Lord Foul’s Bane
Chapter 14: Fourteen: The Council of Lords
by Donaldson, Stephen R.Thomas Covenant awakens in a daze, mechanically preparing for the Council of Lords in Revelstone. Despite feeling numb and uncertain, he forces himself to eat, arm himself with Atiaran’s knife and Baradakas’ staff, and waits for Bannor’s summons. When the Bloodguard arrives, Covenant hesitates, questioning his courage to face the dreamlike ordeal ahead. Steeling himself with the touch of his hidden ring, he follows Bannor through the intricate passages of Revelstone, arriving at the imposing wooden doors of the Close, the council chamber of the Lords.
The Close is a vast, sunken circular room with tiered seating, a curved stone table for the Lords, and a central pit of glowing graveling. Covenant is seated opposite High Lord Prothall, feeling isolated yet acutely aware of the Lords’ presence. The chamber is sparsely populated, with Saltheart Foamfollower, the Hearthralls, and a few Bloodguard and warriors in attendance. Prothall’s voice carries clearly as he welcomes Covenant, introducing each Lord and dignitary. The atmosphere is solemn, charged with the weight of duty and ancient vows, as Covenant struggles to comprehend his role in the proceedings.
High Lord Prothall, though aged, exudes strength and devotion, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of asceticism. The other Lords vary in demeanor—Variol and Tamarantha appear frail yet wise, Osondrea is defiant, and Mhoram seems sharper and more dangerous than before. Prothall formally honors Foamfollower, who responds with a poetic pledge of allegiance from the Giants of Seareach. The Giant’s lighthearted mention of Covenant’s promise to immortalize their journey in song briefly lightens the mood, contrasting with the gravity of the Council.
Covenant remains silent and withdrawn, overwhelmed by the surreal experience and the Lords’ imposing presence. He refuses any honor, still grappling with his disbelief and the stakes of his situation. The chapter captures his internal conflict and the tension between his skepticism and the earnest, ritualized world of the Lords. The Council’s formalities underscore the deepening mystery of Covenant’s role in the Land, setting the stage for the challenges to come.
FAQs
1. Comprehension: Describe the physical layout of the Close and its significance in the Council of Lords.
Answer:
The Close is a massive, sunken circular chamber with a high groined ceiling and tiered seating around three-quarters of its space. It features three levels: a curved stone table for the Lords, a flat floor within the table’s C-shape, and a central pit of glowing graveling. Four large lillianrill torches illuminate the space. The design emphasizes hierarchy and solemnity, with the Lords seated above the petitioner (Covenant) and the graveling pit symbolizing the Land’s power. The grandeur and formality of the Close reflect the gravity of the Council’s deliberations and the Lords’ authority.2. Analytical: How does Covenant’s demeanor and internal monologue reveal his psychological state in this chapter?
Answer:
Covenant’s actions are mechanical (“washed, inspected himself, dressed… as if the provender were made of dust”), reflecting detachment and dread. His half-unseeing gaze and twisted face suggest inner turmoil, while his reliance on Atiaran’s knife and Baradakas’ staff hints at clinging to familiar symbols. The phrase “Get it over with” reveals resignation, and his glare at the doorway as “peril” underscores his fear of engagement. His stiff seating and uncertainty about shouting further illustrate his alienation. These details paint a portrait of a man grappling with disbelief, fear, and reluctant participation in a reality he struggles to accept.3. Critical Thinking: Compare the introductions of Prothall and Foamfollower. What do their formal greetings reveal about their roles and the world’s cultural norms?
Answer:
Prothall’s introduction is solemn and hierarchical, emphasizing titles (“High Lord by the choice of the Council”) and lineage, reflecting the Lords’ structured governance. His greeting to Foamfollower—”The Unhomed are a blessing to the Land”—frames Giants as revered allies. Foamfollower’s response blends ritual (“raw Earth rock / pure friendship”) with warmth, showcasing Giant culture’s fusion of tradition and vivacity. The exchange highlights the Land’s emphasis on history, oaths, and mutual respect between races. Prothall’s formality contrasts with Foamfollower’s eventual laughter, illustrating how societal roles shape communication while hinting at Foamfollower’s bridging role between cultures.4. Application: If you were Covenant, how would you interpret the Lords’ offer of honor, and why might you refuse it?
Answer:
Covenant refuses honor (shaking his head “dumbly”) likely due to guilt and distrust. Having already experienced the consequences of acceptance (his earlier “mistake”), he fears attachment to a world he views as illusory. Honor would imply responsibility and belonging, threatening his fragile grasp on reality. Additionally, his self-loathing as a leper may make him reject validation. Pragmatically, honor might bind him to the Lords’ cause, forcing him to confront Foul—a risk he avoids. His refusal mirrors his broader pattern of denial, prioritizing self-preservation over engagement with the Land’s struggles.5. Analytical: Examine the symbolism of the graveling pit and lillianrill torches in the Close. How do they reinforce themes of power and tradition?
Answer:
The graveling pit’s central placement and “yellow glow” symbolize the Land’s life force and the Lords’ stewardship of Earthpower. Its radiance—enhanced by the smokeless, eternal lillianrill torches—represents enduring vigilance and the unity of natural and crafted power. The torches’ placement “around the upper wall” suggests protection, while their “huge” size mirrors the Lords’ grandeur. Together, they embody the fusion of tradition (ancient fire-stones) and leadership (the Council’s authority). This imagery reinforces themes of sustainability and reverence for the Land’s gifts, framing the Close as a sacred space where power is both celebrated and judiciously wielded.
Quotes
1. “HE awoke in a dull haze which felt like the presage of some thunderhead, some black boil and white fire blaring.”
This opening line powerfully sets Covenant’s psychological state—a mix of dread and impending crisis. The storm imagery foreshadows the weighty decisions and confrontations to come in the Council scene.
2. “He felt that his face was twisted, but he could not be sure.”
This brief internal observation captures Covenant’s profound dissociation and uncertainty about his own reality—a recurring theme as he struggles to reconcile his experiences in the Land with his belief that they’re merely a dream.
3. “The Close was a huge, sunken, circular room with a ceiling high and groined, and tiers of seats set around three quarters of the space.”
This detailed description of the Council chamber establishes the grandeur and solemnity of the Lords’ seat of power, emphasizing the institutional weight Covenant must confront when delivering his message.
4. “They gave him an impression of stern vows gladly kept, of wide-ranging and yet single-minded devotion.”
This characterization of the Lords encapsulates their essential nature—their unwavering commitment to their cause, which both contrasts with and challenges Covenant’s own reluctant involvement.
5. “The Unhomed are a blessing to the Land. Stone and Sea are deep in life. Welcome whole or hurt, in boon or bane—ask or give.”
High Lord Prothall’s formal greeting to Foamfollower expresses a core philosophy of the Land—its profound interconnectedness and generosity of spirit, which stands in stark contrast to Covenant’s more cynical worldview.