The Dragon's Path Group Read discussion

I imagine nothing can top last week's burning revelation, pardon the crass pun, but did anything stand out to you in this week's reading?

This wasn't so much shocking, but it was a pleasant surprise to me: the moment when Geder came across the dragon's skull. It never occurred to me that the dragon's would be revealed in such a way. I figured it would stick entirely to what Geder was discovering in written histories. It may be because of all the hours playing Skyrim, but that part of the book became so clear to me as he stood their. I found myself in awe in the same way Geder was in awe.

My biggest surprise this week was that someone was actually stupid enough to try to use the mercenaries to provoke a coup against King Simeon. What idiot thought that they could do that with an army parked on the doorstep?

I was somewhat shocked by Cithrin giving up her virginity in order to steal secret information. That is a huge step to take in order to progress your business! I did not expect her to be mature enough to carry that off successfully or cynical enough to try it.

I loved the skeleton reveal, especially as I had assumed that they were mythical or allegorical in some way. However, I was much more surprised that Geder actually found what he was looking for and that it turned out to be the monastery of the spider-blood people from the Prologue.

I was beginning to think that the dragons were only in the past, something washed away and not to be rediscovered. When Geder discovered the skull, I was very excited and very curious as to what would happen next.

Also with Cithrin, as Master Kit has said it is her mistake to make. But, I have to admit that I am sort of disappointed in her tactics. There are just so many things that could go wrong. Obviously, I am not sure if she is truly mature enough to understand the risks she has taken (she talks about sex making a bond and in the end she feels guilty-a combination that will probably be her downfall). I was also hoping that she would continue using her head, but was saddened that she decided to use her lady-parts. Which, in the end makes her a little less capable. (In my opinion).

I can't say that anything really shocked me. I think that Cithrin was so determined to act the way she thought a magister should act, that she detached herself emotionally to achieve her goal. Or at least tried too. Unfortunately, she was not capable of being that calculated, manipulative person, and therefor couldn't handle the consequences of her poor choices.

I did enjoy her exchange with Yardem after her night out. It was comical.

Also loved the dragon :)

Sue wrote: "I was somewhat shocked by Cithrin giving up her virginity in order to steal secret information."

I was surprised by that too, more from the fact that this seems a standard fantasy element and I didn't expect Abraham to go there. Not sure that I necessarily like the choice, but it does fit with the direction that Cithrin has been going, a direction Marcus for one does not like.

Which, in the end makes her a little less capable.

I agree Starr. I think it ultimately makes her a more vulnerable character and shows that for all her economic wisdom she does not have a lot of worldly wisdom. I suspect that wisdom is going to be costly for her and will be interesting if she thinks the price is worth it.

Kelly wrote: "she detached herself emotionally to achieve her goal. Or at least tried too"

Exactly. I think that attempted detachment shows her immaturity, and although it wasn't the way I wanted to see Cithrin go, it does fit with the character Abraham is creating. Will be interesting to see where she goes from here.

I was so surprised with Cithrin. Now part of me thinks, okay, she's using whatever she thinks she needs to, then the other part of me thinks it's a bit of a shame because she's got such intelligence that I wanted her to make it without resorting to such tactics. Plus after the fact she seemed unhappy with herself - so, she's not as detached as she likes to think!