# VII: Birdalone Cometh to Greenford, and Hears of the Wasting of the Castle of the Quest explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles

> Chapter companion for The Water of the Wondrous Isles by William Morris.

## What happens

Birdalone arrives in Greenford disguised as a squire and learns from townsmen and chapmen that the Castle of the Quest has been abandoned and that Arthur the Black Squire left the Red Hold three and a half years ago, possibly entering religion. She resolves to go to the Castle of the Quest despite the uncanny reports.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journey and Quest

Birdalone continues her journey, now seeking news of the Castle of the Quest and Arthur, facing uncertainty and the need to adapt her quest.

### Identity and Transformation

Birdalone maintains her disguise as a squire, navigating social interactions while concealing her true identity and emotions.

## Character check-ins

### Birdalone

Disguised as a squire, she arrives in Greenford and questions the townsmen about the Castle of the Quest and Arthur.

### Arthur the Black Squire

Mentioned as having been captain of the Red Hold, then departed alone three and a half years ago; possibly entered religion.

### Hugh the Green Knight

Mentioned as having left the Castle of the Quest three months after Arthur became captain, returning to his own country.

### Geoffrey of Lea

Mentioned as having taken over the Castle of the Quest after Hugh left, but soon departed as well.

### Master Peter

A chapman in the hall who speaks jovially of the Red Hold and the thriving land.

## Key lines

> Sir of the sallet, ye shall be content with the peace in this land, and the thriving of its folk; the very villeins hereabout live as well as franklins in most lands, and the yeomen and vavassours are clad as if they were knights of a good lord's household.

The townsman assures Birdalone that the land is peaceful and prosperous, with even the lowest classes living well.

_This dialogue establishes the current state of the region and contrasts with the earlier unrest._

> Waste is that house now; there is none dwelleth there, save, it may be, now and again a wandering carle or carline abideth there a day or two.

The Castle of the Quest is abandoned and only occasionally used by vagrants.

_This revelation shocks Birdalone and forces her to reconsider her plans._

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se
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