The Priory of the Orange Tree
Forty-Two
by Shannon, SamanthaIn this chapter, Niclays Roos is deeply engrossed in deciphering an ancient text, *The Tale of Komoridu*, which he believes holds the key to immortality. Working tirelessly on a silk scroll, he meticulously copies characters of varying sizes, convinced they form a celestial map. His companion, Laya, interrupts his work with broth, teasing him about his obsession. Niclays defends his alchemical pursuits, claiming madness is a necessary trait for progress. The tension is palpable as he races against time, aware that failure could cost him his life.
Niclays recalls his earlier attempts to decode the text, experimenting with circular and rectangular star charts. He theorizes that the characters represent stars, with their sizes indicating brightness. His work is interrupted by the thrashing of a captive dragon below deck, adding to the ship’s unease. Laya, sensing his emotional turmoil, gently probes about his past, specifically the death of his close friend Jannart. Niclays, usually guarded, opens up about his grief, revealing their shared love for ancient languages and knowledge.
The scene shifts abruptly as the Golden Empress, accompanied by her bloodied navigator Padar and the fierce Captain Ghonra, enters the room. She demands updates on Niclays’ progress, and he nervously presents his findings, suggesting the characters form a navigational guide to the mythical mulberry tree. The Golden Empress, skeptical yet intrigued, orders Laya to translate the characters. To everyone’s surprise, the text reveals a cryptic message about the “Way of the Outcasts” and the location of the tree, hidden beneath celestial clues.
The chapter culminates in a breakthrough as Padar matches the characters to constellations, confirming Niclays’ theory. The final pane points to the “Magpie,” a constellation known to the Seiikinese, hinting at the tree’s location. Niclays’ excitement is tempered by the Golden Empress’s calculating gaze, leaving the reader with a sense of impending danger and the stakes of their quest. The chapter masterfully blends intellectual pursuit with emotional depth, setting the stage for the next phase of their journey.
FAQs
1. What is Niclays attempting to accomplish with his silk chart, and how does he believe it will lead to the mulberry tree?
Answer:
Niclays is creating a star chart by transcribing characters from The Tale of Komoridu onto silk, focusing on large and small characters while ignoring medium-sized ones. He theorizes that these characters represent stars, with their sizes indicating brightness. By arranging them in rectangular panes mirroring Sepuli star charts, he believes they will form constellations that reveal the location of the legendary mulberry tree. His breakthrough comes when Laya reads the characters as a coherent message, confirming the chart’s purpose as a celestial map leading to Komoridu (pages 445-448).2. How does the relationship between Niclays and Laya develop in this chapter, and what does it reveal about Niclays’ character?
Answer:
Niclays and Laya share a moment of vulnerability when she asks about Jannart’s death, marking a shift in their dynamic. Niclays, who typically avoids discussing his past, opens up to Laya—a sign of trust, as she is disconnected from Virtudom’s political courts. This reveals Niclays’ capacity for emotional connection despite his cynical exterior. Their banter about alchemists’ “madness” and shared intellectual curiosity (e.g., languages, star charts) also highlights his need for companionship and his respect for Laya’s insights (pages 446-447).3. Analyze the significance of the chapter’s title, “East,” in relation to the themes and events depicted.
Answer:
The title “East” symbolizes both a literal and metaphorical journey. Geographically, the characters are navigating eastern seas, seeking Komoridu—a place tied to Eastern mythology (e.g., the Seiikinese-named “Magpie” constellation). Thematically, it reflects Niclays’ intellectual and emotional exploration: his decoding of Eastern texts mirrors his own “eastern” turn toward new alliances (the pirates) and away from Western dogma (Virtudom’s religion). The East thus represents discovery, both of the mulberry tree and of Niclays’ hidden depths (pages 445-448).4. How does the Golden Empress’s interaction with Niclays underscore the stakes of his mission?
Answer:
The Golden Empress’s impatient dismissal of Niclays’ theories (“Thinkers bore me”) and her demand for immediate results heighten the tension. Her authority is absolute—Padar and Ghonra’s bloodied presence emphasizes the violent consequences of failure. Yet when the star chart proves valid, her shift to collaboration (consulting Padar) shows Niclays’ value is contingent on success. This interaction underscores the life-or-death pressure Niclays faces: his survival depends on delivering the tree’s location (pages 447-448).5. What literary devices are used to build suspense in the scene where Niclays completes the star chart?
Answer:
Suspense is built through:- Sensory details: The “quivering” sweat on Niclays’ nose and the rocking ship create physical tension.
- Dialogue: Laya’s hesitant reading of the characters (“Oh. These are the characters for mulberry tree”) delays the revelation.
- Pacing: Short sentences (“Constellations.”) and abrupt actions (Padar’s brushstrokes) heighten urgency.
- Foreshadowing: The dragon’s thrashing and Ghonra’s bloodied appearance hint at impending danger if Niclays fails (pages 445-448).
- Sensory details: The “quivering” sweat on Niclays’ nose and the rocking ship create physical tension.
Quotes
1. “This little chart, Laya, is the key to immortality.”
Niclays passionately defends his work, revealing his obsession with alchemy and the pursuit of eternal life. This quote captures the central driving force behind his character and the high stakes of his research.
2. “All alchemists have madness in their blood. That, dear lady, is why we get things done.”
A witty yet profound statement about the nature of innovation and discovery. Niclays acknowledges the fine line between genius and madness that characterizes his profession.
3. “Jannart adored languages. Ancient and dead ones, especially. He was in love with knowledge.”
This tender recollection reveals Niclays’ emotional depth and his late companion’s intellectual passion. It highlights the theme of scholarly pursuit that runs through the chapter.
4. “I believe these characters from The Tale of Komoridu represent the stars—our most ancient means of navigation.”
A pivotal moment where Niclays explains his breakthrough theory about the coded message in the text. This represents the chapter’s intellectual climax and the solution to the mystery they’ve been pursuing.
5. “The Seiikinese call it the Magpie. The constellation that holds the key.”
The dramatic revelation that completes Niclays’ decoding work. This quote marks the successful culmination of their efforts and sets up the next stage of their quest.