The Priory of the Orange Tree
Forty-Three
by Shannon, SamanthaEad prepares for a perilous journey to confront Kalyba, the banished and feared Lady of the Woods. Armed with weapons and clad in the white cloak of a postulant, she is seen off by Chassar and the ichneumon Aralaq. Chassar expresses confidence in Ead’s abilities but warns her to retreat if the danger becomes too great. Aralaq, though gruff, pledges to protect her, highlighting the bond between them. The chapter sets the stage for Ead’s quest, emphasizing the risks posed by Kalyba’s dark magic and the unresolved tension surrounding her past at the Priory.
As Ead and Aralaq traverse the forest, the narrative delves into Kalyba’s enigmatic history. Once a mysterious figure at the Priory, Kalyba claimed immortality and possessed unsettling powers not derived from the sacred orange tree. Ead recalls Kalyba’s ability to enchant and manipulate, such as transforming her fingers into feathers, which captivated Ead and her friend Jondu. The reasons for Kalyba’s banishment remain shrouded in rumor, including suspicions that she poisoned the former Prioress. These memories underscore Kalyba’s duality—both alluring and dangerous—and foreshadow the challenges Ead will face.
During their journey, Ead reflects on her past and her unresolved feelings for Sabran, the Queen of Inys. She grapples with guilt over her deception and wonders if Sabran still trusts her despite the lies. These introspective moments reveal Ead’s vulnerability and her longing for redemption. Meanwhile, Aralaq’s gruff yet loyal nature provides a counterbalance, as he ensures her safety and sustenance. The interplay between Ead’s inner turmoil and the external dangers of the forest deepens the chapter’s emotional stakes.
The chapter culminates with Ead and Aralaq nearing Kalyba’s domain, the Bower of Eternity. As they cross the treacherous Minara River and endure the elements, Ead steels herself for the confrontation ahead. Her determination to uncover the truth about Kalyba—and perhaps herself—drives her forward. The chapter masterfully blends action, memory, and introspection, painting a vivid picture of Ead’s resolve amidst uncertainty and danger. The stage is set for a climactic encounter that will test her courage and loyalty.
FAQs
1. What significant changes in Ead’s status and equipment mark her transition at the beginning of this chapter?
Answer:
The chapter highlights Ead’s transition through both symbolic and practical changes. She is now dressed in the white cloak of a postulant, representing her maturation into womanhood, contrasting with the olive cloak of her childhood. The armorer provides her with four key weapons: a monbone bow, an iron sword, an axe with Selinyi prayers, and a wood-handled dagger. These tools signify her readiness for a dangerous mission. Chassar’s mention of the future red cloak suggests this is a rite of passage toward becoming a full-fledged member of her order, though Ead remains apprehensive about surviving the journey to face Kalyba.2. How does the chapter characterize the relationship between Ead and Aralaq, and what does it reveal about ichneumons?
Answer:
Ead and Aralaq share a bond of deep loyalty masked by surface-level gruffness. Though Aralaq calls Ead a “fool” for her mission and claims ichneumons “do not lead little sisters into danger,” his actions prove otherwise—he hunts for her, provides food, and transports her swiftly through the forest. Their dynamic reveals key traits of ichneumons: they are fiercely protective, faster than horses, and possess human-like intelligence (shown through speech and sarcasm). The line “This is only because you fed me as a pup” underscores their lifelong bonds, blending duty with reluctant affection.3. What contradictory qualities does Kalyba possess based on Ead’s memories and the Priory’s accounts?
Answer:
Kalyba is portrayed as both enchanting and sinister. Ead recalls her as a redheaded figure with “bottomless dark eyes” who could manipulate her body (elongating fingers into feathers) and inspire childlike trust. However, the Priory’s rumors paint her as the “Lady of the Woods,” a bloodthirsty figure who may have poisoned Ead’s mentor, Zāla. Her magic is described as unnatural—stemming not from the orange tree but a hawthorn tree, with additional “unsettling gifts.” This duality makes her unpredictable: simultaneously knowledgeable, charismatic, and lethally dangerous.4. How does the chapter use Ead’s reflections about Sabran to develop her internal conflict?
Answer:
Ead’s thoughts about Sabran reveal guilt and unresolved emotional tension. She agonizes over whether Sabran believes the dukes’ accusations of her being a “sorceress and traitor,” acknowledging she betrayed Sabran’s trust by hiding her true identity. The mention of their physical intimacy (“shared a bed”) contrasts painfully with this deception. Ead also worries about Sabran’s political vulnerability, showing her protective instincts persist despite their separation. These reflections humanize Ead, emphasizing the cost of her dual loyalties between the Priory and Inysh court.5. Analyze how the setting of the Bower of Eternity contributes to the chapter’s atmosphere.
Answer:
The Bower of Eternity embodies mystery and peril. Described as enchanted to “trick the eyes,” it reflects Kalyba’s deceptive nature. The journey there—through dense forests, waterfalls, and the treacherous Minara River—creates a sense of escalating danger. The warm rain and persimmons add sensory richness, grounding the adventure in vivid detail while contrasting with the ominous goal. This setting mirrors Ead’s internal journey: physically arduous, emotionally charged (with memories of Kalyba resurfacing), and fraught with uncertainty about what magic or truths await her.
Quotes
1. “Kalyba is a dread creature, but not as strong as she was. She has not eaten of the orange tree, for twenty years, and so will have no siden left.”
This quote reveals crucial information about the antagonist Kalyba’s weakened state and the source of her power (the orange tree’s siden). It sets up the central conflict while hinting at the magical system of this world.
2. “What would you become, little sisters, if you could become anything?… I could strike the wyrms down for the Mother, even as they flew.”
This flashback dialogue shows Ead’s childhood aspirations and introduces the thematic tension between her past innocence and current mission. It also foreshadows her role as a dragon-slayer.
3. “She might have already chosen another Lady of the Bedchamber… Did Sabran still trust her? She hardly deserved it. They had shared a bed, shared their bodies, but Ead had never told her the truth of who she was.”
This introspective passage reveals Ead’s inner conflict about her deception of Queen Sabran, highlighting the tension between duty and personal relationships that drives her character arc.
4. “The Witch of Inysca will make meat of you… She will tell you lies… Or she will vaunt her knowledge. She has enough of it.”
This exchange between Ead and Aralaq captures the dangerous nature of their quest while showcasing their relationship dynamic. It also establishes Kalyba’s character traits before their confrontation.