Tower of Dawn
Chapter Twenty-Four
by Maas, Sarah J.Nesryn reflects on her complicated relationship with Chaol, recognizing his recent attention stems from guilt rather than genuine interest. Though she tells herself she’s fine being a placeholder for the other women in his life, her weariness is evident as she returns to the palace after a fruitless search for Valg activity. Seeking solitude, she climbs to the aerie where Kadara, Sartaq’s ruk, is feasting. The prince surprises her, revealing his network of spies and inquiring about her well-being. Their conversation hints at a growing connection, as Nesryn admits she enjoys his company despite her usual reserve.
Sartaq shares his own struggles with familial expectations, contrasting his deep bond with Kadara and the rukhin against the distrust among his royal siblings. Nesryn relates to the tension between duty and personal ties, having spent a draining day with her demanding family. The prince’s candidness about his isolation within the royal family surprises her, revealing a vulnerability that resonates with her own feelings of displacement. Their mutual understanding fosters a rare moment of openness between them.
The tone shifts as Sartaq reveals his imminent departure for the rukhin mountains to investigate the threats they previously discussed. He extends a hesitant invitation for Nesryn to join him, acknowledging the risks but emphasizing the brevity of the journey. Though eager to accept, she insists on consulting Chaol first, maintaining their partnership despite her personal turmoil. The arrival of servants with supplies confirms the urgency of his departure, leaving Nesryn startled by his near-disappearance without farewell.
Their final exchange crackles with unspoken tension as Sartaq admits he assumed she’d be preoccupied with Chaol after the previous night’s events. His teasing remark about taking “all day” flusters Nesryn, though the moment is interrupted by the bustling preparations for his journey. The chapter closes with their dynamic poised between professional alliance and budding intimacy, as Nesryn faces a pivotal choice between duty and the allure of adventure with the prince.
FAQs
1. How does Nesryn’s internal monologue reveal her complex feelings about Chaol’s motivations for spending time with her?
Answer:
Nesryn’s thoughts show she recognizes Chaol’s attention stems from guilt rather than genuine interest, positioning her as a replacement for other women in his life. Though she repeatedly tells herself she’s “fine with it,” the defensive repetition suggests underlying hurt and resignation. The chapter highlights her self-awareness about being secondary (“a replacement for not one, but two of the women in his life”) while also demonstrating her emotional resilience as she focuses on her duties like patrolling for Valg threats (pg. 287-288). This duality reveals her professional composure masking personal vulnerability.2. Analyze how Sartaq’s concept of family differs from traditional expectations, using textual evidence.
Answer:
Sartaq redefines family as chosen bonds rather than blood relations. He contrasts his deep trust in Kadara (“I would die for her, and she for me”) with his strained royal relationships, stating love requires trust—absent among his siblings due to future political contention (pg. 289). His rukhin riders are framed as true family, emphasizing loyalty over biological ties. This reflects Antica’s cultural values where found family holds weight, particularly for warriors. His perspective also critiques royal dynasties’ inherent tensions, as seen when he pities siblings who lack his rider bonds (pg. 289).3. What narrative purpose does the aerie setting serve in this chapter?
Answer:
The aerie physically and symbolically represents freedom and perspective. Its elevation mirrors Nesryn’s emotional clarity when away from palace politics, while the open arches overlooking the city contrast with her confined feelings about Chaol. The space facilitates intimate dialogue with Sartaq, as Kadara’s presence (a neutral third party) lowers Nesryn’s guard compared to formal settings. Practical elements like the arriving servants’ interruption (pg. 290) also heighten urgency about Sartaq’s departure, propelling Nesryn’s decision-making. The setting thus functions as both a retreat and crossroads for her character.4. How does the chapter use contrasts to develop Nesryn’s character?
Answer:
Juxtapositions highlight Nesryn’s duality: her quiet demeanor vs. bold questions to Sartaq (“And you do not?”); her family’s smothering care vs. professional independence; her formal address of Sartaq (“Your Highness”) vs. their casual rapport. The repeated tension between her internal emotions (“I was fine with it”) and external actions (seeking solitude) paints her as layered and self-contained. Even her physical exhaustion from family time contrasts with her alertness in the aerie, emphasizing where she feels most herself (pg. 288-289). These contrasts humanize her as someone navigating competing personal and professional roles.5. Evaluate Sartaq’s invitation to the mountains as a turning point for Nesryn’s arc.
Answer:
The invitation forces Nesryn to choose between duty (consulting Chaol) and personal growth (accepting adventure). Sartaq’s tight timeline (“I leave soon”) creates narrative urgency, while his acknowledgment of her family’s potential disapproval shows respect for her ties (pg. 290). His neutral expression when offering suggests this tests her courage, not just his generosity. The unresolved ending—with Nesryn noting his packed sulde—leaves space for her to redefine loyalty, possibly prioritizing her ruk-hunting skills over her role as Chaol’s subordinate. This moment could shift her from supporter to protagonist in the quest for answers.
Quotes
1. “She had been a replacement for not one, but two of the women in his life. A third one … She was fine with it, she repeated as she returned from stalking through Antica’s streets—not a whisper of Valg to be found—and entered the palace grounds.”
This quote reveals Nesryn’s internal struggle with feeling secondary in Chaol’s life, showcasing her quiet resignation and emotional complexity. It sets the tone for her personal journey in the chapter.
2. “Love cannot exist without trust. I trust Kadara with my life. I would die for her, and she for me. Can I say the same of my siblings? My own parents?”
Prince Sartaq’s reflection on familial relationships versus his bond with his ruk highlights the theme of chosen family and the political tensions within royal households. This insight into his character deepens the reader’s understanding of his motivations.
3. “I am going to leave soon—for the mountains of the rukhin… would you like to accompany me?”
This pivotal moment represents a turning point in Nesryn and Sartaq’s relationship, offering her an opportunity for adventure and purpose beyond her current role. The invitation marks the beginning of a significant new chapter in the story.
4. “After last night’s party, I had thought you would be … preoccupied. With Chaol. All day? I certainly would take all day.”
This playful yet revealing exchange shows the growing chemistry between Nesryn and Sartaq, while also addressing the lingering complications of her relationship with Chaol. The dialogue demonstrates Sartaq’s directness and Nesryn’s emotional crossroads.