# LX: The Blue Knight Gathers Men and Departs from Brookside explained — The Sundering Flood

> Chapter companion for The Sundering Flood by William Morris.

## What happens

The Blue Knight, Sir Mark, gathers his men for the Barons' League hosting and departs at sunrise from Brookside. He bids farewell to the Maiden, advising her to flee to the Grey Sisters if he falls, fearing his mother's pride and malice. The Maiden and the Carline watch the array depart, leaving them in sorrow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Separation and Longing

The Maiden's sorrow at the Blue Knight's departure and the empty days ahead underscore the theme of separation and longing.

### Love and Sacrifice

The Blue Knight's farewell and his provision for the Maiden's safety if he falls reflect love and the sacrifice of personal desire for duty.

## Character check-ins

### The Blue Knight

Sir Mark gathers men and departs for war, bidding farewell to the Maiden and advising her to seek refuge with the Grey Sisters if he dies.

### Elfhild

The Maiden sorrows at the Blue Knight's departure, having prepared for it but feeling the loss of her friend.

### The Carline

The Carline stands with the Maiden, sharing unspoken thoughts about the Blue Knight's mother's potential malice.

### Roland

Roland, one of the young squires, bears the wavy banner and shakes it loose as the company departs.

## Key lines

> Mighty was the hubbub and toil of their getting ready; but when the morning was come all was in good order, and the men and their wains and whatnot were all drawn up in array down on the little plain before the bridge, and they looked as if nothing might overthrow them, so stalwart they were each man, and so well learned to move as though they were one.

The preparation was chaotic and laborious, but by morning everything was perfectly arranged. The men and their wagons were assembled on the plain before the bridge, appearing invincible in their strength and unity.

_Describes the disciplined organization of the Blue Knight's forces before departure._

> Then he turned and went, but came back in a twinkling while she still stood at the door, and said to her: 'I tell thee it needeth but a little but that I should do off this weed of war and abide at home while my men wend to battle.'

He left but quickly returned, confessing that he was tempted to remove his armor and stay home while his men went to fight.

_Reveals the Blue Knight's emotional struggle between duty and his attachment to the Maiden._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/lx-the-blue-knight-gathers-men-and-departs-from-brookside
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters