The armies of the Southern Continent and Terrasen converge on Orynth, only to find the city under siege by a massive Morath force. With the western gate on the verge of collapse, Aelin prepares to lead her court into a desperate battle, signaling the attack with a blast from war horns and the flash of Goldryn. The fate of Terrasen, and perhaps the world, hangs in the balance as the battle for Orynth begins.
Chapter 106: The Queen Returns
Aelin, astride the Lord of the North, leads the charge with Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, Fenrys, Lorcan Salvaterre, and Gavriel at her side. The Sacrifice and Selflessness theme emerges immediately as Borte leads the rukhin in intercepting a volley of arrows, shielding the cavalry at the cost of their lives. Aelin, filled with rage and grief, pushes forward, her front lines bolstered by shields of wind, fire, and death.
The allied forces slam into the enemy, initiating the Battle for Orynth. Manon Blackbeak and her Crochans fight valiantly at the walls, holding true to their promise. Despite the overwhelming odds, Aelin's arrival injects a surge of hope into the defenders, though the true test is yet to come.
Chapter 107: A Battle on All Fronts
The narrative shifts between perspectives, highlighting the battle's chaos. Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, fighting alongside Fenrys and Lorcan Salvaterre, feels a renewed sense of brotherhood, fighting for their home and queen, exemplifying Found Family and Loyalty. Inside the city, Aedion Ashryver is encouraged by Aelin's arrival but remains aware of the imminent collapse of the western gate. Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall fight seamlessly, cutting through Morath's ranks.
Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, her magic limited, relies on her assassin skills, teaming up with Lysandra, who shifts into a ghost leopard and then a wyvern, to destroy Morath's siege towers. Ansel of Briarcliff aids them, taking down another tower single-handedly. However, Nesryn Faliq and Sartaq spot a second, massive Morath army approaching, revealing the battle as a trap. The western gate falls, and Gavriel crashes his wyvern into the opening, buying precious time.
Chapter 108: The Lion's Sacrifice
At the breached gate, Aedion Ashryver and Gavriel share a brief reunion. Gavriel confirms Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius sealed the Wyrdgate. Despite initial bitterness, Aedion agrees to shut the gate "together" with his father. Gavriel then makes the ultimate sacrifice, holding back the Valg soldiers with a golden shield, urging Aedion to seal the doors.
Aedion watches in horror as his men close the gate, sealing Gavriel's fate. Gavriel's body creates a wall, securing the gate. Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius retrieves Gavriel's body, carrying him into the city in a somber procession. Rowan learns of the second army and discovers an iron arrowhead preventing him from shifting, desperately trying to remove it to reach Aelin.
Chapter 109: To Hold the Gate
The allied forces retreat into Orynth as the second Morath host advances. Chaol Westfall and Dorian Havilliard enter just as the alarm sounds. Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius ensures [Ansel of Briarcliff](/books/kingdom-of-ash/ansel-of-briarcliff]'s safety before the southern gate shuts, leaving her alone. Facing the darkness, she recites her story:
Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom …
From the battlements, Yrene Westfall, Elide Lochan, Lysandra, and Lord Darrow watch as Erawan and [Maeve](/books/kingdom-of-ash/maeve] emerge at the head of the new army. Aelin appears before the sealed gate, igniting Goldryn and her shield, a lone flame against the encroaching night. The queen has come home to hold the gate.
Chapter 110: A Queen's Gambit
Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius confronts Erawan and [Maeve](/books/kingdom-of-ash/maeve], promising herself she would not be afraid. Knowing she cannot defeat them with her limited power, she engages in psychological War and Strategy, taunting them and sowing seeds of doubt. She lies about an army of healers led by [Yrene Westfall](/books/kingdom-of-ash/yrene-westfall], claiming Maeve knowingly led Erawan into a trap.
When Maeve tries to unnerve Aelin by revealing a Valg prince killed her parents, Aelin dismisses it. Her goal is to buy time. Ending the parley defiantly, Aelin smiles at Maeve's warning that no gods will help her, declaring, "I am a god," before unleashing her fire. Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, Fenrys, and Lorcan Salvaterre defend the city. Elide Lochan understands Aelin's sacrifice is a calculated move to create an opportunity for Yrene to defeat Erawan.
Key Events
- Aelin's army arrives at Orynth and charges Morath's forces.
- The rukhin sacrifice themselves to shield the army.
- Aelin, Lysandra, and Ansel destroy Morath's siege towers.
- A second Morath army is revealed, springing the trap.
- Gavriel sacrifices himself to secure the breached gate.
- Erawan and Maeve arrive to lead the assault.
- Aelin confronts the dark rulers alone, buying time.
- Aelin uses psychological warfare to sow discord.
- Elide realizes Aelin's sacrifice is strategic for Yrene.
Character Development
The characters undergo significant development as they face immense challenges and make profound sacrifices.
- Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius: She embodies her role as queen, demonstrating Endurance and Resilience despite diminished power. Her confrontation with Erawan and Maeve showcases her growth into a selfless leader.
- Gavriel: His arc culminates in ultimate Sacrifice and Selflessness, saving his son and Terrasen. His death solidifies his loyalty and love.
- Aedion Ashryver: He is pushed to his limit, witnessing the arrival of his queen and the loss of his father. Gavriel's sacrifice forces him to confront his feelings.
- Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius: His loyalty is tested as he chooses to defend Orynth, demonstrating his commitment to their shared dream.
- Elide Lochan: She steps into a leadership role, grasping Aelin's plan and transitioning into a key player.
Themes & Symbols
Sacrifice and Selflessness
This theme drives these chapters, from the rukhin's sacrifice to Gavriel's death and Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius's stand. Gavriel's sacrifice is a personal act of love, while Aelin's is a calculated move for her friends to win the war.
Hope vs. Despair
The emotional core oscillates between hope and despair. Aelin's army brings hope, which is threatened by the second army and the arrival of Erawan and Maeve. Aelin's stand becomes a symbol of defiance, embodying the will to fight despite fear.
War and Strategy
The battle for Orynth showcases military and psychological strategy. Aelin's confrontation with Erawan and Maeve demonstrates that war is won with intelligence and cunning.
Key Quotes
Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom …
Aelin's recitation of her story as she faces the approaching darkness is a powerful moment of self-affirmation. It reminds her, and the reader, of everything she has fought for and the love that fuels her resolve. This harkens back to her origins and the journey she has undertaken.
I am a god.
Aelin's declaration to Maeve is not a claim of divinity but a statement of self-actualization and defiance. She has seized control of her fate and stands as an equal to the ancient beings before her, not through magic, but through sheer force of character. This encapsulates the series' central theme.
Significance
These chapters represent the climax of the Throne of Glass series, with the Battle for Orynth as the culmination of Aelin's journey. Gavriel's death is a major emotional turning point, and Aelin's stand at the gate solidifies her transformation into a true queen. This section sets the stage for the novel's resolution by creating a chance for victory.