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    Fantasy

    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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    The Priory of the Orange Tree

    Twelve

    by Shannon, Samantha

    The chap­ter opens with the sea guardians of Sei­i­ki endur­ing rig­or­ous water tri­als dur­ing a fierce storm. The Sea Gen­er­al moti­vates the appren­tices, empha­siz­ing resilience by declar­ing, “Rain is water, and so are we.” Tané, one of the appren­tices, remains com­posed despite the harsh con­di­tions. The tri­als include archery, firearms, and mount­ed archery, where Tané excels but is nar­row­ly out­per­formed by Tur­osa due to her horse stum­bling. Tur­osa mocks her hum­ble ori­gins, hint­ing at the soci­etal divide between descen­dants of drag­onrid­ers and com­mon­ers like Tané.

    Tané’s inter­ac­tions with fel­low appren­tices reveal under­ly­ing ten­sions and cama­raderie. Dumusa, a skilled archer from a priv­i­leged back­ground, offers her sup­port, while Onren strug­gles with mount­ed archery and vents her frus­tra­tion. The group dynam­ic shifts as Dumusa sug­gests vis­it­ing a tav­ern to bond, though Tané declines, pri­or­i­tiz­ing prac­tice. Onren’s jest about need­ing a drink high­lights the pres­sure they face, while Tané’s refusal under­scores her dis­ci­plined and soli­tary nature.

    The chap­ter delves into Tané’s inter­nal con­flict as she ques­tions whether Tur­osa sab­o­taged her horse. Her sus­pi­cion reflects the com­pet­i­tive and some­times hos­tile envi­ron­ment among the appren­tices. Despite reas­sur­ances from the far­ri­er, Tané’s doubt lingers, reveal­ing her vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty beneath her sto­ic exte­ri­or. Her ded­i­ca­tion to train­ing con­trasts with the oth­ers’ desire for respite, empha­siz­ing her deter­mi­na­tion to prove her­self despite her low­er sta­tus.

    The chap­ter clos­es with Tané retreat­ing to her room to prac­tice alone, haunt­ed by uncer­tain­ty and the weight of expec­ta­tions. Her iso­la­tion and relent­less focus high­light the sac­ri­fices required to become a sea guardian. The nar­ra­tive under­scores themes of per­se­ver­ance, rival­ry, and the strug­gle to over­come soci­etal bar­ri­ers, set­ting the stage for Tané’s con­tin­ued jour­ney toward prov­ing her worth in a world that often judges her by her lin­eage.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What are the key challenges faced by the apprentices during the water trials, and how do different characters respond to them?

      Answer:
      The water trials test the apprentices’ endurance and skill under harsh conditions, particularly during a storm. The Sea General emphasizes resilience by stating, “Rain is water, and so are we,” reinforcing that sea guardians must withstand adversity. Tané excels in archery and firearms but faces setbacks in mounted archery when her horse stumbles, allowing Turosa to outperform her. Dumusa remains composed and supportive, while Onren struggles with horses and expresses frustration. Their reactions reveal their personalities: Tané’s determination, Dumusa’s grace, Onren’s humor, and Turosa’s arrogance. The trials also highlight social tensions, such as Turosa’s taunts about Tané’s lower status.

      2. How does the chapter explore the theme of social hierarchy and its impact on the apprentices’ relationships?

      Answer:
      Social hierarchy is a recurring theme, particularly through Turosa’s disdain for Tané, whom he calls “peasant,” implying her common birth makes her unfit to be a dragonrider. Dumusa, descended from Miduchi riders, enjoys respect and camaraderie with others of similar lineage, while Tané feels isolated. The dialogue reveals underlying tensions, such as Onren’s remark that those with Miduchi blood “become riders in the end,” suggesting inherited privilege. Tané’s hesitation to join Dumusa and Onren at the tavern further underscores her awareness of social divides. The chapter critiques how birthright influences opportunity and camaraderie among the apprentices.

      3. Analyze the significance of the phrase “water runs the same in all of us” in the context of the chapter.

      Answer:
      Dumusa’s statement, “water runs the same in all of us,” serves as a counterpoint to Turosa’s elitism. It symbolizes equality and shared humanity, suggesting that resilience and skill—not bloodline—determine worth. This idea aligns with the Sea General’s earlier message about enduring adversity. However, the chapter also contrasts this ideal with reality, as Tané faces prejudice and self-doubt. The phrase reflects Dumusa’s inclusive attitude, but its irony lies in the persistent social barriers Tané encounters. It invites reflection on whether the apprentices truly believe in this principle or if societal hierarchies still dictate their interactions.

      4. How does Tané’s character development unfold in this chapter, and what internal conflicts does she face?

      Answer:
      Tané’s determination and skill are evident, but her internal conflicts revolve around self-doubt and social exclusion. She performs well in trials but obsesses over small failures, like her horse’s stumble, suspecting sabotage. Her refusal to join Dumusa and Onren highlights her isolation and rigid focus, contrasting their camaraderie. The chapter also reveals her admiration for Dumusa and lingering insecurity about her background, as seen when she wonders about Dumusa’s privileged upbringing. Tané’s resilience is tempered by vulnerability, making her a complex protagonist who struggles to balance ambition with belonging.

      5. What role does setting play in establishing the tone and challenges of the chapter?

      Answer:
      The stormy setting intensifies the trials’ difficulty, symbolizing the apprentices’ emotional and physical tests. The rain-soaked environment (“dripping,” “plastered hair”) mirrors their exhaustion and determination. The practice hall and stables serve as arenas for competition and tension, while the proposed tavern outing represents a fleeting escape from rigor. The storm also reflects Tané’s inner turmoil, as she battles both external challenges and internal doubts. The vivid descriptions of weather and locations immerse readers in the apprentices’ world, emphasizing the harshness of their training and the stakes of their aspirations.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Rain is water, and so are we. If a little water can defeat you, you cannot hope to ride a dragon, or guard the sea, and this is not the place for you.”

