These chapters mark a critical turning point as war erupts on multiple fronts, alliances are tested, and Aelin faces her darkest hour. From the battle strategies of Terrasen to the looming siege of Anielle and Aelin's torment at the hands of Maeve, the characters confront challenges that will define their destinies.
Chapter 16: She Returns at Last
Aedion Ashryver's weary army arrives at the designated camp, where tension immediately flares between him and Lord Darrow. Darrow, embodying the old guard of Terrasen, dismisses Aedion's concerns about the forced march, leading to a contentious exchange. As they prepare for a war council, Aedion anticipates conflict and resolves to bring "Aelin" with him, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
The next morning, Lysandra, disguised as Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, joins the council alongside allies like Ansel of Briarcliff and the Fae royals. A heated debate ensues over strategy, with Darrow advocating for a defensive retreat to Orynth, while Aedion and Ren Allsbrook push for an aggressive stance at the border to slow Erawan's advance. Lysandra, channeling Aelin's confidence, supports the border strategy, bluffing about Aelin's hidden powers. Despite their passionate arguments, Darrow calls for a vote restricted to the Lords of Terrasen, resulting in a 4-2 decision to retreat to Orynth. Darrow coldly dismisses the allies, but they pledge their loyalty directly to "Aelin," underscoring the theme of Found Family and Loyalty. Just as the meeting concludes, a messenger unleashes dark power at Lysandra, revealing himself as a Valg agent.
Chapter 17: Leave That to Me
The Valg messenger's attack wounds Lysandra, and Aedion Ashryver and the other warriors react swiftly, trapping the man. However, the Valg has already psychically relayed Lysandra's true identity as a shifter to Erawan. Lysandra orders the messenger killed, and Aedion swiftly decapitates him, but the damage is done.
In the aftermath, Aedion and Lysandra realize that Erawan now knows Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius is not with the army, which could embolden him to strike with full force. Aedion concludes that Lord Darrow's plan to retreat to Orynth is a death trap and decides to defy the lords' vote, marching the army to the border as originally planned. Their mutiny finds an unexpected ally in Nox Owen, Darrow's messenger, who reveals he knows Lysandra isn't Aelin because he was a competitor alongside Celaena Sardothien. Nox pledges his loyalty to the Galathynius line and helps devise a plan to drug Darrow and the other loyalist lords. Under the cover of a snowstorm, the majority of the army abandons the camp, leaving the sleeping lords behind.
Chapter 18: Lord of Anielle
The narrative shifts to the southern continent, where Chaol Westfall and Yrene Westfall arrive at Westfall Keep. The homecoming is cold, with Chaol's father making disparaging remarks about Chaol's past and Yrene's heritage.
Yrene, fiercely protective, confronts her father-in-law, defending Chaol's accomplishments and asserting her own value. Chaol informs his father that a Morath army of ten thousand is marching for Anielle. Despite the dire warning, Chaol's father is consumed by pride and refuses to seek aid from the wild men of the Fangs. Though he insults Chaol and Yrene, he reluctantly agrees to begin preparations for a siege, but Chaol warns him that his pride will bring ruin upon his people.
Chapter 19: War Can Wait Until Morning
In a guest room within Westfall Keep, Chaol Westfall and Yrene Westfall find solace in each other after the tense meeting. Yrene resolves to begin organizing the keep's resources for the coming siege, demonstrating her leadership. Their conversation highlights the theme of Love and Mating Bonds as a source of strength.
At dawn, a thousand ruks descend onto the plain before the keep, led by Nesryn Faliq and Prince Sartaq, bringing a surge of Hope vs. Despair. Nesryn and Sartaq report that the Morath army is only three to four days away. While there is no sign of the Ironteeth witches yet, Sartaq speculates they may be waiting in the Ferian Gap to launch a surprise attack. The chapter closes on a note of foreboding, as the characters realize that even this mighty force may not be enough to withstand the tide of darkness marching toward them.
Chapter 20: You Do Not Yield
The perspective returns to Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, who is trapped in an illusion crafted by Maeve. In this dreamscape, she is living a peaceful life in Doranelle, happily mated to Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius and learning from a benevolent "Aunt" Maeve. Maeve tells Aelin a story about a queen from another world who fled three dark kings—a veiled account of her own history as a Valg Queen—in an attempt to manipulate Aelin into revealing the location of the Wyrdkeys. However, Aelin senses the falsehood, and Maeve cruelly snaps the dream-Rowan's neck, shattering the vision.
