The Roots of the Mountains · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Roots of the Mountains by William Morris.
Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph reflects on the fleeting beauty of everyday scenes glimpsed during travel, expressing a longing to pause and become part of that peaceful life. The poet suggests that the following pages are an attempt to capture such rest and belonging.
Chapter 2
The Roots of the Mountains
This chapter introduces the setting and the people of Burgdale, describing their lives, friendships, enmities, and alliances, setting the stage for the unfolding tale.
Chapter 3
Of Burgstead and Its Folk and Its Neighbours
This chapter introduces the valley of Burgstead, its geography, and the three main communities: the Dalesmen of Burgstead, the Woodland-Carles of Carlstead, and the Shepherd-Folk. It describes the landscape, the people's livelihoods, customs, and relationships, emphasizing the self-sufficient, peaceful life of the Dalesmen and their interdependence with the neighboring folk.
Chapter 4
Of Face-of-God and His Kindred
Face-of-god, a young man of twenty-three, emerges from the wood near the Motestead with a slain roebuck and sits at the Speech-mound, gazing contentedly at the dale below. He descends into Burgstead, greeting folk along the way, and enters the House of the Face. There he is joined by his father Iron-face, his brother Hall-face, an old man, and his betrothed the Bride, who looks upon him with deep love. The chapter describes the kindred's history, the naming tradition of the Face, and the characters' appearances and virtues.
Chapter 5
They Talk of Divers Matters in the Hall
In the hall, Face-of-god (Gold-mane) is greeted by the Bride and others, including Stone-face. During the feast, Iron-face teases his son about hunting, and Face-of-god confesses a restless longing for the wood, though he affirms his love for the Dale. Stone-face warns of the dangers of the wildwood, and Redesman sings a song. The chapter explores Face-of-god's inner conflict between domestic contentment and the call of the unknown.
Chapter 6
IV: Face-of-God Fareth to the Wood Again
Face-of-god rises early and leaves Burgstead quietly, heading into the woods toward the Great Mountains. He reflects on the Bride and his desires, encounters a few folk on the way, and eventually rests by a woodland rill, where he falls asleep and dreams. Upon waking, he feels a sense of longing and uncertainty, and continues onward.
Chapter 7
Face-of-God Falls in with Menfolk on the Mountain
Face-of-God journeys through the forest and into the mountains, encountering a strange dwelling. He is ambushed by a man in a scarlet kirtle, but a woman intervenes, striking the man with a staff. The man turns out to be her brother, and they reconcile, inviting Face-of-God to be their guest.
Chapter 8
Of Face-of-God and Those Mountain-Dwellers
Face-of-god (Gold-mane) enters the dwelling of the mountain folk, where he meets Wild-wearer, the Friend, Bow-may, and others. He is welcomed as a guest, learns their names, shares a meal, and observes their customs and rich hangings. The chapter establishes his growing bond with the Friend and his curiosity about the mountain people.
Chapter 9
VII: Face-of-God Talketh with the Friend on the Mountain
Face-of-god wakes in the mountain house to find the other folk gone and the Friend alone, now arrayed in splendid garments. She reveals she has visited Burgstead in disguise, and that she and her brother were the disguised carle and queen he defended at the market. They share a meal and intimate conversation, during which she asks about his family and his betrothed, the Bride. Face-of-god is torn between wonder at her beauty and his duty to the Bride.
Chapter 10
Face-of-God Cometh Home Again to Burgstead
Face-of-god returns to Burgstead from the wood, preoccupied with thoughts of the Fair Woman of the Mountainside. He dresses in fine raiment, to the puzzlement of his foster-father Stone-face and his father Iron-face, who question him about his intentions to travel or attend a feast. Face-of-god insists he will stay and work in the Dale, concealing his true distraction.
Chapter 11
Those Brethren Fare to the Yew-Wood with the Bride
Face-of-god, Hall-face, and the Bride go to the Yew-wood to cut timber for bow-staves. Face-of-god struggles with his feelings for the Bride, wishing she were his sister instead of his betrothed, as his heart is now drawn elsewhere. They work, rest, and share a meal, during which the Bride sings a lay of war and mountain-men. Despite outward contentment, Face-of-god inwardly longs for a different bond.
