The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Chapter
III: Now Would Birdalone Ride Abroad explained
Birdalone, restless and longing for her speech-friend, tries to occupy herself with lessons and embroidery but is consumed by worry over the delayed return of the champions.
What happens
Birdalone, restless and longing for her speech-friend, tries to occupy herself with lessons and embroidery but is consumed by worry over the delayed return of the champions. She asks the castellan, Sir Aymeris, for permission to ride out alone for solace, but he insists on armed escort for her safety. After a tense exchange, she submits to his authority, thanks him for his care, and leaves him smitten with love for her.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Autonomy
Birdalone asserts her desire to ride out alone, but is ultimately overruled by Sir Aymeris, highlighting the tension between her will and the constraints placed upon her.
Love and Desire
Birdalone's longing for her speech-friend and Sir Aymeris's infatuation with Birdalone both illustrate themes of love and desire.
Characters to notice
- Birdalone
Birdalone is restless and longing, seeking solace in lessons and the outdoors, but is constrained by the castellan's protective measures.
- Sir Aymeris
Sir Aymeris, the castellan, is devoted to Birdalone's safety, refusing to let her ride unescorted despite her wishes, and is deeply smitten by her.
- Leonard
The priest Leonard teaches Birdalone writing, finding both pleasure and torment in being near her.
Key passages
“For in such teaching needs must he sit full nigh to her, and watch her hands, and her fingers striving to shape the letters; nay, whiles must he touch her hand with his, and hold it. Wherefore now he promised himself a taste of Paradise.”
The priest Leonard eagerly anticipates the intimate closeness required to teach Birdalone writing, hoping for a foretaste of bliss.
Leonard's romantic longing for Birdalone is evident in his eagerness to teach her.
“But bear in mind, fair lord, how once on a time thou wouldst have me out-a-gates, would I, would I not, and now, will I, will I not, thou wouldst keep me within; so have times changed, and mayhappen they may change yet again.”
Birdalone reminds Sir Aymeris that he once wanted her to leave, but now insists she stay, suggesting that circumstances may shift again.
Birdalone playfully but pointedly notes the reversal in Sir Aymeris's attitude toward her freedom.