# XL: Osberne Rides with Sir Godrick explained — The Sundering Flood > Chapter companion for The Sundering Flood by William Morris. ## What happens Osberne tarries at Eastcheaping for half a month while Sir Godrick gathers men, then they depart with a score and five. They pass through the lands of the Baron of Deepdale, who feasts them and gives Osberne gifts, showing no enmity. They travel south through peaceful country, then enter a forest and later a valley where they meet David of Riverlease, who provides ten more men. Continuing, they encounter a hostile town where Osberne saves Sir Godrick by shooting a crossbowman. They take refuge in the hills, then pass through a plain where they trade peacefully, and finally enter a cheaping-town where they rest warily. ## Themes in this chapter ### Community and Kinship David of Riverlease offers men and refuge, treating Sir Godrick and his company with yeomanly hospitality, reminiscent of Wethermel. ### Heroism and Growth Osberne's quick thinking and archery save Sir Godrick, demonstrating his growth as a warrior and his value to the company. ## Character check-ins ### Osberne Wulfgrimsson Rides with Sir Godrick, demonstrates keen eyesight and skill with his dwarf-wrought bow, saves Sir Godrick from a crossbowman. ### Sir Godrick Leads the company, gathers men, negotiates passage, and acknowledges Osberne's wisdom after the crossbow incident. ### Sir Medard Takes a kind leave of Osberne at Eastcheaping. ### The Baron of Deepdale Feasts the company, recognizes Osberne as the Red Lad who carried him off, gives him gifts, and shows no grudge. ### The Red Lad Osberne is referred to by this alias; he is praised for his archery and quick action. ### King David the little Old master of Riverlease, provides ten men to Sir Godrick and offers refuge if needed. ## Key lines > Sir Knight, if thou wouldst have any man-stealing done thou art in the luck of it, for this youngling is a past-master in the craft. The Baron jokingly tells Sir Godrick that Osberne is an expert at kidnapping, referring to the earlier incident. _The Baron acknowledges Osberne's role in his capture without malice._ > Red Lad, Red Lad, a sharp shaft is somewhat of a fierce answer to a rough word. Next time let them shoot ere ye shoot. Sir Godrick advises Osberne to let the enemy shoot first before retaliating. _Sir Godrick initially criticizes Osberne's preemptive strike but later thanks him._ > Nay, lord, had I waited this time thou might'st have come by a knock from yonder carle's quarrel. Osberne explains that if he had waited, Sir Godrick would have been hit by the crossbow bolt. _Osberne justifies his quick action, showing his foresight._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters/xl-osberne-rides-with-sir-godrick - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/chapters