The Jewels of Aptor · Chapter
II explained
Geo meets with the priestess, who reveals herself as Argo Incarnate.
What happens
Geo meets with the priestess, who reveals herself as Argo Incarnate. She explains the history of Aptor's invasions, the significance of the three jewels, and the kidnapping of her sister. She tasks Geo and his companions with stealing the third jewel from Hama's palace and rescuing her sister, while she retains the two jewels for safety.
Themes in this chapter
Knowledge and Understanding
Geo seeks knowledge from the priestess about Aptor and the jewels, while she reveals hidden histories and the true nature of the threat.
Power and Corruption
The jewels are described as sources of immense power, capable of destruction, and the priestess refuses to entrust them to Geo for fear of capture and misuse.
Religion and Mythology
The chapter delves into the religious conflict between the white Goddess Argo and the dark god Hama, with the jewels as sacred artifacts central to their power.
Characters to notice
- Geo
Geo negotiates with the priestess, offering his knowledge of incantation and poetry to aid her mission.
- Priestess Argo
Reveals herself as Argo Incarnate, explains the history of Aptor and the jewels, and assigns Geo the task of stealing the third jewel.
- Snake
Mentioned as the thief who stole a jewel from Argo; she intends to use him to steal the third jewel.
- Hama
Referenced as the dark god of Aptor, whose statue holds the third jewel in his guarded palace.
- Goddess Argo
The white Goddess whose temple guards one of the jewels; her incarnate is the current priestess.
Key passages
“I am the other daughter of the last Argo: that is why this task fell to me. And until she is found dead, or returned alive… I am the White Goddess Argo Incarnate.”
The priestess reveals she is the sister of the kidnapped Argo and has taken on the role of Argo Incarnate until her sister is found.
This revelation establishes her authority and personal stake in the mission.
“Do you think that I would put such temptation in your hands? You might be captured, and if so, then the jewels would be in the hands of Aptor once more.”
Argo refuses to give Geo the jewels, fearing they would fall into enemy hands if he is captured.
Highlights the theme of power and the risk of corruption.