The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Chapter
X: The Champions Go Their Ways in the Sending Boat explained
At sunrise, the three Champions—Sir Baudoin, Hugh the Green Knight, and Arthur the Black Squire—load the Sending Boat with provisions and weapons, following Birdalone's instructions.
What happens
At sunrise, the three Champions—Sir Baudoin, Hugh the Green Knight, and Arthur the Black Squire—load the Sending Boat with provisions and weapons, following Birdalone's instructions. Birdalone, dressed plainly and barefoot, warns them again of the perils of the Isles, especially the wiles of the Isle of Nothing and the witch. She advises them to seek counsel from Atra before attacking the witch. After farewells—Baudoin kisses her paternally, Hugh kisses her cheeks, and Arthur kneels to kiss her feet—the Champions perform the blood ritual and speak the spell, causing the boat to speed northward. Birdalone watches until the boat vanishes, then returns to her chamber, where she collapses in a swoon from the emotional weight of the parting.
Themes in this chapter
Journey and Quest
The Champions depart on their quest to the Isle of Increase Unsought, using the Sending Boat and following Birdalone's guidance, marking a pivotal step in the overarching adventure.
Love and Desire
The farewell scene is charged with unspoken emotion, especially Arthur's kneeling to kiss Birdalone's feet and her physical collapse afterward, highlighting deep but restrained romantic feelings.
Female Agency and Autonomy
Birdalone takes an active role in directing the Champions' strategy, advising them to seek Atra's counsel and warning them of dangers, asserting her knowledge and influence despite her sorrow.
Characters to notice
- Birdalone
Dressed in a strait black coat with unshod feet, she bids farewell to the Champions, giving final warnings and advice. After they depart, she watches the boat until it disappears, then returns to her chamber and swoons from sorrow.
- Hugh the Green Knight
Proposes a direct attack on the witch, but is counseled by Birdalone to seek Atra's advice first. He kisses Birdalone's cheeks in farewell.
- Arthur the Black Squire
Advises caution, noting that killing the witch might lose the secret of the prison. He kneels and kisses Birdalone's feet in a silent, emotional farewell.
- Sir Baudoin
Acknowledges Birdalone's wisdom and kisses her forehead like a father before boarding the boat.
- Atra
Mentioned by Birdalone as the one who knows most about the Isle of Increase Unsought and its guiles, and who should be consulted before attacking the witch.
Key passages
“By my rede ye shall seek and find your speech-friends ere ye make open war upon the witch; else may her malice destroy them ere ye undo her.”
Birdalone advises the Champions to first locate and communicate with their allies before attacking the witch, lest she kill the prisoners in retaliation.
Birdalone's strategic counsel emphasizes caution and the priority of rescuing the captives.
“Came he then to Birdalone and took his two hands about her head, and lifted her face unto him, and kissed it kindly, as a father might kiss a daughter, and said: Farewell, dear child...”
Sir Baudoin gently cradles Birdalone's face and gives her a paternal kiss on the forehead, bidding her farewell.
Baudoin's farewell is tender and fatherly, contrasting with the more romantic gestures of the other Champions.
“Lastly came Arthur, and stood before her a little; and then he knelt down on the stones before her and kissed her feet many times, and she shuddered and caught her breath as they felt his kisses; but neither he nor she spake a word...”
Arthur kneels and repeatedly kisses Birdalone's feet in a wordless, intense farewell, causing her to tremble.
Arthur's gesture is deeply intimate and reverent, conveying unspoken love and devotion.
