Tower of Dawn
Chapter Forty-One
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Sartaq and Houlun spending over a week researching ancient maps of the Dagul Fells, preparing for a dangerous mission into the territory of the kharankui (spiders). The maps are vague, as few riders have dared to venture close enough for detailed reconnaissance. The group faces internal conflict when Borte, Houlun’s heir, is ordered to stay behind for the sake of their people’s bloodline. Despite her outrage, Borte reluctantly complies, while Sartaq defiantly insists on joining the mission, declaring he would refuse the crown if it meant avoiding battle.
The small team—Nesryn, Sartaq, and Falkan (in mouse form)—departs on Kadara, Sartaq’s ruk, after debating whether to bring a larger force. Houlun ultimately decides a small group is best for stealth, with plans to send an army if they fail to return within four days. As they approach the Fells, tension mounts; Nesryn feels the weight of the impending danger, while Sartaq remains silent and Falkan conserves his energy. The mission’s stakes are high, as they aim to rescue stolen hatchlings and uncover the spiders’ weaknesses.
During the flight, Nesryn and Sartaq engage in a revealing conversation about his reluctance to marry and his views on the khaganate’s succession traditions. Sartaq admits he has avoided arranged marriages, preferring a partner who shares his love for adventure. He reflects on his sister Duva’s successful arranged marriage but questions the competitive nature of his family’s succession. Nesryn probes further, asking if he would ever abandon the tradition, to which Sartaq muses that future rulers might prioritize family over rivalry.
The chapter concludes with Nesryn expressing hesitation about dragging the rukhin into war, now that she knows them personally. Sartaq reassures her, joking about Borte’s competitive relationship with her betrothed, Yeran. The conversation shifts to lighter topics, but the underlying tension of their mission lingers as they near the spiders’ territory. The exchange highlights Nesryn’s growing attachment to the rukhin and Sartaq’s complex relationship with his royal duties.
FAQs
1. What were the main arguments for and against bringing a legion to confront the kharankui, and how was the conflict resolved?
Answer:
The debate centered on risk assessment and strategic advantage. Borte argued for bringing a legion due to the unknown number of kharankui in their territory, believing greater numbers would improve their chances. Sartaq opposed this, fearing unnecessary loss of life and the tactical disadvantage of being spotted by the spiders before arrival. Houlun ultimately mediated by approving a small, stealthy team (Nesryn, Sartaq, and Falkan) with a contingency plan: if they didn’t return in four days, an army would follow. This balanced immediate risk with backup support (pg. 467).2. How does Sartaq’s perspective on leadership and tradition reveal tensions within the rukhin culture?
Answer:
Sartaq’s views highlight a conflict between duty and personal values. He rejects the idea of passive leadership, stating he’d refuse the crown if it meant “sitting idly by while others fought” (pg. 467), emphasizing active participation in battles as a core value. His criticism of the competitive succession tradition—calling it outdated—suggests a desire for reform, though he acknowledges its historical roots in the empire’s early days (pg. 469). This tension reflects broader questions about whether warrior traditions align with the needs of a stable, peacetime society.3. Analyze how Nesryn’s evolving perspective on her mission demonstrates character growth.
Answer:
Initially, Nesryn viewed the rukhin as impersonal allies (“nameless, faceless legion”), but her time with them has humanized her mission. She now grapples with the ethical weight of asking people she knows—like Houlun, Borte, and Sartaq—to risk their lives (pg. 469). This shift shows her developing empathy and understanding of the costs of war, contrasting with her earlier diplomatic detachment. Her discomfort reveals a moral complexity: balancing larger strategic goals against personal relationships, a key step in her leadership journey.4. What symbolic significance does Borte’s forced stay behind carry in the context of rukhin values?
Answer:
Borte’s confinement as heir underscores the rukhin’s prioritization of bloodline preservation over individual glory. Houlun’s rebuke—that Borte would dishonor her mother’s sulde (spirit banner) by risking herself—frames duty as sacred (pg. 466-467). This contrasts sharply with Sartaq’s defiance, creating a tension between collective responsibility (Borte’s role) and personal honor (Sartaq’s actions). The scene also reinforces gender dynamics, as Borte’s betrothal and reproductive potential are implicitly tied to her value, despite her proven combat skills.5. How does the dialogue about marriage and succession deepen our understanding of Sartaq’s character?
Answer:
Sartaq’s rejection of politically arranged marriages reveals his desire for authenticity. He dismisses potential brides who feign interest in Kadara or see his absences as convenient (pg. 468), valuing genuine connection over courtly pretenses. His admiration for Duva’s happy arranged marriage adds nuance—he isn’t opposed to tradition itself, but to hollow relationships. This mirrors his leadership stance: he respects customs but challenges those that feel restrictive. His openness with Nesryn about these pressures also shows growing trust between them.
Quotes
1. “As heir, Houlun had snapped, Borte’s first obligation was to their people. The bloodline ended with her. Should Borte head into the dim tangle of Dagul, she might as well spit upon where her mother’s sulde stood on the slopes of Arundin.”
This quote captures the tension between duty and personal desire, showing Houlun’s forceful reminder of Borte’s responsibilities as heir. It highlights the cultural importance of lineage and ancestral honor in their society.
2. “Sartaq had merely stalked off into the interior hallways of Altun, saying that if being his father’s successor meant sitting idly by while others fought for him, then his siblings could have the damn crown.”
This reveals Sartaq’s character and values—his rejection of passive leadership and his belief in leading from the front. It foreshadows potential conflicts in the royal succession and his personal struggles with duty.
3. “Because whenever I showed them Kadara, they either cowered, or pretended to be interested in her, or asked just how much time I’d be spending away… The question itself felt like enough of a leash that I knew they were not for me.”
This intimate exchange between Sartaq and Nesryn reveals his difficulty finding a partner who accepts his warrior identity and connection to his ruk. It underscores themes of authenticity and the sacrifices of leadership.
4. “Perhaps one day, whoever takes the throne will end it. Love their siblings more than they honor the tradition… Perhaps war will sort the matter of succession for us.”
This philosophical reflection by Sartaq critiques their competitive succession tradition while acknowledging how crisis might force change. It encapsulates the chapter’s tension between tradition and evolution.
5. “When the rukhin were a nameless, faceless legion… When I did not know Houlun, or Borte. Or that Borte is betrothed.”
Nesryn’s confession marks a turning point in her perspective, showing how personal connections complicate her mission. This humanizes the cost of war and represents the chapter’s theme of shifting perceptions.