Legacy of the Sword - Part 1 - Chapter Ten
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i_read_whatSo last time, Carillon and Donal had something of a heart to heart. While sword fighting, as men do. We saw that Donal has some kind of special connection to the royal sword, and somewhat tedious angst about becoming king. Hopefully he gets over that.
This chapter starts with everyone getting ready for a trip to the Keep. Interestingly, it looks like Carillon is coming along. Despite his height, he seems to have a little trouble mounting his horse. I remember Shapechangers making a fairly big deal about Homanan horses, so this is possibly a bad sign.
Aislinn isn't here though. Apparently she's trying to delay because she doesn't want to go. Donal is confused: she was willing to come before. Carillon explains: that was before she knew that Donal has a whole other fucking family.
Carillon basically calls Donal out here:
Donal felt the clenching of his belly. “Then—she told you how she found out.”
“Aye. She was—less than happy about it.” Carillon looked directly at his heir. “We have never played games with each other, Donal—we knew one day it would come to this. Even when you and Sorcha grew close—you knew.”
And he's absolutely right. Donal knew, long before he got with Sorcha, that he was engaged to another woman. Donal's read on this annoys me:
Carillon, Donal knew, did not precisely accuse. But he was Aislinn’s father and, though he understood Cheysuli customs better than any Homanan, no doubt he felt the relationship between Donal and his Cheysuli meijha was an insult to his daughter.
Donal drew in a deep breath that was just the slightest bit unsteady. “I—know. As you say, there have been no games. And I mean no offense even now…surely you must see that.”
Donal. It doesn't MATTER how Carillon sees it. AISLINN sees it as an insult. And you knew she would or you'd have told her about Sorcha and Ian right away. You made the choice to pursue a mistress, with full knowledge that your Homanan betrothed won't understand, so you have to deal with the consequences.
Carillon reveals that Aislinn did come to him, wanting to break the betrothal. He had to refuse her of course, and Donal is weirdly judgy about the fact that Carillon found it difficult:
“No doubt it is difficult for a jehan to deny his child anything he or she wants.” Donal made his answer as judicious as he could.
Carillon’s smile was slightly sardonic. “Aye. And, soon enough, I doubt not you will learn it for yourself. Ian is of an age to exert his needs and desires.”
Yeah, god forbid a father not want to see his daughter miserable. Donal angsts, claiming he'd spare Aislinn if he could.
Well, I mean, you could. You could end things with your mistress. It wouldn't be fair to Sorcha of course, but you can spare Aislinn this. You're choosing not to.
Aislinn makes an entrance:
Aislinn’s shining hair was plaited tightly, then doubled up and bound with green woolen yarn. The knot of bright hair hung over one brown-cloaked shoulder. Her dark green skirts were kilted up for ease of riding, and her legs were booted to the knees. With the grace of youth she mounted, unaffected in her movements, and gathered in her reins. Like most Homanan women, she disdained a sidesaddle and rode astride.
It's interesting that Homanan women ride astride. Do Cheysuli women ride side-saddle? That doesn't make a lot of sense, given their culture. Maybe Ellisian or Solindish women do.
Aislinn tries to be haughty, but Donal can see the red rimmed eyes, and slightly swollen face. He recognizes that she's a young girl and frightened. He offers her some encouragement, albeit a bit weirdly:
Her horse was close to his own. He leaned out of the saddle slightly and caught the back of her neck, squeezing gently. “You will do well enough.”
...I mean, I appreciate the sentiment, but that just sounds weird. Also, maybe you shouldn't be the one offering comfort right now? But Aislinn accepts it, losing the arrogant demeanor and admitting her fear, particularly of Finn.
Donal offers to take part, since she's felt his mind touch before. That strikes me as a fucking stupid idea given that Electra specifically targeted him, but Aislinn is relieved. And I am glad to see him thinking of her comfort.
They start to head off, but Rowan quickly interrupts. Rowan's a general by the way, not sure I mentioned or excerpted that. I'm proud of him. But also, he's like thirty-five. But I suppose the older officers are mostly dead. Anyway, there's a courier from the viceroy in Solinde, so Carillon can't go after all. Convenient.
Aislinn is upset. She's scared and her dad had promised to go with her. Carillon's kind of a dick about it:
Carillon sighed heavily. “Be patient,” he told Donal. “She is young…and till now her lot as my daughter has been little more than a beautiful game. Now she knows its price.”
Um, dude. No.
