Daughter of the Lion - Chapter Eleven

[kalinara]

Last time, Roberson tried to pretend that Teirnan's nonsense had any kind of convincing logic to it. It didn't. It's still a shame, because there are plenty of legitimate reasons to hate the shit that's going on. But maybe that's the point.

It's a lot easier to argue with/dismiss nonsense after all.



So we're back with Keely, who continues to act like Teirnan said something profound and meaningful. I do have some sympathy though for the fact that she feels dirty for having spoken to him, like he'd drawn her into his web of deceit.

But this is nonsense:

My belly twisted. I felt dirty somehow, as if Teir had drawn me into a web of deceit, when all he had done was to tell me what he thought, and why, and how it might affect us. How it might affect me.

Might. He was not—could not be—certain; how could he? All he could be was committed to the cause of the a'saii: in his new world he was clan-leader, shar tahl, prophet; heretic, traitor, kin-wrecked in the old one. Heavy words, each of them; heavier implications.

Keely. He's not a clan leader. He's not a shar tahl. He can't even quote a passage of the prophecy that even IMPLIES the nonsense he's talking about. Because there isn't anything like that!

And the sad thing is, I do feel like there might be a thread of something interesting to examine in the fact that Keely's so quick to believe his bizarre claims of Cheysuli somehow losing their Cheysuliness if they succeed. Because Keely does define herself by her "Old Blood" and her powers - powers that her poor half-sister lacks. She sees it as a reason that she's not like other girls and deserves to be treated as a warrior.

Ideally, Roberson could address this by showing us OTHER women, Homanan or Cheysuli, who have some knowledge of how to fight. Historically, female fighters weren't unheard of. Especially when it comes to nomadic tribes and cultures. And given everything that the Cheysuli have gone through, why DON'T the women have their own means of protecting themselves? Why don't they train in archery or polearms, like naginata (wrong base culture but that's hardly stopped Roberson before)?

I don't recall anything interesting coming of that though. I'll be glad to be wrong, if I am.

But look at this:

I had no specific lir, but the loss of the bond between the lir and the Cheysuli as a race was enough to strip me and everyone else of the magic we tapped so unthinkingly. And to consider myself unblessed, like the Homanans, empty of magic, of flight, of freedom—

Gods, it was impossible.

Or was it possible Teir was right?

Homanan women do not have Keely's power. CHEYSULI women do not have Keely's power. Historically, there have been FIVE women with this power, three are dead, and one is not mentally competent. And at no point does Keely consider this!

Keely does consider the fact that she might not have a choice anyway. She can't marry a dead man, after all.

She starts riding her gelding home "at a pace Brennan would decry". This somehow transitions into let's shit on her brother time:

Brennan could not even comprehend there existed a choice.

Fleetingly, I thought, It must be easy for him, knowing his path so well. . . being so certain of his tahlmorra.

And wishing, not for the first time, that I could be so certain.

Actually, to be fair, THIS is the kind of conflict I like seeing between Keely and Brennan. It's obviously not fair to him, as we know since we read his book, but it makes sense that Keely doesn't know that. They don't have the kind of relationship where he would be open to her about his actual feelings. And you know, it's a lot easier to stomach Keely assuming her brother is a tool vs. assuming her brother is a rapist.

Anyway, she goes back to visit Aileen. Brennan's not here now and Aileen seems happy to see her. She requests the servants leave them alone. She looks okay:

She was ensconced in the huge drapery-bedecked bed, weighed down by coverlets. The brilliant red hair was unbound, spilling down either side of her face to form ropes across the silk. There were smudges beneath green eyes, but otherwise her color was not so bad. Clearly, she would survive.

Keely asks where her brother is. And this is where I remember that Roberson is very good at character work when she wants to be.

Aileen smiled a little. "I sent him away to sleep. He refused, of course, but I told him his face was enough to be giving me bad dreams. So, in the end, he went."

