Against All Things Ending
Chapter 23: Part Two — 11. Kurash Qwellinir
by R., Donaldson, StephenThe chapter opens with Thomas Covenant awakening at dawn in a cave, where Clyme brings him treasure-berries to eat. As Covenant reflects on the fleeting nature of his renewed life, he grapples with the weight of his impending fate and his deep love for the Land and its people. He acknowledges the redemption he’s found in this world and his desire to make amends to Linden Avery, whom he believes blames herself unjustly. Despite his physical pain and the looming threat of the Worm, Covenant resolves to face the day with determination, clinging to the hope of proving his worth.
Covenant tests his ability to wield Loric’s krill, a powerful dagger, by freeing it from the stone floor with surprising ease. He wraps the blade to conceal its light and tucks it into his waistband, preparing for the journey ahead. The Humbled guide him out of the cave and onto the grassland, where their horses, including Covenant’s temperamental mount, await. Though weakened, the horse shows renewed spirit, and Covenant prays it will endure the coming trials. The group sets off southward, with Covenant’s impatience tempered by the need to conserve the horses’ strength.
As they ride, the sky darkens ominously, foreshadowing impending disaster. Clyme notes the unnatural disruption of the weather, but Covenant responds by defiantly scattering treasure-berry seeds, a symbolic act of resistance against the Despiser. The terrain grows more treacherous as they approach the Shattered Hills, with springs providing occasional relief. Covenant’s thoughts drift to Joan, whose torment he senses through the krill, yet he remains uncertain how to confront her or the larger threat of the Worm. The urgency of their mission weighs heavily on him as time slips away.
The chapter closes with the riders navigating the increasingly rugged landscape, forced to slow their pace as the terrain becomes obstructed. Covenant suspects they are nearing the promontory of Foul’s Creche, but his lack of a clear plan for confronting Joan or the Worm leaves him uneasy. The oppressive sky and the relentless advance of the Worm underscore the dire stakes of their journey, as Covenant steels himself for the challenges ahead, driven by love for the Land and a refusal to surrender to despair.
FAQs
1. How does Covenant’s internal monologue reveal his emotional state and motivations in this chapter?
Answer:
Covenant’s reflections showcase a complex mix of gratitude, guilt, determination, and dread. He acknowledges the Land’s role in redeeming him, listing key figures (Mhoram, Foamfollower, Linden) who shaped him, which underscores his sense of obligation. His fear of this being his “last meal” contrasts with his resolve to “feel, and care, and resist,” emphasizing his growth beyond his leprosy. The passage also highlights his love for the Land and his urgency to protect it, as seen in his defiant sowing of aliantha seeds—a symbolic act against despair.2. Analyze the significance of Covenant retrieving Loric’s krill. How does this act reflect his character development?
Answer:
Covenant’s careful handling of the krill—wrapping it in cloth, testing his ability to free it alone—demonstrates his pragmatism and humility. Unlike in Andelain, where he needed aid, he now takes initiative, acknowledging his limits (“condign”) while embracing responsibility. The krill’s “eldritch ease” in cutting stone surprises him, mirroring his own underestimated capacity for impact. By shielding its light, he shows tactical awareness, contrasting earlier recklessness. This moment underscores his transition from reluctant hero to a leader who balances caution with action.3. What role does the setting (e.g., weather, terrain) play in foreshadowing the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
The “ashen” sky and “hammered iron” firmament evoke impending doom, aligning with Clyme’s warning of “great violation”—likely the Worm’s approach. The barren, fissured terrain reflects Covenant’s internal struggle: springs in cracked rock symbolize hope amid desolation, while the encroaching Shattered Hills mirror mounting obstacles. The “muted and ruddy” dawn parallels Covenant’s grim resolve, blending natural omens with his psychological state, reinforcing the chapter’s tension between survival and annihilation.4. How does the behavior of Covenant’s mount and the Ranyhyn illustrate the chapter’s stakes?
Answer:
The destrier’s “cantankerous spirit” despite weakness mirrors Covenant’s stubborn defiance. Its reliance on Ranyhyn’s authority parallels Covenant’s dependence on the Humbled, while its potential to “charge at Covenant” hints at unresolved danger. The Ranyhyn’s “eagerness and trepidation” reflect the dual urgency and peril of their mission. Their measured pace—balancing speed with the destrier’s limits—mirrors Covenant’s conflicted impatience and pragmatism, emphasizing the fragile alliance between willpower and physical reality in their race against time.5. Evaluate Covenant’s statement: “The making of worlds is not accomplished in an instant. It cannot be instantly undone.” How does this philosophical reflection tie to the broader narrative?
Answer:
This line underscores the novel’s themes of gradual redemption and irreversible consequences. Covenant’s fear that the Worm’s destruction might be imminent contrasts with his hope for sustained resistance. It echoes his personal journey—his redemption took millennia, implying the Land’s fate won’t hinge on one moment. The reflection also critiques despair: just as creation requires time, so does salvation. This mindset fuels his defiance (scattering seeds, wielding the krill), positioning him as a counterforce to Lord Foul’s nihilism, even amid uncertainty.
Quotes
1. “His only real virtue was that he had striven to prove worthy of aliantha and hurtloam. Of Glimmermere and Revelstone and Andelain. High Lord Mhoram and Bannor of the Bloodguard, Triock and Saltheart Foamfollower. Brinn and Cail and the Giants of the Search.”
This quote captures Covenant’s reflection on his relationship with the Land and its people. It highlights his humility and the redemptive power of the Land, which has shaped his character and motivations throughout his journey.
2. “As long as he could feel, and care, and resist, he would be more than the sum of his hurts.”
This powerful statement encapsulates Covenant’s resilience and defiance in the face of his physical and emotional struggles. It underscores the theme of perseverance and the importance of emotional engagement, even in dire circumstances.
3. “The making of worlds is not accomplished in an instant. It cannot be instantly undone.”
This quote reflects Covenant’s contemplation of the Worm’s impending destruction and the gradual nature of creation and destruction. It serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved and the irreversible consequences of failure.
4. “Come on. Try me. Whatever happens, you aren’t going to like it.”
This defiant remark showcases Covenant’s determination and readiness to confront the Despiser. It highlights his combative spirit and refusal to back down, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
5. “This bodes ill, ur-Lord. The natural currents of sky and wind and weather are disrupted. They foretell the onset of some great violation.”
Clyme’s observation about the disrupted weather patterns underscores the chapter’s ominous tone and foreshadows impending catastrophe. It reinforces the sense of urgency and the looming threat posed by the Worm.