      This quote from the Sea General encapsulates the rigorous philosophy of the sea guardians’ training. It highlights the expectation of resilience and the symbolic connection between the warriors and their elemental environment, setting the tone for the trials.

      2. “The water runs the same in all of us.”

      Dumusa’s response to Turosa’s elitist taunt underscores a key theme of equality and shared humanity among the apprentices. It challenges the notion of inherent superiority based on lineage, a recurring tension in the chapter.

      3. “Practicing last night did not help me today. No, what I need tonight is a stiff drink. And perhaps a stiff—”

      Onren’s humorous remark reveals an alternative perspective on preparation and stress relief. This moment of levity contrasts with Tané’s intense focus, illustrating different approaches to coping with pressure during the trials.

      4. “Don’t let a little shit like Turosa get the better of you.”

      Though recalled as Susa’s distant advice, this internalized thought represents Tané’s struggle against discrimination and self-doubt. It captures the personal challenges she faces beyond the physical trials, adding depth to her character development.

    Quotes

    1. “Rain is water, and so are we. If a little water can defeat you, you cannot hope to ride a dragon, or guard the sea, and this is not the place for you.”

    This quote from the Sea General encapsulates the rigorous philosophy of the sea guardians’ training. It highlights the expectation of resilience and the symbolic connection between the warriors and their elemental environment, setting the tone for the trials.

    2. “The water runs the same in all of us.”

    Dumusa’s response to Turosa’s elitist taunt underscores a key theme of equality and shared humanity among the apprentices. It challenges the notion of inherent superiority based on lineage, a recurring tension in the chapter.

    3. “Practicing last night did not help me today. No, what I need tonight is a stiff drink. And perhaps a stiff—”

    Onren’s humorous remark reveals an alternative perspective on preparation and stress relief. This moment of levity contrasts with Tané’s intense focus, illustrating different approaches to coping with pressure during the trials.

    4. “Don’t let a little shit like Turosa get the better of you.”

    Though recalled as Susa’s distant advice, this internalized thought represents Tané’s struggle against discrimination and self-doubt. It captures the personal challenges she faces beyond the physical trials, adding depth to her character development.

    FAQs

    1. What are the key challenges faced by the apprentices during the water trials, and how do different characters respond to them?

    Answer:
    The water trials test the apprentices’ endurance and skill under harsh conditions, particularly during a storm. The Sea General emphasizes resilience by stating, “Rain is water, and so are we,” reinforcing that sea guardians must withstand adversity. Tané excels in archery and firearms but faces setbacks in mounted archery when her horse stumbles, allowing Turosa to outperform her. Dumusa remains composed and supportive, while Onren struggles with horses and expresses frustration. Their reactions reveal their personalities: Tané’s determination, Dumusa’s grace, Onren’s humor, and Turosa’s arrogance. The trials also highlight social tensions, such as Turosa’s taunts about Tané’s lower status.

    2. How does the chapter explore the theme of social hierarchy and its impact on the apprentices’ relationships?

    Answer:
    Social hierarchy is a recurring theme, particularly through Turosa’s disdain for Tané, whom he calls “peasant,” implying her common birth makes her unfit to be a dragonrider. Dumusa, descended from Miduchi riders, enjoys respect and camaraderie with others of similar lineage, while Tané feels isolated. The dialogue reveals underlying tensions, such as Onren’s remark that those with Miduchi blood “become riders in the end,” suggesting inherited privilege. Tané’s hesitation to join Dumusa and Onren at the tavern further underscores her awareness of social divides. The chapter critiques how birthright influences opportunity and camaraderie among the apprentices.

    3. Analyze the significance of the phrase “water runs the same in all of us” in the context of the chapter.

    Answer:
    Dumusa’s statement, “water runs the same in all of us,” serves as a counterpoint to Turosa’s elitism. It symbolizes equality and shared humanity, suggesting that resilience and skill—not bloodline—determine worth. This idea aligns with the Sea General’s earlier message about enduring adversity. However, the chapter also contrasts this ideal with reality, as Tané faces prejudice and self-doubt. The phrase reflects Dumusa’s inclusive attitude, but its irony lies in the persistent social barriers Tané encounters. It invites reflection on whether the apprentices truly believe in this principle or if societal hierarchies still dictate their interactions.

    4. How does Tané’s character development unfold in this chapter, and what internal conflicts does she face?

    Answer:
    Tané’s determination and skill are evident, but her internal conflicts revolve around self-doubt and social exclusion. She performs well in trials but obsesses over small failures, like her horse’s stumble, suspecting sabotage. Her refusal to join Dumusa and Onren highlights her isolation and rigid focus, contrasting their camaraderie. The chapter also reveals her admiration for Dumusa and lingering insecurity about her background, as seen when she wonders about Dumusa’s privileged upbringing. Tané’s resilience is tempered by vulnerability, making her a complex protagonist who struggles to balance ambition with belonging.

    5. What role does setting play in establishing the tone and challenges of the chapter?

    Answer:
    The stormy setting intensifies the trials’ difficulty, symbolizing the apprentices’ emotional and physical tests. The rain-soaked environment (“dripping,” “plastered hair”) mirrors their exhaustion and determination. The practice hall and stables serve as arenas for competition and tension, while the proposed tavern outing represents a fleeting escape from rigor. The storm also reflects Tané’s inner turmoil, as she battles both external challenges and internal doubts. The vivid descriptions of weather and locations immerse readers in the apprentices’ world, emphasizing the harshness of their training and the stakes of their aspirations.

    Note