The Priory of the Orange Tree
Twelve
by Shannon, SamanthaThe 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.
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.