Tower of Dawn
Chapter Five
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol, exhausted and uneasy, struggles with sleep in the opulent yet tense household of a tentative ally. The heat, the lurking dangers of spies, and the haunting memories of Rifthold’s fall weigh heavily on him. As he prepares for a crucial meeting, he observes the lavish surroundings—filled with fine crafts and treasures from across the khagan’s empire—while grappling with the stark contrast between this peaceful, multicultural city and the fractured, fearful world he left behind.
Princess Hasar’s cryptic announcement about the healer’s arrival leaves Chaol wary, adding to his distrust of his hosts. During a tense dinner, Prince Arghun’s probing questions about Adarlan’s brutal enslavement practices push Chaol to the edge, forcing him to offer curt replies. Only Sartaq’s intervention shifts the conversation, but Chaol remains vigilant, scanning the room for signs of Morath’s influence. The heirs’ lively chatter in unfamiliar languages highlights the cultural richness of the khagan’s court, yet Chaol feels isolated and on guard.
Nesryn, visibly distressed, remains withdrawn throughout the evening, refusing Chaol’s attempts to connect. Her silence and haunted demeanor contrast sharply with the vibrant feast, where Chaol indulges in the khagan’s exquisite cuisine but abstains from alcohol. The emotional distance between Chaol and Nesryn grows, underscored by her rejection of his offer to share a room. Their strained relationship, marked by past failures to communicate, leaves Chaol frustrated and self-critical as he tosses and turns through the night.
As they await the late healer the next morning, Nesryn’s disheveled appearance and refusal to wear Adarlan’s colors reflect her inner turmoil. Chaol, dressed meticulously by his servant Kadja, observes Nesryn’s detachment with concern. The chapter closes with their uneasy silence, highlighting the unresolved tensions between them and the uncertainty of their situation in the khagan’s court.
FAQs
1. What are the primary reasons Chaol struggles to sleep, and what do these reasons reveal about his current state of mind?
Answer:
Chaol struggles to sleep due to three main factors: the oppressive heat, the tense political environment of their host’s household (which may contain spies or dangers from Morath), and his grief over the events in Rifthold. These reasons reveal that Chaol is physically uncomfortable, mentally on edge, and emotionally burdened. His heightened awareness of potential threats shows his strategic mindset as a former captain, while his preoccupation with Rifthold demonstrates his deep sense of responsibility and loss. The combination of these factors paints a picture of a man under significant stress, balancing external threats with internal turmoil.2. Analyze the dynamics between Chaol and Nesryn as portrayed in this chapter. What does their strained interaction suggest about their relationship?
Answer:
The chapter reveals significant tension between Chaol and Nesryn, marked by minimal communication and emotional distance. Nesryn’s nervous pacing, avoidance of eye contact, and rejection of Chaol’s attempt to share a room all indicate unresolved conflict. Chaol’s internal reflection that they “had never been good at talking” and had “done everything out of order” suggests regret about their relationship’s foundation. Their inability to communicate effectively—even about basic needs like sleeping arrangements—highlights deeper issues of trust and emotional intimacy. The strain reflects both personal grief (Nesryn’s refusal to wear Adarlan’s colors) and the pressure of their diplomatic mission.3. How does the chapter contrast the political and social atmosphere of Antica with that of Adarlan? What significance might this comparison hold?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes Antica’s multicultural harmony (“blend of so many cultures and history, peacefully dwelling together”) in stark contrast to Adarlan’s oppressive regime (“raging and broken spirits… living in terror”). This comparison serves multiple purposes: it highlights Chaol’s growing awareness of his homeland’s flaws, establishes Antica as a potential ally with superior social systems, and provides context for Prince Arghun’s pointed questions about Adarlan’s slavery practices. The contrast also makes Chaol’s mission more complex—he must seek help from a civilization that rightfully criticizes his own, adding moral weight to his diplomatic task while potentially fueling his personal guilt.4. What insights does the chapter provide about Princess Hasar’s character through her brief appearance, and how might these traits influence future events?
Answer:
Princess Hasar is introduced as “plain yet fierce-eyed,” with a “wicked grin” that suggests intelligence and mischief. Her affectionate behavior toward her female companion indicates she defies traditional expectations, while her deliberate announcement about the healer’s late arrival shows a playful, possibly manipulative nature. These traits suggest Hasar will be an unpredictable player in Chaol’s mission—potentially an ally who enjoys testing people or a cunning opponent who masks her intentions. Her apparent disregard for convention (open same-sex relationship) combined with her royal status makes her a wildcard who could either help bridge cultural gaps or create additional complications through her games.5. Evaluate Prince Arghun’s questioning of Chaol during dinner. What political and personal tensions does this exchange reveal?
Answer:
Arghun’s pointed questions about Adarlan’s enslavement and massacre of its people serve multiple purposes: they publicly challenge Chaol’s moral authority, highlight Adarlan’s crimes, and test Chaol’s diplomatic composure. The exchange reveals deep political tensions between the two nations, with Arghun positioning Antica as morally superior while forcing Chaol to defend the indefensible. On a personal level, it exacerbates Chaol’s guilt and frustration—he lacks the authority to rebuke a prince yet chafes at the accusations. The fact that Prince Sartaq intervenes suggests divisions within the royal family about how to handle these guests, foreshadowing potential alliances or conflicts among the heirs.
Quotes
1. “This city of high learning, this blend of so many cultures and history, peacefully dwelling together … Not at all like the raging and broken spirits dwelling in Adarlan’s shadow, living in terror, distrusting one another, enduring its worst crimes.”
This quote contrasts the vibrant, harmonious society of the southern continent with the oppression and fear under Adarlan’s rule. It highlights Chaol’s cultural shock and serves as a critique of his homeland’s tyrannical governance.
2. “Why the former King of Adarlan had deemed it necessary to enslave his people. And then put them down like animals. Why the man had not looked to the southern continent for education on the horrors and stain of slavery—and avoided instituting it.”
Prince Arghun’s pointed questioning forces Chaol to confront Adarlan’s brutal history. This represents the moral reckoning Chaol faces about his nation’s past and his own complicity as a former captain of the guard.
3. “They’d done everything out of order, and he’d cursed himself again and again for not making it right with her. Not trying to be better.”
This introspective moment reveals Chaol’s regrets about his strained relationship with Nesryn. It marks a key emotional turning point where he acknowledges his failures in their partnership.
4. “She hadn’t put on her captain’s uniform, but rather returned to her usual midnight-blue tunic and black pants. As if she couldn’t stand to be in Adarlan’s colors.”
Nesryn’s clothing choice symbolizes her growing disillusionment with their homeland. This subtle detail powerfully conveys the emotional toll of their mission and the crumbling of their national identity.