Chapter 12
New Tidings in the Dale
Gold-mane encounters a group of Shepherds who have suffered a ransacking at the hands of unknown thieves, with one of their men, Rusty, slain. The spear left behind is of fine workmanship, adorned with silver, and Gold-mane recognizes it as belonging to his Mountain friends. He keeps his knowledge secret. Later, news arrives of another ransacking at Greentofts, where six men in wolf-skins overpowered Harts-bane and his twelve hired men. Gold-mane suspects his Mountain friends are responsible but remains silent. The chapter also notes the Bride's growing sense of distance from Gold-mane as winter sets in.
Chapter 13
XI: Men Make Oath at Burgstead on the Holy Boar
At the Yule feast in Burgstead, the community gathers at the House of the Face for oath-swearing on the Holy Boar. Face-of-god initially mistakes the Bride for the Woman of the Mountain, but she is revealed in splendid attire. Various men swear oaths, including Bristler vowing to pursue the ransackers, and Face-of-god swearing to wed the fairest woman of the Earth before year's end. The Bride and Stone-face note his changed demeanor with unease.
Chapter 14
Stone-Face Telleth Concerning the Wood-Wights
Gold-mane rises early on the morning after Yule and goes to the bridge over the Weltering Water, where he reflects on his oath to wed the Mountain Woman and his conflicting loyalties. Stone-face joins him and warns him about the dangers of the wood, recounting a personal tale of a beautiful but treacherous wood-wight he encountered in winter, which led to a life of wandering and unfulfilled desire. Gold-mane listens but remains inwardly focused on the vision of a fair woman in the snow, similar to the one Stone-face described.
Chapter 15
They Fare to the Hunting of the Elk
The chapter describes the hunting expedition for elk, where the company of hunters sets out from Burgstead. During the hunt, a sudden snowstorm causes Face-of-god to become separated from the group. He later returns home safely, offering a plausible but perhaps incomplete explanation for his absence, while the others celebrate the successful hunt.
Chapter 16
XIV: Concerning Face-of-God and the Mountain
Gold-mane, separated from his hunting party after his skid-strap breaks, deliberately turns north-and-by-east toward the Mountain-hall. After the storm clears, he encounters Bow-may, who playfully shoots three arrows near him before revealing herself. She leads him into the wood, delivers a message from the Friend warning him not to seek her again until he receives a token, and instructs him to wait at the Maiden Ward at a specific time in March. Bow-may kisses him farewell, and Gold-mane returns to Burgstead, troubled by thoughts of the Bride.
Chapter 17
XV: Murder Amongst the Folk of the Woodlanders
After midwinter, rumors of strange, murderous men in the wood spread. Two such men attack a Woodland carle, Wood-grey, who kills one but dies of his wounds. Gold-mane and others from Burgstead visit the Woodlanders, view the strange corpses, and hear the women's prophetic song. The dead are buried, and speculation arises about the attackers' connection to earlier raids.
Chapter 18
XVI: The Bride Speaketh with Face-of-God
In a meadow near Burgstead, Face-of-god rests after a task, recalling his trysts with the Bride. She appears and asks for a token and the gift of his second son if she lives. He agrees, but the encounter leaves him grieved, ashamed, and conflicted, feeling his manhood diminished.
Chapter 19
XVII: The Token Cometh from the Mountain
Face-of-god receives a secret message from the Woman of the Mountain via an arrow, instructing him to journey to the Mountain Hall, where he will find a hound named Sure-foot and be guided to the Shadowy Vale. He prepares for the journey, concealing the token, and sets out at dawn, navigating through the wilderness with the hound.
Chapter 20
XVIII: Face-of-God Talketh with the Friend in Shadowy Vale
Face-of-God returns to Shadowy Vale and meets the Friend at the Hall. They share an intimate conversation, during which she shows him the Wolf-carving above the door, a symbol of their kindred's sorrow and hope. He demonstrates his spear-throwing skill, and she welcomes him warmly, hinting at a deepening bond.