First of all, Aislinn was betrothed at birth to someone she didn't choose. She was raised with this knowledge (something Carillon never had to deal with, by the by). So yes, she knew its price.
Second of all, this has nothing to do with being a princess. This has to do with you being stupid enough to send a vulnerable child to a regicide who likes mind-manipulation.
Third of all, Aislinn is terrified and you're backing out of your promise. I'm not saying you're wrong to do so, but she's got every right to be pissed.
Fourth of all, you raised her. If she WAS spoiled, it's your fucking fault.
Donal promises to bring her back before nightfall, and comments that it's Finn who'll test her.
Briefly, Carillon smiled. “After all these years, it comes again to Finn. And I think it will amuse him.”
Go reminisce about the days you could have gotten a room.
-
So they reach the Keep. Sef is pretty amazed. There are pavilions everywhere. Donal notes that when he was a child there were much fewer, but now it's a real Keep. He credits Carillon with giving them the freedom to return.
Donal has a moment of sympathy for Carillon, thinking about how they'd idolized him and how difficult it must be to live up to that. Aislinn flatly says that no one will ever match Carillon. And I feel like this conversation happened before. We're not Shapeshifers' level of repetition but I'm a little annoyed.
So they reach Finn's pavilion: green with a gold painted wolf. Sef asks if it's Lorn's father, which is an interesting question. DO lir father other lir? Donal says, grandsire maybe. If the lir aged normally. But they don't. He reassures Sef that nothing can harm him here.
Sef wins my affection for pointing out Donal said that about the Crystal Isle. And this is interesting:
“And was there?” Donal looped his reins about a convenient tree branch and turned to help Aislinn down.
“There was,” Sef said, “but I didn’t let it.”
Ignoring the boy’s superstitions, Donal ducked under the reins and scratched at the pavilion doorflap. “Su’fali,” he called. “Are you in?”
MAYBE, Donal, it would be useful to ask this kid exactly what he experienced. But maybe later, because Finn has made his appearance!
“No. I am out, but very nearly in.” Finn came around the side of the pavilion with Storr padding at his side. The wolf’s muzzle had grayed and grizzled, showing as much of age as a lir could, for his lifespan paralleled Finn’s. Until his warrior died, Storr was free of normal aging.
Finn’s black brows ran up beneath his silver-flecked, raven hair. But for that and a few deep lines etched into the flesh at the corners of his yellow eyes, he hardly looked old enough to have a nephew of twenty-three. The dark flesh of his bare arms was still stretched taut over heavy muscles; his lir-bands gleamed in the sunlight. “You have been a stranger to your Keep, Donal. What brings you here now?”
...so wait a second, is Storr free of aging or not? It sounds like he's free of aging except for signs of age?
Anyway, it's kind of interesting that Finn looks comparatively young. If you remember, Tynstar had gotten to him before Carillon sent him away. He was described as looking ten years older. But perhaps Tynstar hadn't had time to do a permanent effect. Or it doesn't last when it comes to Cheysuli victims.
Finn asks if Aislinn is here to see Meghan, and offers to send Storr for her. (She's with Alix right now. HI ALIX!!!) But of course, that's not why they're there:
“No.” Aislinn’s face was tight with apprehension. “I have not come to see Meghan. I have come because Donal made me promise, and my father insisted I keep it.”
“As one should, particularly a princess.” But Finn had lost his welcoming smile as he glanced again at Donal. “This is not a casual visit.”
“No,” Donal agreed. “Aislinn, as you know, has been with Electra on the Crystal Isle. She has been—tampered with.”
“A trap-link?” Finn’s hand shot out and clamped on Aislinn’s head before she could move. And by the time she did move, crying out and pulling away, Finn was done with his evaluation. “No. Something else. Bring her inside.” He turned and pulled the doorflap aside.
...I'm torn between being annoyed and amused at the dick move. It probably didn't help Aislinn's fear, but it is pretty in character for Finn, who doesn't have much patience for nonsense. Sef tries to hang back, saying that it's not his place, but Donal coaxes him inside.
We get some nice description of the pavilion:
Finn sat on a spotted silver fur taken from a snow leopard. As clan-leader he was entitled to a large pavilion, and he had accepted that right. Furs of every texture and color cushioned the hard-packed earthen floor, and fine-worked tapestries divided the pavilion into sections. One of those sections, Donal knew, belonged to Meghan, Finn’s half-Homanan daughter.
Thinking of Meghan makes him realize that she and Alix are probably with Sorcha. He wishes he were there instead, but he doesn't break his promise. And I wish I felt sorrier for Donal, but IMO, this is a self-inflicted injury.
