The Jewels of Aptor · Chapter
IX explained
Geo, Urson, Iimmi, and Snake continue their journey on Aptor, learning from the elder Argo that she has two daughters and that the younger one must be rescued.
What happens
Geo, Urson, Iimmi, and Snake continue their journey on Aptor, learning from the elder Argo that she has two daughters and that the younger one must be rescued. Argo reveals Jordde's past as a novice priest and his role in torturing Snake, while the group climbs toward a volcano in search of Hama's temple and the final jewel.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Change
Geo reflects on his own change after losing his arm, and the group discusses the changing landscape and nature of Aptor.
Duality and Ambiguity
Argo reveals that the priestesses are fighting another face of Argo, and that the greater enemy is oneself, highlighting duality.
Memory and Trauma
Geo and Snake carry the trauma of their physical losses; Argo recounts Snake's torture in detail.
Characters to notice
- Geo
Geo learns about Jordde's past and the true nature of Argo's daughters; he struggles with his lost arm and fatigue during the climb.
- Urson
Urson takes the jewel from Geo for safekeeping and helps Geo over a difficult ledge during the climb.
- Snake
Snake is revealed to have been tortured by Jordde, losing his tongue; he uses the jewels to light the way.
- Iimmi
Iimmi recites a poem about change and discusses the mission to find Hama's temple.
- Leptar
The elder Argo (Leptar) explains the situation with her daughters and Jordde's history.
- Jordde
Jordde's backstory is revealed: he was a novice priest who tortured Snake and now serves the blind priestesses.
Key passages
“Change is neither merciful nor just. They say Leonard of Vinci put his trust in faulty paints: Christ's Supper turned to dust.”
Change is indifferent and unfair; even great artists like Leonardo da Vinci saw their work decay.
Iimmi recites a poem about the inevitability of change.
“The fire is a splendid symbol for life, do you agree? And for death, said Geo.”
Argo suggests fire represents life, but Geo counters that it also represents death, referencing his lost arm.
Geo and Argo discuss the dual symbolism of fire.