Tower of Dawn
Chapter Ten
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with a vivid description of a summer storm raging outside the Torre Cesme library, where Yrene is studying late at night. The storm’s thunder and lightning create an eerie atmosphere, with wind causing the lanterns to sway and cast colorful patterns on the walls. Despite the unsettling environment, Yrene remains focused on her research, occasionally reacting to the storm’s intensity and the distant sounds of fellow acolytes studying for exams. The setting establishes a sense of isolation and determination as Yrene delves into her work.
Yrene is searching for information on mysterious wounds caused by demons or dark magic, prompted by her patient, Lord Westfall. She relies on the expertise of Nousha, the Head Librarian, who is fluent in multiple languages and has access to rare texts. Though their relationship is formal, Nousha proves indispensable, gathering ancient scrolls and books from the library’s deepest levels. One scroll, written in an unrecognizable language, is particularly intriguing due to its age—over a thousand years old. Yrene handles it with care, aware of its fragility and historical significance.
The chapter also introduces the library’s unique inhabitants: the Baast Cats, revered for their independence and mysterious behavior. These cats, named after a warrior goddess, are said to possess almost supernatural abilities, such as appearing and disappearing at will or even “reading” books. Yrene, though fond of animals, is wary of their unpredictable nature and hopes for their help in keeping the library free of vermin. Their presence adds a layer of mysticism to the setting, reinforcing the library’s role as a place of both knowledge and wonder.
Yrene’s dedication to her research is evident as she shifts from the ancient scroll to an Eyllwe tome, reflecting her multilingual upbringing. Her efforts to understand Lord Westfall’s condition drive the narrative, highlighting her perseverance and the challenges of uncovering obscure knowledge. The chapter blends atmospheric detail with character development, painting a picture of a determined healer navigating a world of ancient secrets and untamed magic.
FAQs
1. How does the setting of the library during the storm contribute to the atmosphere of the chapter?
Answer:
The storm creates a tense, mysterious atmosphere that mirrors Yrene’s quest for knowledge. The thunder makes her flinch, the wind causes lanterns to swing erratically, and the flashes of lightning illuminate the ancient stacks unpredictably (pg. 121-122). These sensory details—groaning metal, guttering candles, and colored light projections—heighten the sense of unease and anticipation as Yrene researches supernatural wounds. The storm also contrasts with the library’s usual quiet, emphasizing the disruption caused by her urgent investigation into Lord Westfall’s condition.2. What does Nousha’s character reveal about the value of knowledge in this society?
Answer:
Nousha embodies the reverence for knowledge in Antica’s culture. As Head Librarian fluent in 15 languages (including dead ones) and trained at the prestigious Parvani Library (pg. 122), she represents institutional wisdom. Her gray robes and unsmiling demeanor suggest discipline, while her ability to locate obscure materials—like the thousand-year-old scroll (pg. 123)—demonstrates her expertise. The text highlights this cultural value further by mentioning Balruhn as the “City of Libraries” and the Scholars’ Road (pg. 122), showing how deeply scholarship is woven into the continent’s infrastructure and identity.3. Analyze the significance of the Baast Cats in the library’s ecosystem.
Answer:
The Baast Cats serve as both practical and mystical guardians of knowledge. While they theoretically control vermin, their true importance lies in their symbolic role: their beryl eyes, shadow-stepping abilities, and rumored reading habits (pg. 123-124) position them as supernatural protectors. Their independence—appearing only when they choose—parallels the elusive nature of wisdom itself. The detail about never offending them (pg. 124) suggests they represent the sacredness of the library’s contents. Their goddess namesake (Baast, an Egyptian-inspired deity) further connects them to ancient traditions of feline guardianship over secrets.4. How does Yrene’s approach to research demonstrate her character development?
Answer:
Yrene shows dedication and intellectual humility in this scene. Despite her busy schedule (mentioning lessons and Lord Westfall’s appointment, pg. 122), she prioritizes research, even interrupting Nousha’s meal—an act that clearly discomforts her. Her careful handling of ancient scrolls (pg. 123) reveals respect for knowledge, while her multilingual effort (Halha, Eyllwe, unknown runes) demonstrates perseverance. Notably, she moves beyond superstitious “old wives’ warnings” (pg. 123) to seek empirical evidence about magical wounds, showing growth from a student healer to a critical investigator confronting unprecedented medical challenges.5. What thematic tensions arise between traditional healing and supernatural phenomena in this chapter?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts structured medical training with inexplicable magical remnants. Yrene’s Torre education presumably focuses on tangible ailments, yet she must now consult ancient, possibly mystical texts (like the rune-marked scroll, pg. 123) to understand Lord Westfall’s wounds. The library itself embodies this tension: while it’s a modern academic space with glass lanterns to protect books (pg. 121), it also houses millennium-old documents and shelters magical cats. This duality reflects the broader challenge healers face when their science intersects with supernatural forces—a theme central to Yrene’s arc as she bridges empirical methods and arcane realities.
Quotes
1. “Even tucked into the sprawling library at the base of the Torre, Yrene felt every shudder of thunder. Occasional flashes of lightning sliced down the narrow corridors of the stacks and halls, chased by wind that crept through the cracks in the pale stone, guttering the candles in its wake.”
This vivid description sets the atmospheric tone for the chapter, illustrating how the storm mirrors Yrene’s restless pursuit of knowledge. The imagery of the storm’s intrusion into the library reflects the disruptive nature of the mysteries she’s investigating.
2. “Nousha was fluent in fifteen languages, some of them dead, and had trained at the famed Parvani Library on the western coast, nestled amid the lush and spice-rich lands outside Balruhn.”
This quote introduces the important character of Nousha and establishes the depth of knowledge available in this world. It highlights the significance of libraries and scholarship in the story’s universe, particularly the contrast between the Torre Cesme’s healing focus and Parvani’s dedication to pure knowledge.
3. “The Baast Cats had dwelled in the Torre library for as long as it had existed, yet none knew where they had come from, or how they were replaced when age claimed them.”
This passage introduces the mysterious Baast Cats, which represent the library’s living, almost magical quality. Their unknowable nature parallels the ancient secrets Yrene is trying to uncover, adding a layer of mysticism to the setting.
4. “To offend one Baast Cat was to insult them all, and even though Yrene loved most animals—with the exception of some insects—she had been sure to treat the cats kindly, occasionally leaving morsels of food, or providing a belly rub or ear scratch whenever they deigned to command them.”
This quote reveals Yrene’s character through her interactions with the library cats, showing her respect for tradition and mysterious forces. It also demonstrates the cats’ importance in the library’s ecosystem, serving as both practical guardians and symbolic keepers of knowledge.