Throne of Glass, #5
Empire of Storms
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
CHAPTER 31
Overview
Aelin confirms that Rolfe’s map works and that Rolfe fears a Valg return, giving her leverage in Skull’s Bay. She and Rowan confront Gavriel and Fenrys, learning more about Maeve’s blood oath, the uncertainty of Maeve’s fleet movements, and Rolfe’s access to firelances.
The chapter deepens the stakes around Maeve’s control and Aelin’s need to outthink ancient powers while also reinforcing Aelin and Rowan’s bond. Their private rooftop exchange shows that their relationship is both emotional anchor and source of resolve as the war’s risks escalate.
Summary
Aelin reflects that her plan in Skull’s Bay has partly worked: Rolfe’s magical map responded to the staged hint of a Valg presence, and Rolfe sent his barmaid to investigate. Because Rowan chose a dead-end alley and Aedion and Lysandra moved unseen, Aelin knows Rolfe is frightened enough of the Valg to take the bait.
After midnight, Aelin and Rowan cross the rooftops and enter Gavriel and Fenrys’s room at the Sea Dragon inn through the window. The meeting opens with hostility and banter, especially between Aelin and Fenrys. Gavriel resents being kept from Aedion, while Fenrys needles Aelin and Rowan about Aelin’s mortality, possible Settling, and Rowan’s blood oath.
Aelin turns the conversation toward Maeve’s control over her blood-sworn warriors. Gavriel explains that a blood oath reflects the ruler’s intent: Aelin and Rowan’s bond was sworn with love and without ownership, while Maeve’s is built on obedience. Fenrys confirms that breaking Maeve’s oath would kill them, making clear how completely Maeve traps the cadre.
Aelin then explains that Maeve’s armada is sailing toward Eyllwe and that Aelin may come into conflict with it. Rowan, Gavriel, Fenrys, and Aelin debate whether Maeve might attack Morath’s fleet in the Gulf of Oro as a calculated gesture of alliance or pursue some hidden agenda. Aelin also asks whether Maeve ordered Gavriel and Fenrys to take the Wyrdkeys, Lorcan’s ring, or Lorcan’s life, but they give no clear answer.
Gavriel does provide one useful secret: Rolfe has, or will soon have, weapons called firelances, devices developed by southern alchemists that one person can wield with devastating effect. Aelin recognizes that if she can win Rolfe’s armada, the firelances could give her forces a battlefield advantage beyond her own magic. She and Rowan leave without revealing their plan.
On the rooftops near the Ocean Rose, Aelin admits the danger of trying to outmaneuver both Maeve and Erawan. Seeing how Maeve controls the cadre reminds Aelin how close Maeve came to separating Aelin and Rowan. Rowan reassures Aelin that he would have fought Maeve forever to return to Aelin, and the two reaffirm their love and desire in a private moment before continuing their dangerous game.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusTests Rolfe’s map, questions Maeve’s warriors, and weighs dangerous strategies against ancient enemies.
- Rowan WhitethornSupports Aelin’s schemes, challenges Fenrys and Gavriel, and reassures Aelin of his devotion.
- FenrysMaeve’s blood-sworn warrior; antagonizes Aelin while revealing the brutality of Maeve’s oath.
- GavrielMaeve’s warrior and Aedion’s father; explains blood oaths and reveals Rolfe’s firelance weapons.