King's Warrior Read-Along: Chapter 21
The final chapter has arrived. We reunite with our characters at Arnaud’s Banquet of Peace, and in just a few short pages, shall bid them adieu.
In this chapter, Kiernan Kane gets the spotlight for a bit. He is always regaling his audience with tales of how listeners throw rotten fruit and veggies at him, but we get a glimpse of him here, in the palace, surrounded by a captive, intelligent audience, and they are spellbound by his singing, begging for more of his stories. In four books, we never do see anyone unimpressed by Kiernan’s skills as a minstrel... so perhaps our wandering bard is stretching the truth about the reception he normally gets? Perhaps?
Rena and Brant’s conversation. For a brief moment in time, I think I was shipping these two characters. They made sense to me - Brant had lost his wife and children, Rena had lost her husband, Kitry needed a father - but after I wrote this scene I realized they were not right together. They will both find happiness and love again, but not with each other.
The Banquet of Peace is far more than just a celebration of the war being over. It is a time for King Arnaud to cement friendships with his new allies: Llycaelon and Krayghentaliss. It is also a time for him to honor the men and women who risked their lives for their kingdom.
Unbeknownst to all, except, perhaps, Zara - it seems like the sort of thing he would have cleared with her first - Arnaud has another agenda as well. He is stepping down from his throne, and passing his crown to the only legitimate claimant available: Oraeyn.
Discussion Questions:
- Did any of the honors that King Arnaud pass out surprise you?
- Oraeyn becoming King of Aom-igh... surprise? Or did you kind of expect it?
- Any favorite moments from this final chapter?
Tomorrow is our last day together reading King’s Warrior. Thanks for joining me, this has truly been a whole heap of fun!