The Priory of the Orange Tree
Twenty-Nine
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with Tané, a dragonrider, confined to her luxurious quarters at Salt Flower Castle after confessing to her dragon, Nayimathun. Despite the opulence of her surroundings, she is consumed by anxiety, unable to eat or sleep. Nayimathun has left to retrieve Sulyard, a foreigner under divine protection, and secure the release of Susa from jail. Meanwhile, the coastal settlement of Sidupi is under attack by pirates, diverting most dragonriders to assist the High Sea Guard. Tané’s isolation and dread are palpable as she awaits Nayimathun’s return, her physical discomfort mirroring her emotional turmoil.
A sudden earthquake disrupts the night, injuring Tané’s ankle and aggravating old wounds. Her attendants rush to aid her, but the disturbance heightens her unease. The quake, a rare occurrence in Seiiki, adds to the sense of impending chaos. As Tané attempts to rest, she is abruptly awakened by six masked soldiers from the land army, who demand she accompany them to meet the Governor of Ginura. The governor’s unexpected summons, typically reserved for high-ranking individuals, fills Tané with suspicion and fear, though she resolves to cooperate, trusting Nayimathun will intervene if necessary.
Tané’s apprehension grows as she prepares to leave, secretly arming herself with a hidden blade. The soldiers’ insistence and the late-hour summons suggest grave consequences, possibly linked to her earlier actions or the foreigner Roos. As she is escorted through the castle, fellow dragonriders Onren and Kanperu intervene, questioning the soldiers’ authority. Their presence briefly bolsters Tané’s confidence, but the soldiers claim the Sea General has been informed, a statement met with skepticism. The tension underscores the power dynamics between the dragonriders and the land army.
The chapter closes with Tané’s quiet plea to Onren to alert Nayimathun if she does not return promptly. Despite Onren’s reassurances that the summons is likely trivial, Tané’s physical pain and mental distress hint at deeper trouble. The unresolved confrontation leaves the reader anticipating the governor’s motives and Tané’s fate, while the underlying themes of loyalty, authority, and impending conflict loom large. The chapter masterfully blends personal struggle with broader political intrigue, setting the stage for further upheaval.
FAQs
1. What internal and external conflicts does Tané face in this chapter, and how do they affect her?
Answer:
Tané experiences multiple conflicts in this chapter. Internally, she struggles with guilt and anxiety after her confession to Nayimathun, which manifests in physical symptoms like shaking hands and an inability to eat or sleep. Externally, she faces political tension when summoned by the Governor of Ginura under suspicious circumstances, hinting at potential betrayal or exposure of her secrets. These conflicts compound her physical pain from injuries (sprained ankle, shoulder pain, and scar discomfort), leaving her vulnerable. The chapter highlights her psychological turmoil and the precariousness of her position despite her high status as a dragonrider.2. How does the earthquake serve as both a literal and symbolic event in the narrative?
Answer:
The earthquake physically disrupts Tané’s environment, knocking her off balance and exacerbating her injuries, mirroring the instability in her life. Symbolically, it represents the upheaval of her circumstances—her confession, the impending political confrontation, and the threat to her safety. The quake’s timing, just before the soldiers arrive, foreshadows further disruption and danger. Additionally, the rarity of earthquakes in Seiiki underscores the exceptional nature of the crises Tané faces, suggesting that her actions (or secrets) have triggered unnatural consequences.3. Analyze the significance of the soldiers’ arrival and Tané’s reaction. What does this reveal about power dynamics in Seiiki?
Answer:
The masked soldiers’ intrusion highlights the tension between military authority and the divine status of dragonriders. Their green tunics (land army) and abrupt summons challenge Tané’s autonomy, despite her rank in Clan Miduchi. Her initial compliance—masked by a performative defiance—reveals her fear of exposure, while her hidden blade shows preparedness for betrayal. The standoff with Onren and Kanperu underscores the respect dragonriders command, as even soldiers hesitate to oppose them. This scene critiques bureaucratic overreach and the fragility of Tané’s privilege when political forces intervene.4. How does the chapter use sensory details to convey Tané’s emotional state? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The chapter immerses readers in Tané’s anxiety through vivid sensory imagery. Her trembling hands and inability to eat reflect nervous exhaustion. The “throbbing” pain in her scar acts as a visceral metaphor for guilt, likened to a “second heart.” The sweet-smelling mats and gold foil walls contrast sharply with her discomfort, emphasizing her alienation from luxury. The earthquake’s “thunder” and the attendants’ “confused shouts” externalize her inner chaos. These details create a palpable atmosphere of unease, anchoring her psychological struggle in physical experience.5. Why might the author have included Onren and Kanperu’s intervention? What narrative purpose does it serve?
Answer:
Onren and Kanperu’s arrival introduces solidarity and tension. Their support reinforces Tané’s value to the dragonrider community, contrasting with the soldiers’ hostility. Onren’s reassurance (“trivial matter”) and promise to contact Nayimathun offer hope, while Kanperu’s physical dominance intimidates the soldiers, showcasing dragonriders’ collective power. Their presence also delays Tané’s confrontation with the Governor, heightening suspense. This interaction underscores themes of loyalty versus authority and primes readers for the political conflict to come, where Tané’s fate may hinge on alliances.
Quotes
1. “At the heart of all this finery, she could not eat or sleep.”
This quote captures Tané’s inner turmoil despite her outward privilege. It highlights the disconnect between her luxurious surroundings and her psychological distress, foreshadowing the coming crisis.
2. “If she could only sleep, Nayimathun would be there when she woke up.”
This poignant line reveals Tané’s desperate reliance on her dragon for comfort and stability. It underscores the sacred bond between rider and dragon while showing Tané’s vulnerability.
3. “Her body felt untethered from the ground, and her mind gleamed with terrible possibilities”
This vivid description illustrates Tané’s acute anxiety when summoned by the Governor. The physical and mental imagery powerfully conveys her sense of impending doom and guilty conscience.
4. “Whatever happened, wherever she was taken, her dragon would come for her.”
This statement represents both Tané’s faith in Nayimathun and the chapter’s central tension. It sets up the coming conflict while reinforcing the unbreakable rider-dragon bond that defines their world.
5. “Lady Tané is god-chosen, yet you take her from this castle as though she were a thief.”
Kanperu’s protest highlights the societal tension between Tané’s divine status and her potential fall from grace. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of power, justice, and sacred hierarchy.