Tower of Dawn
Chapter Thirty-Eight
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol Westfall strategically interrupts a private trade meeting of the khagan, leveraging his connections with palace guards to gain entry. Despite the khagan’s initial irritation, Chaol maintains his composure, refusing to be intimidated by the ruler’s power or his own physical limitations. He deliberately bypasses protocol by addressing the foreign trade vizier directly, revealing his knowledge of Aelin Galathynius’s large firelance orders. This calculated move sets the stage for his bold proposition, demonstrating his political acumen and refusal to let his wheelchair diminish his authority in the high-stakes negotiation.
The chapter’s tension escalates as Chaol reveals his intent to double Aelin’s weapons order, offering his kingdom’s priceless treasure as payment. The viziers react with shock, particularly when Chaol confirms the treasure’s valuation is already underway. The khagan’s silent calculation and subsequent dismissal of his advisors suggest Chaol’s strategy is working. This confrontation highlights the protagonist’s clever manipulation of economic incentives to sway political decisions, while maintaining an outward appearance of respectful diplomacy despite the underlying power struggle.
In a pivotal one-on-one exchange, the khagan accuses Chaol of manipulating him into the war through financial incentives. Chaol neither confirms nor denies this, allowing the ruler to draw his own conclusions. Their conversation shifts from commerce to philosophy as the khagan challenges Chaol’s understanding of true warfare, emphasizing the psychological and unified commitment required beyond mere weapons and strategy. This moment serves as both a test of Chaol’s resolve and a revelation of the khagan’s deeper understanding of conflict.
The chapter concludes with an unspoken tension between the two leaders, the khagan’s words hanging heavily in the air. While no formal alliance is declared, Chaol’s actions have forced the ruler to seriously consider involvement. The exchange underscores the novel’s recurring themes of power dynamics, the true nature of strength, and the complex calculations behind wartime alliances. Chaol’s physical limitations contrast sharply with his strategic prowess, proving his worth as a diplomat and leader despite the khagan’s attempts to undermine him.
FAQs
1. How does Chaol manage to gain access to the khagan’s private trade meeting, and what does this reveal about his relationships within the palace?
Answer:
Chaol gains access through the assistance of Kashin’s guards—Hashim, Shen, and two others he trained with—who discreetly allow him entry despite the meeting being closed. This reveals that Chaol has built strategic alliances within the palace, particularly with Kashin’s faction, and has earned the respect of the guards through his training efforts. The guards’ willingness to help him, including Shen’s wink and swift action, demonstrates their loyalty and Chaol’s ability to cultivate trust in a foreign court, which becomes crucial for his diplomatic mission.2. Analyze Chaol’s negotiation strategy with the khagan and his viziers. What psychological and tactical approaches does he employ?
Answer:
Chaol employs a multi-layered strategy: First, he bypasses protocol by directly addressing the foreign trade vizier rather than the khagan, creating intrigue. Second, he reveals Aelin’s large firelance orders to highlight Terrasen’s financial commitment, subtly pressuring the khagan to consider the economic benefits of alliance. Third, he leverages his own treasure as collateral, demonstrating personal investment. His calm demeanor and refusal to be baited by the Chief Vizier’s sneers show emotional control. By framing the weapons purchase as mutually beneficial rather than a plea for military aid, he positions himself as a shrewd negotiator rather than a desperate supplicant.3. What does the khagan’s question—”Do you even know what warfare is?“—reveal about his perspective on Chaol’s request and the coming conflict?
Answer:
The khagan’s question underscores his view of warfare as more than logistics; it’s about unified conviction and ideological commitment. His emphasis on Morath’s “rallied, solid front” contrasts with Chaol’s factionalized alliance, hinting at his skepticism about their readiness. This reveals the khagan’s experience as a warrior-king who values cohesion over resources. His challenge forces Chaol to confront whether his coalition possesses the singular dedication needed to win, suggesting the khagan may doubt Adarlan and Terrasen’s ability to match Morath’s fanaticism despite their material preparations.4. How does Chaol’s physical condition and use of the wheelchair factor into his interactions in this chapter, both practically and symbolically?
Answer:
Practically, Chaol’s wheelchair requires him to adapt his approach—he can’t stand to command attention but must rely on vocal authority and strategic positioning. Symbolically, his internal monologue (“The chair was no prison”) reflects his hard-won acceptance of his disability, which strengthens his resolve. The khagan’s warrior physique contrasts with Chaol’s seated posture, yet Chaol’s unshaken confidence (“warrior to warrior”) proves his capability isn’t diminished. His disability becomes irrelevant to the negotiation, emphasizing that leadership stems from intellect and willpower rather than physicality.5. Evaluate the significance of Chaol’s decision to double Aelin’s firelance order. What are the potential political and strategic implications?
Answer:
Doubling the order serves multiple purposes: (1) It escalates financial stakes, forcing the khagan to take Chaol’s faction seriously as lucrative partners. (2) It indirectly pressures the khagan by demonstrating Terrasen and Adarlan’s resource pooling, hinting at a stronger alliance than he assumed. (3) Strategically, more weapons could tip battles against Morath’s forces. However, it also risks depleting Chaol’s treasure, leaving fewer bargaining chips for future negotiations. The move signals desperation masked as confidence, potentially revealing the alliance’s need for immediate military advantage while testing the khagan’s greed versus his caution.
Quotes
1. “The chair was no prison, nothing that made him lesser.”
This powerful statement captures Chaol’s internal growth and acceptance of his disability. It represents a key moment of self-affirmation where he rejects societal perceptions of physical limitations defining worth.
2. “He had fought a king before and lived to tell.”
This quote demonstrates Chaol’s quiet confidence when facing the khagan. It subtly references his past experiences while establishing his equal standing in negotiations, showing how his history informs his present courage.
3. “Warfare is the absolute dedication of one army against their enemies… That is what you stand against—Morath’s rallied, solid front.”
The khagan’s definition of warfare provides crucial insight into the book’s central conflict. This quote elevates the discussion beyond mere strategy to the psychological and ideological commitment required for war.
4. “Do you even know what warfare is?… I suppose I’m about to find out, aren’t I.”
This tense exchange encapsulates the chapter’s pivotal moment. Chaol’s response to the khagan’s challenge reveals both his humility and determination, marking a turning point in their negotiation dynamic.