The Priory of the Orange Tree
Seventy-Five
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter follows Lady Tané of Clan Miduchi as she navigates her role as an unofficial ambassador between Seiiki and the Empire of the Twelve Lakes. Despite the apparent calm in the world, Tané feels an underlying restlessness, haunted by a sense of calling from her past. She reunites with her dragon, Nayimathun, and prepares for a journey, carrying a letter from the Unceasing Emperor. The narrative hints at unresolved tensions, such as the lingering threat of the Golden Empress and the illegal trade in dragonflesh, which Tané is determined to confront.
Tané reflects on her recent rewards, including a mansion in Nanta, but remains burdened by the loss of her friend Susa. Her emotional scars run as deep as the physical one on her cheekbone, a constant reminder of her path to the Abyss. After delivering the letter in Ginura, she joins Nayimathun on the beach, where she expresses her desire to travel to Komoridu. The dragon agrees, and they set off, symbolizing Tané’s quest for closure and understanding of her heritage.
Upon arriving at Komoridu, Tané explores the island, uncovering remnants of its ancient past. She discovers a cave with a weathered statue of Neporo of Komoridu, whose face eerily resembles her own. Overwhelmed by the connection, Tané kneels before the statue and simply says, “Thank you.” The encounter feels dreamlike, and she stays until her lantern burns out, eventually falling asleep beside a dead mulberry tree under the stars.
The chapter concludes with Tané waking to find a white butterfly cupped in her hand and her side bleeding, a mysterious and symbolic moment. The butterfly, often seen as a messenger from the celestial plane, hints at Tané’s deeper connection to the spiritual world and her ancestors. This poignant ending underscores her journey of self-discovery and the unresolved mysteries that continue to shape her destiny.
FAQs
1. What role does Lady Tané serve between Seiiki and the Empire of the Twelve Lakes, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Lady Tané acts as an unofficial ambassador between Seiiki and the Empire of the Twelve Lakes during her recovery, facilitating communication and maintaining diplomatic ties. This role highlights her resilience, adaptability, and sense of duty. Despite her personal struggles—such as her grief over Susa and her physical injuries—she continues to serve her people and navigate complex political landscapes. Her interactions with the Unceasing Emperor, marked by mutual courtesy, also underscore her diplomatic acumen and the respect she commands across nations.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of the white butterfly that appears in Tané’s hand at the end of the chapter. How does it connect to earlier themes in the story?
Answer:
The white butterfly symbolizes spiritual guidance and the presence of the dead, echoing Elder Vara’s earlier explanation that butterflies are messengers from the celestial plane. For Tané, the butterfly represents a link to her ancestors, particularly Neporo of Komoridu, whose statue she encounters in the cave. This moment reinforces themes of fate, inheritance, and transformation—key motifs in Tané’s journey. The butterfly’s appearance also mirrors the one that led her to safety as a child, suggesting that her path, though fraught with loss, is divinely guided.3. How does the setting of Komoridu serve as a metaphor for Tané’s personal journey and identity?
Answer:
Komoridu, described as “the island for outcasts,” mirrors Tané’s own sense of displacement and her search for belonging. The ruins and artifacts she discovers—foundations of houses, pottery shards, and tools—reflect her fragmented understanding of her heritage. The cave with Neporo’s statue becomes a pivotal setting where Tané confronts her ancestry, literally seeing her own face in the Firstblood. This moment encapsulates her reconciliation with her past and acceptance of her identity. The island’s desolation and hidden history parallel Tané’s internal struggles, making it a powerful metaphor for self-discovery.4. What is the significance of Tané’s scar, and how does it tie into her motivations in this chapter?
Answer:
The scar on Tané’s cheekbone is a physical reminder of the trauma that set her on the path to the Abyss, symbolizing both her suffering and her resilience. In this chapter, she traces it while gazing into a mirror, indicating a moment of reflection on her past actions and losses. The scar fuels her determination to fulfill her vow to the Golden Empress and combat the dragonflesh trade, as seen in her preparations to return to the High Sea Guard. It represents her enduring resolve to turn pain into purpose, driving her forward despite her grief.5. Evaluate the relationship between Tané and Nayimathun. How does their dynamic evolve in this chapter?
Answer:
Tané and Nayimathun’s relationship is one of mutual trust and partnership. In this chapter, their bond deepens as Nayimathun accompanies Tané to Komoridu, patiently waiting while she explores the island. Their brief exchange—“I would like to go now. If you will take me.” / “Yes. To Komoridu.”—reveals unspoken understanding and loyalty. Nayimathun’s role transitions from mere transport to a supportive companion in Tané’s quest for closure. The dragon’s presence at key moments (e.g., on the beach where she was once captured) underscores their shared history and interdependence, highlighting how both characters anchor each other in times of uncertainty.
Quotes
1. “All seemed quiet in the world, yet Tané was restless. Something called to her from a distant past.”
This quote captures Tané’s internal conflict despite outward peace, hinting at unresolved history and foreshadowing her journey to Komoridu. It represents the chapter’s theme of lingering connections to the past.
2. “Except Susa. That loss would remain an arrowhead in her, buried too deep to dig out. Each day, she expected another water ghost to come out of the sea. A ghost without its head.”
A powerful metaphor for enduring grief, showing how Tané carries the trauma of Susa’s death. The visceral imagery underscores the chapter’s exploration of loss and memory.
3. “This was her inheritance. The island for outcasts.”
This pivotal realization as Tané arrives at Komoridu connects her personal journey to broader themes of belonging and legacy. The simple statement carries significant thematic weight about identity and acceptance.
4. “If not for that butterfly, Tané would have perished with her parents, and the jewel might have been lost.”
This reflection on chance and destiny encapsulates the chapter’s meditation on how small moments shape history. It ties Tané’s personal story to larger mythological patterns in the narrative.
5. “In the morning, a white butterfly was cupped in her hand, and her side was damp with blood.”
The haunting closing image combines symbolic elements (butterfly as spirit messenger) with physical reality (blood), leaving the reader with a sense of cyclical connection between past and present.