Chapter 21
XIX: The Fair Woman Telleth Face-of-God of Her Kindred
Face-of-god and the Friend share a meal and drink a pledge, then she recounts the history of her kindred: their flight from Silverdale after an invasion by alien warriors, their refuge in Shadowy Vale, the decision of some to go to the Cities of the Plain under Stone-wolf, and the life of the remnant who stayed, including raids on the aliens and other folk. She reveals her brother Folk-might and her own childhood, and affirms that she and Face-of-god are meant to wed.
Chapter 22
XX: Those Two Together Hold the Ring of the Earth-God
Face-of-god and Folk-might discuss the threat of the Dusky Men and the upcoming muster of the Dalesmen. Folk-might plans to come to the spring market at Burgstead to offer blood-wite for his deeds. Later, Face-of-god and Sun-beam share an intimate conversation about their feelings and the future, culminating in a feast where songs are sung and the bond between them deepens.
Chapter 23
Face-of-God Looketh on the Dusky Men
Face-of-god awakens in Shadowy Vale and prepares to return home with Wood-wise and Bow-may as his escorts. Sun-beam accompanies them partway, sharing a tender farewell and visions of a peaceful future together. Their journey is interrupted by an ambush from behind the Rocks of the Elders, where arrows fly and Bow-may and Wood-wise respond with bow and war-cry.
Chapter 24
XXII: Face-of-God Cometh Home to Burgstead
Face-of-god, Bow-may, and Wood-wise journey across the high wastes and return to Burgdale, where Face-of-god learns of an ambush by Dusky Men in the woods, the intervention of brown-clad allies, and the capture of two prisoners. He shares his own tidings of Shadowy Vale and Silverdale, and plans are made to prepare for war.
Chapter 25
Talk in the Hall of the House of the Face
Face-of-god returns to Burgstead with Hall-face and the Hue-and-cry, announcing the slaying of the runaways. They enter the Hall of the House of the Face, where Iron-face and the Bride await. The Bride, torn between her troth and her grief, kisses Face-of-god but is pale with anguish. Iron-face welcomes his son and suggests a Gate-thing for the next day to hear his full tale. Face-of-god, troubled by his love for the Sun-beam and the Bride's sorrow, sits uneasily beside her. Stone-face hints at deeper connections between tales, and the evening ends with feasting and merry hearts despite looming battle.
Chapter 26
XXIV: Face-of-God Giveth That Token to the Bride
Face-of-god gives the Bride the ring from Sun-beam as a token of his oath to give her the second man-child he begets. The Bride, heartbroken, declares she will announce the sundering herself and forbids Face-of-god from speaking of it. She resolves to bear the sorrow alone, while Face-of-god longs for the spring market and Sun-beam.
Chapter 27
Of the Gate-Thing at Burgstead
The chapter describes the formal convening of the Gate-thing at Burgstead, where the Alderman Iron-face presides. The community gathers to address recent attacks by mysterious foes, and Face-of-god reveals his encounter with the people of Shadowy Vale, who are also enemies of the same marauders. The dead bodies of the attackers are presented, and the assembly debates the nature of the threat.
Chapter 28
The Ending of the Gate-Thing
At the Gate-Thing, the Bride publicly renounces her troth to Face-of-god, declaring she will not wed him but will instead join the war as a warrior-maiden. Iron-face reacts with fury, drawing his sword on his son, but is restrained. The peace is restored, and the Fiddle counsels forgiveness and focus on the coming war.
Chapter 29
XXVII: Face-of-God Leadeth a Band Through the Wood
Face-of-god organizes three companies to scout and guard the Dale against the Felons. He leads his own band northeast toward Silverdale, guided by Stone-face. They encounter a runaway thrall named Dallach, who reveals the Dusky Men's plans to invade Burgdale and shares the tragic history of Silverdale and Rosedale. The Burgdalers agree to wait for other runaways and offer them refuge.