Finn gets a moment that isn't awful if we only read Song but is gross if we read Shapechangers:
Finn laughed. “You remind me a little of Alix, when first she joined the clan. All doe-eyed and frightened, yet defiant enough to spit in my face. That is what you would prefer to do, Aislinn…is it not?”
Aislinn admits she doesn't want to be there, but Donal said Electra messed with her mind. Finn speaks to her gently after that, and reminds her that she doesn't need to be afraid of him. She knows him through Meghan, who is a boon companion.
Aislinn says she's heard all the stories though. Finn's reaction actually makes me laugh:
“All of them?” Finn shook his head. “I think not. You had best ask Carillon for more.”
She doesn't need to hear Carillon reminiscing about how sexy you are, dude.I do, though
Finn notices Sef and asks about him. He thinks that Sef almost resembles a Cheysuli and wonders if Donal brought him home as Finn brought Alix home.
...I hope not, dude. But this does fit more with the Song of Homana spin of the story than the Shapechangers one. I still remember fondly, those days when I only read Song and not Shapechangers, so I had to imagine how it went. I imagined Finn bringing a lost foundling home, while trying and failing to court her. I suppose on paper it sounds the same, but my version was amusing, not rapey.
The response and subsequent conversation is pretty interesting:
Color rushed into Sef’s pale face, then washed away almost at once. His eyes, blue and brown, stared fixedly at Finn. “No,” he said on a shaking breath. “I am not Cheysuli.”
Finn shrugged. “You have the black hair and strong-boned face for it, albeit you are too fair for one of us.” For just a moment, a teasing glint lit his eyes. “Perhaps you are merely a halfling gotten unknown on some poor Homanan woman—”
Finn stopped. Donal, looking at him, saw the glint in his eyes fade; heard the teasing banter die. Finn frowned a little, looking at Sef, as if he sought an answer to some unknown question.
Donal laughed aloud. “Perhaps your halfling, su’fali?”
Finn looked at him sharply. “Mine?”
“You are no priest, su’fali, who keeps himself from women.” Donal, still grinning, shrugged. “Sef himself says he does not know who his jehan was.”
“He was not Cheysuli!” Sef declared hotly.
Donal looked at him quickly, startled by his vehemence. “Would it matter so much if he were?” he asked. “What if he were Finn himself?”
Sef’s eyes locked onto Finn’s. So intense was his regard he seemed almost transfixed. “No,” he said. That word only, and yet its tone encompassed an abiding certainty.
Sef was still raised with all of those anti-Cheysuli prejudices after all. He's learning, but these things take time. Still, it might make an interesting contrast between Alix (the halfling who embraces her heritage) and Rowan (the full-Cheysuli who lost his). Sef's only about thirteen or fourteen. If he IS a halfling, he might be young enough to still get a lir!
Anyway, we move onto the mind magic. Aislinn protests that Donal had already tried. Finn is not Donal, and he has experience with such things. (Alas, I still sorrow over that divorce.) And wait, actually, apparently we are going to talk about it!
“Have you had it done?” she challenged with a defiance that only underscored her fear and vulnerability.
An odd look passed over Finn’s dark, angular face. The scar twisting across the left side of his face had faded from avid purple to silver-white with the passing of seventeen years, but it still puckered the flesh from eye to jaw, lending him a predatory expression he did not entirely require, having the look of a predator already. “Not—precisely,” Finn answered at last. “But something similar was done to me. It was—Tynstar. And your jehana. Together, they set a trap for me, and nearly slew me.” He studied her face closely, unsmiling. “But I survived, though something else did not.”
Aislinn, startled, sucked in a breath. “What did not survive?”
“An oath,” Finn said flatly. “We broke it, your jehan and I, because there was nothing left to do.” He reached out and touched her eyelids with two gentle fingers. “You are not your jehana, Aislinn, and I doubt she has done much to you that cannot be undone. Be silent, do not fear, and forget the stories you have heard.”
It occurs to me that, for all their flaws, one thing I really appreciate in later books is how willing the characters are to warn later generations of horrible things that happened. It doesn't stop more horrible things from happening to the new characters of course, but at least they're forewarned.
So we get to the ritual. It's actually pretty interesting to watch:
Donal knew what he did. Finn sought the power in the earth magic, tapping the source as he himself had done, drawing it up into his body until he could focus it onto Aislinn. He channeled it into the girl, seeking out the knotted web of Ihlini interference. Could he do it, he would untangle the web and disperse it.
