Chapter 35: Confrontation and Departure – Fern Faces Her Feelings

⚠️ 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

The group departs the nameless village. Astryx shows unexpected gentleness to the villagers, particularly the stone-fey girl, which sparks envy in Fern, who recalls her own brusque rescue weeks earlier. They travel through a prairie landscape, fording streams, and Astryx appears increasingly worn from her recent wounds. When Staysha the bard asks to interview Astryx for a song, Fern excuses herself and privately vents to Breadlee about her jealousy and the approaching end of her journey. She returns and confronts Astryx about indulging Staysha. The argument escalates: Fern accuses Astryx of not caring about anyone and brings up the fate of Zyll. Astryx retorts that Fern is chronically dissatisfied and walks away. Feeling guilty, Fern is then struck on the head by Staysha with her lute case.

Key Events

The party leaves the village; Astryx gives herbs to Finny and kneels gently before the stone-fey child.
Fern feels a pang of envy over the kindness shown to the villagers.
Travel across the prairie involves several stream crossings, with Persimmon struggling.
Astryx shows signs of exhaustion and has strapped Nigel’s sheath to her saddle.
Staysha proposes writing a song about Astryx; Astryx reluctantly agrees.
Fern walks away to avoid the bard, arguing with Breadlee about her dislike of Staysha and her jealousy.
Fern and Breadlee discuss the possibility that Fern resents the approaching end of the journey.
Fern returns, and she and Astryx have a heated argument about the bard and about Astryx’s choices.
Astryx walks off alone; Fern feels remorse.
Staysha approaches Fern and strikes her with the lute case.

Character Development

Fern grapples with jealousy—first over Astryx’s kindness to others, then over the bard’s attention. She deflects her own discomfort by accusing Astryx of being aloof, but Breadlee’s insight forces her to consider that she is afraid of the journey ending. Her outburst reveals her insecurity and her inability to articulate what she truly wants.

Astryx shows vulnerability by allowing Staysha to interview her, indicating a willingness to connect. In the argument, she defends her actions: she is trying to pause and be present, rather than always moving on. Her frustration with Fern suggests she cares deeply but is tired of being misjudged.

Breadlee serves as Fern’s cynical but perceptive sounding board. He directly names Fern’s jealousy and fear of the road’s end, pushing her toward self-awareness.

Staysha remains opaque. Her earlier cheerfulness and songwriting seem genuine, but the violent act at the chapter’s end reveals a hidden agenda or betrayal.

Zyll is absent from the action, but her fate is brought up as a sore point in the argument.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Jealousy and Possessiveness – Fern’s envy of the villagers and the bard stems from a desire to have Astryx’s attention exclusively. This theme explores how close bonds can breed insecurity.

The End of a Journey – Breadlee suggests Fern is angry because she feels time is running out. The nearing destination (Amberlin) symbolizes an uncertain future that Fern refuses to face.

Music and Storytelling – Staysha’s song represents the desire to immortalize heroism. Astryx’s reluctant participation contrasts with Fern’s disdain, raising questions about how legends are built and who controls a narrative.

Boundaries and Confrontation – The argument between Fern and Astryx is a direct confrontation about boundaries: what each owes the other and what they need from each other. The chapter ends with a literal physical blow, underscoring the danger of unresolved conflict.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point for Fern’s internal arc. She vocalizes her resentment toward the bard and her frustration with Astryx, but also learns from Breadlee that her real fear is the end of the road. The argument forces Astryx to defend her choices, revealing that she is trying to change her own patterns. The sudden attack by Staysha introduces a new threat and breaks the trust the group had started to build. It sets up the climax of the journey and deepens the mystery around the bard’s true motives.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Fern feel jealous of the villagers and Staysha?
Fern envies the gentle treatment Astryx shows others because Fern’s own rescue was impersonal and brusque. She also subconsciously wants Astryx’s undivided attention, a desire she is reluctant to acknowledge.
What does Astryx’s response to Fern’s accusation reveal about her character?
Astryx admits that she is trying to pause and be present, contradicting Fern’s earlier complaint that Astryx never stays. She shows frustration but also a willingness to engage, indicating that she values Fern’s opinion but is hurt by the criticism.
Why might Staysha attack Fern?
Although the motive is not yet clear, the attack suggests Staysha overheard the argument and felt threatened by Fern’s animosity. It may also be part of a larger scheme, possibly related to Zyll or the bounty, that Staysha is desperate to protect.