Orynth is under siege, and the cost of freedom is rising. As the battle rages, key players face personal trials and make devastating sacrifices that shift the course of the war. These chapters explore themes of love, loyalty, and the enduring power of hope in the face of overwhelming despair.
Chapter 86: Fae Bastard
On the walls of Orynth, Aedion Ashryver clashes with a Valg prince, discovering that his ancestor Rhoe's shield repels the Valg's dark magic. The shield is imbued with the power of love and devotion to Terrasen, a force the Valg cannot comprehend, highlighting the theme of Endurance and Resilience. The prince, however, wounds Aedion, setting a trap.
Just as the Valg prince is about to deliver the final blow, Ren Allsbrook intervenes, killing the demon. Aedion collapses from his wound. Meanwhile, in the castle, Evangeline, acting as a messenger for Lord Darrow, overhears the news of Aedion's injury and fears for her found family. Darrow, in a rare display of compassion, offers her comfort, revealing a flicker of humanity beneath his stern exterior.
Chapter 87: A Whole New Marking
Far south, the allied army marches toward Terrasen, nearing the salt mines of Endovier. Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius confesses her dread to Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius about passing the site of her enslavement. As Rowan tattoos a pair of hawk's wings over her scars, symbolizing their Love and Mating Bonds, he offers to destroy Endovier for her, but Aelin decides to move past it.
The next day, Dorian Havilliard appears, bearing the immense power of all three Wyrdkeys. Meanwhile, Elide Lochan and Lorcan Salvaterre share an intimate moment as he tends to her injured foot. They discuss her new title as Lady of Perranth and their future together, with Lorcan vowing to help her rebuild her city. This conversation, a beacon of Hope vs. Despair, leads them to consummate their relationship, marking a profound shift in Lorcan's character as he commits to building a future with Elide.
Chapter 88: To the Walls
Back in Orynth, despite his injury, Aedion Ashryver returns to the walls and spots Lysandra in her sea dragon form, signaling a new threat. Morath's forces are attempting to infiltrate the city through underwater tunnels. Aedion immediately signals for reinforcements.
High above, Manon Blackbeak sees Aedion's signal and orders the Thirteen to break off their aerial engagement. However, they are ambushed by Iskra Yellowlegs, who locks her wyvern's jaws around Abraxos's throat. Manon watches in horror as her beloved mount is caught in a death grip.
Chapter 89: For Keelie
Manon is paralyzed as Iskra’s bull strangles Abraxos. The Thirteen are scattered, leaving Manon alone. Abraxos dives, trying to get Manon to safety. Just as hope seems lost, Petrah Blueblood leads hundreds of rebel Ironteeth witches in a stunning betrayal of Morath, embodying the theme of Freedom vs. Slavery. Petrah saves Abraxos and engages Iskra, declaring, "She's mine." Manon and the Thirteen race to the river to secure the city's defenses.
Lysandra arrives with devastating news: the witch tower is active and advancing on Orynth. The tower unleashes a blast of dark magic, annihilating a section of the sky. Manon realizes her grandmother is fueling the tower by forcing young witches to perform the Yielding. In a moment of Sacrifice and Selflessness, the Thirteen sacrifice themselves to carve a path for Asterin Blackbeak. Asterin crashes into the tower and confronts the Blackbeak Matron. A brilliant light erupts as she and the spirits of the other twelve make the Yielding, obliterating the tower and saving Orynth.
Chapter 90: Be the Bridge
The battle falls silent. Manon Blackbeak is catatonic with grief, while Abraxos shields her. At dawn, she walks across the battlefield to the epicenter of the blast that took her Found Family and Loyalty.
The leaders of the allied armies follow her, along with soldiers, citizens, Crochans, and rebel Ironteeth. They lay flowers and stones upon the earth, a tribute to the Thirteen. Manon's great-grandmother, Glennis, approaches and speaks a prophecy:
"Be the bridge, be the light. When iron melts, when flowers spring from fields of blood—let the land be witness, and return home.”
Manon remains kneeling in the ashes, lost in her sorrow. A single flower begins to bloom on a distant plain, a symbol of Hope vs. Despair.
Key Events
- Aedion Ashryver is wounded but saved.
- Dorian Havilliard arrives with the Wyrdkeys.
- Elide Lochan and Lorcan Salvaterre commit to a future.
- Petrah Blueblood leads a witch rebellion.
- The Thirteen sacrifice themselves to destroy the witch tower.
Character Development
- Manon Blackbeak: Experiences profound loss, solidifying her transformation into a true queen.
- Asterin Blackbeak: Completes her redemption with an act of love and loyalty.
- The Thirteen: Demonstrate the pinnacle of Found Family and Loyalty.
- Aedion Ashryver: His fight reinforces his connection to his Terrasen heritage.
- Elide Lochan & Lorcan Salvaterre: Their relationship deepens, signifying Lorcan's turn from destruction to creation.
- Lord Darrow: Shows a moment of compassion, hinting at a softening demeanor.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Sacrifice and Selflessness: Dominates, culminating in the Thirteen's sacrifice.
- Found Family and Loyalty: The bond between Manon and the Thirteen is the emotional core.
- Hope vs. Despair: The battle swings between despair and hope.
Symbols
- Light and Darkness: The Yielding becomes an act of heroic sacrifice, producing light.
- Rhoe's Shield: Symbolizes the power of heritage and love.
- Flowers: Represent remembrance and the promise of life emerging from death.
Key Quotes
"Be the bridge, be the light. When iron melts, when flowers spring from fields of blood—let the land be witness, and return home.”
Glennis's prophecy positions Manon as a crucial figure for the future, a bridge between peoples and a light to guide them. This destiny is forged in the ashes of her greatest loss, highlighting the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth.
Significance
These chapters mark a major turning point. The Thirteen's sacrifice saves Orynth and solidifies the alliance between witches and the people of Terrasen. The arrival of Dorian Havilliard with the Wyrdkeys raises the stakes, shifting the focus to the final confrontation with Erawan and Maeve.
Analysis
Sarah J. Maas masterfully controls pacing and emotional weight. The intimate moments before the chaos heighten the impact of the tragedy. The narrative subverts the "dark witch" trope through the Thirteen's final act, transforming the Yielding into an act of heroic sacrifice. The silent procession underscores the significance of the sacrifice and cements the unity of the allied forces.