Chapter 30
XXVIII: The Men of Burgdale Meet the Runaways
Face-of-god and the Burgdale men meet the runaways from Silverdale and Rosedale, learning of the cruelty of the Dusky Men and the plight of the thralls. Dallach leaves to find more fugitives, while the company rests and scouts the area, observing smoke from Rosedale in the distance.
Chapter 31
XXIX: They Bring the Runaways to Burgstead
The Runaways, freed thralls from the Foemen, are brought to Burgstead amidst a joyous procession of Dalesfolk. They are welcomed with flowers, music, and song, and are housed and cherished by the Burgdalers. Face-of-god presents the Silverdale warriors Dallach, Wolf-stone, God-swain, and Spear-fist to the Alderman, who welcomes them as friends and guests. The chapter ends with a feast in the Hall of the Face, where Iron-face praises his son's luck and leadership.
Chapter 32
Hall-Face Goeth Toward Rosedale
Face-of-god, Hall-face, and Stone-face debate strategy for the coming conflict. Hall-face proposes an immediate attack on Rosedale, but Stone-face and Face-of-god counsel caution, advocating instead for a muster and weapon-show before the Great Folk-mote. Hall-face is permitted to lead a small force with Dallach into the wood toward Rosedale. He returns after seven days with rescued runaways but also with losses and wounded. Face-of-god then travels among the Shepherds and Woodlanders, rallying support and finding them eager for the coming fight. The chapter ends with a period of waiting and warding until the Weapon-show.
Chapter 33
Of the Weapon-Show of the Men of Burgdale and Their Neighbours
The chapter describes the Weapon-show, a grand gathering of the folk of Burgdale, the Shepherds, and the Woodlanders in a meadow by Wildlake. The event features a display of war-gear, banners, and companies, with the War-leader and Alderman overseeing the muster. After the formalities, the day is spent in feasting, sports, and dancing, with a sense of joy and unity despite the looming threat of war. The chapter ends with preparations for the Spring Market.
Chapter 34
XXXII: The Men of Shadowy Vale Come to the Spring Market at Burgstead
The Westland merchants arrive at the Spring Market in Burgstead, setting up colorful booths and trading goods with the Dalesmen. Amidst the bustling fair, the Bride tends to the Runaways, while Face-of-god and the Alderman meet with the merchants and hear tales of the Plain. Suddenly, armed strangers from Shadowy Vale arrive, led by Folk-might and Sun-beam, who are welcomed by the Alderman as friends and guests.
Chapter 35
The Alderman Gives Gifts to Them of Shadowy Vale
In the Hall of the Face, Iron-face hosts Folk-might and Sun-beam, struggling with his grief and anger over the Bride's displacement. He gives generous gifts to the guests, including a golden girdle to Sun-beam with a poignant confession of his mixed feelings. Face-of-god moves among the guests, earning their love, and later sees the Bride pale but managing her grief.
Chapter 36
XXXIV: The Chieftains Take Counsel in the Hall of the Face
Face-of-god returns to the Hall to join Iron-face, Folk-might, Stone-face, the Dale-warden, and Sun-beam in a war council. They debate strategy against the Dusky Men of Silverdale and Rosedale. Face-of-god argues for a unified strike on Silverdale with a reserve force, while Folk-might insists on committing all forces to one blow. After discussion, Face-of-god agrees to the single-stroke plan, emphasizing secrecy and the need to act before the enemy gathers strength.
Chapter 37
Face-of-God Talketh with the Sun-Beam
Face-of-god meets Sun-beam at the bridge before sunrise, and they walk through the meadows, sharing intimate conversation about their love, their past, and their hopes for the future. They reflect on how they have changed since first meeting, and Sun-beam reassures Face-of-god that her love for her people is genuine, even as she delights in their bond. They discuss the impending battle, with Sun-beam expressing a wish to die in his arms if necessary, while Face-of-god affirms his commitment to the kindred. The chapter ends with them noticing footprints in the sand, suggesting other lovers have passed by.
