The Courts of the Morning · Chapter
IX explained
Sandy Arbuthnot reveals to Archie and Janet the true nature of Castor's power in the Gran Seco, explaining his control through the drug astura and his army of 'Conquistadors'—broken men from around the world who are enslaved by the drug.
What happens
Sandy Arbuthnot reveals to Archie and Janet the true nature of Castor's power in the Gran Seco, explaining his control through the drug astura and his army of 'Conquistadors'—broken men from around the world who are enslaved by the drug. He outlines Castor's grand plan to destabilize democracy, particularly in America, and the rebels' counter-strategy to co-opt Castor as a figurehead for a revolt against Olifa, using jujitsu tactics to turn his strength against him.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Megalomania
Castor's absolute control over his followers through the drug astura and his grand scheme to destabilize democracies highlight his megalomaniacal pursuit of power.
Imperialism and Exploitation
The Gran Seco is depicted as an exploitative empire, using drugged labor and a class of enslaved 'Conquistadors' to maintain control.
Identity and Disguise
The Conquistadors are former men of character whose identities have been erased, and Castor himself is a mystery man whose true nature is hidden.
Characters to notice
- Sandy Arbuthnot
Reveals the secrets of Castor's drug empire and the rebel plan to use Castor as a figurehead.
- Archie Roylance
Listens to Sandy's revelations and expresses skepticism about the rebel plan.
- Janet Roylance
Present during Sandy's explanation; laughs at the audacity of the plan to use Castor.
- Castor
Described as the mastermind behind the Gran Seco, using astura to enslave his followers and plotting global destabilization.
- John S. Blenkiron
Referenced for his analysis of Castor's methods and his role in recruiting loyal men for the Mines Police.
- Tim Lariarty
Identified as one of Castor's Conquistadors, a former Etonian now enslaved by astura.
- Señor Romanes
Mentioned as another of Castor's initiates, formerly a soldier now serving the Gran Seco.
- Señor Frederick Larbert
Listed among the Conquistadors, a former diplomat now under Castor's control.
Key passages
“The Gran Seco is the true Foreign Legion, and it needs no discipline. Castor asks only for two things, brains and submission to his will, and once a man enters his service he can never leave it.”
The Gran Seco is like a Foreign Legion without rules; Castor demands intelligence and total obedience, and no one can ever escape his service.
Sandy explains the nature of Castor's control over his followers.
“Castor is like the Old Man of the Mountain in the chronicle I showed you at Laverlaw. There is nothing new under the sun. Castor rules his initiates as the old ruffian in the Lebanon ruled his Assassins.”
Castor is comparable to the legendary Old Man of the Mountain, ruling his followers through drugs and absolute loyalty, just as the historical figure did.
Sandy draws a historical parallel to illustrate Castor's methods.
“Blenkiron says that half a century ago Abraham Lincoln fought a great war to prevent democracy making a fool of itself. He says that Castor's object is just the opposite—he wants to encourage democracy to make a fool of itself, to inflate the bladder till it bursts.”
Blenkiron believes Lincoln fought to save democracy from its own folly, while Castor aims to push democracy into self-destruction.
Sandy relays Blenkiron's analysis of Castor's goal regarding democracy.
