The Priory of the Orange Tree
Sixty-Eight
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with a formidable Eastern fleet crossing the Abyss, armored with advanced weaponry and protective materials derived from Seiikinese wyrms. The flagship *Dancing Pearl* leads the armada, accompanied by the *Defiance*, carrying the Warlord of Seiiki. Dragons swim alongside the ships, their riders braving the harsh conditions. Loth observes one such rider, noting the potential for unity between the divided worlds if reconciliation is achieved. The scene sets a tone of impending conflict and the possibility of alliance, underscored by the awe-inspiring presence of the dragons.
Loth engages in a game of Knaves and Damsels with the Unceasing Emperor, who inquires about Queen Sabran. The emperor expresses curiosity about his potential ally, prompting Loth to reflect on Sabran’s character. He describes her as loyal yet guarded, shaped by the trauma of her mother’s murder and the burdens of rulership. The emperor relates to her orphanhood and the challenges of ascending to power young, revealing his own loss of parents to smallpox. Their conversation highlights the shared struggles of rulers, bridging cultural divides through personal stories.
The dialogue delves deeper into Sabran’s past, including her coronation at fourteen and the betrayal of her regent, Lady Igrain Crest. The emperor draws parallels to his own regency and the political machinations he faced. Loth shares Sabran’s love for hunting, music, and dancing, which she abandoned after her mother’s death. The emperor’s probing questions reveal his interest in Sabran’s personal life, particularly her lack of a lover, hinting at his own unfulfilled love story. The exchange underscores the sacrifices demanded by leadership and the loneliness it often entails.
The emperor recounts his forbidden love for a woman of low rank, referred to as the Sea Maiden, and the political pressures that forced their separation. His story mirrors Sabran’s struggles with tradition and personal desire, emphasizing the constraints of power. Loth reflects on the parallels to Ead’s exile, drawing connections between their worlds. The chapter closes with a sense of unresolved tension, as the emperor’s tale of love and loss foreshadows the challenges ahead for both rulers. The narrative weaves together themes of duty, sacrifice, and the fragile hope for unity across divided realms.
FAQs
1. What are the key features of the Eastern fleet described in this chapter, and what do they reveal about Seiikinese military technology and strategy?
Answer:
The Eastern fleet is described as being heavily armed with harpoons, swivel guns, and siege crossbows, while the ships are covered in iron plates for protection. Notably, their sails are coated with an iridescent wax made from Seiikinese wyrm bile, making them fire-resistant. The flagship is the colossal Dancing Pearl, accompanied by the Defiance carrying the Warlord. These details reveal that Seiikinese military technology is advanced, incorporating both traditional weaponry and unique biological resources (wyrm bile) for defense. The presence of dragons swimming alongside the fleet also highlights their strategic alliance with these creatures, emphasizing a combined naval and aerial (or aquatic) warfare approach.2. How does the conversation between Loth and the Unceasing Emperor reveal parallels between their respective rulers, Queen Sabran and the Emperor himself?
Answer:
The dialogue reveals several parallels between Sabran and the Emperor: both became rulers at a young age (Sabran at 14, the Emperor at 8), both experienced regencies marked by betrayal (Lady Crest for Sabran, a power-hungry regent for the Emperor), and both suffered the loss of their parents early in life. Additionally, they share the burden of upholding traditions—Sabran hiding her kindness to appear strong, the Emperor sacrificing love for political stability. These parallels underscore the shared challenges of monarchy, regardless of cultural differences, and the personal sacrifices required of rulers.3. Analyze the significance of the Emperor’s story about his forbidden love (the “Sea Maiden”). How does this reflect broader themes of power and tradition in the chapter?
Answer:
The Emperor’s story illustrates the conflict between personal desire and political duty. His love for the Sea Maiden was thwarted by the Grand Secretariat and the Imperial Dragon’s disapproval, forcing him to prioritize stability over happiness. This mirrors Sabran’s own struggles with tradition, as seen in her concealed relationship (implied to be with Ead). Both rulers face the tension between individual autonomy and the expectations of their roles. The story reinforces the theme that power often demands personal sacrifice, particularly in maintaining alliances (human-dragon for the Emperor, political-marriage for Sabran).4. How does the author use Loth’s perspective to characterize Queen Sabran, and what does this reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Loth’s reflections paint Sabran as complex: loyal yet guarded, kind-hearted but forced to project strength due to her role. He recalls their childhood friendship, her love of dance, and the trauma of her mother’s murder, which left her with lasting melancholy. His intimate knowledge of her “shadow hours” and personal history shows their deep bond. However, his hesitation when asked about her lover suggests he is protective of her secrets. This characterization reveals Loth as both a devoted friend and a witness to Sabran’s struggles, highlighting the tension between her public persona and private self.5. What symbolic or strategic importance do the dragons hold in this chapter, both literally and in the context of East-West relations?
Answer:
Literally, the dragons are a military asset, swimming alongside the fleet as protectors or allies. Their riders, like the armored woman Loth observes, demonstrate the seamless integration of dragons into Seiikinese warfare. Symbolically, they represent the potential for reconciliation between East and West—Loth muses that such partnerships could become common “in all seas” if the two sides unite. The dragons also embody the cultural divide: the East embraces them, while the West historically fears them. Their presence hints at a possible future where mutual cooperation overcomes ancient prejudices.
Quotes
1. “If the two sides of the world could reconcile, this might soon be a common sight in all seas.”
This quote captures the central theme of potential unity between Eastern and Western civilizations, symbolized by the dragons and their riders. It represents a hopeful vision for the future where cultural divides might be bridged.
2. “Queen Sabran is loyal to those who are loyal to her. She is kind-hearted, but hides it well to protect herself. To seem untouched. Her people expect that of their queen.”
This revealing description of Queen Sabran by Loth shows the complex duality of leadership - the tension between personal vulnerability and public strength. It also establishes parallels between Eastern and Western rulers’ experiences.
3. “I’m afraid we share in our orphanhood… I resented not being able to say goodbye. Now I see it was a mercy.”
The Unceasing Emperor’s reflection on loss creates a powerful moment of connection between leaders across cultures. This shared experience of childhood trauma helps establish common ground between East and West.
4. “I could tell you of her beauty, Lord Arteloth, but I doubt the greatest writer in history could do justice to it… I could talk to her for hours; as I could with no one else.”
This poignant confession about forbidden love reveals the personal sacrifices rulers must make, mirroring Sabran’s situation. The emotional vulnerability contrasts with the Emperor’s usual formal demeanor.
5. “She said there was a shadow in my lover that no one could control… For both our sakes, I must let her go.”
This tragic conclusion to the Emperor’s love story demonstrates how political responsibilities can override personal happiness. The mysterious warning about the “shadow” adds intriguing depth to the narrative.