In the ninth chapter of Trickster’s Queen, Aly ponders the future of the rebellion as more pieces fall into place. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Trickster’s Queen.
Chapter Nine: Reports and Conspiracies
Relative to the chapters I’ve read before this, this is a bit of a slow one, though I appreciate all the information we’ve been given so far. Like I mentioned in the video, I have no clue how this is going to come together, and even with the glimpse at the luarin conspiracy, I still feel like I’m in the dark here. HOW. HOW IS THIS GOING TO HAPPEN. The problem that the raka conspirators have here is one of motivation. The luarin have a reason to fight agains the Rittevon line, but they’re aren’t nearly as motivated as the raka are. To them, there’s too much of a risk. Even though it’s fantastic that folks like Edgecliff are interested in a rebellion, Aly recognizes that interest isn’t enough. She knows it’s a big deal that the Duchess Nomru and her family disappeared, since it heavily implies that there’s a luarin who warned the noble family. So, again, there’s clearly a need for the luarin to overthrow Rittevon rule, but how bad is that need? I’m thankful for this portrayal, too, because Tamora Pierce clearly demonstrates the differences between the raka and the luarin through this. The raka have lived as social outcasts and slaves for centuries, so it makes sense that they’d be far more invested in a conspiracy like this. Plus, it explains why so many of the luarin are reluctant to go up against Topabaw or the regents; they’re used to power, they’re used to be the accepted group, and a possible rebellion would risk the social standing they have.
We can see that play out during the scene where Sarai discusses a possible rescue of Duke Nomru with a bunch of luarin nobles. (Which is directly contrasted with the meetings that Dove and Winna have; I’ll discuss that at the end.) The young men all eagerly assert their desire to stick it to the royalty by staging a break-in, and Sarai (BLESS HER HEART) very plainly lays out the consequences of their plan, only to watch them all back down. Well, except for Zaimid, who continues to be a dreamboat of a mystery? Ugh, HE IS GREAT. Anyway, this (understandably!) enrages Sarai, though she doesn’t reveal her ire until the end of the chapter. How can the luarin ever expect to overthrow the Rittevon rule without any willingness to take risks? Simply put, they’re too comfortable.
Aly has another meeting with Vitorcine (WHILE GAINING THREE NEW SPIES THROUGH TRAPS HOLY SHIT), and I really enjoy her character??? I think it’s fantastic that Pierce doesn’t limit her women in terms of their emotional spectrum, and in Vitorcine, we get a woman who is torn between loyalties and who does good work while afraid. And I know I’m reading a lot into this, but I adore that Pierce doesn’t try to make the text or Aly or anyone else shame Vitorcine for being afraid:
She felt her necklace stir. “Scared lady,” Trick remarked, sticking a head up next to Aly’s ear.
“She has every reason to be scared,” replied Aly as she sat at her table.
ALY SAYS THIS. And if the protagonist, who is often completely and utterly fearless, admits that it’s perfectly fine to be scared, then I think it’s a fantastic way to build a side character while conveying the emotional complexity present in Rajmuat.
RIGHT, AND THEN THE REBELLION IS STILL GOING ON ACROSS THE ISLES. Seriously, the news that Ochobu passes along from the Chain certainly makes it clear that the raka conspirators have very little time left to take advantage of the chaos and anger spreading through the Isles. If raka slaves are overthrowing their masters and Nawat is killing governors (!!!!!!!!!), then SHIT IS ABOUT TO GET REAL. Oh god, and of course we’ve still got the prison break-out planned for the night of the eclipse, and I’m so perpetually unprepared for this book, I swear. But it’s so fun to read! The dread that Pierce builds over this narrative is unreal precisely because it’s so difficult to guess what’s happening next. Well, it’s also the volatile nature of humanity, of rebellion and war. The raka conspirators cannot control others across this country, and every day that passes brings this nation closer to the brink of something; I was glad that the raka conspirators recognized that they could waste an opportunity if they didn’t act soon.
I think that this is reflected in Sarai’s behavior at the end of chapter nine. Fed up with how people are treated by the Rittevons and the King’s Watch, Sarai is impatient with the luarin of the Isles. I’m interested to see how this is going to play out because she’s so desperate for change of some sort, you know? She hates that she’s surrounded by men who are all talk and no action. (Well, I don’t know that Zaimid counts, but the point still stands.) She knows other countries treat their populace much better than the ruling class of the Isles treats those below them. But her vicious desire is rooted in a lot of turmoil, and Winna suspects it’s largely because of the guilt she feels over her father’s death. That, and she tends towards cynicism instead of hope. That might be due to her impatience, but honestly, it’s a complex issue. I still love the idea that Dove is going to play some sort of advisor role to Sarai to help her with some of the problems she might have if she’s still rash when she’s a queen. Ugh, Dove is just SO GREAT, and I want to see her have a part in this prophecy.
Please note that the original text and videos contain the words “mad,” “stupid,” “idiot,” and “berserk.”
Part 1
Part 2
Mark Links Stuff
– If you would like to support this website and keep Mark Does Stuff running, I’ve put up a detailed post explaining how you can!
– Please check out the MarkDoesStuff.com. All Mark Watches videos for past shows/season are now archived there!
– My Ma
