Tower of Dawn
Chapter Thirty-Five
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Falkan, injured and bleeding, collapsing in the forest. Nesryn rushes to his aid despite Sartaq’s initial阻拦, revealing that Falkan had followed them in the form of a falcon. Tensions rise as Sartaq accuses Falkan of being a spy or assassin due to his shape-shifting abilities, but Falkan insists he is merely a merchant who inherited the gift unwillingly. He explains that his powers emerged late and that he has no allegiance to any court. Nesryn defends him, demanding medical attention, while Sartaq remains distrustful.
As Nesryn tends to Falkan’s wound, he shares his backstory, explaining how he discovered his shape-shifting abilities and his desire to reclaim the years stolen from him by a mysterious force. Despite his pain, Falkan maintains his innocence, and Nesryn believes him, revealing that she has a shifter among her friends. Sartaq reluctantly assists with bandages, though his hostility lingers. The group prepares to return to the aerie, with Falkan’s condition requiring urgent care. The dynamic between the characters highlights themes of trust and prejudice.
The flight back to the aerie is tense and perilous, with Falkan’s unconscious body adding to the challenge. Sartaq’s anger simmers, but they arrive safely as night falls. Upon landing, they are met by Houlun, Borte, and others, who quickly take Falkan to a healer. Sartaq confronts Houlun about Falkan’s presence, suggesting she knew more than she let on. Meanwhile, Borte observes the black blood on Kadara, hinting at the violent encounter with the spider creature. The scene underscores the unresolved tensions and mysteries surrounding Falkan’s role.
The chapter closes with Nesryn and Borte exchanging brief remarks about the day’s events. Borte notes the unusual dynamic between Sartaq and Houlun, implying guilt or secrecy. Nesryn remains focused on unpacking, her thoughts unspoken but her actions reflecting her determination. The aftermath of the confrontation leaves questions unanswered, setting the stage for further revelations about Falkan’s past and the broader conflicts at play. The chapter blends action, dialogue, and character development to advance the plot.
FAQs
1. What was Falkan’s motivation for following Nesryn and Sartaq to the tower, and how does this reveal his internal conflict about his shape-shifting abilities?
Answer:
Falkan followed them to seek revenge against the spider-creature, hoping that killing it might restore the years of his life that had been taken. This reveals his deep internal conflict about his shape-shifting heritage—he resents it, stating he never wanted the ability and was glad when magic initially vanished. His actions show desperation to reclaim his lost youth, even as he distances himself from the identity of a shifter, calling it his brother’s and father’s gift rather than his own. His shame about eavesdropping as an animal further highlights his discomfort with this inherited power.2. Analyze the significance of Sartaq’s hostile reaction to Falkan’s presence and how it reflects the cultural tensions in their world.
Answer:
Sartaq’s immediate distrust of Falkan stems from the association of shape-shifters with espionage and assassination in their society. His anger reveals deep-seated cultural prejudices against those with such abilities, viewing them as inherent threats rather than individuals. This tension is compounded when Falkan admits his heritage comes from Adarlan, suggesting possible geopolitical distrust as well. The prince’s reluctance to aid Falkan despite his injuries underscores how fear and bias can override basic humanity, though Nesryn’s intervention challenges these norms.3. How does Nesryn’s response to Falkan’s shape-shifting differ from Sartaq’s, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Nesryn shows immediate compassion, prioritizing Falkan’s injury over his identity as a shifter. Her lack of fear stems from her friendship with another shape-shifter, demonstrating her open-mindedness and ability to judge individuals rather than stereotypes. When she threatens Sartaq to get medical supplies, it highlights her moral courage and loyalty—values that outweigh societal prejudices. Her pragmatic care in treating his wound contrasts sharply with Sartaq’s hostility, emphasizing her role as a bridge between conflicting worldviews in their group.4. What symbolic meaning might Kadara’s killing of the spider hold in relation to Falkan’s quest for vengeance?
Answer:
Kadara’s lethal intervention symbolizes how external forces can usurp personal redemption. Falkan wanted to kill the spider himself, hoping it might restore his lost years, but the ruk’s action denies him this catharsis. The spider’s “black blood” on Kadara’s talons mirrors the “blood dribbling between [Falkan’s] tan fingers,” connecting their acts while underscoring his powerlessness. This mirrors his broader struggle—his life was altered by forces beyond his control (aging), and now his chance at agency is again taken from him, leaving his quest unresolved.5. Evaluate Houlun’s decision to allow Falkan among the rukhin despite his identity as a shifter. What might this suggest about her leadership?
Answer:
Houlun’s tacit acceptance of Falkan—evidenced by her preparing healers in advance and shielding him from questions—shows pragmatic leadership that prioritizes utility over tradition. Her willingness to defy norms (seen in her tense standoff with Sartaq) suggests she values potential alliances over blind adherence to prejudice. This aligns with the rukhin’s strategic needs, implying she recognizes Falkan’s value as an informant or ally against larger threats. Her actions model how effective leaders must sometimes reconcile cultural biases with practical necessities, balancing authority with flexibility.
Quotes
1. “I am neither an assassin nor a spy. I am what I said: a merchant… It is nothing to me, this heritage. It was my brother’s gift, my father’s—I never wanted it. I still don’t.”
Falkan’s passionate defense of his identity reveals the central tension of his character - a man burdened by a magical heritage he never desired. This quote captures the chapter’s exploration of prejudice and self-acceptance.
2. “I wanted to kill her myself… To see if that might return the years… A web, as it were, of all that their kind has taken.”
This poignant admission reveals Falkan’s desperate motivation for following them - his hope that destroying one of the Valg might reverse his stolen youth. It introduces the concept of interconnected magical consequences across continents.
3. “If you don’t get him bandages and supplies right now, I’ll give you a wound to match.”
Nesryn’s fierce protection of Falkan marks a turning point in the chapter, showing her willingness to challenge Sartaq’s authority and prejudice. The quote demonstrates her moral clarity and compassion overriding political considerations.
4. “That he has the balls to lecture her tells me something went very wrong. And that she is allowing him to do so tells me she feels just a smidge guilty.”
Borte’s sharp observation provides crucial context about the power dynamics between Sartaq and Houlun after the spider attack. The quote offers insight into the unspoken tensions and consequences of their mission.