The Roots of the Mountains · Chapter
Tidings of Dallach: A Folk-Mote in Silverdale explained
Three days after the battle, runners bring news that Dallach has become Alderman of Rosedale after subduing the runaways.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Kinship
The Folk-mote exemplifies communal decision-making and the forging of bonds between Burgdalers, Shepherds, and the Wolf people through gift-giving and shared purpose.
Honor and Oath-Keeping
Fox of Upton's refusal of gifts and Stone-face's argument about divine anger highlight the importance of honor and proper conduct between allies.
New Beginning in Silverdale
The chapter focuses on the establishment of a new order in Silverdale, with the Woodlanders choosing a life in the woods and the Dale being prepared for future peace and trade.
Characters to notice
- Dallach
Becomes Alderman of Rosedale after slaying many runaways and subduing the Dale.
- Folk-might
Speaks at the Folk-mote, offers gifts to the departing host, and sends messengers to the Plain and Cities.
- Stone-face
Advises Folk-might to send messengers, and persuades the Burgdalers to accept gifts from Silverdale.
- Fox of Upton
Rises to refuse the gifts on behalf of the Burgdalers, stating they fought for peace and friendship.
- Face-of-god
Implied as War-leader who sets the departure day for the Host.
Key passages
“In all wise had he thriven, and had slain many of the runaways, and had come happily to Rosedale: therein by the mere shaking of their swords had they all their will; for there were but a few of the Dusky Warriors in the Dale, since the more part had fared to the slaughter in Silverstead.”
Dallach succeeded completely, killing many fugitives and reaching Rosedale, where the mere threat of force gave them full control because most Dusky Warriors had already died in Silverstead.
Summarizes Dallach's swift victory and the ease of taking Rosedale.
“For especially the women of the Dale, of whom many were very goodly, hankered after the fair-faced tall Burgdalers, and were as kind to them as might be.”
Many attractive women of the Dale were drawn to the handsome, tall Burgdale men and treated them with great affection.
Explains the allure of Silverdale for some Burgdalers.
“And good for Silverdale was their abiding there, since they became a sure defence and stout outpost against all foemen.”
The Woodlanders' presence in the woods proved beneficial for Silverdale, as they formed a reliable defensive outpost against enemies.
Highlights the strategic value of the Woodlanders' chosen lifestyle.
“But we have no will to go back home again made rich with your wealth; this hath been far from our thought in this matter.”
We do not wish to return home enriched by your treasures; that was never our intention in this campaign.
Fox of Upton's refusal of gifts on principle.
“For surely, as saith Folk-might, henceforth the wood shall become a road betwixt us, and the thicket a halting-place for friends bearing goodwill in their hands.”
As Folk-might said, from now on the forest will be a path connecting us, and the brush a resting spot for friends carrying goodwill.
Stone-face's vision of future friendship and connection between the peoples.
