# XXVIII: The Men of Burgdale Meet the Runaways explained — The Roots of the Mountains

> Chapter companion for The Roots of the Mountains by William Morris.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Liberation

The chapter details the oppression of the Dusky Men and the runaways' desperate flight, setting the stage for liberation.

### Community and Kinship

The Burgdale men provide aid and shelter to the runaways, showing bonds of kinship across dales.

## Character check-ins

### Face-of-god

Leads the Burgdale men, questions the runaways, and scouts the area with Stone-face.

### Dallach

Guides the party, leaves to find more runaways, and advises caution about fires.

### Stone-face

Accompanies Face-of-god to scout from the burg and comments on the smoke from Rosedale.

## Key lines

> I have been the bed-thrall of one of the chieftains of the Dusky Men, at whose house many of their great men would assemble, so that ye may ask me whatso ye will; as I have heard much talk and may call it to mind.

The woman explains she was a thrall to a Dusky chief and overheard their plans, offering to share what she knows.

_The woman's testimony reveals her unique position to provide intelligence on the enemy._

> Nay, earl, said he, that shall not be. For wot ye what? If they were to see me in company of a man-at-arms they would deem that I was bringing the foe upon them, and would flee, or mayhappen would fall upon us.

Dallach refuses Face-of-god's offer to accompany him, fearing the runaways would mistake him for an enemy.

_Dallach's caution highlights the deep mistrust and fear among the thralls._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters/xxviii-the-men-of-burgdale-meet-the-runaways
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roots_of_the_mountains_se/chapters