Tower of Dawn
Chapter Seven
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol, confined to a wheelchair, waits until Nesryn leaves before summoning the servant Kadja to request information about the attack on Rifthold. He struggles with his inability to speak her language fluently but manages to convey his need for news about his homeland. Concerned about Nesryn bearing the burden of grim news alone, he tasks Kadja with gathering information from the docks. Despite knowing Kadja likely reports to the palace royals, Chaol dismisses the risk, prioritizing his people’s fate over political caution. His frustration with his physical limitations surfaces as he wheels himself forward, determined to remain active despite his circumstances.
Chaol then meets Prince Arghun in his lavish chambers, where the prince’s cold demeanor and focus on trivialities like his prized peacocks contrast sharply with Chaol’s urgency. The prince’s fluent use of Chaol’s language and his evasive responses highlight the tension between them. Chaol, desperate for answers about Rifthold, confronts Arghun directly, but the prince claims he can reveal nothing due to the watchful eyes of the court. The meeting ends abruptly, leaving Chaol frustrated and powerless, his anger compounded by the humiliation of being escorted out by servants.
The chapter delves into Chaol’s internal struggle as he grapples with his physical limitations and the political games of the khagan’s court. His encounter with Arghun leaves him doubting whether the prince is lying, but the confirmation of Rifthold’s sacking weighs heavily on him. The servants’ pity and his own helplessness enrage him, underscoring his loss of autonomy. The chapter captures his growing desperation and isolation as he returns to his room, haunted by the unknown fate of his people and King Dorian.
As night falls, Nesryn’s prolonged absence adds to Chaol’s anxiety. Her failure to return for dinner leaves him unsettled, especially after Kadja’s fruitless search for news. The chapter ends with Chaol’s worry mounting, emphasizing his emotional turmoil and the precariousness of his position in a foreign court. The unresolved tension and unanswered questions set the stage for further developments, highlighting Chaol’s determination to uncover the truth despite the obstacles in his path.
FAQs
1. What two important tasks does Chaol assign to Kadja in this chapter, and what do these requests reveal about his character and priorities?
Answer:
Chaol assigns Kadja two tasks: first, to gather information about the attack on Rifthold from the docks, and second, to arrange a meeting with Prince Arghun. These requests reveal Chaol’s deep concern for his homeland and people, as he prioritizes learning about their fate despite his physical limitations. His hesitation to involve Nesryn shows protective instincts, fearing she might bear grim news alone. The second task demonstrates his strategic thinking—he refuses to remain idle while Nesryn is occupied, seeking political leverage despite the risks of engaging with potentially hostile royals like Arghun.2. Analyze the power dynamics between Chaol and Prince Arghun during their meeting. How does Chaol’s disability influence their interaction?
Answer:
The power dynamics are heavily skewed in Arghun’s favor due to both his royal status and Chaol’s wheelchair-bound state. Chaol notes his disadvantage in having to look up at Arghun, contrasting it with how his former height would have commanded physical presence. Arghun’s cold demeanor and dismissal (“I can tell you absolutely nothing”) underscore his control, while Chaol’s frustration manifests in clenched jaws and suppressed rage. The prince’s refusal to engage further highlights Chaol’s diminished political capital, exacerbated by his disability—servants even attempt to wheel him out without consent, symbolizing his perceived helplessness in Antica’s court.3. How does the chapter portray Chaol’s internal conflict regarding his paralysis? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Chaol’s internal struggle is evident through his visceral reactions to reminders of his condition. He scowls at the “groaning” chair and resents his “silent body” when moving. The encounter with Arghun intensifies this—he imagines standing taller, using his physicality to command respect, but cuts off the thought, refusing to dwell on his limitations. His outburst at the servant (“Don’t”) reveals raw vulnerability about autonomy. Later, his passive acceptance of being wheeled away (“that might have enraged him more than anything”) shows painful resignation, contrasting sharply with his former identity as a capable warrior and leader.4. What symbolic role do Arghun’s white peacocks play in the scene, and how do they reflect the themes of the chapter?
Answer:
The white peacocks symbolize superficial beauty masking harsh realities—a metaphor for Antica’s court. Their “stunning” appearance contrasts with Arghun’s mention of their “screaming,” mirroring the dissonance between the palace’s opulence and the brutal truth of Rifthold’s destruction. Chaol’s observation of their “delicate crowns” parallels his own reduced status; like the birds, he is ornamental in this setting, his authority undermined. The peacocks’ confinement in a gilded courtyard also reflects Chaol’s trapped existence, physically limited and politically isolated, forced to navigate a world that values display over substance.5. Why might the author have included Nesryn’s absence during dinner, and how does this detail contribute to the chapter’s tension?
Answer:
Nesryn’s unexplained absence heightens tension by isolating Chaol emotionally and strategically. Her disappearance leaves him vulnerable—he cannot share his worries about Rifthold or debrief about Arghun’s meeting. The detail also underscores his growing dependence on her; without Nesryn, he must face the khagan’s court alone, amplifying his sense of powerlessness. Additionally, it creates narrative suspense: her prolonged absence hints at potential danger or new plot developments, leaving readers (and Chaol) questioning whether her family reunion has gone awry or if external threats have emerged.
Quotes
1. “I need you to go down to the docks, to wherever information comes in, to see if there’s any news about the attack on Rifthold.”
This quote shows Chaol’s desperation and leadership as he seeks information about his homeland’s crisis, despite his physical limitations. It highlights his concern for his people and his strategic thinking in sending a discreet messenger rather than risking Nesryn’s emotional well-being.
2. “Had he been standing, he’d be a good four inches taller, able to use his size to his advantage during this meeting. Had he been standing—”
This internal monologue reveals Chaol’s struggle with his disability and how it affects his confidence in political negotiations. The unfinished thought poignantly captures his frustration and the psychological impact of his condition.
3. “You really want to play this game?” / “It is no game… My spies do not invent stories to entertain.”
This tense exchange between Chaol and Prince Arghun demonstrates the political maneuvering at play. Chaol’s blunt confrontation contrasts with Arghun’s cold pragmatism, revealing the high-stakes nature of their interaction and the prince’s unwillingness to share information.
4. “He didn’t fight the servant again when the man stepped up to escort him back to his room. And that might have enraged him more than anything.”
This moment captures Chaol’s internal conflict - his rage at his helplessness warring with his acceptance of reality. It’s a powerful illustration of his character development and the emotional toll of his physical limitations.
5. “Chaol did not let the khagan, his children, or the thirty-six hawk-eyed viziers get a whiff of the worry that wracked him with every passing minute that she did not emerge…”
This quote shows Chaol’s diplomatic composure under pressure and his growing concern for Nesryn. It emphasizes the constant scrutiny they’re under and the personal stakes beneath their political mission.