There's not much being SAID here, or even described. But I read that and I get a very clear idea of a woman who is not unhappy with her relationship at all. She might or might not love her husband the way he loves her, but she definitely sounds fond and comfortable. She says "[h]e refused, of course" because it goes without saying that he wants to be with and support his wife.

Aileen does care a lot about Keely, and this bit is sweet, even if I don't think it's remotely relevant to what Keely actually expresses:

"Keely." Her tone was gentle. " Twasn't your fault."

I made no answer, staring blindly out the casement.

"It had begun before, earlier; I was afraid to be telling them. I meant to tell you—" But she broke it off.

I swung to face her. "Aye, you meant to tell me, but I refused to listen." Guilt pinched again. "As Ian has pointed out, it is a habit of mine."

I remember Keely being frantic and worried, and projecting all over her sister-in-law. I don't remember Keely thinking, at any point, that Aileen's condition was her fault.

Anyway, Aileen says she values Keely's honesty and if anyone does blame her, they can send "him" straight to Aileen. No matter who it is.

Now that's actually interesting. And it makes me wonder what Brennan told Aileen about his exchange with Keely. I don't think he blamed her for Aileen's condition, but he did forbid her entrance because she'd stress Aileen out. Did Aileen get the wrong idea? Did Brennan say something he didn't express to Keely?

I'm curious and invested enough in this couple that I'd like to see this conversation.

Anyway, Keely, rightfully and to her credit, redirects the conversation back to Aileen's health. Physically, she's doing okay. But emotionally, not so much.

Keely doesn't necessarily help with her response:

I looked for a stool, found one, hooked it over and sat down. Quietly I suggested, "Perhaps it was for the best."

Her tone was inflexible. "Losing bairns is never for the best, Keely. How could it be?"

I bit back the passion I longed to release, knowing now was not the time. "At least you were not lost as well."

But I sympathize, and I appreciate her actual efforts to hold her tongue. Is this character growth?

Aileen's got another worry though:

Aileen grimaced. "Aye, so Brennan said . . . but I can't be helping it, Keely. I'm thinking of my poor sickly Aidan. I'm thinking of Homana. I'm thinking of a barren woman who one day will be queen."

Keely points out, keeping her voice light, that Shaine had no heirs despite two wives. Carillon only managed one legitimate child - female even. Donal only had one legitimate son. The current bounty is an aberration.

Aileen is still worried though. She knows how important the prophecy is. She knows that neither Niall or Brennan would blame her or think she's a failure, but she thinks it must weigh on them anyway.

Keely asks how SHE feels, which is a good question. Aileen's grieving, for her lost babies (both sons, to twist the knife deeper), her own barrenness, and Keely too.

This shocks Keely, but Aileen points out that they'll want her to be married to Sean more than ever. Because if Aidan dies, Keely having a child with Sean would protect the bloodline.

And that's actually true. I mean, and I've said this again, the Erinnish blood is ALREADY there. But that's the part they think they're missing. Keely and Brennan are full siblings. Aileen and Sean are full siblings. The children would have the same formula.

(...if Keely married Rory, any kids there would still have Erinnish blood too. Just saying.)

Aileen is gentle, she expresses sympathy and tries to reassure Keely, again, that Sean's a "man worth having".

Keely wonders what worth he'd be dead. Or if he lived, and she refused for fear of losing the lir and Cheysuli magic, and AGH. KEELY. TEIRNAN is basing this on nothing!

The annoying thing is, if Roberson was really attached to this idea, she COULD make it work. Teirnan was raised in Clankeep after all. He's ambitious. Why not have him spend time with the shar tahls studying the prophecy. And he finds a verse that could be misinterpreted this way.

(Spoiler: nothing of the sort happens in book eight. But whatever.)

THEN at least he'd have some basis for this. It wouldn't just be pulled out of his ass. (And if the impression is that Teirnan made this up to manipulate the others, well, he could still be LYING and just SAY he found the verse.)

