Dorian Havilliard, skilled in shapeshifting, infiltrates the dark fortress of Morath, driven by a burning desire for vengeance against Erawan. He seeks to locate the third Wyrdkey and, if possible, assassinate the Valg king, the being responsible for his enslavement and Sorscha's death. However, his mission takes a horrifying turn when he discovers Maeve, not as a Fae Queen, but as a Valg Queen allied with Erawan.
Chapter 68: An Unexpected Delight
Dorian arrives at Morath, having traveled in animal forms and hidden the two Wyrdkeys he possesses miles away. He scouts the fortress as a crow before shifting into a mouse to enter through a servants' entrance. Inside, he navigates using Manon's mental map, seeking Erawan's tower and the third Wyrdkey. Overhearing servants gossiping about tension in the council room, Dorian, driven by vengeance, investigates. He finds Erawan, no longer in Duke Perrington's form, but as a handsome man, greeting Maeve with surprise, calling her visit an "unexpected delight." Dorian watches in horror as the two ancient evils convene.
Chapter 69: A Mausoleum
Aedion, Lysandra, and their allies arrive at Orynth, a grim shadow of its former self, described as a "mausoleum" preparing for a hopeless siege. Aedion is burdened by his perceived failures and the cost of their journey. They meet with Lord Darrow and the Terrasen lords in a dilapidated chamber, where Darrow questions Kyllian's whereabouts and dismisses the idea of "Aelin's Armada." Lysandra fiercely defends their allies, stating they came for Aelin, not Darrow. After Lysandra leaves to see Evangeline, Aedion defends her, prompting Darrow to reveal his pain of being too old to fight.
Later, Aedion finds Lysandra in the empty throne room, confessing her lost hope of seeing Aelin crowned. Aedion shares her despair, admitting, "I thought so, too." In their shared hopelessness, they find a brief, somber connection.
Chapter 70: Sister-in-Law
Dorian, still in mouse form, overhears Maeve revealing her true identity to Erawan: she is a Valg Queen, Erawan's sister-in-law, once married to his brother, Orcus. She explains that she lost her kingdom of Doranelle due to Aelin's influence and seeks an alliance with Erawan to destroy Brannon's bloodline. She confirms Aelin is free and in Anielle.
To prove her worth, Maeve opens a portal to the Southern Continent, summoning a kharankui—a giant, intelligent spider—and proposes using them as hosts for the remaining Valg princesses. Erawan is intrigued and allows Maeve to stay in Morath. As Maeve leaves, Dorian follows her, but she anticipates his move, trapping him with her boot and choking his magic. She smiles, revealing she knew he was there all along.
Key Events
- Dorian successfully infiltrates Morath in animal form after hiding the Wyrdkeys.
- Aedion and his army retreat to Orynth to make a final stand.
- Maeve arrives at Morath and reveals her true identity as a Valg Queen, sister-in-law to Erawan.
- Maeve proposes an alliance, offering her kharankui as hosts for the Valg princesses.
- Orynth is filled with despair, exemplified by Aedion and Lysandra's shared hopelessness.
- Maeve discovers and captures Dorian in his mouse form.
Character Development
- Dorian Havilliard: He demonstrates advanced shapeshifting and bravery by infiltrating Morath, driven by vengeance. However, his recklessness leads to his capture.
- Aedion Ashryver: The weight of military defeats crushes his spirit, leaving him consumed by guilt and despair.
- Lysandra: Her loyalty to Aelin remains, but the relentless fighting has eroded her resilience, revealing deep despair.
- Maeve: Her true, monstrous nature is revealed. She is a Valg Queen, driven by a lust for power and revenge, forming a strategic alliance with Erawan.
- Erawan: He is portrayed as a calm, calculating ruler who grasps the strategic implications of Maeve's alliance.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Hope vs. Despair: This theme is starkly contrasted. Despair is absolute in Orynth, while Dorian's mission into Morath is a desperate act of hope.
- War and Strategy: The narrative explores both grand military strategy and covert espionage, from the defensive siege of Orynth to the alliance between Maeve and Erawan.
- Deception and True Nature: Maeve's reveal shatters her Fae identity, revealing her Valg soul. This theme is mirrored in Dorian's shapeshifting and Erawan's human form, reinforcing that appearances cannot be trusted.
Symbols
- The Empty Throne Room: The ruined throne room in Orynth symbolizes the death of a dream and the hopelessness felt by its last defenders.
- Morath: The fortress symbolizes absolute evil and industrial corruption, a hellscape forged by Erawan's power.
Key Quotes
"Do you plan to hide in that pathetic form all day?"
This quote, spoken by Maeve as she captures Dorian, highlights her cunning and power. It underscores the fact that she was aware of his presence all along, turning his attempt at espionage into a trap. The dismissive tone emphasizes her superiority and the futility of Dorian's efforts against her.
"I thought so, too."
Aedion's quiet agreement with Lysandra's lost hope encapsulates the despair that has gripped Terrasen. It signifies the crushing weight of their situation and the loss of their belief in a future where Aelin reclaims her throne. The simplicity of the statement amplifies its impact, conveying the depth of their shared hopelessness.
Significance
These chapters mark a crucial turning point, raising the stakes dramatically. Maeve's Valg identity redefines the conflict, and her alliance with Erawan creates a nearly unbeatable force. The siege of Orynth signals the final, desperate phase of the war in the North, while Dorian's capture is a significant blow, placing him in the hands of a sadistic and cunning enemy.
Analysis
Sarah J. Maas employs powerful juxtaposition by contrasting the defeat at Orynth with Dorian's mission in Morath. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the war and unifies both storylines under a sense of dread. The pacing builds suspense, with Dorian's movements creating tension and the slow trudge into Orynth mirroring emotional exhaustion. The revelation of Maeve as a Valg Queen is a masterful plot twist, transforming her into a cosmic-level threat and escalating the final conflict.