Finn’s head dipped down a little in an odd echo of Aislinn’s posture. His eyes, fixed and unblinking, turned black as the pupils swelled. His mouth loosened; his chin twitched once; a slight tremor ran through his body.
Donal goes in too. Lots of talk of voids and infinity follow, he gets his bearings though and they find the trap-link. They're about to deal with it when suddenly Donal finds himself yanked out, the link broken. Apparently Sef had panicked and grabbed him. This is Very Bad, as Sef himself discovered:
But he broke it off. He saw how Sef slumped down on the fur pelt just behind, his face corpse-white in the blue-smoked air. The boy shuddered spasmodically and his mouth gaped open as if he could not breathe. Donal thrust himself up in one movement and caught Sef before he tumbled into the fire.
Poor kid. Anyway, Finn and Aislinn are still linked, though obviously affected. Donal feels sick and, picking up Sef, staggers out of the tent. Both Taj and Lorn scold Donal for not having warned the boy not to touch them. Donal agrees.
Sef starts to recover. He remembers feeling like he was sucked down and drowning. Donal explains that Sef could have badly hurt all of them. He isn't judgmental about it, acknowledging that Sef didn't know. Sef is horrified and apologetic.
Lorn is cryptic: he thinks Sef is more than frightened. Donal wonders if that Sef is indeed a halfling. Uselessly, Lorn can't say, but leaves Sef up to Donal.
Sef is really grateful to Donal, who never makes him feel like a child or unworthy of courtesy. Donal explains that he's used to boys asking questions and they talk a little about Ian. Donal discovers also that Sef is wearing a charm that he'd gotten from an old charm-seller in the city. He'd confessed he was afraid of the Cheysuli, so she gave him a token: a bracelet of brown, gold and black feathers.
Donal reassures him there's no need for the charm, but Sef still wants to wear it. He trusts Donal not to hurt him, but what about the others. Donal sighs, as there is much for Sef to learn. He encourages Sef to wander about, but not to come back in the pavilion until the ritual is over. He goes back in.
The ritual's over. Aislinn is limp and unconscious. Oh, and Roberson didn't forget about the Tynstar thing:
No,” Finn said. “She will be well enough. It is only the aftermath.” Strain had etched new lines in his dark face. Like Carillon, he had once been touched by Tynstar, and it showed occasionally in his appearance and slowed reflexes. But Finn, unlike Carillon, had not lost so many years. “It was—difficult.”
I mean technically speaking, we were told in Song that Tynstar took ten years. If we go by the timeline established in Shapeshifters, Finn was twenty-eight to Carillon's eighteen. In Song, the timeline is tweaked. Because he was born a few days before Hale ran off with Lindir, he'd have been thirty to Carillon's twenty-three or -four.
So, Carillon should be forty, but physically sixty, and Finn should be forty-six or forty-seven but physically fifty-six or fifty-seven. That's pretty much the same age.
I suppose we'll go back to the handwave about the effect not being as strong when it comes to Cheysuli.
Anyway, Finn explains what he saw. It's not a trap-link, per se. Instead, what he found was something subtler, from Electra rather than Tynstar. He THINKS he's managed to end it.
“I hope you are certain, su’fali,” Donal said dryly. “I think I would be disinclined to wed a woman who wishes to see me slain.”
Finn grinned. “I do not doubt Aislinn has personal reasons for viewing you with some disfavor—having known Homanan women before—but I hardly think you need worry about a knife in the back in your nuptial bed.”
Thank you, Finn. Sort of.
He asks about Sef. Donal is perplexed by the interest. He wonders if Sef could really be Finn's son. Finn won't discount the possibility, though he doesn't claim the kid either. He does think there's something very familiar about him. But ultimately, it doesn't matter.
Donal is shocked by the callousness, but Finn just says that he won't force paternity on someone, and Sef doesn't seem fond of Cheysuli. Fair enough.
Finn offers some encouragement in the Aislinn matter, pointing out that he's Duncan's son (ugh) and has the strength to face his challenges. He then encourages Donal to visit Sorcha, who needs him too.
Oh good, I'm looking forward to that. I've been pretty heavily #TeamAislinn here. Part of that though is because we see and get to know Aislinn. Once we get to meet Sorcha, perhaps I'll be a little fairer to everyone.
Donal thanks Finn, and admits that it's every bit as difficult as Finn had warned him. You mean it's a bad idea to start a family with one woman when betrothed to another? Surely you gest.
