The Priory of the Orange Tree
Sixteen
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Tané preparing for her final water trial, a sword duel that will determine her future as a dragon rider. Exhausted and anxious, she obsessively sharpens her blade, her reflection in it revealing her bloodshot eyes. A chance encounter with her peers, Onren and Kanperu, highlights their ease and camaraderie, contrasting with Tané’s solitary intensity. Dumusa, a senior rider, offers wisdom, cautioning Tané against letting her skill consume her entirely, urging her to find balance and trust in her abilities.
On the day of the trial, Tané is paired against Turosa, her rival from the North House, in a high-stakes duel where first blood decides the winner. Turosa’s disdain for Tané’s humble origins is evident as he taunts her, attempting to provoke her with insults about her village. Despite her fatigue, Tané engages fiercely, but Turosa gains the upper hand with a brutal kick that sends her sprawling. The Sea General watches impassively as Turosa gloats, reinforcing his belief that she is unworthy of becoming a rider.
In a moment of defiance, Tané rallies, using her agility to regain her footing and surprise Turosa with a swift counterattack. The duel becomes a whirlwind of rain and steel, with Tané channeling her frustration and determination into every strike. Though Turosa initially underestimates her, Tané’s resilience and skill begin to unsettle him, revealing cracks in his confidence. The chapter builds toward a climactic clash, leaving the outcome of their confrontation unresolved but hinting at Tané’s potential to overcome adversity.
The chapter explores themes of perseverance, identity, and the pressure to prove oneself. Tané’s struggle with self-doubt and her rivalry with Turosa underscore the societal tensions within the rider community. Dumusa’s advice serves as a poignant reminder that mastery requires both discipline and self-compassion. The rain-soaked duel symbolizes Tané’s internal battle, as she fights not just for her future but for her sense of belonging in a world that often judges her by her past.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Tané’s preparation with her sword before the final trial, and how does Dumusa’s advice contrast with Tané’s approach?
Answer:
Tané’s meticulous preparation with her sword, including coating it with clove oil and practicing relentlessly, reflects her intense fear of failure and need to control every aspect of her performance. This mirrors her broader struggle with perfectionism, as she believes her worth as a rider depends on constant practice. Dumusa, however, advises her to trust in her existing skills, emphasizing that a rider must be ready to act without preparation when called upon. She warns Tané against letting her skill “possess” her entirely, as Dumusa once did, and encourages balance—a lesson she learned after sacrificing personal joys for her training. This contrast highlights the tension between discipline and self-trust in mastering a craft.2. Analyze the dynamics between Tané and Turosa during their duel. What does their conflict reveal about the societal tensions within the rider school?
Answer:
The duel between Tané and Turosa is charged with class-based animosity, as Turosa repeatedly insults Tané’s humble village origins, calling her “chaff” and vowing to exclude peasants from dragon riding if he gains power. Their clash symbolizes broader societal hierarchies within the school, where lineage (like Dumusa’s rider ancestry) confers privilege. Turosa’s taunts reveal his belief that status, not merit, should determine who rides dragons, while Tané’s determination to prove herself underscores her struggle against systemic prejudice. The physical violence of their fight mirrors the intensity of this ideological conflict, with Tané’s resilience challenging the established order.3. How does the author use weather and setting to reflect Tané’s emotional state throughout the chapter?
Answer:
The recurring rain and storms mirror Tané’s inner turmoil. As she prepares for the trial, the “drizzle from the rooftops” and “heavy rain” create a somber, oppressive atmosphere, reflecting her anxiety and exhaustion. During the duel, the “torrent of rain and metal” parallels the chaotic, high-stakes nature of her confrontation with Turosa, while droplets on her lashes blur her vision—symbolizing her momentary vulnerability. Conversely, the brief scene of Onren and Kanperu laughing under pear trees offers a stark contrast, emphasizing Tané’s isolation and the joy she denies herself in her relentless pursuit of perfection.4. Evaluate Dumusa’s advice to Tané: “A sword does not need to be whetted at all hours to keep it sharp.” How does this metaphor apply to Tané’s broader character arc?
Answer:
Dumusa’s metaphor critiques Tané’s belief that constant grinding (literal and metaphorical) is the only path to success. It suggests that true mastery involves balance—knowing when to hone skills and when to rest—rather than unsustainable obsession. This advice foreshadows Tané’s near-defeat in the duel, where her exhaustion from over-preparation nearly costs her victory. Her arc thus far illustrates the dangers of self-destructive perfectionism; Dumusa, having experienced similar struggles, urges her to avoid the same pitfalls. The lesson extends beyond swordplay, advocating for a holistic approach to growth that preserves one’s humanity.5. What role does Onren play in Tané’s journey in this chapter, and how does their relationship differ from Tané’s rivalry with Turosa?
Answer:
Onren serves as both a foil and a supportive figure to Tané. While Turosa represents hostility and prejudice, Onren offers reassurance, telling Tané she has “done enough” to earn her place. Their easy camaraderie (seen in her playful question, “Are you ready?”) contrasts with Turosa’s venom, highlighting Tané’s capacity for trust when she lowers her guard. However, Tané also envies Onren’s natural confidence, which Dumusa notes “seems effortless.” This complexity makes Onren a mirror for Tané’s insecurities but also a reminder that success doesn’t require self-erasure—a contrast to Turosa, who embodies everything Tané fears becoming if she fails.
Quotes
1. “She excels because she trusts in her skill. I suspect you fear that yours will slip between your fingers if you loosen your grip for even a moment.”
This insight from Dumusa to Tané captures the central tension of the chapter—Tané’s relentless self-doubt versus Onren’s natural confidence. It reveals how Tané’s perfectionism may be hindering her growth as a warrior.
2. “Remember, Tané, that a sword does not need to be whetted at all hours to keep it sharp.”
Dumusa’s metaphorical advice highlights the chapter’s theme of balance between preparation and over-preparation. This wisdom comes at a pivotal moment as Tané prepares for her final trial.
3. “When I command the riders, I will see to it that no peasant ever rides a dragon again.”
Turosa’s cruel taunt during their duel exposes the deep class tensions in their society. This moment represents the climax of their rivalry and serves as motivation for Tané’s eventual comeback in the fight.
4. “In the end, her confrontation with her rival was as quick and ruthless as having a tooth pulled.”
This vivid simile describes the intensity of Tané’s duel with Turosa. The comparison emphasizes both the pain and inevitability of their conflict, marking a turning point in Tané’s journey.
5. “She would show him what village chaff could do.”
Tané’s internal declaration before the duel encapsulates her determination to prove herself against prejudice. This thought represents the chapter’s underdog narrative and foreshadows her eventual triumph.