The Sundering Flood · Chapter
LIX: Tidings of Longshaw and of the Hosting of the Barons’ League explained
At the Michaelmas market, the Carline gathers intelligence about Sir Godrick of Longshaw's rising power and the Barons' League forming against him.
What happens
At the Michaelmas market, the Carline gathers intelligence about Sir Godrick of Longshaw's rising power and the Barons' League forming against him. She learns that Sir Godrick has a new young captain, rumored to be wise and lucky. Later, a knight-messenger invites the Blue Knight to join the League's hosting. The Blue Knight confides in Elfhild his doubts about the League's chances, and mentions the young captain—whom Elfhild suspects may be Osberne.
Themes in this chapter
Separation and Longing
Elfhild's hope that the young captain is Osberne underscores her longing for him amid the looming conflict.
Community and Kinship
The Carline's network of informants and the Blue Knight's candid talk with Elfhild highlight bonds of trust and alliance.
Fate and Destiny
The Blue Knight's foreboding about the war and his sense of an inevitable champion reflect themes of fate.
Characters to notice
- The Carline
Gathers intelligence at the Michaelmas market, using gems from Elfhild's dwarf-given collar to fund her inquiries.
- Elfhild
Consents to the Carline selling gems from her collar; later speaks with the Blue Knight about the coming war and is stirred by news of the young captain.
- The Blue Knight
Receives the League's summons, expresses doubt about victory, and shares news of Sir Godrick's new captain with Elfhild.
- Sir Godrick
Mentioned as the Knight of Longshaw, whose deeds and pride have provoked the Barons' League; he has gained a new young captain.
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Implied as the young captain serving Sir Godrick, described as tall, strong, wise, and lucky; Elfhild suspects he is her beloved.
Key passages
“And she had wherewithal to buy wares of likely chapmen, and to treat men-at-arms and others to wine and banquet. For she had brought away with her a marvellous collar of gems, which the Maiden owned, and which, as she said, was the gift of the Dwarfs; and the Maiden consenting thereto, the Carline had sold three gems from the said collar, so that they lacked not money.”
The Carline had funds from selling three gems from Elfhild's dwarf-given collar, which she used to buy goods and entertain people at the market.
Shows the Carline's resourcefulness and the value of Elfhild's heirloom.
“And by all I could see and hear, for I was dwelling seven days at Longshaw, he will be the right hand of Sir Godrick, and that means that the Knight deems of him as no mere man-at-arms, but a wise man also.”
A traveler reports that the young captain is not just a fighter but a wise counselor, trusted by Sir Godrick as his right hand.
Highlights the young captain's reputation and importance.
“The Maiden still kept silence, but she flushed very red and her eyes glittered; for her heart was smitten by this tale of the young champion, and the thought sprang up suddenly, Who then can this be save mine own beloved?”
Elfhild, hearing of the young champion, blushes and feels certain it is her beloved Osberne.
Reveals Elfhild's emotional connection and hope.