Oh well, Donal heads off to put a face to the other side of the triangle, and the chapter ends here.
This chapter starts with everyone getting ready for a trip to the Keep. Interestingly, it looks like Carillon is coming along. Despite his height, he seems to have a little trouble mounting his horse. I remember Shapechangers making a fairly big deal about Homanan horses, so this is possibly a bad sign.
Aislinn isn't here though. Apparently she's trying to delay because she doesn't want to go. Donal is confused: she was willing to come before. Carillon explains: that was before she knew that Donal has a whole other fucking family.
Carillon basically calls Donal out here:
Donal felt the clenching of his belly. “Then—she told you how she found out.”
“Aye. She was—less than happy about it.” Carillon looked directly at his heir. “We have never played games with each other, Donal—we knew one day it would come to this. Even when you and Sorcha grew close—you knew.”
And he's absolutely right. Donal knew, long before he got with Sorcha, that he was engaged to another woman. Donal's read on this annoys me:
Carillon, Donal knew, did not precisely accuse. But he was Aislinn’s father and, though he understood Cheysuli customs better than any Homanan, no doubt he felt the relationship between Donal and his Cheysuli meijha was an insult to his daughter.
Donal drew in a deep breath that was just the slightest bit unsteady. “I—know. As you say, there have been no games. And I mean no offense even now…surely you must see that.”
Donal. It doesn't MATTER how Carillon sees it. AISLINN sees it as an insult. And you knew she would or you'd have told her about Sorcha and Ian right away. You made the choice to pursue a mistress, with full knowledge that your Homanan betrothed won't understand, so you have to deal with the consequences.
Carillon reveals that Aislinn did come to him, wanting to break the betrothal. He had to refuse her of course, and Donal is weirdly judgy about the fact that Carillon found it difficult:
“No doubt it is difficult for a jehan to deny his child anything he or she wants.” Donal made his answer as judicious as he could.
Carillon’s smile was slightly sardonic. “Aye. And, soon enough, I doubt not you will learn it for yourself. Ian is of an age to exert his needs and desires.”
Yeah, god forbid a father not want to see his daughter miserable. Donal angsts, claiming he'd spare Aislinn if he could.
Well, I mean, you could. You could end things with your mistress. It wouldn't be fair to Sorcha of course, but you can spare Aislinn this. You're choosing not to.
Aislinn makes an entrance:
Aislinn’s shining hair was plaited tightly, then doubled up and bound with green woolen yarn. The knot of bright hair hung over one brown-cloaked shoulder. Her dark green skirts were kilted up for ease of riding, and her legs were booted to the knees. With the grace of youth she mounted, unaffected in her movements, and gathered in her reins. Like most Homanan women, she disdained a sidesaddle and rode astride.
It's interesting that Homanan women ride astride. Do Cheysuli women ride side-saddle? That doesn't make a lot of sense, given their culture. Maybe Ellisian or Solindish women do.
Aislinn tries to be haughty, but Donal can see the red rimmed eyes, and slightly swollen face. He recognizes that she's a young girl and frightened. He offers her some encouragement, albeit a bit weirdly:
Her horse was close to his own. He leaned out of the saddle slightly and caught the back of her neck, squeezing gently. “You will do well enough.”
...I mean, I appreciate the sentiment, but that just sounds weird. Also, maybe you shouldn't be the one offering comfort right now? But Aislinn accepts it, losing the arrogant demeanor and admitting her fear, particularly of Finn.
Donal offers to take part, since she's felt his mind touch before. That strikes me as a fucking stupid idea given that Electra specifically targeted him, but Aislinn is relieved. And I am glad to see him thinking of her comfort.
They start to head off, but Rowan quickly interrupts. Rowan's a general by the way, not sure I mentioned or excerpted that. I'm proud of him. But also, he's like thirty-five. But I suppose the older officers are mostly dead. Anyway, there's a courier from the viceroy in Solinde, so Carillon can't go after all. Convenient.
Aislinn is upset. She's scared and her dad had promised to go with her. Carillon's kind of a dick about it:
Carillon sighed heavily. “Be patient,” he told Donal. “She is young…and till now her lot as my daughter has been little more than a beautiful game. Now she knows its price.”
Um, dude. No.
First of all, Aislinn was betrothed at birth to someone she didn't choose. She was raised with this knowledge (something Carillon never had to deal with, by the by). So yes, she knew its price.
Second of all, this has nothing to do with being a princess. This has to do with you being stupid enough to send a vulnerable child to a regicide who likes mind-manipulation.