And then there's another factor:

Again and again I came back to the beginning. If I refused Sean, as Teir desired—as I desired—only one child would carry the Erinnish bloodline so necessary to the prophecy. The last bloodline required; we had all of the others, save Ihlini. And even Ihlini, at that, if you counted Brennan's bastard on Rhiannon, or counted Rhiannon herself.

Aidan. The sole offspring of the coupling between a Homanan-Atvian-Solindish-Cheysuli prince, and an Erinnish-Atvian princess. The necessary link. And possibly enough, if he survived to wed and sire children of his own.

Hart or Corin could also have children. Corin's not married yet (as far as I know). He could marry an Erinnish woman. Any of the kids could marry an Erinnish woman. Hell, Maeve actually has ALL of the bloodlines herself, because Deirdre and Liam's mother was Atvian!

There's nothing in the prophecy that says the blood has to be added in a specific sequence. Hell. This is a spoiler, notice, Aidan's only missing the Ihlini blood. So theoretically, HE could marry an Ihlini and finish the prophecy in book 7.

There are 8 books in the series. Aidan's not the one to add that blood. (I suppose the only age appropriate Ihlini to sleep with would be his half sister. Though it's not like he couldn't fuck Lilith or Rhiannon, with the way Ihlini age magic works.)

This is a better written chapter than the one before, but it doesn't make me think highly of Keely's intelligence or critical reasoning skills.

But if he did not, it left the Lion without the proper blood. It left the link broken, the prophecy incomplete . . . unless I married Sean and provided the children Aileen and my rujho could not.

The wheel turned once more, and came around again to me.

Or one of your OTHER siblings. Jeeze.

This does segue into the first appearance of Aidan in the series, as Keely decides to go see her nephew. The nursery is empty at the moment, which is almost unheard of. Keely assumes that "his woman" must have slipped out.

And once again, I have to compliment Roberson for the fact that White Wolf, Pride of Princes, and Daughter of the Lion all make a point of mentioning OTHER people in the castle. I still don't understand why Aislinn didn't have servants or a wet nurse! It's not like Carillon was lactating!

Anyway:

Beneath the silk of the coverlet was flesh too pale, thin hair burnished red in the wan candleglow. Blue-veined lids hid yellow eyes; awake, Aidan showed both sides of his heritage. Asleep, he showed only Aileen.

He was small for a baby nearly ten months old. He cried easily, tired quickly, was fractious most of the time. No one knew what ailed him, suggesting only that his protracted birth had somehow affected his health. He caught chills easily even in temperate weather, and seemed unable to fight off the little indispositions that childhood often brings.

I shook my head slightly. Such a little lump beneath the covers. Such a large one in the prophecy; one day he would rule Homana.

Aw. Baby.

The phenotypical genetics are very strange in this series, by the way. Aidan will look primarily like Aileen in coloring: very pale, redhaired, but have his father's yellow eyes. His wife will, I THINK, be either blond or redhaired. I can't recall. KELLAN after him will have black hair, Cheysuli style, and green eyes. Just saying.

Anyway, Keely gives him a monologue that's actually rather heartwarming given their culture:

"You are the son of Brennan, Prince of Homana . . . the grandson of Niall the Mujhar . . . great-grandson of Donal, who was the son of Duncan himself." My hands tightened on ancient ivory. "And of your jehana you are born of the House of Eagles from the Aerie in Erinn, perched upon the cliffs of Kilore. Liam is in you, and Shea, and all the other lords." I drew in a constricted breath. "So much heritage, little fox ... so much power in your blood—"

I wish this series wasn't all about blood, but well, that's like wishing Charlotte's Web was about something other than a spider and a pig. It is what it is.

It does give an opportunity for a dramatic interruption though:

"—and so much weakness in his body?"

