Chapter 35 Summary, Analysis, and Key Themes

⚠️ 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

In December 1594, Alison lies wounded on the cold floor of a dungeon in Kirkwall, Orkney, drifting between pain and a strange, painless haze. That night, William visits her, bringing a basket of natural remedies: living snails to treat the burns on her legs, a poultice of honey and bran, and a bottle of rose water sweetened with honey. The cool drink briefly lifts her agony. William apologizes, saying he had resolved to free her within days but weeks have passed and she is now hurt. Alison insists it is not his fault.

She asks about Mr. Couper, the lawyer who had been helping her. William reveals that Mr. Couper was beaten to death, and that Edward—a witness—was present but escaped undiscovered. Alison is shocked and fears Edward may be found, but William reassures her that Edward is safe and that he is meeting with rebels that night to find another lawyer. He insists the fight is not over.

Alison then tells William about a visit from David Moncrief, who offered to serve as notary, and mentions that Mr. Couper had said David offered his help. William immediately distrusts David, claiming he works for John Stewart and that none of these men can be trusted—they act only for their own gain. Alison suggests that an army of two factions might be better than one, and William considers this.

William then shares crucial political intelligence. Earl Patrick owes the king a large sum of money—ten thousand pounds—and has defaulted. The punishment for defaulting is beheading. The earl has previously paid six thousand pounds for his title and continues to pay an annual sum of two thousand and seventy-three pounds and six shillings, which has allowed him to overlook piracy, murder of tenants, and theft of udal lands. Now, with the default, the earl is under immense pressure. William explains that the rebels believe Earl Patrick is planning to launch a witch campaign in Orkney to convince the king he is too busy fighting witches to repay the loan.

Alison asks why Father Colville is so intent on painting her as a witch. William suggests that Father Colville serves no one but himself—he is likely working for the king, John Stewart, and Earl Patrick simultaneously, all for money. John Stewart has attempted to kill his brother to take the earldom and now must regain his brother’s trust, so he may be paying Colville a high price. Alison feels hopeless, but William reaches through the bars, takes her hand, and urges her to hold fast and never confess, no matter how much they try her. She promises.

Key Events

William brings snails, honey-and-bran poultice, and rose water to treat Alison’s burns.
William reveals that Mr. Couper was beaten to death; Edward witnessed it but remains undiscovered.
William announces he is meeting with rebels and will find another lawyer.
Alison reports David Moncrief’s offer to serve as notary; William distrusts him.
William explains Earl Patrick’s debt to the king and the threat of beheading.
The rebels suspect the earl will launch a witch campaign to distract the king from the debt.
William accuses Father Colville of serving multiple masters for money.
William makes Alison promise not to confess; she agrees.

Character Development

Alison shows resilience despite severe physical pain. She asks about Mr. Couper and David Moncrief, indicating she is still engaged with her defense. Her promise to William—despite despair—shows her determination to resist.
William is burdened by guilt for failing to free Alison quickly. He takes action by meeting rebels and gathering political information, demonstrating his commitment and resourcefulness. His distrust of David Moncrief and Father Colville reveals a cautious, politically aware side.
Father Colville is portrayed as a corrupt figure who prioritizes personal gain over loyalty, working for the king, John Stewart, and Earl Patrick simultaneously.
David Moncrief is introduced as a potential ally but immediately suspect; William’s warning paints him as self-serving.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Natural healing vs. torture: The snails, honey, and rose water contrast sharply with the caschielaws that caused Alison’s burns. The remedies symbolize care and hope amid brutality.
Political debt as leverage: The earl’s financial default is the driving force behind the witch accusations. The chapter shows how economic pressure can be weaponized to justify persecution.
Witchcraft accusations as political tool: The rebels’ theory that the earl will use a witch campaign to distract the king reveals that accusations are not about truth but about power and survival.
Religious corruption: Father Colville’s triple allegiance underscores how religious figures can be bought, turning faith into a commodity.
Distrust and betrayal: William’s warning about David Moncrief and his suspicion of Colville highlight the pervasive lack of trust in the political landscape.
Defiance and resistance: Alison’s promise not to confess, despite her despair, embodies quiet resistance against an unjust system.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal because it exposes the political machinery behind Alison’s imprisonment. The revelation that Earl Patrick’s debt to the king may be the true reason for the witch campaign transforms the story from a personal ordeal into a broader commentary on how power manipulates justice. It also deepens the conspiracy by implicating Father Colville as a mercenary figure, and it raises the stakes: Alison’s refusal to confess becomes an act of political defiance, not just personal survival. The chapter sets up future conflicts with David Moncrief and the rebels, while reinforcing the theme that hope can exist even in the darkest dungeon.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does William distrust David Moncrief, and what does this reveal about the political climate?

William believes David works for John Stewart and that all such men act only for their own gain. This distrust reflects the pervasive corruption and self-interest among the powerful, where alliances are fluid and loyalty is bought. It also shows that even potential allies may be dangerous, forcing Alison and William to rely on a fragile network of rebels.

2. How does the earl’s debt to the king explain the witch accusations against Alison?

The earl defaulted on a ten-thousand-pound loan, punishable by beheading. To avoid repayment, he may launch a witch campaign in Orkney to convince the king he is too occupied fighting witches to pay. Alison’s imprisonment and torture are thus a calculated distraction, using witchcraft accusations as a political tool to buy time and sympathy.

3. What does William’s insistence that Alison not confess signify about the nature of the trial?

Confession would likely lead to execution, but William’s plea also implies that confession would validate the false accusations and give the earl and his allies the legitimacy they seek. By refusing to confess, Alison denies them that victory, turning her silence into an act of resistance against an unjust system.