Tower of Dawn
Chapter Forty-Three
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol, now without his brace, is given a temperamental black mare named Farasha for a desert-bound journey. Despite her name meaning “butterfly,” the horse is fierce and rebellious, testing Chaol’s limits from the start. He suspects the royals intentionally gave him a challenging horse but refuses to request a gentler one, determined not to show weakness. Yrene, his companion, observes the horse’s behavior with concern while riding her own chestnut mare, both horses beautiful but not as stunning as the Asterion stallion Chaol once received from Dorian—a bittersweet reminder of a past life.
The chapter delves into Chaol’s reflections on his lost stallion, left unnamed and likely lost to the chaos of war. He wonders if Farasha senses his guilt over forgetting the noble horse and resents him for it. Princess Hasar, leading the expedition, boasts about the Muniqi breed’s Fae ancestry and their adaptation to desert climates, highlighting their speed and unique features like the *jibbah*, a sinus bulge aiding their survival. Yrene remains neutral during Hasar’s lecture, focusing on practical preparations while Chaol admires her appearance—elegant in white and gold desert attire.
The group sets off through Antica’s bustling streets, slowed by narrow paths and the oppressive heat. Hasar, impatient to showcase her riding skills, curses the delays, while Chaol struggles to control Farasha, who snaps at bystanders. Yrene points out the city’s aqueducts and gardens, remnants of a conqueror who cherished the land. As they exit the city, Hasar and others race ahead, leaving Chaol and Yrene with a slower group. The reckless riding of some nobles damages the scrubland, sparking Chaol’s disapproval.
Ascending a rocky hill, the group prepares to water their horses before crossing the dunes. Chaol notices the careless damage left by previous riders, including bloodied bushes, and disapproves of their recklessness. The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation as the remaining riders approach the cliff’s edge, their companions seemingly vanishing into the horizon. The journey underscores themes of resilience, memory, and the contrast between Chaol’s disciplined nature and the royals’ indulgent recklessness.
FAQs
1. How does the author use Farasha’s character to reflect Chaol’s internal struggles?
Answer:
Farasha, the black mare whose name ironically means “butterfly,” serves as a mirror for Chaol’s emotional state and past regrets. Her fierce, rebellious nature parallels Chaol’s own stubbornness and unwillingness to appear weak before the royals. More significantly, her hostility makes Chaol reflect on the unnamed Asterion stallion he received from Dorian—a symbol of happier times now lost. The text suggests Farasha senses Chaol’s guilt over abandoning that noble horse, intensifying her aggression. This equine conflict becomes an external manifestation of Chaol’s unresolved grief over his fractured friendship with Dorian and the life he left behind in the north.2. Analyze the significance of the Muniqi horses’ physical traits in relation to the story’s worldbuilding.
Answer:
The Muniqi horses’ specialized adaptations—such as their wedge-shaped heads, high tails, and jibbah (enlarged sinus cavities)—demonstrate the author’s meticulous worldbuilding. These traits reflect evolutionary responses to the harsh desert climate, grounding the fantasy narrative in biological plausibility. Their Fae ancestry connects them to the broader mythology of the series, while their speed (nearly matching Asterions) establishes the Southern Continent’s rival equine traditions. Princess Hasar’s pride in their heritage underscores the khaganate’s cultural identity, contrasting with Chaol’s Northern perspective. The horses’ almost sentient “awareness” also hints at magical undertones, enriching the chapter’s texture.3. How does Yrene’s attire and role in the expedition reflect her evolving character?
Answer:
Yrene’s practical riding outfit—a white-and-gold tunic with gauzy pants and boots—signals her transition from Torre healer to active participant in royal affairs. The gold threading in her hair and beaded bandolier suggest she’s adapting to courtly expectations while maintaining functionality. Notably, she straps Chaol’s cane to her saddle, symbolizing her dual role as caregiver and equal partner. Her neutral reaction to Hasar’s equine lecture reveals growing political savvy, contrasting with earlier naivety. The description of her as “lovely as a sunrise” through Chaol’s eyes also underscores their deepening connection, framed by the journey’s new challenges.4. What does the reckless riding behavior reveal about the khaganate’s nobility?
Answer:
The nobles’ disregard for their mounts—evidenced by bloodied bushes and trampled scrub—exposes a culture of privilege and entitlement. Their races through cleared towns and Hasar’s impatience with urban delays paint them as treating the kingdom as a “playground,” insulated from consequences. Arghun’s unexpected participation suggests political maneuvering, possibly to monitor Kashin. The contrast between their careless speed and Chaol/Yrene’s cautious ascent highlights differing values: the nobility sees the expedition as entertainment, while the protagonists approach it with purpose. This foreshadows potential conflicts between the royals’ decadence and the coming war’s gravity.5. How does the chapter use Antica’s infrastructure to develop themes of power and legacy?
Answer:
The aqueducts and cultivated gardens exemplify a conqueror’s paradoxical legacy—violence followed by nurturing stewardship. Yrene’s commentary emphasizes that true power lies not just in domination but in sustaining conquered lands, a theme relevant to Chaol’s reflections on his own kingdom’s failures. The “loved and nourished” city contrasts with the witches’ implied pillaging of Dorian’s stables, presenting two models of rulership. This dichotomy extends to the expedition: Hasar’s destructive racing versus the servants’ preparatory care at the oasis camp. The infrastructure becomes a metaphor for leadership choices that will define the coming conflict.
Quotes
1. “Farasha was anything but.”
This opening line about Chaol’s ill-tempered mare immediately establishes the chapter’s tone of contrasts and hidden depths. The name “Butterfly” ironically contrasts with the horse’s fierce nature, mirroring how appearances in this world often deceive.
2. “Another birthday celebration. Another time—another life.”
This poignant reflection captures Chaol’s sense of loss and displacement as he contrasts his current situation with happier memories from his past. It underscores the theme of change and the irreversible passage of time that permeates the chapter.
3. “Beautiful. As lovely as a sunrise.”
Chaol’s observation of Yrene in her desert riding attire represents a moment of quiet admiration amidst the chaos. This simple yet vivid comparison highlights their growing connection and serves as a rare moment of beauty in the challenging journey.
4. “A conqueror might have taken this city three centuries ago, but that same conqueror had loved it well. Treated it well and nourished it.”
This insight about Antica’s history reveals the complex legacy of conquest and governance in this world. It suggests that true leadership involves both power and care, a theme that resonates throughout the chapter’s exploration of different ruling styles.
5. “As if this kingdom were their playground.”
This critical observation about the royals’ behavior during their desert race encapsulates the chapter’s examination of privilege and responsibility. It contrasts the nobility’s careless enjoyment with the more measured approach of Chaol and Yrene.