Against All Things Ending
Chapter 10: Part One — 10. By Evil Means
by R., Donaldson, StephenLinden Avery stands broken yet resolute, burdened by the consequences of her choices. Though she regains the Staff of Law and Covenant’s ring, the weight of her actions crushes her: Liand lies near death, Stave is injured, and the Harrow’s corpse serves as a grim reminder of her failures. Esmer’s return unsettles her further, despite the arrival of ur-viles and Waynhim. Physically and emotionally drained, Linden struggles to focus as Pahni pleads for Liand’s healing, while her heart aches for Jeremiah, trapped by the croyel. Covenant’s defiance against Joan’s torment offers her fleeting hope, but his suffering is immense.
Covenant’s resilience becomes the chapter’s focal point as he endures Joan’s relentless assault, his leprosy both a shield and a curse. His hands, seared by pain, cling to Loric’s krill, the only leverage against the croyel holding Jeremiah captive. Linden, torn between healing Liand and aiding Covenant, ultimately channels Earthpower to ease Covenant’s agony as Galt takes over the krill. The transfer is excruciating, but Covenant’s release momentarily disrupts Joan’s fury, offering respite. The Humbled’s coordinated efforts underscore their loyalty, though Linden remains haunted by Jeremiah’s plight and Covenant’s sacrifice.
The dynamics among Linden’s companions reveal their shared desperation. Bhapa and Pahni support her physically and emotionally, while the Giants and Ramen rally despite their own wounds. The Ardent, though fearful, joins the group, clutching Liand’s orcrest. Esmer’s distress and the ur-viles’ presence add tension, but the immediate threat remains the croyel and Joan’s unchecked rage. Covenant’s whispered admission—that Joan grows stronger—hints at impending doom, leaving Linden grappling with her powerlessness to shield him or her son.
The chapter culminates in a fragile moment of reprieve. Galt’s assumption of the krill’s burden allows Covenant to collapse into Linden’s embrace, her Earthpower a temporary salve. Yet the underlying horrors persist: Jeremiah’s captivity, Joan’s undiminished hatred, and the toll of Linden’s choices. Covenant’s cryptic arrival and unwavering courage hint at deeper mysteries, but for now, the group clings to fleeting victories. The narrative lingers on their exhaustion and unresolved anguish, setting the stage for further trials ahead.
FAQs
1. How does Linden Avery’s emotional and physical state reflect the cumulative toll of her journey in this chapter?
Answer:
Linden’s condition is portrayed as both physically and emotionally shattered. The text describes her as “a crumbling edifice overgrown with consequences,” emphasizing how her actions have led to devastating outcomes. Her shirt is torn and stained, symbolizing her harrowing experiences, while her unexpressed tears and damaged knee highlight her physical and emotional pain. She hasn’t slept or eaten properly, further underscoring her exhaustion. This imagery collectively illustrates the immense burden she carries—guilt over Liand’s potential death, Stave’s injuries, and her helplessness against forces like Esmer and the croyel. Her state mirrors the chapter’s themes of sacrifice and despair.2. Analyze the significance of Covenant’s leprosy in relation to his ability to withstand Joan’s attacks.
Answer:
Covenant’s leprosy paradoxically becomes a shield against Joan’s torment. The chapter notes that his “essential pathways of agony had been killed or cauterized,” suggesting his nerve damage dulls the pain inflicted by Joan’s power. This numbness allows him to endure where others might collapse, raising questions about whether his affliction has granted him a form of “impossible valor.” However, his struggle is still immense, as Joan’s hatred and the Raver’s influence intensify her attacks. This duality—his leprosy as both a curse and a source of resilience—deepens his character and underscores the novel’s exploration of suffering and strength.3. What role does the krill play in the conflict with the croyel, and how does its transfer from Covenant to Galt alter the dynamics of the scene?
Answer:
The krill, Loric’s blade, serves as a critical tool to control the croyel, as Covenant uses its “killing brilliance” to threaten the creature holding Jeremiah. When Galt takes the krill, the transfer is fraught with tension—Linden fears Covenant’s burned hands will be irreparably damaged. However, this shift allows Covenant respite from Joan’s assault, as her power wanes when he releases the blade. Galt’s assumption of the threat maintains pressure on the croyel while freeing Covenant to recover. This moment highlights teamwork and sacrifice, as Linden heals Covenant’s hands and the Humbled step in to share the burden.4. Evaluate Esmer’s ambiguous role in this chapter. How do his actions (or inactions) contribute to the tension?
Answer:
Esmer is a figure of distress and contradiction. He ignores the Ironhand’s threat, seemingly indifferent to danger, yet his gaze “seethed” with emotion, mirroring Linden’s grief. His return with ur-viles and Waynhim offers no comfort, as Linden distrusts him. His inaction—despite his immense power—leaves the group vulnerable, amplifying tension. The chapter suggests he is torn between conflicting loyalties or purposes, embodying the theme of unresolved conflict. His presence destabilizes the scene, as characters must rely on their own dwindling resources rather than his unpredictable aid.5. How does the chapter portray the theme of sacrifice through the actions of Linden, Covenant, and the supporting characters?
Answer:
Sacrifice permeates the chapter. Linden sacrifices her well-being, pushing past exhaustion to heal others. Covenant endures excruciating pain to hold the croyel at bay, his hands symbolizing the cost of resistance. Supporting characters like Pahni plead for Liand’s life, while the Humbled risk themselves to relieve Covenant. Even the Ardent, “stifling his confessed fears,” joins the group despite personal terror. These acts underscore the novel’s exploration of love and duty—each character gives something precious, whether physical strength, emotional resolve, or safety, to protect others or uphold their mission.
Quotes
1. “The cost was of her own making, and it was too high.”
This quote captures Linden’s overwhelming guilt and self-reproach for the consequences of her actions, highlighting the chapter’s theme of personal responsibility and the heavy toll of her choices.
2. “Was that his secret? The keystone of his impossible valor? Had alienation and numbness somehow made him more than human?”
This profound question reflects on Covenant’s extraordinary endurance and courage, suggesting that his leprosy—often seen as a weakness—might paradoxically be the source of his strength.
3. “Joan knows what I’m doing. Or turiya does. She’s stronger now. I’m not protecting the Arch. I can’t hold on.”
Covenant’s desperate admission underscores the escalating threat posed by Joan and the Raver, marking a critical turning point in the chapter where his ability to resist begins to falter.
4. “The effort tore a cry past Covenant’s restraint: a shocking howl.”
This visceral moment emphasizes the extreme physical and emotional pain Covenant endures, illustrating the chapter’s focus on sacrifice and the limits of endurance.
5. “How had he known that she needed him? That his own son had come to preserve Jeremiah’s victimization?”
Linden’s introspective question reveals her deep gratitude and confusion about Covenant’s actions, tying together the chapter’s themes of connection, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships.