# XIII: Birdalone Bethinks Her to Fulfil the Promise Made Unto Atra explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles

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

## What happens

Birdalone resolves to leave the castle to fulfill her promise to Atra, despite the pleas of Viridis and the others. She arranges for an escort to Greenford, planning to earn her living by her crafts. Atra watches her closely but says little, while news arrives of the siege and Arthur's injury, deepening Birdalone's resolve to depart before his return.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Autonomy

Birdalone actively chooses to leave the castle and forge her own path, despite emotional ties and the wishes of her friends.

### Love and Desire

Birdalone's fear of her own desire for Arthur and her promise to Atra drive the central conflict of the chapter.

### Identity and Transformation

Birdalone plans to support herself through her skills in script and broidery, redefining her identity outside the fellowship.

## Character check-ins

### Birdalone

Decides to leave the castle to keep her promise to Atra, fearing she cannot resist Arthur's love if he returns.

### Viridis

Pleads with Birdalone to stay, but ultimately helps her arrange the departure.

### Atra

Watches Birdalone closely, pines for the siege to end, and swoons upon hearing of Arthur's injury.

### Aurea

Laments Birdalone's departure but does not try to stop her, being listless since her man's death.

### Arthur the Black Squire

Is wounded in the shoulder during an assault on the Red Hold, but sends word forbidding the ladies to worry.

### Geoffrey of Lea

Agrees to provide an escort for Birdalone to Greenford, trusting the ladies' decision.

## Key lines

> I must depart, and Atra hath smitten me amidst of my friends.

Birdalone feels compelled to leave, as Atra's influence has isolated her even among her companions.

_Birdalone expresses her sense of being forced out by Atra's expectations._

> I am now deft in two crafts, script and broidery to wit; and, wheresoever I be, folk shall pay me to work herein for them, whereby I shall earn my bread.

Birdalone plans to support herself by offering her skills in writing and embroidery.

_Birdalone asserts her independence and practical resourcefulness._

> When my love comes home hither and beholdeth me, think thou how all the desire which has been gathering in his heart this while will blossom and break forth toward me.

Birdalone fears that Arthur's pent-up longing will overwhelm them both if he returns.

_Birdalone articulates her fear of succumbing to Arthur's passion._

## Links

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