The Sundering Flood · Chapter
Osberne Seeks Counsel of Steelhead explained
Osberne, still sorrowful after the battle, seeks counsel from Steelhead in the dale where they first met.
What happens
Osberne, still sorrowful after the battle, seeks counsel from Steelhead in the dale where they first met. Steelhead advises him that he must either forget his longing for Elfhild or leave the Dale to wander the world. Osberne chooses to depart after the Midsummer Feast, planning to go alone to Eastcheaping to find Sir Medard. Steelhead gives him hope that his feet and Elfhild's may yet draw together, and promises that he will never lack hope as long as he has deeds to do.
Themes in this chapter
Separation and Longing
Osberne's persistent sorrow and longing for Elfhild, and Steelhead's counsel to either forget or wander.
Heroism and Growth
Osberne's resolve to leave his home and seek deeds in the world, showing his growth and courage.
Fate and Destiny
Steelhead's promise that there is a way where Osberne and Elfhild's feet may draw together, and the theme of wandering as a means to bridge the Sundering Flood.
Characters to notice
- Osberne Wulfgrimsson
Seeks counsel from Steelhead, still sorrowful over the battle and longing for Elfhild; decides to leave Wethermel after Midsummer.
- Steelhead
Meets Osberne in the dale, offers counsel and hope, advises him to either forget his love or wander the world.
- Stephen the Eater
Osberne talks with him often; Stephen is recovering from his hurts and is thought to possess hidden lore.
- Elfhild
Osberne longs for her and has no tidings; Steelhead speaks of hope that their paths may meet.
- Sir Medard
Osberne plans to ride to Eastcheaping to find him after the Midsummer Feast.
Key passages
“I will not be healed in this way. For do I not know that she also is wrapped in sorrow and tormented by longing. Shall I leave her, therefore, as the dastard leaves a wounded friend before the oncoming foeman?”
Osberne refuses to forget Elfhild, arguing that abandoning her in her grief would be cowardly.
Osberne's loyalty and refusal to forsake Elfhild despite his own pain.
“that never shalt thou lack hope so long as thou hast deeds to do.”
Steelhead assures Osberne that as long as he acts, hope will remain with him.
Steelhead's wisdom linking action to the preservation of hope.
“I would take no part of Wethermel with me, lest I soften towards the Dale, and turn back some fair day of summer and fall to nursing my sorrow therein.”
Osberne decides to travel alone, fearing that taking anything from home would weaken his resolve.
Osberne's determination to leave completely to avoid being drawn back by nostalgia.