The Roots of the Mountains · Chapter
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 explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Kinship
The kindreds speak in unison, choosing Face-of-god and the Wolf folk, and the brotherhood is sealed with shouts and a feast.
War and Liberation
The decision to meet the foe abroad and the alliance with the Wolf folk are steps toward liberation from the threat of invasion.
Honor and Oath-Keeping
The Alderman declares that they do not seek the strong and thrust aside the weak, but choose friends of like mind, and the brotherhood is sworn to endure forever.
Characters to notice
- Iron-face
The Alderman who calls the Folk-mote to decide on war, fellowship, and leadership.
- Face-of-god
Chosen as War-leader by all the kindreds.
- Folk-might
Tells the tale of the Wolf folk's origins and their fall, and speaks of brotherhood.
- Stone-face
Speaks for the House of the Face, affirming Face-of-god as War-leader.
- Hall-face
Old Hall-ward of the House of the Steer speaks first, urging war and naming Face-of-god as leader.
- Fox of Upton
Speaks for the House of the Bull, supporting the strangers and Face-of-god.
Key passages
“Now therefore I will not ask you whether ye will have peace or war; for with these foemen ye may have peace no otherwise save by war.”
The Alderman declares that peace is impossible without war, so the only question is how to wage it.
Sets the tone for the war council.
“We know no better War-leader than Face-of-god of the House of the Face. Let him lead us.”
Hall-ward nominates Face-of-god as the unanimous choice for war leader.
First of many endorsements for Face-of-god.
“From henceforth then there is brotherhood between us; we are yours, and ye are ours; and let this endure forever!”
The Alderman formally declares an eternal alliance between the Dalesmen and the Wolf folk.
Seals the fellowship.