Chapter summaries On Wings of Blood Briar Boleyn

On Wings of Blood Chapter 46: The Sleepwalking Encounter

⚠️ 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

Blake lies in bed stroking Neville the fluffin, reflecting on the creature's loyalty and how it saved his life during the arena ordeal. He cannot sleep because earlier that night he returned from feeding in Veilmar to find Pendragon standing alone in the Dragon Court, speaking Classical Sangrathan while sleepwalking. He tried to wake her but failed, so he carried her back to the First Year tower and handed her to a suspicious Florence. Blake wonders if Florence knows about Aenia. Now alone, he considers the upcoming Consort Games and his desire to protect Pendragon, knowing she will refuse his help. He contemplates a risky plan that might make her accept his protection and bring them closer.

Key Events

  • Blake recalls Neville's loyalty and the fluffin's role in warning him during the arena fight.
  • He returns from Veilmar and finds Pendragon in the Dragon Court, sleepwalking and speaking Classical Sangrathan.
  • Blake attempts to wake her but fails; he carries her to the First Year tower.
  • A distrustful Florence takes Pendragon from Blake.
  • Blake returns to his room, thinking about the Consort Games and his need to protect Pendragon.
  • He considers a risky strategy to earn her trust and ensure her safety.

Character Development

  • Blake: Displays a protective, tender side when handling the sleepwalking Pendragon. His frustration with her mistrust reveals a growing emotional investment. The chapter shows him strategizing how to help her, balancing his desire for closeness with the practicalities of the Games.
  • Pendragon: Appears vulnerable and unconscious, yet powerful in her ability to speak a dead language while asleep. Her sleepwalking hints at hidden depths and a mysterious connection to the ancient world.
  • Florence: Her suspicion of Blake indicates she knows about his past actions and is protective of Pendragon.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Trust and Vulnerability: Pendragon's sleepwalking state makes her physically vulnerable; Blake's response highlights his trustworthiness versus her distrust. The tension between protection and autonomy recurs.
  • Ancient Mysteries: Classical Sangrathan and the Dragon Court itself symbolize forgotten power. The sleepwalking suggests Pendragon is linked to events beyond her conscious awareness.
  • The Fluffin as Comfort: Neville provides emotional grounding for Blake, contrasting with the isolation he feels from Pendragon.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the emotional complexity of Blake's character, showing genuine concern beneath his arrogance. It introduces the Consort Games as a looming crisis and hints at Pendragon's untapped abilities. The sleepwalking scene raises questions about the Dragon Court's influence and Pendragon's connection to the Old Tongue, which will likely pay off in future conflicts.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Blake feel uneasy about leaving Pendragon in the Dragon Court?
    He senses the court holds a dangerous, mysterious power and does not want her there alone in a vulnerable, unconscious state.

  2. What does the sleepwalking episode reveal about Pendragon's character?
    It suggests she has a deep, perhaps unconscious connection to Classical Sangrathan and the ancient lore of the realm, implying hidden knowledge or abilities.

  3. How does Blake's internal conflict in this chapter set up the Consort Games?
    He acknowledges that Pendragon is heading into trouble and feels he needs to get closer to her to protect her, but her distrust forces him to consider a drastic and risky plan.

Navigation