The Priory of the Orange Tree
Twenty
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Tané recovering from her exhausting fight with Turosa during the sea guardians’ trials. Isolated in her quarters, she nurses a painful shoulder wound while anxiously awaiting the next day’s announcement about who will become dragon riders. To distract herself, she revisits *Recollections of the Great Sorrow*, a book filled with haunting illustrations of past battles and the red sickness that once plagued Seiiki. The vivid imagery of dragons and demons stirs her memories and fears, setting a contemplative tone for the chapter.
Onren, Tané’s fellow trainee, arrives with food and wine, offering comfort and companionship. Their conversation begins cordially, with Onren expressing concern for Tané’s well-being and praising her performance against Turosa. However, tensions simmer beneath the surface as Onren voices her frustrations about the perceived favoritism toward high-born candidates like Turosa, who has a history of cruelty yet faces no consequences. Tané defends their teachers’ fairness, but Onren remains skeptical, hinting at the systemic biases that may influence the selection process.
The dialogue takes a sharp turn when Tané, overwhelmed by exhaustion and pent-up emotions, accuses Onren of disrespect and laziness. She criticizes Onren for frequenting taverns instead of training, implying that her lack of dedication—not her social status—may cost her the rider position. Onren retaliates by pointing out Tané’s resentment and obsessive work ethic, arguing that balance, not just relentless practice, is key to success. The exchange exposes their contrasting philosophies and deepens the rift between them.
As Onren prepares to leave, the chapter closes with Tané regretting her outburst, the anger dissipating as quickly as it flared. The unresolved tension between the two trainees mirrors the broader uncertainties surrounding the riders’ selection, highlighting themes of meritocracy, privilege, and personal sacrifice. The emotional confrontation leaves both characters—and readers—pondering the true meaning of worthiness and the sacrifices demanded by their ambitions.
FAQs
1. What physical and emotional state is Tané in at the beginning of the chapter, and what literary techniques does the author use to convey this?
Answer:
Tané is physically exhausted and in pain from her fight with Turosa, with a stitched shoulder that throbs ceaselessly. Emotionally, she is anxious about the upcoming rider selection, as shown by her nervous habit of gnawing her fingernail until it bleeds. The author uses vivid sensory details (“throb was ceaseless,” “tasted blood”) and introspective actions (reading to distract herself) to convey her state. The imagery of low-burning candles stretching shadows further reinforces her fatigue and isolation, while her fixation on the book’s frightening illustrations hints at deeper anxieties about her future.2. Analyze the significance of the book Recollections of the Great Sorrow in this chapter. How does it connect to Tané’s current situation?
Answer:
The book serves as both a distraction and a symbolic mirror of Tané’s turmoil. Its illustrations—of the red sickness, fire-breathing demons, and the climactic battle with dragons—reflect the violence and high stakes of her own trials. The comet “Kwiriki’s Lantern” parallels Tané’s hope for deliverance (being chosen as a rider) after struggle. Notably, the book was a gift from a teacher, tying it to her aspirations. Her revisiting it during stress suggests she seeks comfort in lessons of past resilience, subtly foreshadowing her own impending trial results and the larger conflicts in Seiiki’s history.3. How does the exchange between Tané and Onren reveal their conflicting philosophies about merit and privilege?
Answer:
Onren critiques the system’s bias toward bloodline (citing Turosa’s favoritism despite his cruelty), while Tané initially defends institutional fairness. Their argument escalates when Tané accuses Onren of disrespect through her tavern visits and late arrivals, implying Onren’s casual attitude undermines her merit. Onren counters that balance (enjoying life) isn’t disrespect but wisdom, and her performance—outdoing Tané in trials despite less preparation—challenges Tané’s rigid belief in effort as the sole metric. This clash highlights tensions between privilege (Turosa’s lineage), perceived merit (Tané’s discipline), and natural talent (Onren’s ease).4. What does the imagery of the “salt flowers” in Onren’s hair and the “sea-aged wine” suggest about the cultural values of the Sea Guardians?
Answer:
These details emphasize a culture deeply tied to the ocean and its rituals. “Salt flowers” (likely crystallized salt or marine-inspired adornments) and prized “sea-aged wine” symbolize reverence for the sea’s bounty and the guardians’ connection to it. The Sea General sharing the wine marks celebration and hierarchy, while Onren’s choice to bring Tané a simpler version reflects camaraderie. Such imagery reinforces a world where maritime elements permeate identity, status, and tradition, mirroring the riders’ role as protectors of Seiiki’s waters. The salt also subtly contrasts with Tané’s blood—hinting at sacrifice versus celebration.5. Evaluate Tané’s outburst at Onren. Is her anger justified, or does it reveal deeper insecurities? Support your answer with textual evidence.
Answer:
Tané’s anger stems from insecurity, not just principle. Her sleepless practicing (“bloodshot eyes”) and resentment that Onren outperformed her despite less effort (“still outperformed you in the knife trial”) expose a fear that her rigid discipline might not guarantee success. The outburst—triggered by Onren’s casual confidence—mirrors her earlier anxiety (gnawing her nail, reading grim illustrations). While her critique of Onren’s lateness isn’t unfounded, its vehemence (“no respect”) reflects projection: Tané clings to rules as a lifeline in an uncertain system, making Onren’s ease feel like a threat. The rapid cooling of her anger (“brimmed… then cooled”) suggests self-awareness of this fragility.
Quotes
1. “Their reason was that he is the grandson of a rider, and I am not. And that will be their reason tomorrow if I am cast off in favor of him.”
This quote captures Onren’s frustration with the systemic favoritism in their society, where lineage often trumps merit. It highlights a key theme of inequality and privilege in the selection process for dragon riders.
2. “You seem to think that if you are not made a rider tomorrow, it will not be through any fault of yours… Perhaps that will be the reason that you do not become a rider.”
Tané’s outburst reveals her pent-up resentment toward Onren’s perceived lack of dedication, contrasting their approaches to preparation. This moment marks a turning point in their friendship and underscores the tension between discipline and natural talent.
3. “Balance is necessary in all things, Tané—it does not equate to disrespect. This position is the chance of a lifetime, and not to be squandered.”
Onren’s rebuttal introduces the philosophical concept of balance versus single-minded dedication. The quote represents the chapter’s central conflict between different paths to excellence and the weight of this life-changing opportunity.
4. “I have worked every day and night during our time here. You, in the meantime, have shown no respect.”
This quote exemplifies Tané’s rigid worldview and her judgment of others’ methods. It’s significant as it shows how her intense devotion has shaped her perspective on success and worthiness, while also revealing her growing isolation.