Chapter 64: LXII. Supper and Obsidian—Vincent Summary & 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
Vincent spends the last day of the mourning sennight in Maiden Tower’s armory, selecting weapons for the coming battle. Bade, the god of war, unexpectedly arrives looking for Matilda. Vincent explains she left for her father’s skyward court four days ago and is expected back that evening. Seeking to avoid an awkward encounter, Vincent invites Bade to supper—and Bade accepts. Over the meal, the two share personal stories: Vincent reveals his past nightmares of drowning from which Matilda once saved him; Bade recounts their first training session, when Matilda hurled a shield at his feet and fled. Their uneasy bond is broken when the tower bell rings, signaling an eithral (wyvern) sighting. On Rye Bridge, Vincent spots Matilda riding the creature. He screams for the warriors to hold their fire, but the ballista on Rye Tower launches an obsidian bolt. The bolt strikes the eithral, and Matilda plummets toward Grimald’s side of the river.
Key Events
- Vincent conducts an inventory of Maiden Tower’s weapons, setting aside those needing repair.
- Bade arrives unannounced, asking for Matilda; Vincent tells him she is skyward until evening.
- Vincent invites Bade to a battle‑eve supper; Bade stays, seeking common ground.
- Over roasted trout and honeyed ale, Vincent shares his dream of drowning and Matilda pulling him out.
- Bade tells the story of Matilda’s first training session, when she threw her shield and outran him.
- The tower bell rings, and an eithral is spotted approaching.
- Vincent and Bade watch from Rye Bridge as the wyvern nears; Vincent recognizes Matilda on its back.
- Vincent orders the warriors to halt, but the ballista on Rye Tower fires.
- The obsidian bolt strikes the eithral, causing it to cry out and lose height.
- Matilda and the wounded eithral disappear into fog on Grimald’s side of the river.
Character Development
- Vincent shows his deep anxiety about Matilda’s absence and his growing weariness with war. His willingness to share a vulnerable past dream with Bade marks a step toward trust, even as he remains guarded. His desperate, unheard command reveals his helplessness and fear.
- Bade appears uncomfortable in mortal company, yet he deliberately seeks connection with Vincent rather than simply demanding information. His story about Matilda’s youthful stubbornness hints at a paternal affection and respect for her independence.
- Matilda is absent for most of the chapter but dominates every conversation. Her return atop an eithral—a creature normally feared—shows her growing power and connection to the under realm.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
- Mortal–Divine Tension: The supper scene underscores the awkwardness between humans and gods, yet also the possibility of bridging that gap through shared stories.
- Inevitability of Loss: Vincent’s nightmare of drowning and his later inability to stop the ballista reinforce the motif of fate slipping beyond mortal control.
- Obsidian Bolt: A symbol of destructive human preparation—the very weapon meant to defend becomes the instrument that endangers Matilda.
- Eithral (Wyvern): Represents the wild power Matilda now commands, but also the peril that comes with it.
- The Bell and the Bridge: The bell as an alarm of impending doom; the bridge as a liminal space between safety and catastrophe.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 64 delivers a devastating turning point. After a long build‑up of preparation and internal conflict, a friendly‑fire incident shatters the fragile hope Vincent and his allies had held. The chapter deepens the bond between Vincent and Bade, showing that even gods can be vulnerable when faced with the potential loss of someone they love. Matilda’s fall places her fate in immediate jeopardy and sets the stage for the climax. The tragic irony—that the very defenses meant to protect the tower now threaten its most valuable person—underscores the theme of unintended consequences in war.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Vincent invite Bade to supper, and what does Bade’s acceptance reveal about his character?
Vincent invites Bade out of politeness and a hope that the god will decline, but Bade accepts because he genuinely wants to understand Vincent and build trust before the battle. This shows that Bade values connection with Matilda’s mortal allies, not just her.
2. What does Vincent’s dream of drowning and Matilda’s intervention symbolize?
The dream symbolizes Vincent’s past despair and his reliance on Matilda as a source of rescue. It also foreshadows his present helplessness as he watches her fall, unable to save her—a reversal of the role she played in his nightmare.
3. Why do the warriors on Rye Tower ignore Vincent’s order to hold fire?
They are overcome by excitement and fear at the sight of the eithral, and their training to shoot on sight overrides Vincent’s command. The miscommunication highlights the chaos of battle and the price of acting without clear, trusted leadership.