Third of all, Aislinn is terrified and you're backing out of your promise. I'm not saying you're wrong to do so, but she's got every right to be pissed.
Fourth of all, you raised her. If she WAS spoiled, it's your fucking fault.
Donal promises to bring her back before nightfall, and comments that it's Finn who'll test her.
Briefly, Carillon smiled. “After all these years, it comes again to Finn. And I think it will amuse him.”
Go reminisce about the days you could have gotten a room.
-
So they reach the Keep. Sef is pretty amazed. There are pavilions everywhere. Donal notes that when he was a child there were much fewer, but now it's a real Keep. He credits Carillon with giving them the freedom to return.
Donal has a moment of sympathy for Carillon, thinking about how they'd idolized him and how difficult it must be to live up to that. Aislinn flatly says that no one will ever match Carillon. And I feel like this conversation happened before. We're not Shapeshifers' level of repetition but I'm a little annoyed.
So they reach Finn's pavilion: green with a gold painted wolf. Sef asks if it's Lorn's father, which is an interesting question. DO lir father other lir? Donal says, grandsire maybe. If the lir aged normally. But they don't. He reassures Sef that nothing can harm him here.
Sef wins my affection for pointing out Donal said that about the Crystal Isle. And this is interesting:
“And was there?” Donal looped his reins about a convenient tree branch and turned to help Aislinn down.
“There was,” Sef said, “but I didn’t let it.”
Ignoring the boy’s superstitions, Donal ducked under the reins and scratched at the pavilion doorflap. “Su’fali,” he called. “Are you in?”
MAYBE, Donal, it would be useful to ask this kid exactly what he experienced. But maybe later, because Finn has made his appearance!
“No. I am out, but very nearly in.” Finn came around the side of the pavilion with Storr padding at his side. The wolf’s muzzle had grayed and grizzled, showing as much of age as a lir could, for his lifespan paralleled Finn’s. Until his warrior died, Storr was free of normal aging.
Finn’s black brows ran up beneath his silver-flecked, raven hair. But for that and a few deep lines etched into the flesh at the corners of his yellow eyes, he hardly looked old enough to have a nephew of twenty-three. The dark flesh of his bare arms was still stretched taut over heavy muscles; his lir-bands gleamed in the sunlight. “You have been a stranger to your Keep, Donal. What brings you here now?”
...so wait a second, is Storr free of aging or not? It sounds like he's free of aging except for signs of age?
Anyway, it's kind of interesting that Finn looks comparatively young. If you remember, Tynstar had gotten to him before Carillon sent him away. He was described as looking ten years older. But perhaps Tynstar hadn't had time to do a permanent effect. Or it doesn't last when it comes to Cheysuli victims.
Finn asks if Aislinn is here to see Meghan, and offers to send Storr for her. (She's with Alix right now. HI ALIX!!!) But of course, that's not why they're there:
“No.” Aislinn’s face was tight with apprehension. “I have not come to see Meghan. I have come because Donal made me promise, and my father insisted I keep it.”
“As one should, particularly a princess.” But Finn had lost his welcoming smile as he glanced again at Donal. “This is not a casual visit.”
“No,” Donal agreed. “Aislinn, as you know, has been with Electra on the Crystal Isle. She has been—tampered with.”
“A trap-link?” Finn’s hand shot out and clamped on Aislinn’s head before she could move. And by the time she did move, crying out and pulling away, Finn was done with his evaluation. “No. Something else. Bring her inside.” He turned and pulled the doorflap aside.
...I'm torn between being annoyed and amused at the dick move. It probably didn't help Aislinn's fear, but it is pretty in character for Finn, who doesn't have much patience for nonsense. Sef tries to hang back, saying that it's not his place, but Donal coaxes him inside.
We get some nice description of the pavilion:
Finn sat on a spotted silver fur taken from a snow leopard. As clan-leader he was entitled to a large pavilion, and he had accepted that right. Furs of every texture and color cushioned the hard-packed earthen floor, and fine-worked tapestries divided the pavilion into sections. One of those sections, Donal knew, belonged to Meghan, Finn’s half-Homanan daughter.
Thinking of Meghan makes him realize that she and Alix are probably with Sorcha. He wishes he were there instead, but he doesn't break his promise. And I wish I felt sorrier for Donal, but IMO, this is a self-inflicted injury.
