Throne of Glass, #7
Kingdom of Ash
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 42
Overview
Aelin secures Lorcan’s loyalty by forcing him to choose between exile from Terrasen and the blood oath, and Lorcan swears to her largely because staying near Elide and protecting Terrasen matter more than his pride. Aelin also refuses to bind Elide, preserving Elide’s political independence so Perranth can help legitimize Aelin’s claim to the throne.
The chapter redirects Aelin’s court toward Terrasen rather than a search for the Wyrdkeys, making the coming war both military and political. Aelin’s decision to train and lead from the battlefield if necessary shows her return to command despite the sacrifice still awaiting her.
Summary
At dawn aboard the ship sailing west, Lorcan keeps watch and broods over the likelihood that Maeve’s immortal army is pursuing them. The others come on deck, including Fenrys, who still wants vengeance against Lorcan, and Elide, who avoids looking at him. Aelin appears more focused and steady than she has been, dressed to train, and approaches Lorcan with Rowan nearby.
Aelin asks whether Lorcan intends to sail to Terrasen and join the war. When Lorcan confirms it, Aelin explains that she cannot allow a former commander of Maeve’s forces into Terrasen unless she can trust his allegiance. Aelin offers Lorcan a choice: swear the blood oath to Aelin and be permitted into Terrasen, or refuse and be barred from the kingdom and from traveling with them.
Lorcan understands that refusing would likely mean losing Elide forever, and that Aelin is acting to protect Terrasen from both Erawan and Maeve. Aelin promises that she wants only one command from Lorcan: to protect Terrasen and its people. After seeing hope on Elide’s face, Lorcan kneels, gives Aelin his dagger, swears loyalty to Aelin, her crown, and Terrasen, and drinks from Aelin’s blood. The oath settles in Lorcan as warmth and power, and Aelin welcomes him to her court with the single order to defend Terrasen.
Aelin then tells Elide that she will not offer Elide the blood oath. Elide is hurt until Aelin explains that Perranth is the second-most powerful House in Terrasen, and Elide’s independent vote may be needed if Aelin is to reclaim the throne against lords who oppose her. Elide realizes that swearing to Aelin would compromise the legitimacy of that vote.
Aelin announces that Terrasen is more than two weeks away, depending on winter storms, and that they will use the voyage to train and plan. Rather than chase the Wyrdkeys across the continent, Aelin intends to return to Terrasen, expecting the key-bearers to find her if the third key is recovered. If Terrasen denies Aelin the throne, Aelin will lead from the battlefield instead. With the group committed to Terrasen, Aelin draws Goldryn and begins training against Rowan.
Who Appears
- Lorcan SalvaterreFormer commander of Maeve’s forces; swears Aelin’s blood oath to enter and defend Terrasen.
- Aelin GalathyniusQueen of Terrasen; binds Lorcan, protects Elide’s political independence, and refocuses the court on war.
- Elide LochanLady of Perranth; watches Lorcan swear and remains unbound to preserve her vote for Aelin.
- FenrysFae warrior still furious with Lorcan; accepts Aelin’s demand not to kill him.
- Rowan WhitethornAelin’s mate and husband; observes Lorcan’s oath and begins training with Aelin.