Throne of Glass, #7
Kingdom of Ash
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Aedion struggles to hold Terrasen’s defenses together under early snow, scarce troops, and the dangerous lie that Lysandra is Aelin. A Valg scouting party in the Staghorns suggests Erawan may be probing unexpected routes, but the larger blow arrives when Morath destroys Eldrys and threatens Orynth. The chapter shifts the war from uneasy waiting to urgent response, while Aedion’s unresolved fury toward Lysandra strains the fragile court Aelin left behind.
Summary
Early snows have slowed Terrasen’s war preparations, delaying the movement of Aedion Ashryver’s newly arrived allies from their ships to the Bane’s camp on the Plain of Theralis. Aedion worries that Erawan will exploit winter rather than wait for spring, and he also resents the ongoing deception in which Lysandra impersonates Aelin so Terrasen’s forces will not learn their queen is gone.
Aedion, Ren Allsbrook, and Lysandra scout a narrow mountain pass after a report of enemy movement. Six Valg soldiers enter the pass; Aedion and Ren kill two from above, and Lysandra tears through the others, leaving one alive for questioning. The surviving demon offers no useful answer and only laughs, increasing Aedion and Ren’s unease about Morath’s intentions.
At Allsbrook Castle, Aedion and Ren debate why Erawan would send scouts into such difficult terrain when easier routes to Terrasen exist. They consider whether the move is a feint, a true plan, or an attempt to make Terrasen spread its limited forces too thin. Aedion also reflects that Dorian and Manon remain their best hope of stopping Erawan from gaining the remaining Wyrdkeys.
The conversation turns toward Aelin, whom Ren believes has merely gone to Eldrys. Aedion maintains the lie that Aelin has secret plans, defends her loyalty to Terrasen, and tries to draw Ren more firmly toward her court. When Evangeline rushes in, Lysandra reveals herself from falcon form, and Evangeline joyfully reunites with her, explaining that Ren and Murtaugh have sheltered her and even shown her Caraverre.
Evangeline’s happiness exposes Lysandra’s longing for the home and life she may never claim, while Aedion’s anger over Lysandra’s deception keeps him distant. Ren asks about the tension between them, but Aedion refuses to answer and redirects him to military maps. At dawn, a letter from Kyllian reports that Morath has landed at Eldrys, destroyed the city, sunk Wendlyn ships, and could reach Orynth within a week, prompting Aedion to turn to Lysandra and ask how many people her wyvern form can carry.
Who Appears
- Aedion AshryverTerrasen commander managing defenses, resenting Lysandra’s deception, and reacting to Morath’s attack on Eldrys.
- LysandraShape-shifter impersonating Aelin, fighting Valg in beast form and reuniting emotionally with Evangeline.
- Ren AllsbrookLord of Allsbrook; aids the ambush, debates strategy, and shelters Evangeline at his castle.
- EvangelineLysandra’s ward; joyfully reunites with her and reveals Ren and Murtaugh’s care.
- MurtaughRen’s elder relative; helps shelter Evangeline and receives news of Eldrys with Aedion.
- KyllianAedion’s trusted commander; sends the warning that Morath has destroyed Eldrys.
- ErawanValg king whose forces scout the mountains and devastate Eldrys, threatening Orynth.
- Aelin GalathyniusAbsent queen whose captivity is hidden by Lysandra’s impersonation and Aedion’s lies.