Tower of Dawn
Chapter Eleven
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol waits impatiently for Yrene’s arrival, frustrated by her tardiness and his own physical limitations. To pass the time, he engages in strenuous exercises, pushing his body to its limits despite his injuries. His thoughts drift to Dorian, his absent king, adding to his agitation. When Yrene finally appears, she looks visibly distressed, though she avoids explaining her condition, focusing instead on Chaol’s workout and making a pointed remark about the khagan’s rugs. Their interaction is tense, marked by Chaol’s stubborn refusal to engage with the palace guard, revealing his unresolved emotional wounds.
Yrene’s demeanor is unusually withdrawn, and she devises a ruse to send Kadja away, claiming Chaol has a rash. Once alone, she reveals the shocking news: a healer was murdered in the library the previous night, and Yrene believes she was the intended target. The victim’s body was drained of life, resembling a desiccated corpse, a detail that immediately alarms Chaol. Yerne explains that the killer likely mistook the other healer for her due to their similar appearance, and the books she was reading about Chaol’s injury mysteriously vanished after the attack.
Chaol’s instincts point to the Valg, ancient enemies he has encountered before, as the likely culprits. He presses Yrene for details, trying to piece together the threat. Yerne, exhausted and fearful, admits she was researching the dark power that injured Chaol, suggesting a connection between his presence and the attack. The realization that someone is targeting healers—and possibly Yerne specifically—heightens the tension between them. Chaol’s protective instincts kick in, though he struggles with his physical limitations and the growing sense of danger.
The chapter ends with a chilling revelation: Yerne’s research into Chaol’s condition may have drawn dangerous attention. The murder in the library suggests a larger conspiracy, and Chaol’s arrival in the city seems to have triggered it. Their conversation leaves both characters unsettled, with Yerne’s fear palpable and Chaol grappling with guilt and concern. The stage is set for further conflict as they confront the looming threat together, their partnership now tinged with urgency and shared vulnerability.
FAQs
1. What significant event occurred in the library that Yrene reveals to Chaol, and why is it particularly concerning for her?
Answer:
Yrene informs Chaol that a healer was murdered in the library the previous night, and she believes the killer was actually targeting her. The victim appeared desiccated, drained of life without visible wounds—a signature of Valg activity. This is especially alarming because the killer seemingly mistook the victim for Yrene due to their similar appearances. Furthermore, books Yrene had been reading about the mysterious power behind Chaol’s injuries were stolen, suggesting the attack was connected to her research. The incident shatters Yrene’s sense of safety and implies someone is actively monitoring or opposing her investigation into Chaol’s condition.2. How does Chaol’s reaction to Yrene’s suggestion of training with the palace guard reveal his emotional state?
Answer:
When Yrene proposes that Chaol exercise at the barracks with the palace guard—a logical suggestion given his former role as Captain of the Guard—his vehement refusal (“No”) underscores his deep emotional turmoil. The text notes how this reaction exposes a “still-shredded thing in his chest,” highlighting his unresolved shame and grief over his disability. Chaol’s inability to face the guards, who represent his past identity and physical prowess, reflects his struggle with self-worth and avoidance of confronting his new limitations in a public, martial setting.3. Analyze the significance of Yrene’s fabricated story about Chaol’s “rash” and what it demonstrates about her strategic thinking.
Answer:
Yrene invents a false story about Chaol developing a rash from Kadja’s bath oils to discreetly remove the servant from the room. This tactic serves two purposes: it ensures privacy for their sensitive conversation about the murder, and it tests Kadja’s loyalty by presenting a scenario where the servant might face blame. Yrene’s choice of a plausible yet embarrassing ailment (a leg rash) also discourages Kadja from spreading rumors, as it would reflect poorly on her caregiving. This demonstrates Yrene’s quick thinking, understanding of human psychology, and caution in protecting sensitive information.4. What evidence suggests that the killer in the library might be connected to the Valg, and why does this pose a larger threat?
Answer:
The murdered healer’s desiccated, bloodless appearance aligns with known Valg methods of feeding or killing, which Chaol recognizes immediately. The stolen books about the dark power behind Chaol’s injuries further connect the attack to Valg interests, as they actively suppress knowledge of their nature. This poses an expanded threat because it implies Valg influence has reached the Torre Cesme—a previously safe haven—and that they’re targeting those investigating Chaol’s condition. The killer’s ability to evade detection in a heavily guarded palace also suggests sophisticated infiltration, raising stakes for both Yrene and Chaol’s safety.5. How does the chapter portray the evolving dynamic between Chaol and Yrene through their interactions?
Answer:
Their dynamic shifts from professional to personally invested in this chapter. Chaol’s unprompted concern for Yrene’s distressed appearance (“What’s wrong?”) and her willingness to share the traumatic events show growing trust. Yrene’s exhaustion lowers her usual guardedness, while Chaol’s frustration at her avoidance mirrors emotional investment rather than mere politeness. Notably, Yrene begins to challenge Chaol’s limitations (pushing him to train), and he reveals vulnerability in response. Their mutual focus on protecting each other—Yrene through discretion, Chaol through threat assessment—foreshadows a deeper alliance against the emerging Valg threat.
Quotes
1. “She said to Kadja, waiting in the foyer, ‘I have a matter of discretion that I need you to personally oversee.’ […] ‘Lord Westfall requires a tonic for a rash developing on his legs. Likely from some oil you dumped into his bath.’ The words were calm, yet edged.”
This quote shows Yrene’s quick thinking and strategic deception to create privacy, revealing her cautious nature and the growing tension in the palace. It sets the stage for the darker revelations to come.
2. “Because someone killed a healer in the library last night—and then hunted me, too.”
This pivotal moment reveals the chapter’s central conflict—the mysterious threat targeting healers. Yrene’s blunt delivery underscores the gravity of the situation and marks a turning point from personal struggles to external danger.
3. “She looks—looked like me […] I think they were looking for me.”
This chilling realization connects the murder directly to Yrene, personalizing the threat and raising stakes. The stuttered verb tense (“looks—looked”) poignantly captures her shock while emphasizing the mistaken identity theme.
4. “Because what I was reading last night, about the potential source of the power that injured you […] the books were gone.”
This quote ties the attack directly to Chaol’s condition and their shared secret knowledge, suggesting a larger conspiracy at work. It bridges the personal and political tensions in the chapter.