Against All Things Ending
Chapter 16: Part Two — 4. Attempts Must Be Made
by R., Donaldson, StephenThe chapter opens with a chaotic scene as Linden and her companions are besieged by multiple caesures—temporal rifts—directed by Joan under the influence of the Raver turiya Herem. These destructive storms threaten the group, nearly claiming Branl and converging on Jeremiah or the krill. Despite Linden’s efforts to quell them, she is overwhelmed by grief and guilt, particularly over Liand’s death, which she feels responsible for. The Raver’s manipulation of Joan’s power leaves five relentless caesures raging, pushing Linden to the brink of despair as she struggles to protect her companions.
Linden’s anguish deepens as she reflects on Liand’s tragic fate, realizing she ignored Anele’s plea for the orcrest, which might have prevented his death. Handir’s earlier warning about Anele’s Earthpower serving Corruption echoes in her mind, compounding her guilt. Meanwhile, Jeremiah, controlled by the croyel, fights against Galt’s restraint, desperate to free the creature as the caesures draw nearer. The Humbled remain steadfast, but the situation grows increasingly dire, with Linden paralyzed by grief until Bhapa administers amanibhavam, reigniting her resolve.
Fueled by the stimulant and her fury, Linden unleashes a torrent of Earthpower, attacking the remaining caesures with reckless abandon. Her actions are driven by a mix of rage and desperation, but she is too consumed by emotion to gauge their effectiveness. Stave intervenes, preventing her from spiraling further into self-destruction, and reassures her that the group has survived, though Liand is lost. The Giants, though injured, endure, and Jeremiah remains physically unharmed, though still enslaved by the croyel.
In the aftermath, Linden is left emotionally shattered, her health-sense gradually returning as she surveys the survivors. Stave’s calm assessment of their situation offers little solace, as she cannot reconcile her guilt with their survival. The chapter closes with a somber acknowledgment of their losses and the lingering threats they face, underscoring the heavy toll of their journey and the fragility of their hope in the face of relentless adversity.
FAQs
1. What role does Joan play in the events of this chapter, and how does her condition affect the characters?
Answer:
Joan, controlled by the Raver turiya Herem, is the source of the destructive caesures (time distortions) that threaten Linden and her companions. Her weakness and madness are exploited to unleash these chaotic storms, which converge on Jeremiah and the krill. Joan’s actions create a dire situation where Linden must confront multiple caesures simultaneously, stretching her abilities to their limits. The chapter highlights Joan’s tragic role as both a victim and a weapon of Corruption, as her instability jeopardizes the entire group and the stability of time itself.2. How does Linden’s emotional state evolve throughout the chapter, and what triggers these changes?
Answer:
Linden begins the chapter overwhelmed by grief and horror after Liand’s death, paralyzed by guilt for bringing him into danger. Her despair deepens as she realizes Anele’s unintentional role in Liand’s demise. However, the urgency of the caesures forces her to suppress her emotions temporarily. When Bhapa administers amanibhavam, it ignites a furious, almost reckless energy in her, transforming her grief into rage-fueled action. By the chapter’s end, she is physically and emotionally spent, left to grapple with her losses while Stave attempts to ground her in the reality of their survival.3. Analyze the significance of Liand’s death and its impact on Linden and the group.
Answer:
Liand’s death is a pivotal moment that underscores the costs of Linden’s choices and the pervasive influence of Corruption. His killing by Anele (under Earthpower’s compulsion) fulfills Handir’s earlier warning about Anele’s actions serving Corruption. For Linden, Liand’s loss is devastating—she blames herself for his involvement and his death, which amplifies her guilt and desperation. The event also fractures the group’s morale, as seen in Pahni’s immediate reaction and the collective struggle to regroup. Liand’s absence leaves a void, particularly as he represented hope and innocence in their mission.4. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of sacrifice, and which characters embody it?
Answer:
Sacrifice is central to this chapter, manifested in multiple ways. Liand sacrifices his life, unknowingly, through Anele’s possessed actions. Linden sacrifices her emotional stability to combat the caesures, pushing herself to the brink of collapse. The Swordmainnir and Stave endure physical and emotional strain to protect others, with Galt resisting Jeremiah’s struggles despite potential harm. Even Bhapa risks himself to administer amanibhavam to Linden, knowing her power is their only hope. These acts highlight the relentless demands of their quest and the personal costs of resisting Corruption.5. Evaluate the role of amanibhavam in Linden’s actions and its broader implications.
Answer:
Amanibhavam acts as a catalyst, shocking Linden out of her paralysis and amplifying her power to confront the caesures. Its “acrid sting” transforms her grief into a wildfire of energy, enabling her to act decisively—though almost destructively. However, the substance also symbolizes the dangerous trade-offs in their struggle: it grants temporary strength but risks失控 (loss of control), as seen when Linden nearly injures Bhapa. Its use raises ethical questions about reliance on extreme measures and foreshadows the potential costs of wielding such power unchecked in future conflicts.
Quotes
1. “Yet the Earthpower within him cannot be set aside. Therefore his deeds will serve Corruption, whatever his intentions may be.”
This quote reflects the tragic inevitability of Anele’s actions despite his good intentions, highlighting the chapter’s theme of unintended consequences and the inescapable influence of external forces on one’s fate.
2. “If Linden did not set aside her horror and grief—and if she did not do so now—everyone she loved would be destroyed.”
This moment captures Linden’s pivotal internal struggle between personal anguish and urgent responsibility, emphasizing the chapter’s tension between emotional paralysis and necessary action in crisis.
3. “With an inadvertent slash of Earthpower and despair, Linden sent Bhapa tumbling down the slope… This, too, was her doing.”
This passage illustrates the dangerous consequences of Linden’s uncontrolled power and guilt, showcasing the chapter’s exploration of how trauma can manifest destructively even when trying to help.
4. “I perceive only that her need for death is great. God damn right!”
This raw outburst encapsulates Linden’s transformation from helplessness to furious resolve, marking a turning point where her grief fuels decisive action against the threats surrounding her companions.
5. “Six Falls assailed us, Linden. Nonetheless we endure.”
Stave’s closing statement summarizes the chapter’s central message of resilience amid catastrophic loss, serving as both a factual report and a profound commentary on survival despite overwhelming odds.