Tower of Dawn
Chapter Sixty
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol and Yrene rush through Antica’s bustling streets, driven by a renewed sense of purpose after learning of Aelin’s army. Chaol is determined to convince the khagan to join their cause, seeing it as a crucial opportunity to turn the tide of war. Despite the daunting odds, he resolves to make one final appeal, even if it means crawling before the ruler. Their immediate goal, however, is to seek out Hafiza, the Healer on High, and access the Torre’s hidden knowledge, which they believe could be a more powerful weapon than any army.
As they ascend the Torre’s endless stairs, their playful banter reveals their deep connection, with Yrene proudly claiming Chaol as her own. Yet, the reality of leaving Antica weighs on her, stirring bittersweet emotions about the life she’ll leave behind. Chaol’s reassuring touch reminds her that while she’ll miss this place, their future together holds its own promise. Their lighthearted moment is cut short when they discover Hafiza’s workroom empty, despite witnesses insisting she never left. Yrene’s unease grows as she searches nearby rooms, finding no trace of the Healer on High.
Yrene’s anxiety peaks when she finds Hafiza’s iron key slipped under her own door—a deliberate act suggesting the Healer on High anticipated danger. Chaol, alert and armed, recognizes the urgency of the situation and insists on notifying the guards. Yrene battles panic, fearing her actions may have endangered Hafiza, but she forces herself to stay composed. Together, they race down the Torre, questioning everyone they meet, only to receive the same frustrating answer: Hafiza was last seen in her workroom, yet she has vanished without a trace.
Chaol’s instincts tell him something sinister is unfolding, and Yrene’s dread mirrors his suspicion. Despite organizing a search party, they know time is of the essence. The chapter ends on a tense note as they scour the Torre’s vast complex, their hope dwindling with each unanswered query. The mystery of Hafiza’s disappearance looms large, hinting at darker forces at play and setting the stage for a perilous investigation.
FAQs
1. What key discovery do Chaol and Yrene make regarding Hafiza’s whereabouts, and what does this suggest about the situation?
Answer:
Chaol and Yrene discover Hafiza’s iron key wedged under Yrene’s door, which suggests the Healer on High deliberately hid it there before disappearing. This indicates Hafiza anticipated danger or an imminent threat (as noted by Yrene’s observation that “Hafiza does nothing without thought”). The absence of signs of forced entry in her workroom, coupled with multiple witnesses claiming she never left, implies something supernatural or covert occurred. The key’s placement—hidden in Yrene’s room—also suggests Hafiza trusted Yrene to find it and continue whatever mission she had begun, possibly related to the locked bookcase containing valuable knowledge about the war.
2. Analyze how the chapter portrays the relationship between Chaol and Yrene through their interactions during the crisis.
Answer:
The chapter highlights their deep mutual support and understanding. Chaol’s physical protectiveness (drawing his sword instantly) contrasts with Yrene’s emotional resilience (calmly alerting guards despite her panic). Their unspoken communication—such as Chaol’s hand brushing hers to comfort her fears about leaving Antica—shows their bond transcends words. Additionally, their teamwork in searching for Hafiza demonstrates complementary strengths: Yrene’s knowledge of the Torre and its people, and Chaol’s strategic instincts (noting the lack of forced entry). The playful banter about Yrene’s “pretty legs” earlier in the chapter also underscores how their relationship balances warmth with shared purpose, even under stress.
3. What thematic significance does Hafiza’s disappearance hold in the broader context of the story’s conflict?
Answer:
Hafiza’s disappearance symbolizes the encroachment of hidden threats into safe spaces (the Torre, a sanctuary of healing). Her vanishing without a trace mirrors the stealth tactics of their enemies, emphasizing that no place is truly secure. The iron key—a potential weapon against these forces—becomes a metaphor for passing the torch of resistance to the next generation (Yrene). This event also raises stakes for Chaol’s mission: if even the Healer on High can be targeted, convincing the khaganate to ally with Aelin becomes more urgent. The chapter thus ties personal danger to larger geopolitical consequences.
4. How does the chapter use physical spaces (like the Torre’s stairs and doors) to build tension?
Answer:
The Torre’s endless stairs—a recurring motif—heighten tension through physical exhaustion and verticality (each step upward intensifying the mystery). Doors play a crucial role: Hafiza’s ajar workroom door suggests violation, while Yrene’s shut door conceals the key, creating dramatic irony (readers know more than the searching characters). The contrast between the Torre’s usual warmth (lavender, giggles) and its sudden eeriness (“vanished into shadow”) amplifies unease. These spatial details ground the suspense in tangible elements, making the threat feel both immediate and invasive.
5. Evaluate Yrene’s emotional conflict about leaving Antica. How does this moment develop her character?
Answer:
Yrene’s bittersweet reflection on departing Antica reveals her growth from a lone survivor to someone with roots and community. Her acknowledgment that she’ll miss the Torre’s sounds and smells (“leave a part of herself here”) shows vulnerability, contrasting with her earlier single-minded focus on vengeance. Yet her grip on Chaol’s hand signals acceptance of change, prioritizing their shared future. This moment humanizes her, emphasizing that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the willingness to sacrifice comfort for a greater cause—a theme central to her arc as a healer-turned-warrior.
Quotes
1. “Aelin had mustered an army, and if they could join with them, bring some force from the khaganate … Yrene beheld the hope in his eyes. The focus.”
This quote captures a pivotal moment of determination and alliance-building, showing Chaol and Yrene’s shared purpose in gathering forces against a common enemy. It highlights the strategic importance of their mission.
2. “But first: Hafiza. And the books that might contain a far more valuable weapon than swords or arrows: knowledge.”
This statement underscores the chapter’s theme that knowledge can be more powerful than physical weapons. It sets up the intellectual pursuit that drives their actions amid the looming conflict.
3. “Hers. He was hers, Yrene wanted to crow at them. This beautiful, brave, selfless man—he was hers.”
A tender moment that reveals Yrene’s deep emotional connection to Chaol, contrasting with the urgency of their mission. It humanizes the characters amid the larger stakes.
4. “Panic helped no one. Nothing.”
This concise statement reflects Yrene’s growth as she forces herself to remain calm in a crisis. It’s a turning point where she shifts from fear to purposeful action.
5. “And his gut told him that something either had happened or was unfurling.”
This quote builds suspense as Chaol’s instincts warn of impending danger. It marks the transition from search to urgency, driving the chapter toward its unresolved tension.