Chapter 72: 67 West – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Tunuva and Canthe arrive at the overcrowded Inysh city of Arondine, where thousands have fled from Fýredel’s destruction. They observe Queen Glorian and her grandmother Marian from a distance, and Tunuva learns the Inysh believe that the Berethnet bloodline must continue or the Nameless One will be unleashed. Canthe leads Tunuva to a safe house, then goes out to gather news. She returns with word that Wulfert Glenn is the sole survivor of the royal fleet—burned by Fýredel—and is alive in Ascalun. Overcome with emotion, Tunuva and Canthe share a kiss, but Tunuva pulls away, thinking of Esbar. Canthe apologises and they sleep separately.
The chapter shifts to Queen Glorian. She wakes to find an apparition claiming to be her mother, Sabran. The ghost foretells that the age of fire will end when a star appears at morning on the first day of spring—a “day of fallen night”—causing the wyrms to sleep. Glorian confides that she hears a faceless voice in her head; the ghost promises to seek it out. The next morning, Glorian tells Marian of the dream but asks her to keep it secret. Prince Guma arrives, and Glorian lies that Lord Robart is ill, deciding to let the plot against her play out. She uses Guma’s dowry to pay taxes for the poor.
Key Events
- Tunuva and Canthe enter Arondine, a walled city packed with refugees.
- Tunuva learns the Inysh belief that the Berethnet bloodline prevents the Nameless One’s return.
- Canthe discovers that Wulfert Glenn survived Fýredel’s attack and is in Ascalun.
- Tunuva and Canthe share an intimate moment that Tunuva ends, citing her bond with Esbar.
- Glorian receives a ghostly visitation from a figure claiming to be Queen Sabran.
- The apparition delivers a prophecy: a star will appear at dawn on the first day of spring, causing the wyrms to sleep.
- Glorian reveals she hears an inner voice; the ghost vows to find it.
- Glorian tells Marian about the dream and resolves to keep it secret.
- Prince Guma arrives at Arondine Castle; Glorian lies about Lord Robart’s illness.
- Glorian decides to let Guma’s plot unfold while using his dowry to ease the people’s tax burden.
Character Development
- Tunuva: Struggles with loneliness and guilt. She nearly succumbs to Canthe’s comfort but reaffirms her loyalty to Esbar, showing her deep sense of commitment.
- Canthe: Reveals her own vulnerability and longing; she respects Tunuva’s decision but is clearly wounded, highlighting her solitary nature.
- Glorian: Grows into a shrewd tactician. She conceals her knowledge of the plot against her, uses Guma’s resources to aid the poor, and chooses to act only when necessary. Her grief for her parents coexists with political cunning.
- Marian: Acts as a wise advisor, encouraging Glorian’s strategic instincts.
- Prince Guma: Introduced as a composed, observant figure; his reaction to Glorian’s deception suggests he is not easily fooled.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The Burden of Lies: The Berethnet bloodline myth is presented as a deception that has shaped Inysh society for centuries. Tunuva is horrified, while Glorian must maintain the lie to hold her kingdom together.
- Prophecy and Hope: The ghost’s promise of a “day of fallen night” offers hope but also ambiguity—the wyrms will sleep, not be destroyed. This mirrors the uncertainty of the coming spring.
- Intimacy and Sacrifice: Tunuva’s refusal of Canthe’s kiss underscores the theme of sacrifice for a greater bond. Physical comfort is denied in favour of emotional fidelity.
- The Inner Voice: Glorian’s unseen companion—a voice she has heard since sixteen—parallels the arcane communication seen elsewhere in the book, hinting at a deeper magical or spiritual link.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 72 is a turning point for both the Inysh and Povish storylines. It reveals Wulfert Glenn’s survival, reconnecting Tunuva with a possible heir to the southern throne. Glorian’s prophecy sets a clear timeline for the final conflict—the first day of spring—and establishes her as a ruler capable of patience and deception. The ghostly visitation also deepens the mystery of the faceless voice, linking Glorian to forces beyond her understanding. The intimate scene between Tunuva and Canthe tests the bonds of loyalty and desire, adding emotional weight to their partnership.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Tunuva stop her kiss with Canthe?
Tunuva stops because she remains bound to Esbar. Although she craves comfort, she realises that returning Canthe’s affection would betray the deeper love she already has. The memory of “the right and only one” breaks her trance.
2. What is the prophecy Glorian receives, and what does it imply for the future?
The apparition tells Glorian that the age of fire and smoke will end when a star appears at morning on the first day of spring—a “day of fallen night.” The wyrms will sink into a sleep and storms will quench the embers. This implies a temporary relief rather than a final victory, leaving open the question of when the wyrms will wake again.
3. How does Glorian handle Prince Guma’s arrival and the political threat he represents?
Glorian lies about Lord Robart’s illness to prevent Guma from meeting his co-conspirator. She decides to let the plot develop while she gathers intelligence, using Guma’s dowry to pay taxes for the poor. This shows her preference for strategic waiting over immediate confrontation, a tactic praised by her grandmother.