The Priory of the Orange Tree
Seventy-Two
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens in the aftermath of a brutal battle in the foothills of the Spindles, where the wyrm Valeysa lies dead, surrounded by the carnage of human and draconic remains. Fýredel, a key draconic figure, abandoned his territory, summoning his siblings to attack the united armies of North, South, and West, but they were ultimately defeated. With the Nameless One’s disappearance, Fýredel fled, leaving his followers scattered. The rising sun illuminates the devastation, revealing a landscape marred by blood, fire, and bones, while Loth searches for Margret amidst the chaos.
Loth arrives at the battlefield, brought by Onren, a Seiikinese woman, on dragonback. His focus is on Cárscaro, where smoke rises from the ruined city. King Sigoso, the murderer of queens, is dead, his corpse hanging from the Gate of Niunda, causing his soldiers to desert. Loth desperately hopes that Princess Marosa has survived and is ready to assume power. The scene underscores the political upheaval and the fragile hope for a new beginning in the wake of the tyrant’s demise.
The narrative shifts to a field hospital, a league from the battlefield, where the wounded suffer in agony. King Jantar of the Ersyr is among the severely injured, and the medical staff struggles to treat burns, amputations, and other grievous wounds. Loth finds Margret in a tent for Inysh casualties, tending to Sir Tharian Lintley, who bears a deep, stitched wound. Margret, exhausted and covered in ash, clings to Loth, seeking solace in his embrace as she processes the trauma of the battle.
The chapter closes with a poignant moment between Loth and Margret, who find comfort in each other as dawn breaks over the Spindles. The pink light of the rising sun symbolizes hope and renewal after the night of destruction. Their embrace reflects the resilience of the human spirit amidst loss and devastation, marking the end of the conflict and the beginning of a new era. The imagery of the gilded sky underscores the theme of rebirth and the possibility of healing.
FAQs
1. What was the outcome of the battle described in this chapter, and what evidence supports this conclusion?
Answer:
The battle resulted in a victory for the combined armies of North, South, and West against the wyrms and their followers. This is evidenced by Fýredel’s retreat after the Nameless One’s defeat, the scattering of his followers, and the presence of the victorious armies’ flags at the field hospital. Additionally, King Sigoso’s corpse hanging from the Gate of Niunda and the subsequent desertion of his soldiers further confirm the allied forces’ success. The chapter emphasizes the aftermath through descriptions of the battlefield strewn with remains and the wounded being treated in makeshift hospitals.2. How does the chapter portray the emotional impact of war on the characters, particularly Margret and Loth?
Answer:
The chapter vividly depicts the emotional toll of war through Margret and Loth’s reunion. Margret, covered in ash and blood, is initially disoriented when seeing Loth, showing her exhaustion and trauma. Her relief at Sir Tharian’s survival and her subsequent tears reveal the psychological weight of the battle. Loth comforts her, emphasizing their shared relief (“It’s over, Meg”) and the bittersweet nature of their victory. Their silent embrace while watching the sunrise symbolizes both their grief and hope, capturing war’s complex emotional aftermath—a mix of loss, survival, and tentative peace.3. Analyze the symbolic significance of the sunrise in the final paragraph. How does it reflect the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
The sunrise symbolizes renewal and fragile hope after devastation. Described as “pink as a wild rose” and gilding the sky, it contrasts with the earlier imagery of blood, smoke, and charred remains, suggesting a new beginning. This mirrors the broader themes of resilience and the cyclical nature of conflict and healing. For Margret and Loth, the light represents a moment of respite and unity amid trauma. The dawn’s arrival after the Nameless One’s defeat and Fýredel’s flight also hints at a temporary reprieve, though the lingering wounds (literal and metaphorical) caution against assuming a complete resolution.4. What does King Sigoso’s fate reveal about the consequences of tyranny in the narrative?
Answer:
King Sigoso’s corpse hanging from the Gate of Niunda serves as a stark condemnation of tyranny. His wasted body—a visual reversal of his former power—underscores the narrative’s theme that oppressive rulers ultimately face justice. The immediate desertion of his soldiers upon seeing his body highlights how tyranny collapses when its figurehead is removed. His death also creates a power vacuum, leaving the fate of Yscalin uncertain (as seen in Loth’s hope for the Donmata’s survival). This reinforces the idea that tyranny sows instability, and its end often leaves societies to grapple with the aftermath.5. How does the chapter use sensory details to immerse the reader in the post-battle setting?
Answer:
The chapter employs visceral sensory imagery to convey the battle’s aftermath. Visual details like “blood and char,” “fire and bones,” and smoke rising from Cárscaro create a stark tableau of destruction. Auditory elements include the “agony” of the wounded and the sawing of a leg, while smells like vinegar in the medical tent heighten the realism. Tactile descriptions, such as Margret’s smoke-scented hair and Loth’s embrace, ground the emotional moments. These details immerse the reader in the scene’s brutality and fragility, making the characters’ relief and grief more palpable. The contrast between these harsh details and the soft sunrise amplifies the emotional impact.
Quotes
1. “The sun was rising over Yscalin. Its light fell on the blood and the char, the fire and the bones.”
This vivid imagery captures the aftermath of a brutal battle, juxtaposing the hope of a new dawn with the devastation left behind. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of loss and resilience.
2. “What was known was that King Sigoso, murderer of queens, was dead. His wasted corpse hung from the Gate of Niunda.”
This powerful statement marks a turning point in the narrative, symbolizing the fall of tyranny and the potential for change. The visceral description underscores the consequences of his violent reign.
3. “Loth prayed the princess lived. With all his soul, he prayed she was up there, ready to be crowned.”
This emotional plea reveals Loth’s deep personal investment in the political future of the realm. It highlights the chapter’s theme of hope amidst chaos and the desire for righteous leadership.
4. “The wounded were crying in agony. Some had burns that went deep into their flesh. Others were so covered in blood, they were unrecognizable.”
This harrowing description of the field hospital emphasizes the true cost of war on individuals. It provides a stark contrast to the strategic discussions of battles and kingdoms.
5. “As a new spring dawn crested the Spindles, they held each other close and watched it gild the sky.”
This poignant conclusion symbolizes both personal comfort and collective hope after trauma. The imagery of light overcoming darkness serves as a metaphor for renewal after destruction.