Tower of Dawn
Chapter Forty-Eight
by Maas, Sarah J.Nesryn awakens to the sensation of Falkan, a small creature, biting at the silk binding her body. Disoriented and nauseous, she finds herself in a dimly lit stone passage, its walls polished and covered in ancient carvings. Nearby lies Sartaq, unconscious and similarly wrapped in silk, his face crusted with blood. As Falkan works to free her, Nesryn scans their surroundings, noting the eerie stillness and the strange, smooth rock formations that suggest they are no longer in the familiar mountain pass.
A menacing spider, larger and darker than the others, emerges and engages Nesryn in conversation. The spider speaks in a lyrical voice, questioning their presence in the forgotten place. Nesryn improvises a story about being sent by a merchant to trade, hoping to buy time as Falkan continues chewing through the silk. The spider dismisses the idea of trade, revealing a disdain for its northern kin who interact with mortals, and instead boasts of its kind’s predatory nature. Nesryn’s hands tremble as she struggles to maintain the ruse, fearing for Sartaq’s life.
The spider reveals that its kind waits for the return of their queen, pointing to a carving on the wall depicting a cloaked figure. As Nesryn squints to make out the details, the spider brushes away dirt to reveal the image of a woman with flowing hair and a dress. The spider declares they await the Queen of the Valg, who is known in this world as Maeve. This revelation shocks Nesryn, as it contradicts the earlier assumption that the spiders served Erawan, another dark figure.
The chapter ends with the spider’s chilling proclamation about Maeve’s return, leaving Nesryn to grapple with the implications. The encounter underscores the spiders’ loyalty to a far more ancient and terrifying power, while Nesryn and Falkan remain trapped in a desperate race against time. The tension builds as the spider’s presence looms, and the carved gate on the wall hints at a looming threat beyond their current predicament.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the carvings Nesryn observes in the cave, and what do they reveal about the spiders’ motives?
Answer:
The carvings in the cave depict an archway with a cloaked female figure, later revealed to represent Maeve, the Queen of the Valg. These carvings are central to the spiders’ purpose, as they are waiting for Maeve’s return, whom they regard as their true queen. This revelation connects to broader lore in the series, as Maeve is a powerful Valg queen masquerading as a fae ruler. The spiders’ disdain for Erawan and their devotion to Maeve suggest a factional divide among the Valg forces, hinting at deeper conflicts within the antagonist forces.2. How does Nesryn attempt to distract the spider, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Nesryn fabricates a story about being sent by a merchant to trade with the spiders, claiming their northern kin (stygian spiders) were deemed unimpressive. This quick thinking under extreme duress demonstrates her resourcefulness and ability to improvise in life-threatening situations. Her tactic also buys time for Falkan to chew through the silk binding her, showing strategic prioritization of survival. The scene highlights Nesryn’s courage and adaptability, traits consistent with her role as a leader and warrior.3. Analyze the spiders’ ideological conflict with their northern kin. What does this reveal about their worldview?
Answer:
The spiders scorn their northern kin for trading with mortals, declaring they were “born to devour” humans rather than bargain with them. This reflects a purist, predatory ideology aligned with traditional Valg brutality. Their rejection of cooperation underscores their adherence to Maeve’s likely more vicious methods, contrasting with other Valg factions like Erawan’s forces, who may employ subtler strategies. The divide mirrors real-world ideological rifts, emphasizing how shared origins don’t preclude violent discord.4. Why is the revelation about Maeve’s identity significant for the series’ larger conflict?
Answer:
The spiders’ confirmation that Maeve is the Valg queen they await exposes her true nature to Nesryn and Sartaq, providing critical intelligence about the enemy’s hierarchy. This revelation has far-reaching implications: Maeve’s dual identity as a fae ruler and Valg queen suggests deep infiltration of key powers, raising stakes for protagonists unaware of her treachery. It also hints at potential infighting among Valg rulers (Maeve vs. Erawan), which protagonists might exploit strategically.5. How does the chapter use physical descriptions to create tension? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Tension is built through visceral details: the “sharp biting” waking Nesryn, the spider’s “blackness deeper” than night, and the venom spat near Sartaq’s feet. The confined cave setting—with its polished, carved walls—contrasts eerily with the spiders’ menace. Sensory cues like the silk’s reek and Nesryn’s dry tongue amplify discomfort. The spider’s lyrical voice juxtaposed with her violent intent creates unsettling dissonance, heightening dread through stark contrasts between beauty and threat.
Quotes
1. “‘Sisters!’ The spider hissed. ‘Our blood kin they may be, but no true sisters of the soul. Gentlehearted fools, trading with mortals—trading, when we were born to devour you.’”
This quote reveals the spider’s disdain for its northern kin and establishes the predatory nature of the kharankui. It highlights the chapter’s theme of primal instincts versus civilization, showing how these creatures view humans as prey rather than trading partners.
2. “‘We wait for the Queen of the Valg,’ the spider purred, rubbing against the carving. ‘Who in this world calls herself Maeve.’”
This shocking revelation serves as the chapter’s climax, exposing Maeve’s true identity as the Valg Queen. The quote fundamentally shifts our understanding of the series’ mythology and sets up major conflicts to come.
3. “‘We wait.’ […] ‘Our queen,’ the spider said. ‘We wait for Her Dark Majesty to return at last.’”
This ominous statement builds tension while revealing the spiders’ ancient purpose. The quote is significant as it shows these creatures aren’t just random monsters, but devoted followers awaiting their ruler’s return - tying into larger series lore about the Valg’s history.