It's Brennan, sitting in a dark corner of the room. Apparently instead of going to rest, he decided to brood in the nursery. Sounds accurate. He does claim to have slept a little, though Keely thinks he looks worn to the bone and "in need of more than sleep".

Apparently he'd had a dream that Aidan died and the Lion was in deadly peril. And to her credit, Keely does NOT automatically assume that Brennan cares more about the throne than his wife or kid. She recognizes that that's a perfectly understandable nightmare to have at this time.

She asks if she can light a candle and sees the look in his eyes. It's alarming.

I caught my breath up short. Then slowly let it out. "You cannot know," I told him.

"That he will die?" Slumped deeply in a chair, Brennan shrugged raggedly. "No, of course not—but I can fear it. I think every parent does. But I have more cause than most; you have only to look at him, to hold him—" He broke it off, pressing fingers against his temples. "—gods—I am tired. Forgive my bad company."

Aw.

So it's Brennan's turn to vent some fears. And it's interesting that he's doing so here. Part of it is probably timing: Keely just happened to show up when he's brooding and exhausted. But it is interesting that he's choosing to confide in the relative most likely to attack him for it.

(Hey, where is Maeve? Did she ever return from Clankeep as she said she would?)

There is a genuine fear: what happens to Homana if Aidan dies?

I know I mentioned Hart and Corin, but that works in terms of prophecy. Can they still inherit? Or are they removed from the line of succession due to their own thrones? The series never quite makes that clear. But if we assume that it does remove them, then that adds a new tension. Because if Brennan dies, and Hart and Corin are ineligible, then it would likely go to the next nearest male relative. If they're willing to overlook legitimacy, as they were for Carollan, then maybe Ian, who is officially childless. The next would be Teirnan.

Eek.

And we see where some of Brennan's stress comes from here. Because there is an option.

I opened my mouth to ask him what they were, not being versed in all the responsibilities of kingcraft, then shut it again sharply. I knew. Looking at him, I knew. Nothing else would hurt him so. "Such as setting aside a barren cheysula and taking another woman."

His tone was flat and empty. "It is the only provision in Homanan law for setting aside a wife."

Oof.

And again, to her credit, Keely stays very very neutral, noting that men have done it before. Which gives Brennan a chance to express himself clearly and unmistakably.

He did not flinch, being Brennan, who faces truths with equal honesty. "Aye, they have," he agreed, "but this prince—or king—will not do any such thing."

Keely hadn't expected different, but it was worth asking. OH, and actually Roberson DOES answer my question here.

Now I did look at him. "Next after you is Hart."

Brennan shook his head. "Not now Jehan has made it clear: on the day of his death, Solinde and Atvia no longer owe fealty to Homana. They become autonomous, subject only to their own lords. Hart will have Solinde to rule as he will, just as Corin will have Atvia. I can hardly strip Solinde of her king simply to give Homana a prince." He shook his head slowly. "Jehan is right to make it so, but it muddles the line of succession."

Keely points out that it's only true because a man must be Mujhar. SHE's still left. She admits the council will never approve. Oh, and here we get some sexism debate that I actually rather like.

Brennan points out that there's a reason that the Lion requires a man. Keely asks why, arguing a woman is more likely to keep a land at peace than war. I mean...maybe? Do you have a historical basis for that?

I'm just saying, when Matilda was named Queen of England, it didn't stop a war, because her cousin decided to overthrow her. (#TeamMaude for what it's worth.) But also, there are plenty of aggressive women. Hell, if we're talking temperament, then Keely's a lot quicker to anger and crueler about it than Brennan is.

I am curious about Brennan's position though, because he is a fairly reasonable character in general. It's hard to imagine him cast as a raging sexist. I mean, Roberson could just throw all of his previous characterization out the window, but:

"Possibly," he conceded, "but there is another reason. A more compelling reason—"

"Tradition," I said in derision.

"Childbirth," he countered succinctly.

