Throne of Glass, #5
Empire of Storms
by Sarah J. Maas
Contents
CHAPTER 39
Overview
Aelin reveals that she has possessed the third Wyrdkey all along and summons Elena for answers, forcing the group to confront the true purpose and location of the Lock. Elena discloses that she used the Lock to seal Erawan, that its remnants lie in the Stone Marshes, and that Mala Fire-Bringer’s blood runs through Aelin and Dorian.
The revelation redirects Aelin’s campaign from Skull’s Bay toward Eyllwe, even though Maeve and Morath’s forces threaten the region. As the group sails for the Lock, Manon Blackbeak arrives grievously wounded on Abraxos and falls into the sea, creating a sudden new crisis and possible alliance.
Summary
After claiming each other on the beach, Rowan and Aelin return to the Ocean Rose. Rowan recognizes that their bond now carries both personal and political weight, while Aelin has partly delayed returning to avoid questions. In Aedion’s room, they find Dorian, Aedion, and a recovering Lysandra waiting; Aelin’s relief at Lysandra’s condition quickly gives way to business.
Aelin reveals that she has secretly carried the third Wyrdkey since Wendlyn. She explains the day’s events, her deception of Lorcan, and the hope that Lorcan will eventually return with the other two keys. Using blood-drawn Wyrdmarks, old books, moonlight, and the ruined Eye of Elena, Aelin summons Elena so Dorian can meet his ancestor and so Aelin can demand answers.
Elena explains that Deanna appeared because Aelin’s magic touched the key and opened a door the goddess noticed. Pressed by Aelin, Elena says the Lock once existed to bind the Wyrdkeys back into the gate forever, but Elena stole and used it to seal Erawan in his tomb instead of killing him. The remnants were placed in a drowned holy city in the Stone Marshes of Eyllwe, and Elena insists they must be found because Brannon and Deanna both directed Aelin there.
The exchange turns more personal when Elena reveals that Mala Fire-Bringer was Elena’s mother, that Mala gave up her immortal form for Brannon, and that Mala’s blood flows in Aelin and Dorian. The revelation reframes the immense power both rulers carry. After Elena vanishes, Aelin decides they will sail for the Stone Marshes in the morning, while Rolfe takes part of his fleet to gather the Mycenians and sends others to hold the archipelago or accompany Aelin.
At dawn, Aelin’s group leaves Skull’s Bay on a ship Rolfe provides, with Rowan scouting from above, Lysandra guarding from the sea, and the others scattered aboard. Three days later, Dorian senses danger before a lone wyvern appears. The sailors prepare to attack, but Dorian and then Aelin order them to hold fire when Dorian recognizes the unconscious rider as Manon Blackbeak, badly wounded and covered in blue blood. As the wyvern comes seeking help, Manon loses her grip and falls into the sea.
Who Appears
- Aelin GalathyniusReveals the third Wyrdkey, summons Elena, and commits to seeking the Lock.
- Rowan WhitethornAelin’s newly claimed lover and protector; supports her through revelations and departure.
- Dorian HavilliardWitnesses Elena’s revelations, learns of Mala’s blood, and recognizes wounded Manon.
- Elena GalathyniusSummoned spirit who explains the Lock, Erawan’s sealing, and Mala’s lineage.
- LysandraRecovers from battle, observes Elena in ghost leopard form, and guards the ship from below.
- Aedion AshryverQuestions Aelin’s plan and considers the military risks of sailing toward Eyllwe.
- Manon BlackbeakArrives unconscious and badly wounded on Abraxos before falling into the sea.
- AbraxosCarries Manon to Aelin’s ship while wounded and seeking help.
- RolfeProvides a ship, fleet arrangements, and vague coordinates for the Lock.
- FenrysRows with the crew and nearly targets Manon before Aelin orders a ceasefire.
- GavrielHelps row the ship while keeping distance from Aedion.