As the dam at Anielle bursts, Elide and a wounded Lorcan race towards the keep. Lorcan, realizing he is slowing them down, confesses his love, "I have loved you from the moment you picked up that axe to slay the ilken... And I will be with you always." Elide refuses to leave him, and just as they are about to be engulfed, the world seems to pause. From the battlements, Rowan and the others watch in horror as Aelin is dropped into the path of the tidal wave.
Chapter 61: The Fire-Bringer
Rowan realizes Aelin has been gathering her power for months, not just enduring captivity, but preparing a devastating blow meant for Maeve. Instead, she unleashes it here, raising her hands to create a pillar of cobalt fire that stops the wave. The water crashes against the fire, creating a cloud of lethal steam that Rowan pushes away with his magic.
When the mist clears, Aelin stands alone, glowing with golden light, having spent the magic she saved for Maeve to save her friends and Terrasen's army. The glow fades, and she collapses. Rowan, in his hawk form, carries her back to the keep. This immense Sacrifice and Selflessness saves thousands but costs Aelin her most powerful weapon.
Chapter 62: An Alliance Between You and Me
After escaping the Ironteeth Matrons, Dorian and the witches make camp. Manon apologizes for her harsh words and admits she fears for him. Realizing he will leave for Morath, she offers an alliance: marriage. This union would unite Adarlan and the witches, potentially persuading the Crochans to join the war.
Dorian recognizes her sacrifice—that she, who values freedom above all, would offer to be "shackled" to him. Instead of accepting, they share a passionate night, a final farewell. Manon wears her crown of starlight, a symbol of the queen she is. When she awakens, Dorian is gone, having left for Morath alone with the Wyrdkeys, unwilling to let her sacrifice her freedom.
Chapter 63: Terrasen Calls for Aid
Aedion's army prepares for a hopeless stand against Morath's forces. Knowing they are doomed, Aedion orders Ren to send messengers in every direction, crying, "Terrasen calls for aid." Their despair deepens when Morath's first volley is the decapitated heads of Ansel's soldiers. Lysandra, in her ghost leopard form, stands grimly on the front lines.
Just as Morath's army charges, ships emerge from the river. It is Rolfe and his Mycenian fleet, bearing a cobalt flag with a green sea dragon. They unleash firelances upon Morath's flank, creating a wall of fire. The Valg-infested soldiers retreat in chaos. Rolfe explains that Ravi and Sol of Suria sent him, anticipating Aedion's trouble. With their forces saved, they set sail for Orynth, their hope restored.
Chapter 64: You Are One Lucky Bastard
In the aftermath of the battle at Anielle, Yrene heals the wounded. Aelin and Rowan remain asleep for days. Lorcan awakens to find Fenrys watching over him. His injuries have been healed by Yrene, leaving only scars. When he wakes again, Elide is there.
Their reunion is quiet and profound. Elide asks if he meant what he said, and Lorcan confirms he meant every word. Elide confesses her love, telling him she has loved him since he fought for her against the ilken. They reconcile, the pain dissolving. Lorcan asks her to stay, and she agrees, sharing a tender kiss before she returns to help Yrene. He promises to be there when she is ready to sleep, content to have her by his side.
Chapter 65: The Flame of War
Manon stands at the edge of the Crochan camp, reeling from Dorian's departure. As she contemplates her next move, a scout arrives with urgent news: "Terrasen calls for aid." Glennis, the Crochan Matron, asks Manon, "What say you, Queen of Witches?"
Faced with two paths, Manon declares, "I shall answer Terrasen’s call." With the support of the Thirteen, she performs the ancient ritual to rally her people. She lights a branch from the sacred flame and creates the Flame of War. She takes this torch to the leader of the first hearth and says, "Your queen summons you to war." The fire is passed from hearth to hearth, signaling across the continent. Crochan witches emerge from hiding, donning red cloaks and ancient swords, and take to the skies on their brooms, flying north to join their queen.
Chapter 66: No More Surprises
Aelin and Rowan awaken after three days. Aelin reveals she sent letters to Rowan's uncle and other Fae in Doranelle, detailing Maeve's plans and hinting she is Valg, hoping to incite rebellion and neutralize Maeve's army. With Prince Kashin's forces arriving, the allies plan their march north. Their path is blocked by Morath's forces at the Ferian Gap. Chaol has negotiated with the wild men of the Fangs for a secret pass, but his father, Lord Darrow, refuses to cede the land. Aelin empowers Chaol, as Hand of the King of Adarlan, to overrule his father.
