Throne of Glass, #5
Empire of Storms
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
CHAPTER 4
Overview
Aelin’s first formal contact with Terrasen’s surviving leadership becomes a confrontation rather than an alliance. Darrow attacks Aelin’s legitimacy, her past, and every member of her chosen court, forcing Aelin to struggle between political restraint and the urge to defend her own.
The chapter ends with a major political reversal: Darrow declares that most of the surviving lords do not recognize Aelin as queen and will consider her claim to Orynth an act of war. Aelin’s return to Terrasen is therefore no longer only a military campaign against Morath, but an internal battle for legitimacy.
Summary
Aedion and Rowan prevent Darrow’s messenger from riding ahead, wanting to deny the Terrasen lords any advantage if the changed meeting place is a political maneuver. Aelin’s group reaches a crowded inn at the edge of Oakwald during a storm, with Lysandra scouting in animal form before returning to human shape. Aelin steels herself for the meeting, reminding herself that she has survived enough not to pretend to be other than she is.
Inside the private dining room, Aelin finds Ren Allsbrook, Murtaugh, and Lord Darrow. Ren is shocked to realize who Aelin is, while Murtaugh bows and tries to keep the meeting courteous. Darrow offers only a slight dip of the head, immediately establishing a hostile tone, and Aelin answers with controlled insolence rather than submission.
The conversation worsens as Darrow questions Aelin’s claim, her companions, and the legitimacy of her court. He dismisses Lysandra’s title as Lady of Caraverre, insults Lysandra’s past, casts suspicion on Rowan as one of Maeve’s warriors, and challenges why Rowan received the blood oath instead of Aedion. Rowan responds coldly that Aelin was not manipulated and that Aedion and Lysandra would kill Rowan if Rowan meant their queen or Terrasen harm.
Darrow continues pressing Aelin by attacking Aedion, implying Aedion has disgraced himself and revealing that there was once an attempted betrothal between Aelin and Aedion meant to unite Terrasen and Wendlyn. When Darrow turns the insults toward Aedion’s past, Aelin throws a dagger between Darrow’s fingers and warns Darrow not to insult her people again. Darrow uses Aelin’s reaction as proof of her temper and unfitness to rule.
Darrow then argues that Aelin’s years as Celaena Sardothien, her service to Adarlan, her relationship with Dorian, and her relationship with Rowan will make Terrasen distrust her. Aelin answers that she will tell her people the truth about Endovier, her scars, Dorian’s innocence, and the real enemy in Morath. Darrow finally reveals the meeting’s true purpose: he and the lords Sloane, Ironwood, and Gunnar do not recognize Aelin as Queen of Terrasen, and if she takes Orynth without their invitation, they will treat it as war and treason.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusArrives to seek Terrasen’s support, defends her court, and is denied recognition as queen.
- Lord DarrowHostile Terrasen lord who challenges Aelin’s legitimacy and formally rejects her right to rule.
- Aedion AshryverAelin’s cousin and general; restrains anger as Darrow insults Aelin, Lysandra, and himself.
- Rowan WhitethornAelin’s carranam and sworn prince; answers Darrow’s suspicions with controlled, lethal calm.
- LysandraShape-shifter and Lady of Caraverre; scouts the inn and endures Darrow’s degrading insults.
- Ren AllsbrookRebel lord shocked by Aelin’s identity and unsettled by the revelations around her court.
- Murtaugh AllsbrookRen’s grandfather; greets Aelin respectfully and tries unsuccessfully to soften Darrow’s hostility.
- EvangelineLysandra’s ward; watches the window during the covert meeting while pretending to be harmless.
- FleetfootAelin’s hound; accompanies the group into the inn and stays near Evangeline.