XLIII: They Come to the Edge of the Wood Masterless explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Separation and Longing

  Osberne's deep sorrow and longing for Elfhild drive him to seek service with Sir Godrick, hoping for tidings of her.

• Heroism and Growth

  Osberne grows as a warrior and storyteller, and Sir Godrick advises that deeds of valor may ease his sorrow.

• Community and Kinship

  The company finds rest and fellowship at Woodneb, with minstrelsy and tale-telling strengthening bonds.

Characters to notice

• Osberne Wulfgrimsson

  Arrives at Woodneb with Sir Godrick; tells tales of his homeland and confides his sorrow over Elfhild's disappearance to Sir Godrick.

• Sir Godrick

  Leads the company to Woodneb; reveals his banner bears a White Hart; comforts Osberne and advises him on his search for Elfhild.

• Edward the Brown

  Captain of Woodneb; described as short, thick, sturdy, with small brown eyes and a bear-like appearance; a valiant and trusty man.

• Elfhild

  Mentioned in Osberne's tale; he fears she was carried off by the Red Skinners across the Sundering Flood.

Key passages

• “Now when they went on thence, they came within two days into a country all broken up into little hills and ridges, and beset with scraggy shaws, wherein were but few men and fewer dwellings, and the men either hunters or herders of neat, well-nigh wild, and this lasted them for three days more;”

  After two days of travel, they entered a rugged landscape of small hills and sparse woods, inhabited by few people—mostly hunters or near-wild cattle herders—and this continued for three more days.

  Describes the desolate terrain leading to Woodneb.

• “So presently the gates were thrown open, and folk gaily clad and armed came forth to meet their lord and his new men, and before them went Edward the Brown, a short thick man, but very sturdy-looking, his hair cut short to his head; small brown eyes had he and short nose, so that he looked somewhat like a bear; but a valiant man he was, and a trusty.”

  The gates opened and people in bright clothes and armor came out to greet their lord and his new followers, led by Edward the Brown, a short, stocky, bear-like man with a crew cut, small brown eyes, and a short nose—brave and reliable.

  Introduces Edward the Brown and the welcoming scene at Woodneb.

• “Now further, although the Red Skinners be worse than any man else, they are not so bad as the Black. That is, they are more like men and less like wolves standing upright: to wit, they waste not and destroy not everything forthright, but keep it to make some gain thereof.”

  The Red Skinners, though terrible, are less savage than the Black Skinners; they act more like men than wolves, sparing captives to sell as slaves rather than killing everyone outright.

  Sir Godrick explains the difference between the two Skinner tribes.

• “Poor lad, and this was the cause then that made thee so eager to take service along with me! Well, thou hast done wisely; for first, thou hast got thee a faithful friend; and next, if thou never amendest it nor settest eyes on the maiden again, yet surely the doing of deeds shall ease thy sorrow, till at last it shall be scarce a sorrow to thee, but a tale of the past.”

  Sir Godrick tells Osberne that his eagerness to join was wise: he has gained a loyal friend, and even if he never finds Elfhild, brave deeds will gradually turn his grief into a distant memory.

  Sir Godrick comforts Osberne after hearing his story.