The Sundering Flood · Chapter
XXXIX: Osberne Gets Him a New Master explained
Osberne rides to Eastcheaping and seeks out Sir Medard, who introduces him to Sir Godrick of Longshaw.
What happens
Osberne rides to Eastcheaping and seeks out Sir Medard, who introduces him to Sir Godrick of Longshaw. After a series of probing questions about Godrick's character, his stance on justice, and his treatment of the poor and outlaws, Osberne decides to become his man, swearing fealty to him.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Growth
Osberne demonstrates maturity by carefully choosing his lord based on moral character and justice, not mere reputation.
Social Justice and Rebellion
Sir Godrick's passionate support for the uprising of the Lesser Crafts and his condemnation of burning innocents highlight themes of righteous rebellion and justice.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Osberne arrives at Eastcheaping and seeks Sir Medard, then questions Sir Godrick closely before swearing fealty.
- Sir Medard
Sir Medard welcomes Osberne warmly and introduces him to Sir Godrick, acting as a bridge between them.
- Sir Godrick
Sir Godrick is a tall, strong knight of Longshaw who answers Osberne's questions about his cause and accepts Osberne as his man.
Key passages
“Sir Godrick looked downright and hard at Osberne, and said: 'If Sir Medard speaketh not by way of jest, thou hast begun early, young man, and I wish thee joy thereof.'”
Sir Godrick stared intently at Osberne and remarked that if Medard wasn't joking, the young man had started his fighting career very young, and he wished him well.
Godrick's initial skepticism about Osberne's youth and prowess.
“Said Osberne: 'It is in my mind that from henceforth for a while my days should pass in some land that is far hence, that is, from mine own place, and rather to the south than the north.'”
Osberne explained that he wanted to spend some time in a distant land, far from his home, preferably to the south.
Osberne expresses his desire to leave his homeland and seek adventure elsewhere.
“Stood up Sir Godrick therewith and was very wroth. Said he: 'If these good fellows of the Lesser Crafts rise against their lords and send to me, then if they have gotten to them so much as the littlest of the city gates, or if it be but a dromond on the river, then will I go to them with all mine and leave house and lands behind, that we may battle it out side by side to live or die together.'”
Sir Godrick stood up angrily and declared that if the craftsmen rose up and managed to seize even the smallest gate or a single ship, he would join them with all his forces, abandoning his home and lands to fight alongside them to the death.
Godrick's passionate commitment to supporting a popular uprising against the city's rulers.