How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Sometimes the Tonton hang you, other times they'll cut her head off an put it on a spike. (8.749)
We wouldn't call that a warm welcome, would you? As Saba and company get closer to the Freedom Fields—the King's home base—they see increasingly disturbing evidence of Tonton power.
Quote #8
An over the last couple of years, he started exapandin his empire. Everywhere I bin lately, I'm havin to dodge Tonton or I'm hearin about 'em. (8.809)
Apparently, the King has only been expanding his power in recent years, as the chaal trade has spread throughout the land. Unfortunately, now that this process has begun, it's going to be hard to stop it again—even if they manage to take the King out.
Quote #9
I train the looker on Pinch. He's ridin a big white stallion. An he's dressed like he was last night. [...] But it hangs down in burnt an tattered shreds. (9.613)
That's some symbolism if we've ever seen it. With his chaal fields destroyed, the King still holds on to the vestiges of his status, but he no longer has power over the masses. In the same way, we see his fancy regal robes torn to unrecognizable shreds. We'd almost feel bad—if the dude weren't, you know, a monster.