Brokedown Palace by Steven Brust
"Brokedown Palace" is a fantasy narrative centered around the tumultuous dynamics within the Fenar royal family, particularly focusing on the youngest prince, Miklós. The story begins with Miklós being assaulted by his older brother, László, amidst a backdrop of familial discord and palace decay. After escaping into a river, Miklós encounters a magical horse named Bölk, which takes him to the land of faerie for a two-year study of magic. As he returns home, he finds lingering tensions with László, who is preparing to marry a countess, and the palace itself is increasingly deteriorating.
Miklós' efforts to address the decay are met with resistance from László, leading to further confrontations. The narrative intertwines themes of power, family loyalty, and the struggle against a malevolent force represented by the Demon Goddess, a deity that has influenced the family. In a climactic confrontation, Miklós is able to topple the Goddess's statue, resulting in significant changes within the palace's structure and the royal hierarchy. Ultimately, the story concludes with a transformation of power dynamics as Miklós establishes himself in a new palace, and the fate of his unborn daughter hints at future significance in this evolving saga.
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Subject Terms
Brokedown Palace
First published: 1986
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—magical world
Time of work: Undefined
Locale: The kingdom of Fenar, its castle, and the nearby river
The Plot
King László assaults his youngest brother, Miklós, for having made disparaging remarks about the castle, home to the Fenar family from time immemorial, or at least the last four hundred years. A drop of Miklós’ blood finds its way into the flooring in Miklós’ room. Miklós escapes into the river, which restores him. He meets a taltós horse, a magical beast that has many incarnations and feeds off its master’s need. The horse, Bölk, takes Miklós to the land of faerie.
After studying magic for two years, Miklós returns home without specific plans. Although old tensions still exist between the king and Miklós, the youngest prince, brothers Andor (indecisive and impressionable) and Vilmos (gigantic, yet mild) rejoice at Miklós’ homecoming. László is preparing to marry Mariska, a countess who has superseded his common woman, Brigitta. The palace has become decrepit, and a strange plant has rooted itself in Miklós’ room. Miklós again incurs László’s wrath by making a passing reference to decay, and again he must escape to the river.
Bölk lends Miklós succor, defeating Sándor, the court wizard László sends to retrieve his upstart brother. They eventually return to the palace, once Miklós makes the decision to do so. When a section of floor collapses and kills one of Vilmos’ pet norskas, Vilmos becomes more receptive to Miklós’ concern for the palace’s decay.
Andor earlier had been led, by Sándor, to dedicate himself to the Demon Goddess, which had been the family god and in regular communication with László. The plant has taken over Miklós’ room and is firmly entrenched through the cellarage. Brigitta becomes fond of Miklós.
Miklós topples the Demon Goddess’ statue, with Bölk’s help, calling her to manifest and then destroying her with Bölk’s blood. Without the Demon Goddess, László has only the palace to support him, and he determines to remove the plant/tree that he believes threatens it. Miklós confronts him, and they fight. The king’s sword, symbol of Demon Goddess power, flares and is consumed in contact with a staff from the tree. At this, the tree expands and involutes, becoming a new palace and supporting the family from which it derives. László and his agents are killed or abdicate.
Miklós and his tree remain to take possession of their new seat of power. Andor defers right to rule to Vilmos, who unwillingly accepts. Brigitta departs to return to faerie, carrying Miklós’ unborn daughter. Miklós learns that his daughter will come back to the palace and be a powerful agent in future developments.