I’ve read up to Grand Conspiracy or so before, so all speculation is based on what I’ve read and the title of the final book. I have no idea if I’m right - I hope so, but we’ll find out!
So! Keeping in mind that all of the series can be traced back to Curse, so says Ms Wurts - I’m reading the Coronation chapter and it’s horrifying and fascinating in equal measure. Where’s Luhaine? What did Dakar actually say, and what did Arithon hear?
From what I’ve learned of Desh-thiere - it can see (somewhat?) into the future. The nightmares Lysaer saw - visions! We know it learns from what it eats, and twists all to the purpose of - well, has that been defined?
As I’m rereading, for the first time I have truly noticed and understood: Lysaer hasn’t been geased or spelled - he is literally possessed by the Mistwraith. Multiple nudges in the chapter highlight that his thoughts are not his own. He’s prevented from self-reflection or realization that something is wrong, and he’s acting illogically. But what truly, truly drives me to make this post is the question: why did Lysaer break the lyranthe?
It’s presented as an act of rage, Lysaer striking out at everything ‘wrong’ about Arithon, perversely justified by how he’s going to force Arithon to serve Etarra and not his music (while he was just raging about how Arithon is a lying bastard, the worst possible king for Etarra, he’ll give them over to the clansmen, etc etc) - he is ‘urged by a pang’ to look at the Lyranthe.
Desh-thiere WANTS this thing destroyed. Why? Is it to break any reminder of the Paravians, the one force that can hold it? Is it to further drive the wedges into the curse?
Arithon has worked greater magic through his music than he has with his elemental mastery, e.g. Jaelot.
The title of the final novel in the series, the crux of it all: Song of the Mysteries.
What, then, is the purpose of the Curse? Desh-thiere doesn’t work without a reason. It’s not mindlessly striking out in rage, despite being furious. What does it want? What does it know from the future? Why would it get revenge on Arithon and Lysaer in this way?
I might be barking up the wrong tree, but I think, I think that Arithon’s bardic ability (note how Ms. Wurts, through Elaira, reminded Lysaer and us VERY strongly that Arithon’s musical ability is the important piece, and how taking the Etarran crown would kill it.) - I think Arithon’s music is the key to the whole thing.
I have absolutely no idea how this is going to play out, I don’t know if he’s going to use it to find the Paravians or sing a dragon asleep/awake or sing Desh-thiere to calm/peace instead of confinement or what, but I don’t think Desh-thiere’s piece in the story is over yet… and I think Arithon’s music is the key to whatever is coming.
In conclusion, Ms. Wurts, I cannot wait for Song of the Mysteries!!!