Chapter 38
Folk-Might Speaketh with the Bride
Folk-might, stirred by his longing for the Bride, rises early and wanders through Burgstead until he comes to the House of the Steer. He sees the Bride emerge and follows her to a secluded meadow where she weeps. He approaches, confesses his own grief and love, and offers her friendship and hope. She accepts his hand, thanks him for his words, and they part with a kiss on her hand, leaving Folk-might glad at heart.
Chapter 39
Of the Folk-Mote of the Dalesmen, the Shepherd-Folk, and the Woodland Carles: The Banner of the Wolf Displayed
The Great Folk-mote assembles with the Dalesmen, Shepherds, and Woodland Carles. The Alderman and chieftains arrive with the Banner of the Burg. The Woodland Carles, belated, march in singing a war-song and unveil the Banner of the Wolf, causing a great shout and emotional reactions among the assembly, including the Sun-beam and Folk-might.
Chapter 40
Of the Great Folk-Mote: Atonements Given, and Men Made Sackless
The chapter describes the formal hallowing of the Folk-mote by the Alderman, where legal matters are addressed. Iron-face pays a fine for drawing a sword at the Gate-thing, and then Folk-might confesses to slaying Rusty and ransacking Penny-thumb. He offers self-doom to Bristler, who sets a blood-wite and compensation, which Folk-might pays with silver rings from slain felons. The fines are accepted, and Folk-might and his fellows are declared sackless, ending the legal proceedings.
Chapter 41
Of the Great Folk-Mote: Men Take Rede of the War-Faring, the Fellowship, and the War-Leader. Folk-Might Telleth Whence His People Came. The Folk-Mote Sundered
At the great Folk-mote, the Alderman calls for a decision on three matters: whether to meet the foe at home or abroad, whether to ally with the valiant strangers (the Wolf folk), and who shall be War-leader. Various kindreds speak, all choosing Face-of-god as War-leader and the Wolf folk as fellows. Folk-might tells the tale of his people's origins and their fall, and the assembly joyfully accepts the brotherhood. The mote is sundered as many begin to prepare for the hosting.
Chapter 42
Of the Hosting in Shadowy Vale
The Woodlanders arrive in Shadowy Vale to join the Hosting, bringing their families and goods. They are warmly welcomed by Folk-might, Face-of-god, and Sun-beam, who affirm the unity of the folk. A feast is held, and later Folk-might meets the Bride at Staff-stone, where he speaks of his love for her. The chapter ends with the leaders taking counsel for the coming battle.
Chapter 43
The Host Departeth from Shadowy Vale: The First Day’s Journey
The Host departs from Shadowy Vale, with the Woodlanders and warriors of the Wolf leading, followed by the kindreds of Burgdale. Face-of-god and Folk-might lead the vanward, while Stone-face and Hall-face bring up the rear with the House of the Face. The Sun-beam and Bow-may accompany the warriors, and the Bride marches with her kindred in full war-gear. They sing a song as they enter the pass, traversing narrow ledges above the Shivering Flood, climbing through wind and spray, and eventually reaching a rocky maze leading to a grassy plain where they camp for the night.
Chapter 44
The Host Cometh to the Edges of Silverdale
The host, led by Folk-might and Face-of-god, marches from Shield-broad through treacherous terrain, navigating a narrow gap and a steep hillside, before reaching the edge of Silverdale. They encounter no enemies, and as night falls, they halt in a wooded valley called Wood-dale to await daylight and prepare for battle.
Chapter 45
XLIII: Face-of-God Looketh on Silverdale: The Bowmen’s Battle
The Host rests in the wood on the eve of battle. Face-of-god and Folk-might oversee the watches, while Sun-beam anxiously awaits Face-of-god's return. The Bride is seen sleeping peacefully. Captured thralls provide intelligence about the Dusky Men's gathering. The Host repositions for battle, and Face-of-god views Silverdale from the wood. The chapter culminates in a deadly archery assault led by Bow-may and others on the Dusky Men's priests and guards at the altar.
