The Sundering Flood · Chapter
They Joust with the Knight of the Fish explained
Sir Godrick and Osberne encounter the Knight of the Fish, who enforces a custom of jousting all armed companies over a half score.
What happens
Sir Godrick and Osberne encounter the Knight of the Fish, who enforces a custom of jousting all armed companies over a half score. Despite Sir Godrick's anger, they participate; Osberne wounds the opposing champion severely, and Sir Godrick unseats the Knight twice. After the jousts, the Knight of the Fish invites them to drink, but they decline, parting on good terms.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Growth
Osberne demonstrates growing martial skill and composure, wounding the champion while choosing not to draw Boardcleaver.
Community and Kinship
Sir Godrick and Osberne act as a cohesive unit, with Sir Godrick showing protective concern and Osberne affirming his commitment.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Jousts against the tall champion of the Fish, wounding him grievously with a spear thrust.
- Sir Godrick
Leads the company, angrily accepts the joust, unseats the Knight of the Fish twice, and later softens.
- The Red Lad
Referred to by Sir Godrick as 'Red Lad'; Osberne is addressed by this alias during the joust.
Key passages
“This is an evil custom, said Sir Godrick, and sorts but little with mine errand, for I have overmuch bitter earnest on hand to play at battle.”
Sir Godrick calls the jousting custom wicked and says it interferes with his serious mission.
Sir Godrick expresses frustration at the delay caused by the Knight of the Fish's tradition.
“Short is the story of this course; for Sir Godrick and the Fish brake their spears, but in such wise that the Castle-knight lost his stirrups, and it went but a little but that he fell to field.”
The joust was brief: both broke their spears, but the Knight of the Fish lost his stirrups and nearly fell.
Describes the first joust between Sir Godrick and the Knight of the Fish.
“Osberne, who must needs let his spear fall, took a short ax from his saddlebow (for he would not draw Boardcleaver) and abode what was to do.”
Osberne dropped his spear, grabbed a short ax from his saddle, and waited, choosing not to use his sword Boardcleaver.
Osberne prepares for further combat but refrains from drawing his named sword.