Dorian finds himself a pawn in a deadly game, while far to the north, the defenders of Orynth brace for a siege. Alliances are tested and new strategies are forged as the characters confront their pasts and prepare for a final stand against overwhelming darkness. These chapters set the stage for the climactic battles to come.
Chapter 71: A Reckless, Fool's Route
Dorian Havilliard is captured by Maeve in Morath, but he quickly realizes that a direct magical assault is useless against her mental powers. Instead, he shifts back to his human form and uses his cunning to play a dangerous game. Maeve reveals she knew of his presence through Aelin's memories and her spies. Dorian impresses her by using his magic to create an ice wall, blocking her mental probes.
Sensing an opportunity, Dorian proposes an alliance, suggesting they both want the Wyrdkey possessed by Erawan. He even goes so far as to propose marriage, offering Maeve the throne of Adarlan in exchange for her power against Erawan. After a tense moment where she probes his mind, Maeve agrees to the pact. Later, Dorian, as a raven, overhears Vernon Lochan complaining about Erawan. He impersonates Vernon and confronts the Valg king, learning that Erawan's goal is to reunite with his brothers and that Dorian's father never fully submitted to the Valg's control.
Chapter 72: The Gods Don't Come to These Lands
Nesryn Faliq and Borte, scouting ahead of Sartaq's forces, discover that the Ferian Gap is empty, suggesting Morath's forces have moved on. Meanwhile, the army led by Chaol Westfall, Yrene Westfall, and Aelin's's court marches through the White Fangs.
Chaol and Gavriel have a vulnerable conversation where Gavriel expresses regret for being an absent father to Aedion Ashryver, and Chaol offers comfort and insight. Nesryn and Borte arrive, delivering the news that the Ferian Gap is abandoned, confirming their fears that the enemy is marching on Orynth.
Chapter 73: A Place of Hatred and Pain
Dorian spends a week infiltrating Morath, gathering intelligence and discovering that Maeve has brought her kharankui to serve as hosts for Valg princesses. His search for the Wyrdkey leads him to a hidden chamber where he finds the shattered remains of Erawan's sarcophagus surrounded by Wyrdstone collars.
The evil emanating from the collars triggers Dorian's trauma, and he is overwhelmed by despair. Maeve intervenes, pulling him from the room. She admits the feeling in the collar room is why she fled her home world and reveals lore about the Valg. She also admits she left behind a Fae female with anti-Valg powers who is sworn to her. Convinced the key is hidden in Erawan's tower, Dorian devises a plan for Maeve to seduce Erawan to gain entry.
Chapter 74: We Could Play Like This
Maeve attempts to seduce Erawan to gain entry to his tower, using a glamour to transform herself first into Aelin and then into Manon Blackbeak. However, Erawan rejects her advances, citing her marriage to his brother Orcus.
The next morning, Dorian hides in Maeve's pocket during her meeting with Erawan. Erawan demands she bring the rest of the kharankui to Morath. Sensing her leverage slipping, Maeve taunts Erawan with the possibility of his defeat and proposes to open a window between realms to show him his long-lost brothers, Orcus and Mantyx.
Chapter 75: One Hundred Thousand
The focus shifts to the North, where the defenders of Orynth prepare for the siege. Aedion Ashryver and Ren Allsbrook work together to inspect the city's defenses. Aedion reflects on what his life would have been like with Gavriel present.
Under the cover of night, Aedion, Ren, Rolfe, and the Silent Assassins sneak onto the Plain of Theralis. [Lysandra](/books/kingdom-of-ash/lysandra], in the form of a giant badger, digs pits, which they fill with Rolfe's firelance chemicals. The next day, Morath's army appears—a force of one hundred thousand soldiers, accompanied by three witch towers. Ren and his assassins fire flaming arrows at the buried explosives, causing massive explosions that destroy two of the towers and halt the enemy army.
Key Events
- Dorian's Alliance: Dorian forges a deceptive alliance with Maeve to survive and find the Wyrdkey.
- Confronting Erawan: Dorian impersonates Vernon Lochan to interrogate Erawan.
- The Empty Stronghold: Nesryn discovers the Ferian Gap is abandoned.
- The Collar Room: Dorian discovers Erawan's tomb and his cache of Wyrdstone collars.
- The Witch Towers Destroyed: Aedion, Lysandra, and their allies destroy two witch towers, halting Morath's advance.
Character Development
Dorian's journey showcases a remarkable transformation as he trades brute force for cunning and espionage. He skillfully navigates a treacherous political landscape with Maeve, confronts his past traumas, and bravely faces Erawan through deception.
- Dorian Havilliard: Demonstrates immense growth, using cunning and espionage.
- Chaol Westfall: Shows emotional maturity and empathy.
- Aedion Ashryver: Steps into his role as General of the North, displaying strategic brilliance.
- Maeve: Gains depth, revealing her motivations and loyalties.
- Gavriel: Is softened, revealing regret and love for Aedion.
Themes & Symbols
- War and Strategy: Highlighted by Aedion's guerilla tactics and Dorian's espionage.
- Endurance and Resilience: Embodied by Dorian's survival of psychological assault and the defenders of Orynth's resolve.
- Found Family and Loyalty: Explored through the conversation between Chaol and Gavriel.
- Identity and Deception: Shapeshifting and glamouring are used as tools of deception, raising questions about true identity.
Key Quotes
"We could play like this."
This quote from Maeve encapsulates the manipulative and strategic game she and Dorian are engaged in. It highlights the power dynamics and the constant shifting of alliances as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Morath.
"One hundred thousand."
This stark declaration underscores the overwhelming odds facing the defenders of Orynth. It emphasizes the sheer scale of the enemy force and the desperate situation the characters find themselves in as they prepare for the inevitable siege.
Significance
These chapters are pivotal, establishing the stakes for the novel's climactic battles. Dorian's infiltration of Morath and alliance with Maeve represent a high-risk gambit, while the destruction of the witch towers provides a strategic victory in the North. The parallel narratives build tension, showing the war being fought on both a macro and micro scale.