Tower of Dawn
Chapter Twenty
by Maas, Sarah J.The chapter opens with Chaol and Yrene navigating the quiet streets of the city during a sunrise ceremony honoring Tehome. They visit a small house where an elderly man, severely ill with a persistent disease, lies bedridden. Yrene, a healer, tends to him with remarkable calm and compassion, using her magical abilities to alleviate his suffering. Despite her efforts, the man’s condition remains critical, and Yrene’s frustration with her inability to fully cure him is evident, though she hides it behind a serene demeanor. Chaol observes her dedication, noting the contrast between her professional composure and private disappointment.
As they leave the house, Yrene’s demeanor shifts, revealing her inner turmoil over the man’s prognosis. Chaol, sensing her distress, offers to accompany her to another patient, a young mother recovering from childbirth. The streets remain empty due to the ongoing ceremony, allowing for a peaceful ride. Their conversation turns to the khagan’s policy of religious tolerance, which Yrene explains as a cornerstone of the empire’s unity. Chaol reflects on how such policies can be leveraged for intelligence gathering, though he avoids delving into his own past experiences, leaving the topic unresolved.
Their journey takes them to a middle-class neighborhood, where they meet the young mother and her newborn. The woman’s cheerful demeanor and playful teasing of Yrene lighten the mood, providing a stark contrast to the earlier somber visit. Yrene’s laughter and relaxed expression reveal a side of her that Chaol hasn’t seen before, hinting at a deeper, more personal connection between the two women. The scene underscores the duality of Yrene’s life—her professional burdens and the moments of joy she finds in her work.
The chapter closes with Chaol and Yrene continuing their ride through the city, their interactions marked by unspoken understanding and mutual respect. Chaol’s curiosity about Yrene’s past and her healing abilities grows, while Yrene remains guarded yet occasionally lets her guard down. The quiet streets and shared moments foster a tentative bond between them, setting the stage for deeper revelations in future chapters. The chapter effectively balances themes of healing, duty, and the beginnings of trust, all against the backdrop of a richly described urban setting.
FAQs
1. How does Yrene’s approach to healing contrast with her personal feelings about her abilities?
Answer:
Yrene demonstrates a calm, professional demeanor while treating the elderly man, showing no reaction to his severe lesions and maintaining a serene expression throughout the healing process. However, once alone, her frustration and self-doubt surface—she tightens her mouth and appears disappointed in herself for not fully curing the man’s recurring disease. This contrast highlights her high personal standards; while she presents confidence to patients and their families, she privately grapples with the limitations of her healing abilities, especially when dealing with chronic or complex cases.2. What does Chaol’s observation of Yrene’s healing reveal about her character?
Answer:
Chaol notices Yrene’s gentle, compassionate approach to healing, particularly her soft smile and unwavering focus while treating the elderly man. Her dedication is further emphasized when she comforts the grieving old woman and provides clear aftercare instructions. These observations reveal Yrene’s deep empathy and professionalism. Chaol also recognizes her self-critical nature when she later expresses frustration over the man’s incurable condition, showing that she holds herself to exceptionally high standards, perhaps even unrealistic ones, in her practice.3. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of religious tolerance in the khaganate?
Answer:
The chapter briefly explores the khaganate’s history of religious tolerance through Yrene’s explanation. The first khagan intentionally incorporated diverse beliefs into the empire’s fabric, sometimes merging gods to prevent discord. This policy of acceptance has persisted through successive rulers, allowing citizens to practice freely without fear. Chaol adds that this tolerance also served a strategic purpose: oppressed religious minorities in other kingdoms often became willing spies for the khaganate. This dual perspective shows how inclusivity not only fostered internal harmony but also strengthened the empire’s external intelligence network.4. Analyze the significance of Chaol’s decision to accompany Yrene on her rounds despite his physical limitations.
Answer:
Chaol’s insistence on joining Yrene, despite the challenges posed by his injury, reflects his growing appreciation for mobility and his desire to escape the confines of the palace. His subtle toe movements—a hard-won achievement—symbolize progress and hope. Moreover, his presence during Yrene’s visits allows him to witness her compassion and skill firsthand, potentially deepening their mutual respect. The outing also serves as a respite for Chaol, offering him a sense of normalcy and purpose beyond his rehabilitation, which he clearly values.5. How does the young mother’s reaction to Yrene and Chaol add levity to the chapter’s tone?
Answer:
The young mother’s playful teasing—wagging her eyebrows and giving Yrene a devious smile upon seeing Chaol—introduces lightheartedness amid the chapter’s heavier themes of illness and self-doubt. Her merry demeanor and obvious delight at Yrene’s male companion suggest a warm, informal relationship between the two women, contrasting with the formality of Yrene’s earlier patient interaction. This moment humanizes Yrene, reminding readers that beyond her healer’s role, she is a young woman subject to friendly gossip and camaraderie.
Quotes
1. “There was a soft smile on it. One he’d never seen before.”
This moment captures Yrene’s genuine compassion as a healer, revealing a side of her that Chaol hasn’t witnessed before. The contrast between her professional demeanor and this authentic expression highlights the depth of her character.
2. “At this point, I feel as if I’m just buying him time, not giving him a solution.”
Yrene’s frustration reveals her perfectionism and the emotional weight healers carry. This quote shows her internal struggle with medical limitations and the ethical dilemma of prolonging life versus curing disease.
3. “Religious tolerance, she’d said, was something the very first khagan had championed—and all who had come after him, too.”
This quote introduces the important world-building concept of the khaganate’s religious policies, showing how political strategy and cultural acceptance were intertwined in this empire’s foundation.
4. “He told her no. Though he didn’t reveal that he’d once had men who worked covertly […] But talking about his former guards … He fell silent.”
This moment reveals Chaol’s emotional baggage and the unspoken trauma of his past, creating tension in what begins as a simple conversation about espionage tactics.