The Sundering Flood · Chapter
The Baron of Deepdale Makes Peace explained
The war concludes as the Baron of Deepdale signs a peace treaty, yielding to the Porte of Eastcheaping and paying ransom.
What happens
The war concludes as the Baron of Deepdale signs a peace treaty, yielding to the Porte of Eastcheaping and paying ransom. The Dalesmen, including Osberne and Stephen the Eater, are released from service and receive gifts. Stephen is given a white ox by the Butchers' guild, which he vows never to slay. Osberne accepts only a fine armor from the spoils, refusing knighthood from Sir Medard, who pledges his friendship. The Dalesmen depart Eastcheaping amid cheers and flowers, having lost forty-two men but gained sixteen replacements.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Kinship
The Dalesmen are celebrated and rewarded by the townsfolk of Eastcheaping, highlighting the bonds formed through shared struggle and mutual gratitude.
Heroism and Growth
Osberne's refusal of knighthood and his humble aspirations reflect his personal growth and steadfastness, while his deeds earn him widespread admiration.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Refuses knighthood from Sir Medard, accepts only a suit of armor from the spoils, and expresses his desire to live and die in the Dale.
- Stephen the Eater
Receives a gilded white ox from the Butchers' guild, which he vows never to slay, keeping it as a token of friendship.
- Sir Medard
Offers to dub Osberne a knight and pledges lifelong friendship and aid, parting with great affection.
- The Baron of Deepdale
Signs the peace deed, yields to Eastcheaping, and pays ransom for his release, departing in a tolerable mood.
Key passages
“So now the war was over, for the next day the Baron of Deepdale signed the deed of peace which gave up to the Porte of Eastcheaping all that for which they had withstood him; and withal some deal of ransom he had to pay for his own body”
The conflict ended when the Baron of Deepdale agreed to a peace treaty, surrendering to Eastcheaping's demands and paying a ransom for his release.
Describes the formal conclusion of the war and the Baron's submission.
“But gifts were given them largely, over and above their war-pay, and to Osberne and Stephen the Eater in especial.”
The Dalesmen received generous gifts beyond their wages, particularly Osberne and Stephen.
Highlights the special recognition given to the two heroes.
“All loved him, but Sir Medard in especial, who had fain dubbed him knight; but Osberne would not, and said that such had been no wont of his fathers before him; and he looked never to go very far from the Dale and for no long while.”
Everyone admired Osberne, especially Sir Medard, who wished to knight him, but Osberne declined, citing his family's tradition and his desire to remain near the Dale.
Shows Osberne's humility and attachment to his homeland.