Tower of Dawn
Chapter Seventeen
by Maas, Sarah J.Nesryn Faliq visits her aunt and uncle’s home in Antica’s Runni Quarter, a serene and beautifully designed residence typical of Balruhni architecture. The house is built to withstand desert climates, with strategic placements of windows, wind-catching towers, and shaded courtyards. Upon arrival, she is greeted warmly by her aunt, who immediately inquires if she has eaten—a customary Halha greeting. The lively banter between her aunt and uncle reveals a close-knit family dynamic, with her uncle teasing from his study above the courtyard. The home’s tranquil atmosphere, adorned with bougainvillea and a burbling fountain, contrasts with the chaos of Nesryn’s past in Rifthold.
The chapter delves into the cultural richness of Nesryn’s family, highlighting their Balruhni heritage through the home’s decor, including statues of their goddess, Inna. Her aunt leads her to a private family courtyard, where Nesryn is seated in a place of honor. The warmth and familiarity of the setting evoke a mix of comfort and melancholy in Nesryn, as she reflects on her displaced family in Rifthold. Her uncle’s arrival and his resemblance to her father stir emotions, reminding her of the traits she shares with her father, despite their differing temperaments. The scene underscores the importance of family and heritage in Nesryn’s identity.
Conversation shifts to Nesryn’s role as Captain of the Royal Guard, with her uncle expressing surprise at her frequent visits. Her aunt, however, cherishes these moments, emphasizing the family’s pride in Nesryn’s accomplishments. The discussion touches on the khaganate’s progressive policies, such as free education for all children, which contrasts sharply with Adarlan’s disparities. Nesryn’s uncle humorously mentions the children’s attempts to mimic her singing, revealing a lesser-known talent she reserves for family. This lighthearted moment adds depth to Nesryn’s character, showcasing her private joys amidst her public responsibilities.
The chapter closes with Nesryn’s internal conflict, as the safety of her Antica family contrasts with her concerns for her parents and sister, who fled Rifthold but now face an uncertain future. Her uncle’s observation about her pensive expression mirrors her father’s demeanor, reinforcing their bond. The visit serves as a respite from her duties, yet it also reminds her of the unresolved tensions and dangers her loved ones face. The blend of familial warmth, cultural pride, and underlying anxiety creates a poignant narrative thread, setting the stage for Nesryn’s personal and political challenges ahead.
FAQs
1. How does the architectural design of Nesryn’s family home reflect both cultural heritage and practical adaptation to the Antica climate?
Answer:
The Faliq home exemplifies traditional Balruhni architecture adapted for desert living. The design strategically considers sun and wind patterns—avoiding southern-facing windows to reduce heat and positioning breeze-catching towers away from sand-laden eastern winds (pg. 209). The courtyard with shade-providing plants and wooden awnings further cools the space, while interior carvings depict flora/fauna from their ancestral homeland (pg. 209-210). This blend of cultural preservation (e.g., Inna’s statue at the entrance) and environmental adaptation highlights how the family maintains traditions while thriving in Antica’s climate.2. Analyze the significance of food and hospitality in Nesryn’s family interactions. What cultural values does this emphasize?
Answer:
Food serves as a cornerstone of familial bonding and Halha cultural identity. Nesryn’s aunt immediately asks if she’s eaten—a customary greeting—and insists on serving meals despite Nesryn having already dined (pg. 208-209). The aunt’s pride in their cook (“better than the palace’s”) and self-deprecating humor about her weight reveal how culinary excellence symbolizes love and status (pg. 209). This ritual underscores values of generosity, communal care, and the role of shared meals in sustaining relationships, contrasting with the formality of palace life.3. How does the chapter contrast Nesryn’s Antica family life with her memories of Rifthold?
Answer:
Nesryn reflects on her Antica home’s serenity (with its jasmine-scented courtyard and orderly structure) versus Rifthold’s chaotic household, marked by her sister Delara’s rebellious clashes and her father’s constant laughter (pg. 210-211). The khaganate’s egalitarian policies, like free education for all children, also starkly contrast with Adarlan’s inequalities (pg. 211). These comparisons evoke her bittersweet nostalgia for Rifthold’s vibrancy while acknowledging Antica’s stability—highlighting her dual cultural roots and unresolved concerns for her displaced family.4. What does Nesryn’s concealed talent for singing reveal about her character and familial relationships?
Answer:
Nesryn’s singing—a private gift shared only with family—demonstrates her vulnerability and deep familial trust. Her uncle teases that her cousins now “yowl” her songs, emphasizing how her visits inspire joy (pg. 211). Yet her embarrassment (“face heated”) when praised suggests modesty and a reluctance to seek attention, contrasting with her public role as Captain. This duality reveals how family provides a safe space for her to express hidden aspects of herself beyond her disciplined professional persona.
Quotes
1. “Her family was not fortunate enough to have a canal running beneath the house, as many of the wealthier in Antica did, but with the towering plants and carved wooden awnings, the shade kept the public lower levels around the courtyard cool enough during the day.”
This quote beautifully illustrates the architectural wisdom and cultural adaptation of the Balruhni people, showing how they’ve designed their homes to work with—rather than against—their desert environment. It also subtly highlights class distinctions in Antica.
2. “Another of the khaganate’s many wonderful decrees: every child, no matter how poor or rich, had the right to attend school. Free of charge. As a result, nearly everyone in the empire was literate—far more than Nesryn could claim of Adarlan.”
This passage provides important world-building context about the khaganate’s progressive policies, contrasting them favorably with Nesryn’s homeland. It reveals a key cultural difference that shapes Nesryn’s perspective and admiration for Antica’s systems.
3. “Men and women governed the household together, their joint rule treated as law by their children.”
This brief but powerful statement reveals the egalitarian family structure in Nesryn’s culture, contrasting with many fantasy settings. It helps explain Nesryn’s own independence and strength as a character while providing insight into Balruhni societal norms.
4. “An ache tightened her chest, and Nesryn rubbed at it. They were alive; they had gotten out. But it did not answer where they now were. Or what they might face on that continent full of so many terrors.”
This emotional moment captures Nesryn’s inner conflict and worry about her family’s fate, serving as a poignant reminder of the larger stakes in the story. It shows her personal connection to the broader conflicts in the world.
5. “For the Captain of the Royal Guard, I am surprised you have the time to visit us so often.”
This seemingly simple remark carries significant weight, subtly acknowledging Nesryn’s high-ranking position while also hinting at the tension between her duties and family connections. It shows how her professional role intersects with her personal life.