The Priory of the Orange Tree
Two
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter opens with a masked intruder stealthily entering the Queen Tower, intent on assassinating Queen Sabran of Inys as she sleeps. Unbeknownst to him, Ead Duryan, hidden in the rafters, observes his every move. The assassin uses a stolen key to access the Great Bedchamber, where Sabran and her companion, Roslain Crest, remain unaware of the danger. The scene is tense as the intruder unsheathes his dagger, only for Ead to intervene at the last moment, killing him swiftly and silently to protect the queen.
After disposing of the assassin, Ead reflects on her daily routine, which includes checking for letters, observing the city of Ascalon, and breakfasting with her friend Margret. Her predictable habits mask her true role as a protector of the queen. Later, she confronts the Royal Laundress, who has neglected her duties, and manipulates her into greater diligence by invoking religious fear. The laundress’s mention of a wyverling—a Draconic creature—stealing livestock hints at growing threats to the kingdom, foreshadowing larger dangers ahead.
The narrative shifts to describe Ascalon Palace, a grand and ancient structure that has been restored since the Grief of Ages, a war against the Draconic Army. The palace’s beauty contrasts with the underlying tension of Loth’s mysterious disappearance, which weighs heavily on both Sabran and Ead. Ead’s quiet grief over Loth’s absence reveals her personal stakes in the court’s intrigues, adding depth to her character beyond her role as a protector.
The chapter concludes with Ead’s unease about the increasing boldness of Draconic creatures, suggesting a looming threat to the queendom. Her observations and actions underscore her dual role as both a subtle manipulator and a vigilant guardian. The blend of political intrigue, personal loyalty, and supernatural danger sets the stage for future conflicts, leaving the reader anticipating the next developments in the story.
FAQs
1. What security measures protect Queen Sabran in her chambers, and how did the assassin circumvent them?
Answer:
Queen Sabran’s security involves multiple layers of protection: the Knights of the Body guard the royal apartments, and access to the Great Bedchamber requires a single key held by a Lady of the Bedchamber (currently Katryen Withy). The Privy Chamber acts as a final barrier. However, the assassin bypassed these measures by obtaining a duplicate key and exploiting moments when the door was unwatched, such as during Sir Gules Heath’s coughing fit. This reveals vulnerabilities in the system—reliance on a single key and intermittent guarding—despite the apparent security.2. Analyze Ead’s character based on her actions in this chapter. What contradictions or complexities does she exhibit?
Answer:
Ead displays a striking duality: she is both a ruthless protector and a compassionate observer. She kills the young assassin without hesitation to safeguard Sabran, yet she kisses his brow afterward, acknowledging his humanity. Her morning routine emphasizes predictability for safety, but she also fantasizes about escaping to Lasia, hinting at restlessness. Additionally, while she manipulates the laundress with religious guilt, she privately mocks Inysh prudishness. These contrasts paint her as pragmatic yet emotionally layered, loyal yet independent.3. How does the chapter build tension around the threat to Queen Sabran and the broader political context?
Answer:
Tension escalates through three interconnected threats:- Immediate danger: The masked assassin’s meticulous approach—using a duplicate key and waiting for Heath’s distraction—creates suspense.
- Draconic resurgence: Reports of wyverlings hunting near human settlements (like the Lakes) foreshadow larger attacks, linking Sabran’s survival to the Nameless One’s return.
- Court instability: Loth’s unexplained disappearance undermines Sabran’s inner circle. The chapter weaves these threads together, suggesting that the assassination attempts are part of a wider pattern of encroaching chaos.
4. What symbolic or thematic significance might the apple tree in the courtyard hold, given Ead’s reaction?
Answer:
The apple tree likely symbolizes both loss and temptation. Ead’s “aching chest” connects it to Loth’s disappearance, evoking Edenic imagery of forbidden knowledge or exile. In Inysh culture (which parallels Christian motifs), apples could represent sacrifice or betrayal. The tree’s prominence in the palace grounds—a place of beauty amid political danger—may also reflect the tension between surface tranquility and hidden corruption, mirroring Ead’s concealed role as a protector.5. Compare the portrayal of Inysh society through Ead’s perspective versus the laundress’s dialogue. What critiques emerge?
Answer:
Ead’s viewpoint exposes Inysh hypocrisy: she scorns their prudishness (mocking the laundress’s panic over a kiss) yet manipulates their religiosity (sending her to pray to “the Saint”). The laundress’s fear of wyverlings highlights superstition, while her neglect of duty underscores complacency despite existential threats. Together, they reveal a society preoccupied with appearances and dogma, yet unprepared for real dangers—a critique emphasized by Ead’s outsider status as a Lasian.- Immediate danger: The masked assassin’s meticulous approach—using a duplicate key and waiting for Heath’s distraction—creates suspense.
Quotes
1. “Only a fool would trespass in the Queen Tower without ensuring his anonymity, and if he had gained access to the Privy Chamber, then this cutthroat was certainly no fool.”
This opening line establishes the high-stakes tension of the chapter, introducing the threat to Queen Sabran and showcasing the calculated danger of the masked intruder. It sets the tone for the political intrigue and physical peril that permeate the narrative.
2. “When the body stilled, she lowered it to the floor and lifted his silk-lined visard, the same as all the others had worn. The face beneath was all too young, not quite out of boyhood.”
This poignant moment reveals Ead’s lethal efficiency as a protector and the tragic reality of the assassins - they’re mere youths caught in larger political machinations. The description humanizes both killer and protector in a single impactful scene.
3. “To be predictable was to be safe.”
This simple yet profound statement encapsulates Ead’s survival strategy at court, revealing how she maintains her cover while secretly protecting the queen. It speaks to the broader themes of deception and vigilance in the novel.
4. “They say a wyverling snatched some livestock from the Lakes not two days ago. A wyverling! Is it not frightening that the servants of the Nameless One are waking?”
This exchange with the laundress introduces crucial world-building about the growing Draconic threat, while showing how ordinary citizens perceive and fear the supernatural dangers looming in their world.
5. “It was almost too easy to fluster the Inysh.”
This wry observation from Ead highlights both her outsider status and the cultural differences between her homeland and Inys. It provides character insight while subtly commenting on the religious and social norms of the setting.