The Priory of the Orange Tree
Thirty-Eight
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Tané, a scholar on Feather Island, engaging in her morning ritual of prayer and reflection in an underground cavern. She kneels before a unique statue of the Great Elder Kwiriki, depicted with hybrid animal features, finding solace in the quiet darkness. Her routine is interrupted by Elder Vara, an eccentric but kind figure who invites her to the restricted repository, a rare privilege. Tané hesitates, aware of the rules, but Elder Vara insists, leaving her to finish her prayers before she reluctantly prepares to follow him.
Feather Island is described as a remote and mystical place, shrouded in fog and steeped in legend. The island is divided by a ravine said to contain the bones of Kwiriki, whose presence keeps the land perpetually misty. Tané resides in Vane Hall, a hermitage on a dormant volcano, where scholars live in isolation, dedicating themselves to learning and menial tasks. The island’s harsh beauty and solitude mirror Tané’s inner turmoil, as she grapples with her past and the loss of her dreams.
Tané reflects on the teachings of the hermitage, particularly the contrast between fire and water. Fire symbolizes destruction and insatiable desire, while water represents adaptability and resilience—qualities embodied by the Eastern dragons. These lessons underscore the island’s spiritual ethos and Tané’s own struggle to reconcile her identity. Her short hair and the nickname “Ghost of Vane Hall” signify her fractured sense of self, as she mourns her former life and the death of her friend Susa, clinging to Elder Vara’s kindness as a lifeline.
The chapter culminates in a sudden earthquake that triggers intense pain in Tané’s side, causing her to collapse. Elder Vara rushes to her aid, carrying her to a courtyard where he had planned to take her for a walk. The incident hints at a deeper mystery surrounding Tané’s condition and foreshadows further revelations. The chapter closes with Tané’s physical and emotional vulnerability, poised on the brink of a potential turning point in her journey.
FAQs
1. How does the setting of Feather Island reflect the spiritual and cultural values of its inhabitants?
Answer:
Feather Island is described as a remote, rugged place with steep cliffs and constant fog, creating an atmosphere of isolation and reverence. This setting mirrors the spiritual significance of the island as the resting place of the great Kwiriki, whose bones are said to maintain the island’s misty environment. The presence of multiple grottos, statues, and rituals like morning prayers underscores the island’s role as a center of learning and devotion. The natural elements—water, fog, and caves—emphasize the Eastern dragons’ connection to water, which is portrayed as a life-giving, adaptable force superior to fire. This aligns with the chapter’s themes of water’s nourishing qualities and its symbolic opposition to destructive fire.2. What does Tané’s interaction with Elder Vara reveal about her emotional state and her role in the community?
Answer:
Tané’s interactions with Elder Vara highlight her deep grief and isolation following her expulsion from Seiiki and the loss of her dream to become a dragon rider (Miduchi). Initially, she withdraws completely, refusing to eat or speak, earning her the nickname “Ghost of Vane Hall.” Elder Vara’s kindness—bringing her food, showing her flowers, and inviting her to the repository—gradually draws her back into the community. However, her pain persists, as seen when the earthshake triggers a physical and emotional breakdown. This dynamic reveals Tané’s fragile state and Elder Vara’s role as a healer and mentor, suggesting that her journey toward healing is incomplete but progressing.3. Analyze the symbolic significance of water in this chapter. How does it contrast with fire?
Answer:
Water is portrayed as a life-sustaining, adaptable force that requires no external nourishment, symbolizing peace, resilience, and renewal. The chapter describes water shaping itself to any space, nourishing the earth, and outlasting humanity—a direct contrast to fire, which is depicted as destructive, insatiable, and tied to war and greed. The island’s mist, the dripping cavern walls, and the pool before Kwiriki’s statue all reinforce water’s sacred role in Eastern culture. This dichotomy reflects the broader conflict between Eastern dragons (lords of water) and “winged demons” (associated with fire), positioning water as the superior, enduring element.4. Why might Elder Vara invite Tané to the repository, despite her usual exclusion? What could this suggest about her future?
Answer:
Elder Vara’s invitation to the repository—a place typically reserved for elders—signals his recognition of Tané’s potential or his desire to further her healing. Given his role as a healer and his previous efforts to reintegrate her into community life, this gesture may indicate that he sees her as worthy of deeper knowledge or preparation for a significant role. The repository’s association with “important documents” suggests that Tané might gain access to secrets or wisdom that could shape her future, possibly hinting at redemption, a new purpose, or a connection to the dragons despite her past failures.5. How does the chapter use physical pain (e.g., Tané’s knifepoint-like knot) to reflect emotional trauma?
Answer:
Tané’s sudden, intense pain during the earthshake symbolizes her unresolved grief and guilt. The “knifepoint” sensation mirrors the emotional wounds from losing Susa and her identity as a Miduchi. Her collapse and inability to speak underscore how trauma manifests physically, paralyzing her just as her past haunts her. This moment contrasts with her usual disciplined demeanor, revealing the depth of her suffering. The chapter suggests that her pain is cyclical (like the earthshake) and tied to memories, emphasizing that healing is not linear and may require confronting her past more directly.
Quotes
1. “This cavern was the only place where she could forget herself. It was one of a honeycomb of grottos behind a waterfall, shared between the Seiikinese scholars on this side of the isle.”
This quote captures Tané’s emotional refuge in the sacred grotto, highlighting her isolation and spiritual connection to Kwiriki. It sets the tone for her introspective journey in this chapter.
2. “Fire, the element of the winged demons, required constant feeding. It was the element of war and greed and vengeance—always hungry, never satisfied.”
This passage presents a key philosophical contrast between fire (representing destructive forces) and water (embodying harmony), central to the Eastern dragons’ mythology and the chapter’s thematic exploration of elemental balance.
3. “Now the other scholars called her the Ghost of Vane Hall. She could eat and work and read like the rest of them, but her gaze was always in a world where Susa still lived.”
This poignant quote reveals Tané’s lingering trauma and emotional detachment following past tragedies, showing how she physically functions while remaining psychologically trapped in her grief.
4. “When the ocean had swallowed the world and humankind was washed away, still they would abide.”
This powerful statement underscores the eternal nature of Eastern dragons and their connection to water’s enduring power, reflecting the chapter’s meditation on permanence versus transience.
5. “She must have dipped out of consciousness. A gentle voice called her back. ‘Tané.’ Paper-dry hands took her arms. ‘Scholar Tané, can you speak?’”
This moment marks a physical and emotional turning point where Tané’s suppressed pain surfaces, leading to Elder Vara’s intervention and foreshadowing potential healing or revelation.