Slay Chapter 15 (Chapter 14) – Holy Water Attack and BJJ Guard
Spoiler Notice
This summary and analysis contains detailed discussion of events in Chapter 14 of Laurell K. Hamilton's Slay. If you haven't read the chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
A vampire throws holy water into Anita Blake’s group, catching her off guard. The water on her skin begins to glow, burning the attacker. Anita recovers quickly, using her elbows and knees to strike, then employs a Brazilian jujitsu guard to immobilize the vampire against her glowing arm. Fortune and Nicky pull the vampire off her while Ethan helps her stand. Anita senses a distant vampire using powers that keep her skin glowing, and she alerts the Harlequin overwatch. Her father arrives and is alarmed by her glowing eyes. Police respond, and Anita removes her high heels, displays her U.S. Marshal badge, and willingly goes to the ground.
Key Events
- A vampire throws holy water at Anita, Wicked, and Truth, causing burning.
- Anita counters with elbows and knees, then uses BJJ guard to trap the vampire.
- The holy water on Anita’s skin glows and burns the vampire’s throat.
- Fortune and Nicky extract the vampire; Ethan assists Anita.
- Anita identifies a distant vampire using powers that keep her skin illuminated.
- She instructs Fortune to warn the Harlequin overwatch.
- Police arrive; Anita identifies herself as a U.S. Marshal and complies with orders.
Character Development
- Anita Blake: Demonstrates adaptability in combat by switching to BJJ techniques, and shows tactical awareness by sensing the distant vampire. Her reliance on teamwork increases.
- Fortune and Nicky: Work together efficiently to remove the threat and take orders.
- Ethan: Provides calm support after the fight.
- Anita’s father: Appears shaken by Anita’s glowing eyes, revealing his unease with her supernatural side.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Holy vs. Unholy: The holy water, intended as a weapon, is turned back on the vampire, symbolizing divine protection repurposing an attack.
- Light and Glow: Anita’s glowing skin and eyes reflect her dual nature as a necromancer and a vessel of holy power, blurring the line between human and supernatural.
- Trust in Combat: Anita willingly relies on her team to extract the vampire, marking a shift from her earlier solo mentality.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens the mystery of the vampire faction targeting Anita and her group. It showcases Anita’s ability to weaponize holy water through her own body, a new power. The introduction of a distant vampire observer raises the stakes, and Anita’s cooperation with police highlights her professional identity as a U.S. Marshal.
Study Questions and Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does Anita subdue the vampire after being splashed with holy water? | She wraps her legs around him in Brazilian jujitsu guard, presses her glowing arm against his throat, and holds him until help arrives. |
| Why does Anita’s skin continue to glow after the immediate attack? | A distant vampire is actively using long-distance powers on her, keeping the holy water activated. |
| What does Anita do when the police arrive on the scene? | She takes off her high heels, holds up her U.S. Marshal badge, and goes to the ground as ordered to avoid escalation. |