Brimstone Chapter 33 – Vapor and Smoke: Kingfisher’s Reunion with Foley
⚠️ 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
Kingfisher brings Saeris’s fox, Onyx, to her chambers, singing a lullaby and stealing smoked trout for him. Onyx responds by giving Kingfisher a pine cone as a gift. Later, in the palace library, a shadow cat named Guru emerges from Kingfisher’s own shadow and leads him through the stacks to a hidden sanctuary. There, Kingfisher finds a beautiful orrery and climbs to the roof, where his long‑lost friend Foley sits writing. Foley, a vampire, is consumed by guilt over his nature and his inability to control his bloodlust. Kingfisher reassures him and proves Foley’s self‑control by offering his own blood. Kingfisher then reveals he carries a demon named Joshin in a box, made during a past deal, and entrusts the box to Foley for safekeeping. Foley agrees and asks to hear the demon’s secret.
Key Events
- Kingfisher carries Onyx to Saeris’s bedroom, singing a lullaby and feeding him stolen trout.
- Onyx gifts him a small pine cone, which Kingfisher accepts, moved by the gesture.
- A shadow cat called Guru appears from Kingfisher’s shadow and leads him through the library.
- The cat guides Kingfisher to a hidden study containing an orrery and a hearth, then up a ladder to the roof.
- On the roof, Kingfisher finds Foley, an old friend and vampire, writing at a desk.
- Foley reveals he has been starving himself, feeding only on rats and birds, and believes he is a monster.
- Kingfisher cuts his wrist to prove Foley can resist fresh blood; Foley refuses and shows control over his hunger.
- Kingfisher produces a wooden box containing the scorpion demon Joshin, which he trapped during a prior deal.
- He explains the bargain: he swore to release the demon but found a loophole in the fine print.
- Foley agrees to guard the box and asks Kingfisher to tell him the demon’s secret.
Character Development
Kingfisher demonstrates deep emotional vulnerability and loyalty. He sings a lullaby his mother sang to him, shows tenderness toward Onyx, and patiently reconnects with Foley. His willingness to draw blood to test Foley’s control underscores his faith in his friend’s inherent goodness. He also reveals his cleverness in exploiting the demon’s bargain, showing he will bend rules to protect his people.
Foley emerges as a tortured, isolated figure. Once a lord’s son and a member of the Lupo Proelia, he now hides in the library, ashamed of his vampirism. His physical changes (vertical pupils, gold teeth) reflect his transformation. Foley’s confession that he has not fed on Fae blood since Ajun and his fear of losing control highlight his moral struggle. Kingfisher’s intervention helps Foley begin to trust himself again.
Guru, the shadow cat, functions as an extension of Kingfisher’s own magic. Loyal and seemingly wise, he guides Kingfisher to Foley, reinforcing the theme of inner guidance.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
** Vapor and Smoke** – The chapter’s title (also Kingfisher’s words: “Dreams are just vapor and smoke”) contrasts dreams that remain passive with the active choice to live them. Foley’s dreams of being good are meaningless unless he acts.
** Symbolism of the Pine Cone** – Onyx’s gift represents trust and connection. A pine cone holds seeds of new life; it mirrors Kingfisher’s role in helping Foley start anew.
** Blood and Control** – Kingfisher’s willing offering of his blood tests Foley’s self‑control. Foley’s ability to resist proves that his nature does not define him—a key step in his redemption arc.
** The Orrery** – The clockwork model of the heavens suggests order, fate, and the dance of celestial bodies, echoing the complex relationships and bargains that drive the plot.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens Kingfisher’s character by showing his compassionate side outside his bond with Saeris. It also introduces Foley as a major figure—a vampire who once stood beside Kingfisher and now struggles with shame. Foley’s arc likely ties into the larger conflict against Belikon. The transfer of the demon box establishes a new plot thread: the demon’s secret could be crucial for future battles. The chapter reinforces themes of redemption and the power of friendship over despair.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Kingfisher bring the fox Onyx to Saeris’s chambers, and what does Onyx’s gift signify?
Kingfisher brings Onyx to keep him safe and comfortable for Saeris. Onyx’s gift of a pine cone signifies gratitude and trust, surprising Kingfisher and highlighting the unlikely bonds formed in the story.
2. How does Kingfisher prove to Foley that he has control over his vampiric hunger?
Kingfisher cuts his own wrist and offers his blood. Rather than attacking, Foley panics and moves away. Kingfisher then points out that Foley has resisted feeding on Fae in the town and has not harmed anyone in seven hundred years, showing Foley’s self‑control.
3. What loophole does Kingfisher use regarding the deal with the demon Joshin?
Kingfisher swore he would not place the demon in a demon trap, but the box is simply a box, not a trap. He also did not specify a time or place for release, allowing him to keep the demon contained indefinitely without breaking his vow.