Chapter 16 (Chapter 15) 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
Kane is consumed by remorse after Arwen told him he broke her heart, and he relives the alleyway near-kiss with shame. While departing Citrine with Mari to search for the Blade of the Sun, Arwen catches up and declares she will join the expedition after Dagan convinced her it is best. Her decision brings Griffin back into the group, and Prince Fedrik unexpectedly arrives, insisting the king and queen of Peridot have ordered him to accompany the party to retrieve the sword. Kane reluctantly agrees after learning Fedrik has not told his parents about Kane’s violent incident with Crawford. The party flies through the night to reach Peridot, then lands in a dense jungle near the town of Frog Eye. They set up camp with Mari’s magic, and Kane struggles with jealousy over Fedrik’s easy rapport with Arwen while Griffin wrestles with his own feelings for Mari.
Key Events
- Kane is tortured by guilt over lying to Arwen and regrets almost bedding her in the Azurine alleyway. He decides he is terrible for her.
- Mari and Kane walk toward the harbor cavern to begin their journey, with Mari gloomy and unresponsive.
- Arwen runs to catch them, saying she is coming along. She explains Dagan convinced her, and that Ryder, Leigh, and Barney will stay safe in Citrine.
- Griffin joins the group, happy to be released from babysitting duty.
- Prince Fedrik arrives with a pack, saying the king and queen of Peridot have commanded him to join the expedition to retrieve the Blade of the Sun.
- Kane initially refuses but relents after Fedrik reveals Dagan agreed and that Fedrik has not told his parents about the Crawford incident. Fedrik’s presence could help convince Peridot to commit armies to the fight against Lazarus.
- The four plus Fedrik fly overnight to Peridot. Kane and Griffin shift into dragons; Arwen, Mari, and Fedrik ride.
- They land in a humid jungle a few miles from Frog Eye. Kane and Griffin shift back.
- Mari sets up a campsite with a cloaking ward using her magic. Fedrik flirts with Arwen, stoking Kane’s jealousy.
- Griffin and Kane discuss their mutual discomfort – Kane’s jealousy toward Fedrik and Griffin’s painful longing for Mari.
Character Development
Kane Ravenwood – This chapter deepens Kane’s internal conflict. He recognizes that his feelings for Arwen are not mere rage but grief, because he believes he will lose her to another man eventually. He also shows genuine remorse, vowing never to lie to her again and promising to stop harassing or kissing her. His grief is a new emotional layer, setting him apart from earlier hot-tempered impulses.
Arwen – Demonstrates agency by making her own decision to join the quest after Dagan’s counsel. She prioritizes what is best for herself and her found family, showing growth in self-trust and assertiveness. Her playful teasing with Fedrik suggests she is not completely closed off to new social bonds.
Prince Fedrik – Introduced as a persistent, charming, and politically savvy character. He pushes Kane’s buttons deliberately, earns a laugh from Arwen, and proves his worth by securing Kane’s reluctant acceptance. His presence adds tension to the group dynamic.
Mari – Her initial despondency lifts when Arwen arrives, highlighting Mari’s dependence on her friend for emotional stability. She remains skilled and focused on her magic.
Griffin – His unspoken longing for Mari is made explicit through Kane’s observations. He chooses to stay with Kane rather than guard the camp, but his pained glances reveal the cost of his self-imposed emotional distance.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Guilt and Atonement – Kane’s entire internal monologue revolves around his belief that he is a terrible person who has broken Arwen’s heart. His decision to change his behavior (no lying, no kissing) is an attempt at atonement, though it feels hollow to him.
Grief vs. Rage – Kane explicitly distinguishes the jealousy and anger he once felt toward Halden from the grief he now feels at the prospect of Arwen with someone else. This emotional nuance highlights his maturation and vulnerability.
Home and Belonging – Kane reflects on missing Shadowhold not just for its physical comforts but for the intangible feeling of being home. His longing for home contrasts with his current journey through enemy territory.
Journey as Transformation – The expedition for the Blade of the Sun is framed as a literal and metaphorical journey. Each character is thrust together, forced to confront personal demons (Kane’s guilt, Griffin’s avoidance, Mari’s attachment to Briar) in close quarters.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter reshapes the quest’s composition and emotional stakes. Arwen’s decision to join the expedition signals that she is reclaiming her role in the fight, not merely being a passenger. Fedrik’s addition introduces a wild card who could either win Peridot’s military support or become a major obstacle. Kane’s acknowledgment of his grief instead of rage is a pivotal character moment, setting the stage for how he will handle future provocations. The chapter also deepens Griffin’s and Mari’s arcs by hinting at unresolved romantic tension. The new location – Peridot’s jungle – shifts the story into unknown, hostile territory, increasing tension.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Kane agree to let Fedrik join the expedition, despite clearly disliking him?
Kane realizes Fedrik has not informed the Peridot royals about Kane’s brutal attack on Crawford. More importantly, if Fedrik retrieves the Blade of the Sun and presents it to his parents, it may convince them to commit their army to fight against Lazarus. Kane values that potential alliance more than his personal animosity.
2. How does Kane differentiate his earlier jealousy over Halden from his current feelings toward Fedrik?
Kane explains that with Halden, he felt a cold, slithering rage because Halden was a murderer and manipulator. Toward Fedrik, Kane experiences grief rather than rage. He understands that it is not about Fedrik specifically; it is the grief of knowing Arwen will eventually be with someone else, and he cannot bear that loss.
3. What does Mari’s campsite magic reveal about her state of mind in this chapter?
Mari begins the chapter listless and disengaged, and her breathing incantation on the beach is barely effective. However, when setting up camp in the jungle, she performs a complex cloaking ward and materializes tents with precision. This recovery aligns with Arwen’s arrival, suggesting Mari’s emotional stability is heavily tied to Arwen’s presence. Her attachment to the amulet (Briar) also remains strong, hinting at an unhealthy reliance.