Later, they witness Yrene's power as she expels a Valg demon from a possessed soldier. Aelin is stunned, realizing its potential as a weapon, but also the danger it would place Yrene in against beings like Erawan or Maeve.
Chapter 67: I Don't Make Bargains with Bastards
Aelin and Rowan discuss Yrene's power. Aelin contemplates if Yrene could heal Erawan and Maeve, providing an alternative to forging the Lock. However, she concludes she cannot ask Yrene or Chaol to take such a risk, especially with Yrene pregnant. The conversation solidifies her grim acceptance that the Lock is her responsibility. In a last attempt, Aelin, Rowan, and Borte search the Wyrdmark tomes for another solution, but find nothing.
Meanwhile, Chaol confronts his father. Lord Darrow offers a trunk of letters from Chaol's mother in exchange for Chaol reneging on the deal with the wild men. Chaol refuses, telling his father to keep the letters, stating, "I don't make bargains with bastards. I'm certainly not going to start with you." Two days later, the combined armies begin their march north, guided by the wild men. As they go, Aelin lets her fire burn around her, a beacon of hope lighting the way to Terrasen.
Key Events
- Aelin's Fire vs. the Flood: Aelin unleashes a wave of fire, a power she had been saving as a "death blow" for Maeve, to stop the flood, saving the allied army.
- Dorian's Departure: After a final night with Manon, Dorian leaves for Morath alone with the Wyrdkeys, choosing his solitary mission over the alliance and marriage Manon offered.
- The Crochans Answer the Call: Manon rallies the Crochan witches using the Flame of War, and they rise from all corners of the continent to fly north and fight for Terrasen.
- Aedion's Rescue: Rolfe's fleet arrives at the Battle of the Florine, saving Aedion's army and providing them passage to Orynth.
- Lorcan and Elide Reconcile: Lorcan and Elide confess their love, resolving the conflict between them and solidifying their bond.
- The March North Begins: The allied armies begin their journey north to confront Erawan's forces.
Character Development
- Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius: Aelin demonstrates her power and capacity for sacrifice, prioritizing her people over vengeance. She also reveals her strategic cunning but grapples with the trauma of her captivity.
- Dorian Havilliard: Dorian steps into his role as a king defined by sacrifice, rejecting Manon's offer of marriage and choosing to walk the path to Morath alone.
- Manon Blackbeak: Manon completes her transformation into the Queen of Witches, willing to sacrifice her freedom for an alliance and answering Terrasen's call.
- Chaol Westfall: Chaol achieves a personal victory by standing up to his father, asserting his own authority and moral code.
- Lorcan Salvaterre & Elide Lochan: Their relationship arc reaches its emotional climax, overcoming past hurts through mutual love and forgiveness.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Sacrifice and Selflessness: This theme is central, with Aelin, Dorian, Manon, and Chaol all making immense personal sacrifices.
- Hope vs. Despair: Moments of hope punctuate the despair of war, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, hope can emerge from courage and loyalty.
- Found Family and Loyalty: The characters' loyalty to one another drives their most significant actions, highlighting that the bonds they have forged are the true foundation of their strength.
Symbols
- Aelin's Cobalt Fire: Symbolizes a power beyond mortal comprehension, a force of salvation and divine wrath.
- The Flame of War: Represents unity, heritage, and the awakening of a long-dormant power, uniting a scattered people.
- The Trunk of Letters: A symbol of emotional abuse and manipulation, with Chaol's refusal to bargain for them representing his break from his father's control.
Significance
These chapters represent a turning point in Kingdom of Ash. The protagonists converge, consolidating their forces for the final push into Terrasen. The narrative shifts from preparation to the direct execution of the war's final stages. Aelin's display of power establishes the stakes, while Dorian's and Manon's separate paths add emotional weight. The rescue of Aedion's army and the rallying of the Crochans provide critical reinforcements, transforming the fight for Terrasen.
Analysis
Maas balances epic conflict with personal moments, highlighting that wars are won by the love, sacrifice, and choices of individuals. The narrative structure creates an immersive view of the war, and the chapters explore different facets of leadership and power, arguing that victory depends on the combined strengths of a diverse coalition.