across the island, braving the cold and treacherous terrain. Her thoughts remain fixated on Nayimathun’s plight, fueling her resolve to find a solution. As she traverses the sacred Path of the Elder, surrounded by fog and ancient graves, she reflects on the past, including the fate of her friend Susa, whose execution haunts her. The solemn atmosphere of the burial ground underscores the weight of her mission and the sacrifices made by those who came before her.
Upon reaching Windward Hall, Tané is greeted by a bonesinger, who welcomes her into the hermitage. She presents Elder Vara’s letter, requesting access to the repository to study documents from Empress Mokwo’s reign. The bonesinger, respectful of Elder Vara’s authority, offers her the choice to rest or begin her research immediately. Tané’s journey highlights her resilience and dedication, as she seeks to uncover the secrets of the celestial jewels and potentially save Nayimathun, setting the stage for further discoveries and challenges.
FAQs
1. What crucial information does Elder Vara share with Tané about the Fleet of the Tiger Eye, and how does this revelation impact her?
Answer:
Elder Vara informs Tané that the Fleet of the Tiger Eye is suspected of holding the dragon Nayimathun hostage, intending to use her as leverage for safe passage. This news shocks Tané, as she had previously mourned Nayimathun’s death. The possibility that her dragon might still be alive—though suffering—reignites Tané’s determination to act. The revelation shifts her focus toward seeking celestial jewels, which she believes could free Nayimathun. This moment marks a pivotal turn in Tané’s motivations, as she transitions from grief to urgent purpose (pages 532–533).2. Analyze the significance of Tané’s journey to Windward Hall. What symbolic and practical purposes does it serve?
Answer:
Tané’s trek to Windward Hall symbolizes her commitment to uncovering hidden knowledge (the celestial jewels) and her willingness to endure hardship for Nayimathun. Practically, it grants her access to ancient records about the jewels, which may hold the key to rescuing her dragon. The journey also reinforces themes of perseverance and sacrifice, as she braves cold, fog, and dangerous terrain. Additionally, passing through the sacred Path of the Elder connects her to the East’s spiritual legacy, reminding her of the stakes—honoring the dead while fighting for the living (pages 533–535).3. How does the chapter portray the relationship between humans and dragons in the East, and what tensions arise from this dynamic?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a reverent yet fragile bond between humans and dragons. Dragons like Nayimathun are worshipped as gods, making their captivity by the Fleet of the Tiger Eye a profound sacrilege. This tension underscores the vulnerability of even divine beings to human exploitation. Elder Vara’s worry reflects broader societal fear about threats to their sacred order. Tané’s personal anguish over Nayimathun’s suffering personalizes this conflict, illustrating how the desecration of dragons destabilizes both spiritual and emotional foundations in the East (pages 532–534).4. What role does secrecy and restricted knowledge play in this chapter, particularly regarding the celestial jewels?
Answer:
Secrecy surrounds the celestial jewels, described as “secret knowledge” known only to elders. Tané learns of them through Nayimathun, suggesting dragons hold esoteric wisdom inaccessible to most humans. Elder Vara’s hesitation to grant access to the repository emphasizes the East’s guarded approach to power. This secrecy creates barriers to action—Tané must navigate bureaucracy (via Elder Vara’s letter) to uncover information that could save Nayimathun. The theme raises questions about who controls knowledge and why, and whether such restrictions hinder justice (pages 533–534).5. How does the setting of the Path of the Elder contribute to the chapter’s tone and themes?
Answer:
The Path of the Elder, shrouded in fog and lined with ancient graves, evokes mystery, reverence, and mortality. Its silence and isolation mirror Tané’s internal turmoil as she grapples with loss and duty. The graves of unnamed scholars and Susa’s unmarked fate remind her of the costs of failure. Yet, the lanterns guiding her path symbolize hope and tradition. This setting reinforces themes of legacy and sacrifice, situating Tané’s quest within a broader historical and spiritual context (pages 534–535).
Quotes
1. “The High Sea Guard suspects the Fleet of the Tiger Eye is holding a dragon hostage. It seems they intend to keep it alive … to guarantee them safe passage through any waters they desire. A sinister new tactic, to hold our gods as leverage.”
This revelation introduces the chapter’s central conflict—the capture of a dragon as political leverage—and underscores the moral outrage of using sacred beings as bargaining chips. It sets the stakes for Tané’s subsequent actions.
2. “Tané had mourned her dragon. Now there was a possibility, however small, that she lived. This news changed everything.”
This pivotal moment marks Tané’s emotional turning point, shifting her from grief to determined action. The possibility of Nayimathun’s survival becomes the driving force behind her quest.
3. “Surely a celestial jewel—if that was what had been stitched into Tané, like a pattern into cloth … Surely that could set a dragon free.”
This introspective passage reveals Tané’s growing belief in her own potential role as a savior, connecting her mysterious markings to the legendary artifacts that might free Nayimathun. It shows her transition from passive observer to active protagonist.
4. “Walking here, however, she could not help but think of Susa. The bodies of the executed were left to rot, the bones discarded. A head in a ditch, a body uncorked.”
This haunting reflection during Tané’s journey through the sacred Path of the Elder contrasts spiritual reverence with brutal reality, showing how past trauma continues to shape her present. It highlights the chapter’s theme of memory’s persistence.
5. “It was not quite silent. Every few moments, the leaves rustled, as if unsettled by breath.”
This atmospheric description of the Path of the Elder serves as both literal setting and metaphorical foreshadowing, suggesting the presence of unseen forces at work. The passage exemplifies the chapter’s skillful blending of environment and emotion.