...okay. I absolutely do not AGREE with this, but I can actually see why a reasonable person might see it this way. Keely doesn't get it, so that gives Brennan a chance to explain what he means.

Slowly Brennan rose, pushing himself out of his chair. He crossed the room to the cradle, smoothed the coverlet over Aidan, lingered to caress the silk of his hair. "Childbirth," he repeated. "A ruler must beget heirs. As many as possible, to insure the line of succession."

"Aye," I agreed, thinking it obvious; we had been discussing it in depth.

"A woman risks her life each time she bears a child. A woman ruler would risk more than her life . . . she would also risk her realm." His tone was gentle. "I know you are strong, Keely, and you would make a fine Mujhar . . . but bearing a child every year is no way to rule Homana."

So I've got things to say about this.

a) I appreciate that if my favorite character MUST be put in the sexist adversary role, that Roberson is doing it this way. I like that Brennan's argument has nothing to do with whether or not Keely would be capable of the job, and even acknowledges that she'd be good at it, but based on their societal role.

b) I've said before that it's a little interesting that the primary sexist adversary in this book is the character that is the ONLY character, in SIX BOOKS to ever worry about a woman's ability to consent or whether or not she was being coerced into an abusive situation.

b2) I think it works though. Brennan is probably my favorite protagonist in the series. But he is a product of his time. He's not a feminist. Feminism doesn't exist in this setting - at least not through anything Roberson's bothered to establish. If anything, he's an old school chauvinist. You know, from back when sexism tended to be portrayed as more of a misguided desire to "protect" the "weaker sex" rather than out of outright misogyny. See also: A.C. Slater in Saved by the Bell. I think it was more of an 80s/early 90s thing.

It's still not GOOD, mind you. But it's a bit easier to like a character who expresses this kind of thing. Especially as they usually end up paired with outspoken women who are more than happy to educate them soundly.

b3) Anyway, I'm reasonably happy with this so far. I don't require my favorite characters to be right all the time. I do prefer my favorite characters to have legitimate reasons for being wrong, and I think we get that here. So far at least.

c) It does make me more frustrated though with Teirnan and the a'saii, because Roberson's just showed us that she CAN write a character who is wrong but reasonable. She just chose not to in that case.

d) I do wish that Keely was a more eloquent debater though, because there are a lot of holes in Brennan's argument. For example, the whole begetting heirs isn't always applicable. It's not applicable in this case! Brennan has one illegitimate child and one legitimate one, and has no desire to set aside or cheat on his wife. His wife is barren so she's not going to be dying in childbirth. A Queen can choose not to give birth every year. Instead, she could do it only a few times. Or not at all, and name a non-direct line relative instead, et cetera. (Shaine did, after all.)

It's also worth pointing out that both kings before Niall died very young. Carillon was forty (and died without a son, to boot.) Donal at forty-four. Both of their wives lived longer. (Well, Electra died before Carillon, but she died at sixty.) And CHEYSULI rulers have additional issues, given that they have to suicide if their lir dies. See: Bors, Duncan, Donal, and like half of the population during the plague. That's something that women do NOT have to deal with.

Anyway, Keely merely points out that men can die: illness, injury...murder. And sadly, what might have been an interesting discussion is derailed as Keely kind of indirectly asks/says what's been weighing on her mind: what if Sean dies.

This is actually kind of weirdly written. Because it starts off as though Keely knows the answer, that Brennan is only getting to:

Brennan stared back at me. At first I thought he would not answer, and then I saw he would. But he hated it. He hated it, did Brennan; I saw it in eyes and posture, in the tautness of his mouth.

But then when Brennan turns the question on her: who would be after him? What warrior of their blood and their House? She's then shocked. Because of course, the answer is Teirnan. (...unless he decides to name a different niece or nephew as heir, which presumably is what he'd do with Sean and Keely's child if Aidan died...but I shouldn't disrupt a dramatic moment with facts.)

The chapter ends here.