Chapter 46
XLIV: Of the Onslaught of the Men of the Steer, the Bridge, and the Bull
The battle in the Marketstead intensifies as the Men of the Steer, Bridge, and Bull join the fray alongside the Woodlanders and the Wolf. Amidst chaos and confusion, the Dalesmen advance with disciplined spear formations and archery, while the Bride fights fiercely among the bowmen. The Dusky Men, though numerous, are disorganized and suffer heavy losses. The chapter highlights the valor and coordination of the kindreds as they press the attack.
Chapter 47
XLV: Of Face-of-God’s Onslaught
Face-of-god leads the Woodlanders and Men of the Wolf in a fierce assault against the Dusky Men in Silverstead. Amidst the chaos of battle, he coordinates with Bow-may, who shoots down a Dusky Chief, and later leads a charge with Dale-warden, cutting through the enemy. The chapter highlights his leadership, the valor of the kindreds, and the turning tide of the battle.
Chapter 48
Men Meet in the Market of Silverstead
Face-of-god leads the Woodlanders and Wolves into the Marketplace of Silverstead, joining the battle against the Dusky Men. He decides to aid the southern kindreds (Steer, Bridge, Bull) rather than the left flank where Folk-might fights. After fierce fighting, the forces meet, and Hall-ward reveals the Bride is wounded, possibly dead. Enraged, Face-of-god charges the foe, sets fire to the sacrificial pyre, and the battle turns decisively.
Chapter 49
XLVII: The Kindreds Win the Mote-House
Face-of-god, Folk-might, and Hall-face lead the Host to storm the Mote-house of the Wolf, overcoming the Dusky Men in a fierce assault. They enter the Hall to find it defiled and the embalmed bodies of four ancient chieftains hanging from the roof, a sight that fills the Wolf kindred with rage and horror.
Chapter 50
Men Sing in the Mote-House
After the battle, the Warriors of the Wolf gather on the dais of their Hall. Folk-might learns from a messenger that the Bride will live, which moves him to tears. Face-of-god and Sun-beam share a tender moment, affirming their love and hope for the future. The kindreds separate, and the Wolf and Woodlanders sing a song celebrating the long-coming day, the deliverance from death, and the memory of the fallen.
Chapter 51
XLIX: Dallach Fareth to Rosedale: Crow Telleth of His Errand: The Kindreds Eat Their Meat in Silverdale
After the battle, Dallach returns with thralls to cleanse the Hall. Face-of-god grants Dallach leave to pursue fleeing Dusky Men to Rosedale. Folk-might publicly acknowledges Face-of-god as chieftain and embraces him, then departs on a private errand. Crow reports the clearing of houses, the rescue of thralls, and the atrocities committed by the enemy. Face-of-god orders a feast in the green field and plans to reconsecrate the Hall. The host mourns their dead.
Chapter 52
Folk-Might Seeth the Bride and Speaketh with Her
Folk-might visits the wounded Bride, who lies in a hall befouled by felons. Despite her grievous injury, she plights her troth to him with Iron-face as witness, using a holy ring. She asks after Gold-mane and sends him a message about his oath. Folk-might then joins the other chiefs for counsel, and the mood is hopeful despite the solemnity.
Chapter 53
LI: The Dead Borne to Bale: The Mote-House Re-Hallowed
The Host burns their slain men and the remains of four chieftains of the Great Undoing in a fair meadow west of Silverstead, which contains the Doom-ring and Thingstead of the Wolf folk. After the burning and burial, the banners of the kindreds are borne into the Mote-house and hung over the dais, and fire is kindled on the Holy Hearth using a glass disk focused on the sun. A song is sung celebrating the return of the Wolf and the reunion of the people.
Chapter 54
Of the New Beginning of Good Days in Silverdale
On the third day, a great feast celebrates the liberation of Silverdale. The delivered thralls are overwhelmed by their newfound freedom and abundance, enjoying the stored goods of the Dusky Men and the rich land. Most thralls quickly take up their crafts and husbandry, while the kindreds show patience and generosity toward those still recovering from their torments. All things thrive as the days pass toward summer and beyond.
