The Priory of the Orange Tree

by Shannon, Samantha

“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon is an epic high fantasy novel set in a divided world where dragons and ancient threats loom. The story follows multiple protagonists, including Queen Sabran IX of Inys, who must produce an heir to secure her queendom, and Ead, a secret mage sworn to protect her. Meanwhile, in the East, dragonrider Tané grapples with loyalty and destiny as an ancient enemy, the Nameless One, stirs. The narrative weaves political intrigue, mythology, and feminist themes across continents, blending European and Asian-inspired lore. At 848 pages, it’s a standalone tale of magic, war, and resilience, praised for its intricate world-building and diverse characters.

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Sixty-Three

by Shannon, Samantha

Tané awakens in an opulent canopy bed within the palace of the Unceasing Emperor in the City of the Thousand Flowers. Disoriented, she discovers her belongings—including a precious jewel case—nearby, though her sash is missing. A servant in layered blue and white informs her she is a guest of the emperor and assures her of her companions’ safety, including Nayimathun, her dragon. Despite the luxurious surroundings, Tané feels uneasy, haunted by her past actions and uncertain of her true status in this grand setting.

The servant brings Tané a meal and offers to prepare a bath, treating her with deference as a “noble rider.” Tané reflects on her humble origins, doubting claims of her lineage to the legendary Queen Neporo. Her physical wounds, including a bandaged thigh, remind her of recent violence. When Thim, a Seiikinese man she once sailed with, visits, their conversation is tense but reveals a grudging mutual respect. Thim thanks her for saving his life, though their alliance remains fragile due to past betrayals.

Tané questions Thim about his decision to sail with Westerners, who are known to despise dragons. His cryptic response—”Would the world be any better if we were all the same?”—leaves her unsettled. After he departs, Tané bathes, washing away the salt and grime of her journey, yet unable to cleanse her guilt. She dresses in fine Lacustrine clothing, but the luxury feels undeserved, amplifying her fear of impending confrontation with the emperor and Nayimathun.

Venturing into the palace grounds with a crutch, Tané is awed by the grandeur of the courtyard and the Hall of the Fallen Star. She asks a guard for directions to the Twilight Gardens, where Lord Arteloth awaits. As she limps across the vast space, the weight of her secrets and the emperor’s looming summons press upon her. The chapter closes with Tané poised between fleeting refuge and the inevitability of reckoning.

FAQs

1. Comprehension Question

What is the significance of Tané waking up in the City of the Thousand Flowers, and how does this setting contrast with her current circumstances?
Answer:
The City of the Thousand Flowers is the ancient capital of the Empire of the Twelve Lakes, home to the Unceasing Emperor and the Imperial Dragon. This setting is significant because it represents the pinnacle of power and tradition in Tané’s world, contrasting sharply with her fugitive status. Despite being treated as an honored guest—given fine silk clothing, a canopy bed, and luxurious accommodations—Tané feels unworthy due to her past actions (murder, theft) and fears eventual punishment. The grandeur of the palace highlights the tension between her outward reception and inner guilt.

2. Analytical Question

How does Thim’s response to Tané’s question about sailing with Westerners challenge her worldview?
Answer:
Thim’s rhetorical question—”Would the world be any better if we were all the same?“—forces Tané to confront her ingrained prejudices against Westerners, whom she believes uniformly hate dragons. His perspective critiques her binary thinking by implying that diversity and cooperation (like their alliance on the ship) can transcend cultural animosities. This moment leaves Tané speechless, suggesting her rigid beliefs are being unsettled by lived experience. The exchange underscores the chapter’s theme of questioning tradition versus embracing change.

3. Critical Thinking Question

Why might Tané’s claim of being Neporo’s descendant be met with skepticism, and what implications could this lineage have if proven true?
Answer:
Tané doubts her connection to Neporo (a revered queen) because she comes from a poor fishing village, making such a lineage seem improbable. If true, however, this heritage could legitimize her role in the conflict against the Nameless One, as Neporo was a key figure in ancient battles. It might also force the Lacustrine court to reconsider her status, transforming her from a fugitive into a potential leader. The tension between her humble origins and legendary ancestry adds depth to her character’s internal conflict.

4. Application Question

How does the chapter use physical descriptions (e.g., the palace, Tané’s injuries) to reflect her psychological state?
Answer:
The opulence of the palace—heated floors, painted constellations, and marble terraces—mirrors Tané’s disorientation and impostor syndrome, as she feels undeserving of such luxury. Her gritty salt-stained skin and stitched bullet wound symbolize her lingering trauma and guilt. The crutch she uses to walk underscores her vulnerability, while the rising jewel (which she clings to) represents her unresolved mission. These details create a visceral connection between her physical and emotional journey.

5. Thematic Question

What does the chapter suggest about the tension between duty and personal morality through Tané’s interactions with authority figures?
Answer:
Tané’s deference to the Unceasing Emperor (“His Imperial Majesty desires your presence”) contrasts with her defiance of Seiiki’s laws (breaking the sea ban). This tension highlights her struggle to reconcile loyalty to tradition with her own moral choices, such as protecting the Westerner despite cultural taboos. The servant’s assurance that she is “safe” in the palace is ironic, as Tané anticipates punishment, revealing her awareness that duty and justice may not align. The chapter frames authority as both protective and oppressive.

Quotes

1. “‘Would the world be any better if we were all the same?’”

