The Sundering Flood · Chapter
LXIV: The Carline Endeth Her Tale explained
The Carline and Elfhild, having stayed at a guesthouse, seek passage across the Sundering Flood to draw near to the Knight of Longshaw and his new champion.
What happens
The Carline and Elfhild, having stayed at a guesthouse, seek passage across the Sundering Flood to draw near to the Knight of Longshaw and his new champion. Through a generous offering to a monastery, they gain the Sub-prior's aid, who arranges their crossing and guides through the Wood Masterless. The Carline reveals Elfhild's story of longing for her champion across the river, and they settle in a dwelling near Longshaw. The Carline eventually waylays the champion, leading to a reunion where the two are sealed for one another.
Themes in this chapter
Separation and Longing
Elfhild's tale of speaking across the Sundering Flood and her pining for her champion underscores the pain of separation and the hope of reunion.
Love and Sacrifice
Elfhild's unwavering devotion to her champion and the Carline's sacrifices to bring them together highlight the theme of love enduring through trials.
Fate and Destiny
The Carline and Elfhild believe in a 'weird' or fortune that will bring them to their destined reunion, emphasizing the role of fate in their journey.
Characters to notice
- Elfhild
The Maiden who longs for her champion; she travels with the Carline and shares her story of speaking across the Sundering Flood.
- The Carline
The wise foster-mother who orchestrates their journey, negotiates with the Sub-prior, and eventually brings the champion to Elfhild.
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
The champion of the Knight of Longshaw, who is sought by Elfhild and is eventually reunited with her through the Carline's planning.
- Sir Godrick
The Knight of Longshaw, mentioned as the one who overthrew the League of the Barons and who has a new champion.
Key passages
“And in very sooth she began to peak and pine, and the Carline took her to task therefor, and said that she herself would try to set this right.”
Elfhild started to grow pale and languish from longing, and the Carline scolded her, promising to remedy the situation.
Shows Elfhild's physical decline due to separation and the Carline's proactive role.
“And there, whether it were by her planning or by mere chance-hap may scarce be told, but such a thing befell that the wrath of the champion blazed out in him, so that for some few minutes he might scarce tell what was before him. And then it was all over, and they two were sealed for one another for what yet abided them on the earth.”
Whether by the Carline's design or by accident, the champion's anger flared briefly, and then he and Elfhild were united forever.
Climactic reunion of Osberne and Elfhild, resolving their long separation.