The Priory of the Orange Tree
Five
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Tané, a newly chosen soldier of the High Sea Guard, preparing to leave Cape Hisan, her lifelong home. As the city buzzes with celebrations for Choosing Day, she reflects on her separation from Ishari, a close friend who failed to become a dragon rider due to inadequate training. Tané navigates the vibrant streets, absorbing the sights and sounds one last time, aware of the city’s temptations and dangers, including brothels and piracy recruiters. Her thoughts shift to Susa, another dear friend, whom she seeks out at an inn to discuss a pressing matter.
Tané’s past is revealed through her memories of Ampiki, her impoverished village destroyed by fire, and her miraculous survival, which led to her training as a dragon rider. Her humble origins contrast with her current status, as evidenced by the reverence shown to her by a child at the inn. Susa arrives, and their conversation turns to a mysterious outsider who has disappeared from Orisima, a trading post. The two women grapple with whether to report him to the authorities, fearing the consequences of their earlier involvement but also reluctant to condemn him to death.
Susa and Tané debate the risks of the outsider’s escape, questioning if he could evade capture and return to his homeland. Tané rationalizes that his isolation in Orisima limits the threat of disease and that further association with him is too dangerous. Their dialogue reveals their compassion and moral conflict, as well as their pragmatic understanding of the political realities they face. The tension between duty and mercy underscores their friendship and shared history of defiance.
The chapter concludes with Susa encouraging Tané to pursue her dream of becoming a dragon rider, despite her fears and the challenges ahead. Their bond is reaffirmed as they exchange heartfelt promises of enduring friendship. The interruption by the inn’s young servant signals the end of their clandestine meeting, leaving Tané to face her uncertain future with determination and the support of those who believe in her.
FAQs
1. What significant event is taking place in Cape Hisan, and how does this affect Tané’s immediate circumstances?
Answer:
Cape Hisan is celebrating Choosing Day, the event where new riders are selected for the High Sea Guard. This marks a pivotal moment for Tané as she prepares to leave for the capital at the ninth hour of night, potentially beginning her new life as a dragon rider. The chapter emphasizes the bittersweet nature of this transition—while it represents the fulfillment of her childhood dream, it also means leaving behind her only known home and her close friend Susa. The celebratory atmosphere contrasts with Tané’s reflective mood as she contemplates this life-changing opportunity and the relationships she may leave behind.2. Analyze the relationship between Tané and Ishari. What does their separation reveal about the social structures in Seiiki?
Answer:
Tané and Ishari shared a deep, sisterly bond—Tané nursed Ishari through a life-threatening fever, while Ishari guided Tané through personal milestones like her first menstruation. Their forced separation (as Ishari departs for Feather Island with the scholars) highlights the rigid social hierarchy of Seiiki. Only those who excel in training become riders, and Ishari’s inability to advance despite their closeness demonstrates how meritocracy overrides personal relationships. This system creates emotional sacrifices, as Tané laments that Ishari’s lack of dedication (not studying “hard enough”) cost them the chance to stay together as riders.3. How does the chapter use sensory details to establish Cape Hisan’s atmosphere, and what narrative purpose does this serve?
Answer:
The chapter vividly describes Cape Hisan through smells (incense, sweat, sea-fresh fish), sounds (drummers, traders calling, a bird’s song), and visual details (painted kites, lanternlight). This sensory richness serves two purposes: First, it immerses readers in the vibrant, chaotic port city that Tané must leave behind, heightening the emotional weight of her departure. Second, it contrasts the city’s temptations (brothels, taverns, piracy) with the disciplined life Tané has chosen, emphasizing her willpower. The description of her “last walk” through these familiar sensations underscores the sacrifice inherent in pursuing her ambition.4. Why is the outsider’s disappearance significant, and what ethical dilemma does it pose for Tané and Susa?
Answer:
The missing outsider (a foreigner presumably smuggled into Orisima) represents a breach of Seiiki’s strict isolationist policies, which would mandate his execution if discovered. His disappearance creates tension because Tané and Susa helped hide him earlier, making them complicit. Their debate over whether to report him reveals their moral conflict: Susa argues for mercy, noting his youth and possible unwillingness in coming, while Tané weighs the risk of disease (the “red sickness”) against their duty. Their decision to prioritize self-preservation (“Further association is too much of a risk”) reflects the harsh realities of their society’s laws.5. How does Tané’s background as an orphan from Ampiki shape her perspective on becoming a rider?
Answer:
Tané’s origins—born to fisherfolk in poverty and orphaned by a village fire—make her selection as a potential rider extraordinary. A holy woman interpreted her survival (chasing a butterfly from the burning house) as divine intervention, redirecting her fate from the land army to dragon training. This instills in Tané both deep gratitude (“guilt for wanting so much when I have already received so many blessings”) and a driving need to prove herself worthy of this second chance. Her ambition is tempered by humility, as seen when she hesitates to condemn the outsider, recognizing her own unlikely path.
Quotes
1. “If only Ishari had studied harder—given more of herself to her training—they could have been riders together.”
This quote reveals Tané’s deep longing for companionship in her chosen path and her belief in meritocracy. It highlights the tension between personal relationships and professional aspirations in the rigorous world of dragon riders.
2. “It had always been a risk to come here. The city was a dangerous place, where apprentices might be tempted to act in ways that would corrupt them.”
This passage establishes the moral dichotomy of the setting, contrasting the disciplined life of training with the temptations of the city. It reflects the constant test of character faced by the apprentices.
3. “Most foundlings and orphans washed up in the land army, but the butterfly had been interpreted by a holy woman as intervention from the gods, and it was decided that Tané must be trained as a rider.”
This crucial backstory explains Tané’s divine selection and exceptional path. The butterfly motif symbolizes both her salvation from death and her destined greatness, establishing her as a chosen one.
4. “I must be a rider, Tané. I feel guilty for wanting so much when I have already received so many blessings, but—”
This vulnerable admission captures Tané’s internal conflict between gratitude and ambition. It reveals the psychological burden of her exceptional status and her driving motivation for the challenges ahead.
5. “Fear will make you fight. Don’t let a little shit like Turosa get the better of you, whoever his mother is.”
Susa’s blunt advice combines practical wisdom with social commentary. This quote demonstrates the importance of channeling fear productively while acknowledging the political realities (nepotism) within their world.