This pivotal question from Thim challenges Tané’s prejudices against Westerners and represents a turning point in her introspection. It encapsulates the chapter’s theme of cultural division and the need for understanding across differences.

2. “‘The City of the Thousand Flowers. Ancient capital of the Empire of the Twelve Lakes. Its palace was home not only to the honored Unceasing Emperor and the honored Grand Empress Dowager, but to the Imperial Dragon herself.’”

This description establishes the grandeur and significance of Tané’s new surroundings, contrasting sharply with her fugitive status. It highlights the cultural importance of dragons in this society while foreshadowing potential conflicts.

3. “‘She did not deserve to be addressed as a lady, or given fine chambers. This peace could not last.’”

This internal monologue reveals Tané’s deep guilt and self-perception as an outsider, despite her honorable treatment. It underscores the central tension between her past actions and current circumstances.

4. “‘He who is pleased to have you as his guest,’ the woman replied with a smile. ‘I will bring you something to eat. You have had a long journey.’”

This seemingly polite welcome carries dramatic irony, as the reader knows Tané is actually a fugitive. The formal hospitality contrasts with Tané’s anxiety about her true status being discovered.

Quotes

1. “‘Would the world be any better if we were all the same?’”

This pivotal question from Thim challenges Tané’s prejudices against Westerners and represents a turning point in her introspection. It encapsulates the chapter’s theme of cultural division and the need for understanding across differences.

2. “‘The City of the Thousand Flowers. Ancient capital of the Empire of the Twelve Lakes. Its palace was home not only to the honored Unceasing Emperor and the honored Grand Empress Dowager, but to the Imperial Dragon herself.’”

This description establishes the grandeur and significance of Tané’s new surroundings, contrasting sharply with her fugitive status. It highlights the cultural importance of dragons in this society while foreshadowing potential conflicts.

3. “‘She did not deserve to be addressed as a lady, or given fine chambers. This peace could not last.’”

This internal monologue reveals Tané’s deep guilt and self-perception as an outsider, despite her honorable treatment. It underscores the central tension between her past actions and current circumstances.

4. “‘He who is pleased to have you as his guest,’ the woman replied with a smile. ‘I will bring you something to eat. You have had a long journey.’”

This seemingly polite welcome carries dramatic irony, as the reader knows Tané is actually a fugitive. The formal hospitality contrasts with Tané’s anxiety about her true status being discovered.

FAQs

1. Comprehension Question

What is the significance of Tané waking up in the City of the Thousand Flowers, and how does this setting contrast with her current circumstances?
Answer:
The City of the Thousand Flowers is the ancient capital of the Empire of the Twelve Lakes, home to the Unceasing Emperor and the Imperial Dragon. This setting is significant because it represents the pinnacle of power and tradition in Tané’s world, contrasting sharply with her fugitive status. Despite being treated as an honored guest—given fine silk clothing, a canopy bed, and luxurious accommodations—Tané feels unworthy due to her past actions (murder, theft) and fears eventual punishment. The grandeur of the palace highlights the tension between her outward reception and inner guilt.

2. Analytical Question

How does Thim’s response to Tané’s question about sailing with Westerners challenge her worldview?
Answer:
Thim’s rhetorical question—”Would the world be any better if we were all the same?“—forces Tané to confront her ingrained prejudices against Westerners, whom she believes uniformly hate dragons. His perspective critiques her binary thinking by implying that diversity and cooperation (like their alliance on the ship) can transcend cultural animosities. This moment leaves Tané speechless, suggesting her rigid beliefs are being unsettled by lived experience. The exchange underscores the chapter’s theme of questioning tradition versus embracing change.

3. Critical Thinking Question

Why might Tané’s claim of being Neporo’s descendant be met with skepticism, and what implications could this lineage have if proven true?
Answer:
Tané doubts her connection to Neporo (a revered queen) because she comes from a poor fishing village, making such a lineage seem improbable. If true, however, this heritage could legitimize her role in the conflict against the Nameless One, as Neporo was a key figure in ancient battles. It might also force the Lacustrine court to reconsider her status, transforming her from a fugitive into a potential leader. The tension between her humble origins and legendary ancestry adds depth to her character’s internal conflict.

4. Application Question

How does the chapter use physical descriptions (e.g., the palace, Tané’s injuries) to reflect her psychological state?
Answer:
The opulence of the palace—heated floors, painted constellations, and marble terraces—mirrors Tané’s disorientation and impostor syndrome, as she feels undeserving of such luxury. Her gritty salt-stained skin and stitched bullet wound symbolize her lingering trauma and guilt. The crutch she uses to walk underscores her vulnerability, while the rising jewel (which she clings to) represents her unresolved mission. These details create a visceral connection between her physical and emotional journey.

5. Thematic Question

What does the chapter suggest about the tension between duty and personal morality through Tané’s interactions with authority figures?
Answer:
Tané’s deference to the Unceasing Emperor (“His Imperial Majesty desires your presence”) contrasts with her defiance of Seiiki’s laws (breaking the sea ban). This tension highlights her struggle to reconcile loyalty to tradition with her own moral choices, such as protecting the Westerner despite cultural taboos. The servant’s assurance that she is “safe” in the palace is ironic, as Tané anticipates punishment, revealing her awareness that duty and justice may not align. The chapter frames authority as both protective and oppressive.