Chapter 70 (Capítulo 56) Summary: The Aerial Assault on Sivrinaj

⚠️ 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

From Raihn’s point of view, this chapter depicts the opening of the coordinated aerial and ground assault on Sivrinaj castle. Raihn and Vale lead a fast-flying force directly toward the castle, hoping to reach Simon before his Rishan army is fully prepared. Below, Ketura commands a ground diversion using demons and Night Fire to break through the city’s defenses. As the aerial team closes in, a massive wave of Rishan soldiers rises from the castle grounds—far more than expected. Simon is not among them, which unsettles Raihn, who had anticipated a personal confrontation. The chapter ends as the two airborne armies collide in midair combat.

Key Events

• Raihn, Vale, and their warriors fly at full speed toward the castle, using the distraction of the distant fleet and Ketura’s ground assault to buy time.
• Ketura’s attack employs Night Fire explosions and demons to smash through barricades and draw enemy resources.
• Vale spots the approaching Rishan defenders, confirming that Simon’s forces are larger than anticipated.
• Raihn scans the oncoming wave but does not see Simon, forcing him to consider that Simon may be hiding in the castle.
• Raihn decides to continue the charge, ordering his troops to meet the Rishan head-on.
• The chapter closes with the two airborne formations about to clash.

Character Development

Raihn demonstrates decisive leadership and a willingness to accept the risks of a frontal assault. His disappointment at Simon’s absence reveals his personal hunger for a direct confrontation with his rival; he is frustrated that Simon may force him to fight through the army first.

Vale serves as the tactical counterpoint, keeping Raihn focused on the mission. His clipped, serious tone when announcing the enemy reinforces his role as a reliable second-in-command.

Ketura is seen only from a distance, but her ruthless use of Night Fire and demons shows her effectiveness as a commander of the ground distraction. She is willing to bear the brunt of Septimus’s forces.

Simon remains offstage, which deepens his characterization as a manipulative tactician who lets his soldiers absorb the first blow. The absence hints at a trap or a final stand in the castle’s interior.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Flight and Freedom vs. Constraint – The aerial approach gives Raihn’s forces mobility and a height advantage, but it also funnels them into a single airborne army. The open sky becomes a battle arena, contrasting the cramped, walled spaces of the castle.

Fire as Transformation – Night Fire is described as both beautiful and destructive, “a hand sweeping away sand.” It represents the brutal, elemental change that war brings to Sivrinaj.

Illusion vs. Reality – Simon’s reliance on “bravado and illusions” is contrasted with the concrete size of his army. The chapter underscores that appearances can be deceptive, and that real strength may be hidden.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks the beginning of the final military confrontation for control of the Nightborn domain. It establishes the scale of the battle, the resources involved, and the personal stakes for Raihn. By keeping Simon out of the fight, Broadbent raises tension and sets the stage for a later, more intimate duel. The chapter also showcases the collaborative strategy between Raihn, Vale, and Ketura, highlighting the importance of coordination in achieving their goals.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Raihn expect Simon to be at the front of the Rishan charge?
   Raihn believes Simon would want to demonstrate his dominance personally by killing his rival. Simon’s absence forces Raihn to reconsider his assumptions about Simon’s psychological tactics and battle plans.

2. What tactical purpose does Ketura’s ground assault serve?
   Ketura’s attack creates chaos and diverts Septimus’s troops downward, preventing them from reinforcing the airborne defenders. It also weakens the city’s fortifications, making the later ground advance easier.

3. How does the description of the fleet contribute to the chapter’s atmosphere?
   The distant fleet with purple sails under moonlight gives a sense of temporal pressure: the offensive is already underway. The “sparks” of explosives and magical attacks show that the battle has multiple fronts, deepening the feeling of a war engulfing the entire region.

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