Aelin awakens screaming on the stone altar, her arms freshly broken. Maeve reveals a new form of torture: the immense pressure of Aelin's unreleased magic building within her body. Maeve announces she is leaving to retrieve a Wyrdstone collar from a captured Valg prince, intending to use it on Aelin. This represents the ultimate threat of Freedom vs. Slavery, as the collar would erase Aelin's will entirely. Maeve leaves Cairn to "entertain" Aelin, and Cairn has Aelin moved, locking her back in the iron box and transporting her to a more secure location. Trapped in the darkness, Aelin clings to her mantra: You do not yield. Her only comfort is the silent support from Fenrys.
Key Events
- The Terrasen War Council: Lord Darrow and the older lords vote to retreat to Orynth, against the advice of Aedion Ashryver, Lysandra-as-Aelin, and their allies.
- Lysandra's Identity Exposed: A Valg-possessed messenger wounds Lysandra, discovers she is a shifter, and relays the information to Erawan.
- The Army's Mutiny: Aedion, with the help of Nox Owen, drugs Darrow and the loyalist lords and secretly marches the army toward the border.
- Chaol and Yrene's Arrival in Anielle: The couple arrives at Westfall Keep and confronts Chaol's abusive father, warning him of an imminent attack.
- Maeve's Escalation: Maeve reveals her Valg origins and announces her plan to enslave Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius with a Wyrdstone collar.
- Aelin is Moved: Cairn moves Aelin in the iron box to a new location.
Character Development
- Aedion Ashryver: He steps into his role as a wartime general, defying Lord Darrow for the good of the kingdom.
- Lysandra: Her secret is compromised, but she shows resilience and quick thinking, becoming a key player in the war's strategy.
- Chaol Westfall: He confronts his abusive father, prioritizing his duty to his people.
- Yrene Westfall: She proves herself to be a formidable Lady of Anielle, showcasing her compassion and leadership.
- Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius: Her Endurance and Resilience are tested as she fights off Maeve's manipulation and faces the threat of a Valg collar.
Themes & Symbols
- War and Strategy: The clash between different military philosophies highlights the importance of intelligence and adaptability in war.
- Found Family and Loyalty: Aelin's allies defy Darrow to stand with her, and Yrene supports Chaol against his father, showing that chosen family can be stronger than blood.
- Endurance and Resilience: Aelin endures unimaginable pain and psychological torture, demonstrating her immense inner strength.
- Freedom vs. Slavery: Maeve's plan to use a Wyrdstone collar on Aelin elevates this theme to its most extreme form, representing the complete erasure of self and will.
Key Quotes
"Erawan sends his regards."
This chilling message, delivered by the Valg-possessed messenger, underscores the pervasive threat of Erawan and his forces. It serves as a stark reminder that nowhere is safe and that the enemy is always lurking, ready to strike. The messenger's attack on Lysandra immediately after delivering this message highlights the personal and devastating nature of the war.
"You do not yield."
Aelin's mantra becomes a powerful symbol of her unwavering resolve in the face of unimaginable torture. It represents her refusal to be broken, either physically or mentally, and her determination to maintain her identity and will, even as Maeve attempts to strip them away. This mantra is a beacon of hope in the darkness, reminding both Aelin and the reader of her indomitable spirit.
Significance
This section of the novel sets the stage for the book's primary military conflicts and raises the stakes for Aelin's storyline. The schism in the Terrasen command and the arrival of the Morath army at Anielle establish major battlefronts. Chapter 20 reveals Maeve's origin as a Valg Queen, establishing her as a threat on par with Erawan. The threat of the Valg collar transforms Aelin's imprisonment into a race against her complete subjugation, making her rescue the most urgent priority of the war.
Analysis
Sarah J. Maas utilizes parallel narratives to build tension across different fronts of the war. The conflict between Aedion and Darrow serves as a microcosm of the novel's generational and ideological struggle. In Aelin's chapters, the narrative delves deep into psychological horror, demonstrating a shift in Maeve's tactics from breaking Aelin's body to conquering her mind and soul.