The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
How Ralph Departed from the Burg of the Four Friths explained
Ralph is awakened by Roger and warned of imminent danger.
What happens
Ralph is awakened by Roger and warned of imminent danger. They flee the Burg through a postern gate, aided by a group of men including a tall man and a slender youth. After a brief skirmish with guards from a grange, they meet a larger company of armed men in white armor. Ralph is offered a horse and the choice to join them or go his own way with Roger, suspecting they are men of the Dry Tree.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Wandering
Ralph is forced to leave the Burg abruptly, continuing his journey into unknown and perilous lands.
Social Hierarchy and Freedom
Ralph's choice to go with Roger rather than join the armed company reflects his desire to maintain autonomy despite being caught in a web of allegiances.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Awakened by Roger and flees the Burg; offered a horse and the choice to join the company or depart with Roger.
- Roger
Wakes Ralph and leads him out of the Burg; later offers to accompany Ralph on his road.
- Richard the Red
Mentioned among the men called out from the grange during the skirmish.
- Bull Shockhead
Implied as the tall man who speaks to Ralph and is recognized as the man from the churchyard gate.
- The Lady of Abundance
Implied as the slender youth who walks apart and speaks softly with the tall man.
Key passages
“Himseemed he had scarce been asleep a minute ere he awoke with a sound of someone saying softly, 'Master, master, awake!'”
He felt he had barely fallen asleep when he was roused by a soft voice calling, 'Master, master, wake up!'
Ralph is abruptly awakened from sleep.
“I am thy fellow-farer, Roger, and this thou hast to do, get on thy raiment speedily, and take thy weapons without noise, if thou wouldst not be in the prison of the Burg before sunrise.”
I am your traveling companion, Roger. You must dress quickly and gather your weapons silently, or you will be in the Burg's prison by dawn.
Roger warns Ralph of imminent danger and urges a swift, quiet departure.
“He is a fair young knight, as ye may see; and he rideth seeking adventures, and Roger did us to wit that he was abiding in the Burg at his peril, and would have him away, even if it were somewhat against his will.”
He is a handsome young knight, as you can see, and he travels in search of adventures. Roger informed us that he was staying in the Burg in danger, and wanted him taken away, even if a bit against his wishes.
The tall man explains Ralph's situation to the company.
“Since ye give me the choice, I will take the horse and Roger, and go my ways, thanking you for your good will.”
Since you offer me a choice, I will accept the horse and Roger, and go on my own path, grateful for your kindness.
Ralph chooses to depart with Roger rather than join the armed company.