Finn gets a moment that isn't awful if we only read Song but is gross if we read Shapechangers:
Finn laughed. “You remind me a little of Alix, when first she joined the clan. All doe-eyed and frightened, yet defiant enough to spit in my face. That is what you would prefer to do, Aislinn…is it not?”
Aislinn admits she doesn't want to be there, but Donal said Electra messed with her mind. Finn speaks to her gently after that, and reminds her that she doesn't need to be afraid of him. She knows him through Meghan, who is a boon companion.
Aislinn says she's heard all the stories though. Finn's reaction actually makes me laugh:
“All of them?” Finn shook his head. “I think not. You had best ask Carillon for more.”
She doesn't need to hear Carillon reminiscing about how sexy you are, dude.
Finn notices Sef and asks about him. He thinks that Sef almost resembles a Cheysuli and wonders if Donal brought him home as Finn brought Alix home.
...I hope not, dude. But this does fit more with the Song of Homana spin of the story than the Shapechangers one. I still remember fondly, those days when I only read Song and not Shapechangers, so I had to imagine how it went. I imagined Finn bringing a lost foundling home, while trying and failing to court her. I suppose on paper it sounds the same, but my version was amusing, not rapey.
The response and subsequent conversation is pretty interesting:
Color rushed into Sef’s pale face, then washed away almost at once. His eyes, blue and brown, stared fixedly at Finn. “No,” he said on a shaking breath. “I am not Cheysuli.”
Finn shrugged. “You have the black hair and strong-boned face for it, albeit you are too fair for one of us.” For just a moment, a teasing glint lit his eyes. “Perhaps you are merely a halfling gotten unknown on some poor Homanan woman—”
Finn stopped. Donal, looking at him, saw the glint in his eyes fade; heard the teasing banter die. Finn frowned a little, looking at Sef, as if he sought an answer to some unknown question.
Donal laughed aloud. “Perhaps your halfling, su’fali?”
Finn looked at him sharply. “Mine?”
“You are no priest, su’fali, who keeps himself from women.” Donal, still grinning, shrugged. “Sef himself says he does not know who his jehan was.”
“He was not Cheysuli!” Sef declared hotly.
Donal looked at him quickly, startled by his vehemence. “Would it matter so much if he were?” he asked. “What if he were Finn himself?”
Sef’s eyes locked onto Finn’s. So intense was his regard he seemed almost transfixed. “No,” he said. That word only, and yet its tone encompassed an abiding certainty.
Sef was still raised with all of those anti-Cheysuli prejudices after all. He's learning, but these things take time. Still, it might make an interesting contrast between Alix (the halfling who embraces her heritage) and Rowan (the full-Cheysuli who lost his). Sef's only about thirteen or fourteen. If he IS a halfling, he might be young enough to still get a lir!
Anyway, we move onto the mind magic. Aislinn protests that Donal had already tried. Finn is not Donal, and he has experience with such things. (Alas, I still sorrow over that divorce.) And wait, actually, apparently we are going to talk about it!
“Have you had it done?” she challenged with a defiance that only underscored her fear and vulnerability.
An odd look passed over Finn’s dark, angular face. The scar twisting across the left side of his face had faded from avid purple to silver-white with the passing of seventeen years, but it still puckered the flesh from eye to jaw, lending him a predatory expression he did not entirely require, having the look of a predator already. “Not—precisely,” Finn answered at last. “But something similar was done to me. It was—Tynstar. And your jehana. Together, they set a trap for me, and nearly slew me.” He studied her face closely, unsmiling. “But I survived, though something else did not.”
Aislinn, startled, sucked in a breath. “What did not survive?”
“An oath,” Finn said flatly. “We broke it, your jehan and I, because there was nothing left to do.” He reached out and touched her eyelids with two gentle fingers. “You are not your jehana, Aislinn, and I doubt she has done much to you that cannot be undone. Be silent, do not fear, and forget the stories you have heard.”
It occurs to me that, for all their flaws, one thing I really appreciate in later books is how willing the characters are to warn later generations of horrible things that happened. It doesn't stop more horrible things from happening to the new characters of course, but at least they're forewarned.
So we get to the ritual. It's actually pretty interesting to watch:
Donal knew what he did. Finn sought the power in the earth magic, tapping the source as he himself had done, drawing it up into his body until he could focus it onto Aislinn. He channeled it into the girl, seeking out the knotted web of Ihlini interference. Could he do it, he would untangle the web and disperse it.
Finn’s head dipped down a little in an odd echo of Aislinn’s posture. His eyes, fixed and unblinking, turned black as the pupils swelled. His mouth loosened; his chin twitched once; a slight tremor ran through his body.
