Tower of Dawn
Chapter Thirty-One
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Nesryn expressing skepticism about the existence of stygian spiders and their rare spidersilk, dismissing them as myths. However, Falkan surprises her by producing a small piece of the glittering fabric, proving its reality. He reveals that he acquired a substantial amount of spidersilk three years prior through a barter with the spiders’ northern kin. The conversation takes a darker turn when Falkan discloses the steep price he paid: twenty years of his life, taken from his prime, leaving him physically aged beyond his years. This revelation sets the stage for the chapter’s central mystery and tension.
Falkan explains his presence at the aerie, seeking answers about the spiders to reclaim his lost youth. Houlun, the hearth-mother, connects his arrival to recent disturbances caused by the kharankui, a destructive breed of spiders in the southern mountains. These creatures have been stealing ruk eggs and spreading their deadly webs, choking the landscape. Houlun suspects Falkan’s quest is linked to the spiders’ resurgence, though he denies provoking them. The group debates the spiders’ motives and the potential danger they pose, with Falkan admitting he hopes to find a way to reverse his aging by confronting them.
The discussion shifts to a plan of action, with Houlun urging Sartaq and Nesryn to investigate the spiders’ activities and protect the ruk nests. She emphasizes the need for secrecy to avoid panic among the riders. Falkan is included in the mission, as Houlun believes his knowledge could be valuable. The chapter highlights the tension between caution and the urgency to act, as the group weighs the risks of confronting the kharankui without clear proof of their involvement in the egg thefts. Sartaq and Nesryn’s skepticism toward Falkan’s motives adds another layer of conflict.
The chapter concludes with a ominous note as Houlun murmurs about the awakening of “The One Who Sleeps,” implied to be Erawan. This reference suggests a larger, looming threat beyond the immediate danger of the spiders. The firelight casts a eerie glow on the scene, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The chapter ends abruptly, leaving readers with a sense of foreboding and anticipation for the challenges ahead, as the characters prepare to face both the kharankui and the darker forces stirring in their world.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the spidersilk that Falkan reveals, and what does it reveal about his backstory?
Answer:
The spidersilk Falkan displays is a rare, mythical material that some doubt even exists, making it incredibly valuable. Its iridescent quality and the fact that a handkerchief-sized piece could fetch “a king’s ransom” highlight its worth. More importantly, Falkan’s possession of it reveals his tragic backstory: he bartered with the stygian spiders in the northern continent, trading twenty years of his life (taken from his prime) for a hundred yards of spidersilk. Though he gained immense wealth, he now appears nearly fifty despite being only twenty-seven, showing the steep personal cost of his bargain.2. How does Houlun connect the recent attacks on ruk eggs to Falkan’s presence, and what does this suggest about the spiders’ behavior?
Answer:
Houlun suspects a connection between Falkan’s arrival and the sudden predation of the kharankui (stygian spiders) on ruk eggs. She notes that the spiders’ webs have expanded from their domain in the Daguˡ Fells, choking off life, and their attacks coincide with Falkan’s search for answers about their northern kin. This implies the spiders may be acting more aggressively due to external influences—possibly sensing Falkan’s presence or reacting to broader disturbances, such as the awakening of Erawan (the One Who Sleeps), which Houlun hints at later.3. Why does Falkan seek out the aerie, and what does his goal reveal about his character?
Answer:
Falkan comes to the aerie hoping to reclaim his lost youth. He believes slaying the spider that took his twenty years could restore them, but he lacks the skills to do so alone. His decision to seek the hearth-mother’s knowledge—and potentially avoid confronting the northern spider—shows his desperation and pragmatism. However, his willingness to trade his youth for wealth initially suggests a flawed prioritization of material gain over time, a mistake he now regrets. His character arc underscores themes of sacrifice and redemption.4. What strategic concerns do Houlun and Sartaq raise about confronting the kharankui, and how does this reflect their leadership roles?
Answer:
Houlun and Sartaq caution against attacking the spiders without proof, as unprovoked aggression could reignite an ancient war between the kharankui and the ruks. Houlun insists on secrecy to prevent panic among the riders, while Sartaq emphasizes the need for vigilance. Their approach reflects prudent leadership: Houlun, as hearth-mother, prioritizes long-term stability, while Sartaq, as a captain, focuses on tactical readiness. Their restraint contrasts with Falkan’s impulsive bargain, highlighting the importance of measured decision-making in leadership.5. How does the chapter foreshadow larger conflicts, particularly through Houlun’s mention of “the One Who Sleeps”?
Answer:
Houlun’s ominous statement—“The One Who Sleeps has awoken”—hints at the resurgence of Erawan, a major antagonist in the series. This foreshadows a broader escalation of darkness, linking the spiders’ increased aggression to a larger, supernatural threat. The kharankui’s behavior may be a symptom of this awakening, suggesting that the characters’ immediate struggles are part of a wider conflict. Nesryn’s recognition of the name “Erawan” underscores the gravity of the situation, setting the stage for future battles.
Quotes
1. “I have learned that true wealth is not all glittering gold and jewels.”
This quote from Falkan reveals the central irony of his character - a man who gained immense material wealth by trading his youth, only to realize too late that time is the most valuable currency. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of sacrifice and regret.
2. “Twenty years. Twenty years of my life. Taken not from the end, but the prime.”
Falkan’s shocking revelation about the true cost of his spidersilk bargain represents a key turning point in the chapter. This confession transforms him from a mysterious merchant to a tragic figure, while introducing the supernatural economy of the story’s world where time itself can be traded.
3. “I want my youth back.”
This simple, powerful statement captures Falkan’s driving motivation and the chapter’s thematic core. His desperate quest to reclaim lost time introduces both the personal stakes and the mythical framework of the spiders’ power, setting up the coming conflict.
4. “The One Who Sleeps has awoken.”
Houlun’s ominous final line serves as both a chapter cliffhanger and a revelation of larger forces at work. This quote expands the scope beyond the immediate spider threat, hinting at ancient powers stirring and connecting to broader mythological elements in the story.