Chapter 16 Summary

Birle wonders how Orien could sink to the almost sub-human slave she has seen. She is reminded of her powerlessness when Corbel considers giving Birle as a gift to his unhappy young wife, or bedding Birle himself. Joaquim reveals that Celinde, Corbel's bride, is just 9 years old. The girl was a princess, stolen by the mercenary Corbel to gain her dowry lands, including the gold mines. Joaquim warns that when Celinde's father can assemble an army of sufficient strength, he will attack Corbel's city. A great war is sure to erupt.

Chapter 16 Analysis

Birle realizes that her life, like Orien's, depends mostly on the whim of fortune, beyond her control. She understands that the fate of the princess Celinde depends on chance, as much as her own. Despite her independent spirit, Birle is learning that much of life is beyond her control. Birle...