Chapter 55
Of the Word Which Hall-Ward of the Steer Had for Folk-Might
Hall-ward of the Steer negotiates with Folk-might for the Bride's hand, offering the Sun-beam as a bride for the House of the Steer in exchange. The Sun-beam agrees, requesting Bow-may and the sons of Wood-father as her companions. Face-of-god struggles with his feelings, knowing his wedding to the Sun-beam will be delayed, but accepts the arrangement for peace.
Chapter 56
Tidings of Dallach: A Folk-Mote in Silverdale
Three days after the battle, runners bring news that Dallach has become Alderman of Rosedale after subduing the runaways. A great Folk-mote is held in Silverdale to organize the new order: the War-leader sets a departure date, the Woodlanders choose to live in scattered houses and return to woodland crafts, and the Dale is fortified against remaining Dusky Men. Folk-might offers gifts of wares to the departing Burgdalers and Shepherds, but Fox of Upton refuses, saying they fought for peace and friendship, not riches. Stone-face persuades the Burgdalers to accept the gifts, arguing that the Gods would be angered by a giftless departure and that the wood will become a road between the peoples. The Folk-mote ends in loving-kindness.
Chapter 57
LV: Departure from Silverdale
The Burgdale men and the Shepherds depart from Silverdale, amid farewells and promises between the two Dales. The Sun-beam reflects on her role in the new peace, the Bride bids farewell to Face-of-god, and the Host marches out with songs of remembrance and hope.
Chapter 58
Talk Upon the Wildwood Way
Face-of-god walks with the Sun-beam and Bow-may through an oak-wood, discussing the likelihood of returning to Silverdale. The Sun-beam reflects on the many troubles and duties that will keep them away, and Face-of-god accepts that only war or trouble may bring him back. The scene is filled with the bright presence of the House of the Steer as they journey toward Burgdale.
Chapter 59
How the Host Came Home Again
The Host returns to Burgdale after a journey of fourteen days, passing through Rosedale where they are welcomed by Dallach. Dallach requests a score of men to stay and help him govern the newly freed folk, and forty young warriors remain. Some Rosedale folk join the Host to settle in Burgdale. The Host reaches the edge of the wilderness, meets messengers, and finally arrives home to a joyous reunion with families and lovers. The chapter ends with the evening feasts and the parting of Face-of-god and Sun-beam at their respective houses.
Chapter 60
How the Maiden Ward Was Held in Burgdale
The Host returns to Burgdale as May ends, and the Midsummer Weddings are eagerly anticipated, especially the wedding of Face-of-god and Sun-beam. Sun-beam must join the Maiden Ward with the other brides. The day arrives with seventeen brides assembled at Burgstead, including Sun-beam, who remains calm and quiet. They proceed to the causeway where bowers are built. The brides sing a song as the sun sets, and then the young men of the Dale arrive. The grooms claim their brides, and Face-of-god finds Sun-beam waiting for him. They take a detour through the meadows, watching the moonrise, before returning to the House of the Face. There, Face-of-god declares he has kept his oath to wed the fairest woman, and the Hall erupts in joy.
Chapter 61
LIX: The Behest of Face-of-God to the Bride Accomplished: A Motestead Appointed for the Three Folks, to Wit, the Men of Burgdale, the Shepherds, and the Children of the Wolf
Three years and two months after the victory, Bow-may arrives in Silverstead with Face-of-god's second son, delivering a message from Face-of-god to Folk-might and the Bride. Folk-might responds with an invitation for the three kindreds to meet in Shadowy Vale for a mote. Bow-may stays in Silverdale for a half-month, then travels with Folk-might, the Bride, and others to Shadowy Vale, where they meet Face-of-god, Alderman Iron-face, and the chiefs of Burgdale and the Shepherds. The meeting solidifies the unity of the kindreds, who become one folk and agree to hold future councils in Shadowy Vale.
