The night before the battle for Orynth is steeped in despair, with Aedion Ashryver and Ren Allsbrook facing the grim reality of Erawan's overwhelming army. Yet, amidst the darkness, small acts of kindness and burgeoning hope begin to flicker, setting the stage for a desperate stand. As dawn approaches, alliances are forged, vows are made, and the fate of Terrasen hangs in the balance.
Chapter 81: A Better World
Aedion finds Lysandra comforting a terrified Evangeline Lochan, and he shares his own past fears, reminding her that fear signifies something worth fighting for. He declares he now fights for his new family: Lysandra and Evangeline, a testament to Found Family and Loyalty. Meanwhile, Lord Darrow offers Evangeline a position as his page, hoping to distract her from the impending horrors. He reveals the kingsflame, a royal treasure from a more peaceful time.
As the army gathers, the true scale of the threat becomes clear: a thousand-strong Ironteeth aerial legion appears. Just as Aedion urges Lysandra to flee, confessing, "Because I am not in love with our other allies," thirteen wyverns arrive from the north. Manon Blackbeak, wearing the Star-Crown of the Crochan Queen, announces that she and the Thirteen have come to honor their promise to Aelin Galathynius. Thousands of red-cloaked Crochan witches emerge from the mountains, an aerial army that shifts the balance from Hope vs. Despair. "We heard your call for aid. And we have come to answer it," Manon declares.
Chapter 82: Until the Darkness Claims Us
Manon's five thousand Crochan witches, remnants of her scattered people, halt Morath's advance, buying Orynth precious time. She acknowledges that while they cannot defeat the ground army, they can hold off the Ironteeth, a crucial strategic pause in the theme of War and Strategy. Manon offers the Thirteen a final chance to back out, reminding them they will fight their own kind.
"We are the Thirteen. From now until the Darkness claims us."
Their loyalty is absolute, and they renew their vow. Meanwhile, Lysandra finds Aedion, the tension between them thick. He asks if he may kiss her if he survives the battle. Lysandra, wary of a farewell, challenges him to survive, promising they will "talk" and "see what comes of it."
Chapter 83: King to King
Far south, Dorian Havilliard, in wyvern form, lands in Oakwald Forest after escaping Morath with the third Wyrdkey. He uses Wyrdmarks to summon Gavin, the first king of Adarlan. Dorian confirms he has the key and is heading north to find Aelin, ready to sacrifice himself, a stark example of Sacrifice and Selflessness.
Gavin advises Dorian, "Do not give up on life so easily," and speaks of his happiness with Elena. Sensing the Ironteeth legion approaching, Gavin fades, but not before Dorian vows to protect Adarlan. Gavin's spirit smiles, affirming his faith. Dorian shifts back into a wyvern and joins the Ironteeth host, using them as cover for his journey north.
Chapter 84: A Fight Worthy of a Song
On the morning of battle, Manon and her Crochan allies prepare atop Orynth's highest tower. With her are Crochan leaders Bronwen and Glennis. Bronwen holds an ancient horn, once used to warn of defeat, now to rally her people. Glennis intends to fight, honoring her mother's choice to preserve the royal bloodline.
As Morath's army advances, Bronwen sounds the horn. Five thousand red-cloaked witches take to the sky. Simultaneously, Lysandra enters a subterranean river, a secret route suggested by Murtaugh. She shifts into a massive sea dragon and swims out from under the city walls into the Florine River. On the battlements, Aedion watches the Crochans fly to meet the enemy, declaring, "Let’s make this a fight worthy of a song."
Chapter 85: The Battle for Orynth Begins
The battle erupts in the sky. The Crochans target the Ironteeth riders, while Manon and the Thirteen spearhead the attack. A blue mist of witch blood fills the air. In the Florine River, Lysandra, as a massive white river dragon, tears into Morath's eastern flank, vanishing back into the river after each strike.
On the walls, Aedion directs a fierce defense. Rolfe's firelances and catapults wreak havoc, while Fae archers ignite explosive boulders mid-flight. Despite their successes, the Valg soldiers breach the walls. Aedion and the Bane meet them head-on, but a Valg prince, identifiable by the black collar around his throat, appears, escalating the threat.
Key Events
- Crochan Arrival: Manon and her Crochan army arrive, providing crucial aerial defense.
- Aedion's Confession: Aedion confesses his love for Lysandra.
- Dorian's Journey: Dorian escapes Morath with the third Wyrdkey and joins the Ironteeth legion in disguise.
- Battle of Orynth: The combined forces of Terrasen and the Crochans engage Erawan's army.
- Lysandra's Attack: Lysandra attacks Morath's flank as a giant river dragon.
- Valg Prince: A Valg prince breaches the city walls.
Character Development
- Aedion Ashryver: He moves from despair to resolve, showing emotional growth and tactical brilliance.
- Lysandra: She demonstrates courage and strategic value, signaling a potential mending of her relationship with Aedion.
- Manon Blackbeak: She embodies her role as the Crochan Queen, uniting her people.
- Dorian Havilliard: He shows maturity and acceptance, resolving to protect his people.
- Lord Darrow: He reveals a compassionate side, protecting Evangeline.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Hope vs. Despair: The arrival of the Crochans reverses the despair, emphasizing hope's emergence in darkness.
- Found Family and Loyalty: Aedion fights for his new family, and the Thirteen remain loyal to Manon.
- Sacrifice and Selflessness: Dorian prepares to sacrifice himself, and Lysandra risks her life.
- War and Strategy: The chapters detail the strategic planning for the Battle of Orynth.
Symbols
- The Kingsflame: Symbolizes the lost peace and rightful rule of Terrasen.
- Bronwen's Horn: Represents the transformation of the Crochans into a unified army.
- The Red Crochan Cloaks: Symbolize hope and defiance against Morath's army.
Key Quotes
"for those we love, we can rise above that fear."
Aedion speaks these words to Evangeline, but they resonate deeply with the overarching theme of the book. It highlights the power of love and loyalty to overcome even the most daunting challenges. This quote encapsulates the motivation driving many of the characters as they face seemingly insurmountable odds.
"We heard your call for aid. And we have come to answer it."
Manon's declaration upon arriving with the Crochan army is a powerful moment of hope and alliance. It signifies the culmination of her character arc, from a ruthless warrior to a leader who honors her promises and stands with her allies. This quote is a turning point in the battle, shifting the momentum and offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
Significance
These chapters mark the start of the Battle for Orynth, a pivotal moment in Kingdom of Ash. They shift the narrative from despair to a desperate fight for survival, with Manon's arrival providing crucial allies. The chapters also bring emotional and relational developments to the forefront, setting the stage for the final confrontation.
Analysis
Maas demonstrates pacing and tension, guiding the reader from despair to hope. The use of multiple perspectives creates a panoramic view of the conflict, while symbolism adds historical weight to the fight. The kingsflame and Bronwen's horn connect the current conflict to a legacy of past struggles.