Lilith · Chapter
Preparation explained
After their victory, the woman of Bulika speaks of the city, and the Little Ones become eager to take it.
What happens
After their victory, the woman of Bulika speaks of the city, and the Little Ones become eager to take it. Vane and Lona prepare the children for war, drilling them and arming them with slings, bows, and aloe-spikes. Vane makes Lona a feather mantle and she returns with a leaf-armor garment for him. They tame horses and gather provisions, including hay for elephants and nuts for bears. Vane gives a speech, telling the children they are going to Bulika to find their mothers and deliver them from the wicked princess. The children respond with fearless enthusiasm, and Lona expresses her longing for her own mother.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Growth
The Little Ones rapidly develop faculty and are prepared for war, yet retain their childlike innocence and fearlessness.
Motherhood and Family
The central motivation for the expedition is to reunite the Little Ones with their mothers; Lona's longing for her own mother is a key emotional moment.
Love and Sacrifice
Vane's devotion to Lona and the children's willingness to die for their mothers exemplify love and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Vane
Leads the preparations, drills the Little Ones, makes a feather mantle for Lona, and gives a rousing speech about finding their mothers.
- Lona
Focuses on commissariat, grows taller and more womanly, cares for the smallest children, and expresses a longing for her mother.
- Lilith
Referred to as the wicked princess of Bulika, feared as a leopardess, and the target of the expedition.
- The Little Ones
The children are drilled, armed, and inspired to fight for their mothers; they show fearless courage.
- The Princess
The wicked princess of Bulika, who is afraid of babies and determined to destroy them.
- Adam
Mentioned in Vane's recollection of Adam's appeal about finding water for the Little Ones.
- Mara
Not directly present, but the woman of Bulika is referenced; no explicit mention of Mara in this chapter.
Key passages
“Victory thus gained, the woman of Bulika began to speak about the city, and talked much of its defenceless condition, of the wickedness of its princess, of the cowardice of its inhabitants.”
After their victory, the woman from Bulika described the city as defenseless, its princess wicked, and its people cowardly.
Sets the stage for the plan to attack Bulika.
“I confess also to an altogether foolish dream of opening a commerce in gems between the two worlds—happily impossible, for it could have done nothing but harm to both.”
Vane admits he once foolishly imagined trading gems between worlds, but realizes it would have been harmful.
Reveals Vane's personal ambition and later recognition of its folly.
“I never told her anything about her mother.”
Vane kept from Lona the truth about her mother, Lilith.
Highlights Vane's protective secrecy regarding Lona's parentage.
“I would give my life to have my mother! She might kill me if she liked! I should just kiss her and die!”
Lona says she would gladly die if she could only see her mother, even if her mother killed her.
Shows Lona's deep longing for maternal love, despite the danger.
