Chapter 70 (Chapter 67) – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
The male narrator (the king of Dhomm) returns to the Stronghold after a journey. He is met by Pyrok, who reports that Grihm has gone to Gondragh to steal an egg from the Great Silver Sabersythe. The king reflects on the burned shelves in his office – remnants of his father’s reign. Pyrok mentions that “she” (Raeve) is still in Dhomm and has been seen buying supplies at the market. The king struggles with his feelings, recalling the past Great Flurrt festival when his previous lover Elluin died. He steps onto his balcony and spots Raeve collecting shells along the shore. He calls her “Moonbeam” and decides, despite his pain, that he would still serve his heart to her.
Key Events
- The king lands back at the Stronghold, sweaty and smelling of sulfur from his trip.
- Pyrok informs him that Grihm went to Gondragh alone to attempt stealing an egg from the Great Silver Sabersythe – a likely suicidal mission.
- In his office, the king rips open curtains, revealing char marks on the walls left from when he burned his father’s trophies after killing him.
- He sorts through dozens of crushed message larks that accumulated during his absence.
- Pyrok reveals that Raeve is still in Dhomm and has been buying practical goods, suggesting she is settling in rather than leaving.
- The king recalls the last Great Flurrt celebration he spent with Elluin, who died shortly after.
- He uses a seeing scope to watch Raeve walking barefoot on the rocks, collecting shells near Rygun’s hutch.
- The chapter ends with him internally resolving to continue offering his heart to her despite past pain.
Character Development
The King (narrator) – This chapter deepens his internal conflict. He is a ruler shaped by trauma: he killed his father and stripped the office of any decoration, leaving only scorch marks. His protective instincts surface when he learns Grihm went alone to steal an egg. Most importantly, his feelings for Raeve are layered with grief from Elluin’s death. He both craves her presence and fears a repeat of tragedy, yet admits he would willingly serve his heart to her again and again.
Pyrok – Acts as both friend and foil. He is casual, humorous, and blunt, pushing the king to address his avoidance of Raeve. His loyalty is shown through his observation of her activities and his willingness to deliver uncomfortable news.
Raeve – Though not directly present for most of the chapter, her actions speak volumes. She is still in Dhomm, buying leather, soap, and poultice – evidence that she is making a life there. Her quiet shell-collecting by the shore hints at a contemplative, perhaps lonely, state. The king’s internal nickname “Moonbeam” suggests a deep, tender connection.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Memory and Grief – The burned office shelves symbolize the king’s attempt to erase his father’s legacy, but the char marks also serve as a permanent reminder of violence and loss. The memory of Elluin haunts him, tying the Great Flurrt celebration to death.
Fear of Repetition – The king’s reluctance to engage with Raeve during the festival stems from a fear that history will repeat itself. He would rather avoid joy than risk another devastating loss.
Domesticity vs. Adventure – Raeve’s mundane purchases – towels, feathers, soap – ground her character in the everyday, contrasting with the king’s world of dragon raids and political duty. This juxtaposition suggests that she is seeking stability, while he remains restless.
The Seeing Scope as Emotional Lens – The physical tool mirrors the king’s emotional focus. He cannot help but look at Raeve, even from a distance, and the act of watching her becomes a vulnerable confession of his attachment.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 70 marks a turning point in the king’s emotional arc. Up to now, he has been physically absent and emotionally guarded. Here, he returns to his home and must confront what – and whom – he left behind. The dialogue with Pyrok forces him to acknowledge Raeve’s continued presence, and the final scene on the balcony shows his internal surrender: despite his fear, he will not walk away. The chapter re-establishes the central romantic tension and sets up the coming Great Flurrt celebration as a potential reunion – or another heartbreak.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does the king react so strongly to Pyrok’s mention of Raeve?
He associates The Great Flurrt with the death of his previous lover, Elluin. He is terrified that any romantic involvement with Raeve will lead to the same tragedy, so he tries to avoid the topic. Yet his physical reaction – his heart “impaling itself on a rib” – shows that avoidance is impossible.
2. What do Raeve’s purchases at the market tell us about her intentions?
She buys leather, soap, towels, poultice, feathers, and grain – practical, long-term goods. Rather than preparing to flee, she appears to be settling into life in Dhomm. This contradicts the king’s assumption that she might leave, deepening his confusion and hope.
3. How does the burned office reflect the king’s character?
The stripped, charred room is a deliberate rejection of his father’s reign. He keeps it empty as a memorial to his own violent takeover. It shows that he rules through action and pain rather than comfort or luxury. The emptiness also mirrors his emotional state – a cavity waiting to be filled, but which he refuses to decorate out of respect for the past.