Tower of Dawn
Chapter Twenty-Six
by Maas, Sarah J.Chaol spends an evening in the Torre kitchens with Yrene, where Cook overwhelms them with an abundance of food. Despite their protests, they indulge in the meal, sharing a comfortable silence as they observe the kitchen’s bustling activity. As night falls, Yrene and Cook insist Chaol stay overnight, and he agrees, sending a note to Nesryn at the palace. Yrene leads him to a small, ground-level room in the physicians’ complex, which overlooks a garden courtyard and is modest but welcoming.
In the room, Yrene checks Chaol’s leg mobility, removing his boots and socks to assess his progress. Their conversation shifts to the stolen scrolls and books they retrieved from the library, hinting at the potential ancient knowledge they contain. Chaol keeps his suspicions about the scrolls’ age to himself, aware of their possible significance. Yrene offers to fetch him clothes and other necessities, but Chaol reassures her he can manage on his own, leading to a brief, awkward exchange.
Before leaving, Yrene lingers, and Chaol thanks her sincerely for her care and companionship. She responds with a quiet nod, her eyes reflecting unspoken emotions as she departs. Chaol remains cautious, mindful of the lingering threat of the Valg despite the recent calm. The chapter ends with a tender moment between them, underscoring their growing connection amidst the underlying tension of their mission.
The next morning, Chaol is informed by Eretia, a stern woman, that Yrene has a meeting with Hafiza and will meet him later. Eretia escorts him back to the palace, her no-nonsense demeanor contrasting with Chaol’s curiosity about her role. Upon arrival, he encounters Shen, a guard whose hidden mechanical arm catches Chaol’s attention. The chapter closes with Chaol’s realization of Shen’s prosthetic, hinting at deeper stories and connections within the palace’s inhabitants.
FAQs
1. How does the relationship between Chaol and Yrene develop in this chapter, and what specific interactions highlight this development?
Answer:
The relationship between Chaol and Yrene deepens through several intimate and companionable interactions in this chapter. Their shared meal in the Torre kitchens, where Yrene hides smiles as Cook overfeeds Chaol, establishes a playful dynamic. Later, Yrene ensures Chaol has a place to stay for the night, showing her care and consideration for his needs. The moment where Yrene examines Chaol’s feet and legs demonstrates her professional dedication mingled with personal concern, while Chaol’s gratitude (“Thank you. For all of it.”) reveals his emotional openness with her. Their lingering silence and exchanged glances suggest unspoken mutual affection, particularly when Chaol notices “the light that danced in her eyes” as she leaves.2. What does the discovery of the ancient scrolls in the library suggest about the broader world-building in the story?
Answer:
The ancient scrolls hidden in the Torre library hint at a deeper historical and magical lore within the story’s universe. Yrene initially believes one scroll to be eight hundred years old, but Chaol suspects they might be “much, much older,” potentially containing lost knowledge from their lands. This suggests that the Torre’s library holds secrets spanning millennia, possibly predating current civilizations. The fact that someone (or something) stole some scrolls introduces an element of mystery and danger, implying that this knowledge is valuable enough to steal—and may be connected to the Valg threat. This world-building element expands the narrative’s scope, suggesting hidden histories and powerful artifacts that could influence future events.3. Analyze how Chaol’s disability is portrayed in this chapter, and what it reveals about his character growth.
Answer:
Chaol’s disability is portrayed with a blend of practicality, humor, and vulnerability, showing his ongoing adaptation. His difficulty moving after overeating (“the idea of moving seemed a monumental task”) and the physical strain of rolling his ankles highlight his mobility challenges. Yet, he demonstrates resilience, joking about aiming for the porcelain pot and refusing unnecessary assistance from Yrene. His willingness to let Yrene examine his feet and legs shows trust, contrasting with earlier defensiveness. Notably, his concern for Yrene’s safety (“You should go to your room while people are still about”) reveals his protective instincts despite his own limitations. These moments collectively show Chaol’s growing acceptance of his condition and his ability to balance independence with accepting help.4. What is the significance of Shen’s mechanical arm, and how might this detail connect to larger themes in the story?
Answer:
Shen’s mechanical arm, briefly glimpsed when he helps Chaol dismount, introduces themes of innovation, hidden strength, and societal perceptions of ability. The description emphasizes its craftsmanship (“a masterwork”), suggesting advanced technology or magic in this world. Like Chaol, Shen has a physical difference that he conceals (the glove), possibly indicating societal stigma or personal discretion. This parallel between Chaol’s disability and Shen’s prosthesis could foreshadow camaraderie or shared understanding between them. Additionally, the mechanical arm expands the story’s exploration of how individuals adapt to physical challenges, reinforcing themes of resilience and the potential for technology/magic to transform limitations into strengths. Its sudden reveal also hints that other characters may harbor hidden depths or secrets.5. How does the chapter use secondary characters like Cook and Eretia to enrich the setting and themes?
Answer:
Cook and Eretia serve as vibrant secondary characters who reinforce themes of community, authority, and cultural texture. Cook’s domineering hospitality (“stuffed him with pan-fried fish” and “piling more food”) adds warmth and humor while showcasing Antica’s culinary culture. Her “general’s command” in the kitchen mirrors leadership dynamics elsewhere in the story. Eretia, with her “stern-faced” demeanor and impatience, contrasts with Cook but similarly embodies no-nonsense competence. Her “surprisingly skilled” riding subtly challenges age-related stereotypes. Both women represent different facets of Antican society—nurturing yet authoritative, brusque yet capable—making the setting feel lived-in. Their interactions with Chaol also highlight his outsider status while testing his adaptability.
Quotes
1. “He’d uttered half a mention of getting his horse saddled when Yrene and Cook told him he was spending the night and to not bother arguing.”
This quote captures the warm, commanding hospitality Chaol experiences in the Torre kitchens, showcasing the blend of care and authority from Yrene and Cook. It reflects the chapter’s theme of unexpected comfort and human connection amidst larger conflicts.
2. “He didn’t tell her he thought it might be much, much older. Full of information that might not have even survived in their own lands.”
This moment reveals Chaol’s growing awareness of the ancient knowledge they’ve uncovered, hinting at the deeper mysteries and historical weight of their discoveries. It underscores the chapter’s undercurrent of hidden truths and the value of preserving forgotten wisdom.
3. “Chaol held her stare, a small smile curling his mouth. ‘Thank you.’ He swallowed. ‘For all of it.’”
This tender exchange between Chaol and Yrene marks a significant emotional turning point in their relationship, conveying gratitude and unspoken understanding. It represents the chapter’s quiet emphasis on healing that goes beyond the physical.
4. “Because what he’d glimpsed beneath the glove and the sleeve of Shen’s uniform, going right up to the elbow … It was a masterwork—the metal forearm and hand.”
This revelation about Shen’s prosthetic arm introduces an important moment of recognition and potential kinship between warriors. It subtly expands the chapter’s exploration of physical limitations and adaptations in a world of magic and technology.