The Illearth War
Chapter 12: TWELVE: Forth to War
by R, Donaldson, StephenThe chapter “TWELVE: Forth to War” opens with Warmark Troy riding from Revelstone at dawn, his vision obscured by both the dim light and his own anxiety. Despite his fear about the high-stakes decisions made in the war council, he resolves to prove his worth as a leader. Trusting his Ranyhyn mount, Mehryl, he heads toward the lake where rafts are being constructed for the Warward’s southward march. Troy’s internal struggle is palpable as he grapples with the weight of his strategy, knowing that failure would cost countless lives.
Upon arriving at the lake, Troy meets Hiltmark Quaan and Lord Verement to assess the raft-building progress. With urgency, he orders Quaan to dispatch groups of warriors downstream in shifts, emphasizing the need for speed and defense. Troy’s private fog lifts as the sun rises, revealing the grim reality of his plan: Quaan’s forces must hold off Lord Foul’s army in the Mithil valley for eight days, despite being vastly outnumbered. The task is daunting, but Troy insists it’s essential for their larger strategy.
Troy elaborates on the plan, instructing Quaan to push Foul’s forces southward and then retreat toward Doom’s Retreat, a maneuver he admits will be costly but necessary. Quaan accepts the challenge with grim determination, while Lord Verement expresses skepticism. Troy’s confidence in Quaan’s leadership is evident as he stresses the importance of buying time for the main force to position itself. The exchange underscores the tension between Troy’s strategic brilliance and the brutal sacrifices it demands.
The chapter concludes with the arrival of Bloodguard Ruel, summoning Troy to join High Lord Elena and the ready Warward. As Troy departs, he encounters Manethrall Rue, whose presence hints at unresolved tensions. The scene leaves Troy’s resolve intact but highlights the personal and moral burdens of command. The chapter masterfully blends action, strategy, and introspection, setting the stage for the impending conflict.
FAQs
1. What is Troy’s primary strategic concern as he prepares the Warward for battle, and why does it weigh so heavily on him?
Answer:
Troy’s primary concern is the precariousness of his battle strategy, which he describes as “narrow and fatal as a swaying tightrope.” He has committed the Lords and Warward to a plan that requires Quaan’s forces to hold off Lord Foul’s army in the Mithil valley for eight days while the main force marches to Doom’s Retreat. The weight of this decision terrifies him because failure would result in massive casualties, and the success of the entire war hinges on this delaying tactic. Troy feels the burden of command acutely, knowing that warriors’ lives depend on his unproven strategic judgment.2. How does the relationship between Troy and Quaan demonstrate the tension between leadership and trust in this chapter?
Answer:
The chapter reveals a complex dynamic between Troy and Quaan, blending professional respect with personal trust. Though Troy holds the higher rank as Warmark, he acknowledges Quaan’s superior battlefield experience and explicitly states that the warriors would follow Quaan better in dire circumstances. Their exchange shows Troy’s reliance on Quaan’s capabilities (“You’re the man who can do it”) and Quaan’s willingness to accept near-impossible orders out of loyalty. This tension highlights how effective military leadership often depends on delegating critical tasks to those best suited for them, regardless of hierarchy.3. Analyze the significance of Troy’s physical blindness as a metaphor for his strategic situation.
Answer:
Troy’s literal blindness in the predawn fog mirrors his psychological and strategic uncertainty. Just as he must trust Mehryl to navigate physically, he must rely on untested plans and subordinates like Quaan to navigate the war. The gradual clearing of his vision as sunrise approaches parallels his growing resolve (“his private fog was clearing now”), suggesting that confronting hard truths (like the eight-day sacrifice he demands) brings clarity. This metaphor underscores the theme that leadership often requires acting despite imperfect knowledge or control.4. Why does Lord Verement’s skepticism toward Troy’s plan matter, and how does it reflect broader challenges in the war effort?
Answer:
Verement’s interruptions (“You jest!” and his jab about oaths) reveal dissent among the Lords regarding Troy’s authority and the feasibility of his strategy. His remark about “a Ranyhyn-less Lord” hints at status hierarchies that may undermine unity. This skepticism matters because it exemplifies the difficulty of coordinating different factions (Lords, warriors, Bloodguard) with varying perspectives. Troy’s decision to ignore Verement and focus on Quaan suggests he prioritizes practical military competence over political sensitivities—a risky but necessary choice in their desperate situation.5. How does the chapter use contrasts (e.g., urgency vs. delay, individual vs. collective) to heighten the stakes of the narrative?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes urgency (“Time was urgent”) with frustrating delays (raft construction, the eight-day timeline) to create tension. Similarly, Troy’s solitary anxiety (“like a man balancing on a small tree limb”) contrasts with the collective effort required (raft builders, warriors, Lords). These contrasts emphasize the gap between ideal plans and messy execution in war. The most striking example is Quaan’s promise to buy time at great personal cost—a small group’s sacrifice enabling the larger strategy—which crystallizes the theme of individual duty versus collective survival.
Quotes
1. “He had committed the Lords and the Warward to a path as narrow and fatal as a swaying tightrope.”
This quote captures Troy’s internal conflict as Warmark, highlighting the high-stakes nature of his strategic decisions and the immense responsibility weighing on him as he leads the war effort.
2. “If it can be done, we will do it.”
Quaan’s steadfast response represents the unwavering commitment of the warriors and the theme of perseverance against overwhelming odds that runs through the chapter.
3. “Warmark, you will be given your eight days if they lie within the reach of human thew and will.”
This powerful promise from Quaan demonstrates both the loyalty of Troy’s commanders and the extreme demands being placed on the warriors, setting up the desperate nature of the coming conflict.
4. “I swear that I will win this war.”
Troy’s intense vow to Quaan shows his determination and personal investment in the war’s outcome, while also revealing the pressure he feels to justify the sacrifices being asked of his forces.
5. “You ask much.”
Quaan’s simple statement encapsulates the central tension of the chapter - the extraordinary demands of wartime leadership and the human cost of strategic decisions that send warriors into nearly impossible situations.