Donal goes in too. Lots of talk of voids and infinity follow, he gets his bearings though and they find the trap-link. They're about to deal with it when suddenly Donal finds himself yanked out, the link broken. Apparently Sef had panicked and grabbed him. This is Very Bad, as Sef himself discovered:
But he broke it off. He saw how Sef slumped down on the fur pelt just behind, his face corpse-white in the blue-smoked air. The boy shuddered spasmodically and his mouth gaped open as if he could not breathe. Donal thrust himself up in one movement and caught Sef before he tumbled into the fire.
Poor kid. Anyway, Finn and Aislinn are still linked, though obviously affected. Donal feels sick and, picking up Sef, staggers out of the tent. Both Taj and Lorn scold Donal for not having warned the boy not to touch them. Donal agrees.
Sef starts to recover. He remembers feeling like he was sucked down and drowning. Donal explains that Sef could have badly hurt all of them. He isn't judgmental about it, acknowledging that Sef didn't know. Sef is horrified and apologetic.
Lorn is cryptic: he thinks Sef is more than frightened. Donal wonders if that Sef is indeed a halfling. Uselessly, Lorn can't say, but leaves Sef up to Donal.
Sef is really grateful to Donal, who never makes him feel like a child or unworthy of courtesy. Donal explains that he's used to boys asking questions and they talk a little about Ian. Donal discovers also that Sef is wearing a charm that he'd gotten from an old charm-seller in the city. He'd confessed he was afraid of the Cheysuli, so she gave him a token: a bracelet of brown, gold and black feathers.
Donal reassures him there's no need for the charm, but Sef still wants to wear it. He trusts Donal not to hurt him, but what about the others. Donal sighs, as there is much for Sef to learn. He encourages Sef to wander about, but not to come back in the pavilion until the ritual is over. He goes back in.
The ritual's over. Aislinn is limp and unconscious. Oh, and Roberson didn't forget about the Tynstar thing:
No,” Finn said. “She will be well enough. It is only the aftermath.” Strain had etched new lines in his dark face. Like Carillon, he had once been touched by Tynstar, and it showed occasionally in his appearance and slowed reflexes. But Finn, unlike Carillon, had not lost so many years. “It was—difficult.”
I mean technically speaking, we were told in Song that Tynstar took ten years. If we go by the timeline established in Shapeshifters, Finn was twenty-eight to Carillon's eighteen. In Song, the timeline is tweaked. Because he was born a few days before Hale ran off with Lindir, he'd have been thirty to Carillon's twenty-three or -four.
So, Carillon should be forty, but physically sixty, and Finn should be forty-six or forty-seven but physically fifty-six or fifty-seven. That's pretty much the same age.
I suppose we'll go back to the handwave about the effect not being as strong when it comes to Cheysuli.
Anyway, Finn explains what he saw. It's not a trap-link, per se. Instead, what he found was something subtler, from Electra rather than Tynstar. He THINKS he's managed to end it.
“I hope you are certain, su’fali,” Donal said dryly. “I think I would be disinclined to wed a woman who wishes to see me slain.”
Finn grinned. “I do not doubt Aislinn has personal reasons for viewing you with some disfavor—having known Homanan women before—but I hardly think you need worry about a knife in the back in your nuptial bed.”
Thank you, Finn. Sort of.
He asks about Sef. Donal is perplexed by the interest. He wonders if Sef could really be Finn's son. Finn won't discount the possibility, though he doesn't claim the kid either. He does think there's something very familiar about him. But ultimately, it doesn't matter.
Donal is shocked by the callousness, but Finn just says that he won't force paternity on someone, and Sef doesn't seem fond of Cheysuli. Fair enough.
Finn offers some encouragement in the Aislinn matter, pointing out that he's Duncan's son (ugh) and has the strength to face his challenges. He then encourages Donal to visit Sorcha, who needs him too.
Oh good, I'm looking forward to that. I've been pretty heavily #TeamAislinn here. Part of that though is because we see and get to know Aislinn. Once we get to meet Sorcha, perhaps I'll be a little fairer to everyone.
Donal thanks Finn, and admits that it's every bit as difficult as Finn had warned him. You mean it's a bad idea to start a family with one woman when betrothed to another? Surely you gest.
Oh well, Donal heads off to put a face to the other side of the triangle, and the chapter ends here.
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Date: 2021-07-05 03:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-07-05 04:03 am (UTC)