The Illearth War
Chapter 16: SIXTEEN: Forced March
by R, Donaldson, StephenThe chapter “Forced March” follows Warmark Hile Troy as he grapples with his emotions and responsibilities during the war against Lord Foul. Leaving Trothgard, Troy feels regret but resolves to prove himself worthy of the Land’s trust, fearing failure would make him a greater evil than Covenant. He questions High Lord Elena’s decision to bring Covenant, who committed grave crimes, but accepts Lord Mhoram’s explanation: Elena must safeguard Covenant’s white gold ring and prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Troy’s internal conflict reflects his insecurity and unrequited feelings for Elena, though he masks his pain with humor about future celebrations in Andelain.
Troy’s focus shifts to his role as Warmark, steeling himself for the impending battle. He worries about the Warward’s condition during their grueling march and the looming confrontation with Lord Foul’s forces. The weight of his command weighs heavily, as he knows lives depend on his decisions. The terrain changes as they move into the austere Center Plains, home to many of his warriors, reinforcing his sense of duty. That night, he reviews his battle plans obsessively, desperate to avoid mistakes that could doom his army.
The next day, Troy seeks distraction from his anxiety, prompting Lord Mhoram to share tales of the Land’s history, including the lost One Forest and the ominous Garroting Deep. These stories provide temporary respite, but Troy’s thoughts soon return to his personal struggles. He confides in Mhoram about his connection to the Land, embodied by Elena, and gradually finds solace in reaffirming his purpose. His determination hardens as he resolves to succeed despite his doubts.
By the chapter’s end, Troy balances his emotional turmoil with his strategic focus. The march continues, a relentless grind toward inevitable battle, yet Troy clings to his resolve. His journey is as much internal as physical, wrestling with love, duty, and the fear of failure. The chapter underscores the tension between personal vulnerability and leadership, setting the stage for the trials ahead.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Hile Troy grapple with as he leaves Trothgard, and how does this relate to his sense of purpose in the war?
Answer:
Hile Troy experiences profound regret and self-doubt as he departs Trothgard, fearing he may become “an active evil” if he fails in his role as Warmark. He believes he must prove himself as “the fruit of hope, not despair” to justify the trust placed in him. This stems from his guilt over Covenant’s actions (the rape of Trell’s daughter) and his own ambition in seeking command. The chapter reveals Troy’s existential dread—that failure would render him worse than Covenant, who at least rejected being trusted. His resolve to win becomes a psychological imperative to avoid becoming a “treachery” against the Land.2. Analyze Lord Mhoram’s response when Troy asks why High Lord Elena is taking Covenant on her quest. What does this reveal about Mhoram’s character and the political realities of their situation?
Answer:
Mhoram explains that Elena has “little choice” due to Covenant’s white gold ring and the need to protect it from Lord Foul. His reasoning highlights pragmatic leadership: Elena must balance duty (finding the Seventh Ward), security (preventing the ring’s misuse), and readiness (fighting Covenant if he turns hostile). Mhoram’s gentle tone and lack of resentment—”I have no special virtue to judge weakness”—reveal his humility and strategic mindset. This contrasts with Troy’s emotional reaction, illustrating Mhoram’s role as a stabilizing force who prioritizes the Land’s survival over personal feelings.3. How does the chapter use the contrast between Trothgard and the Center Plains to deepen themes of responsibility and sacrifice?
Answer:
Trothgard’s “sun-bright beauty” symbolizes what Troy fights to preserve, while the austere Center Plains—where “rock seems closer to the soil”—reflect the harsh realities of war. The Plains’ inhabitants, who traditionally supply warriors, embody resilience; their homes are directly threatened by Lord Foul. This geographical shift underscores Troy’s burden: his warriors march to protect families like theirs, and their “slow hell” of forced marches becomes a microcosm of war’s grinding toll. The Land’s changing landscapes mirror Troy’s transition from personal grief to communal duty.4. Evaluate Troy’s statement about vacationing in Andelain after the war. What does this reveal about his psychological state and his relationship with the Land?
Answer:
Troy’s desire to witness the “Celebration of Spring” in Andelain serves as a coping mechanism—a symbolic reward for surviving the war’s trauma. His quip about Covenant being “luckier” thinly veils jealousy over Elena’s choice, but Andelain itself represents hope and renewal. This fantasy reveals his need to believe in a future beyond war, tying his personal redemption to the Land’s cyclical beauty. Mhoram’s serious reply (about the Dance of the Wraiths) subtly reinforces that such joys are contingent on victory, deepening the stakes.5. Why does Troy focus so intensely on reviewing his battle plan, and how does this reflect his leadership style?
Answer:
Troy’s obsessive review of his plan stems from both strategic responsibility and existential fear. He recognizes that warriors’ lives depend on his decisions, and his face pressed “against the earth” signifies a visceral connection to their fate. This meticulousness contrasts with earlier emotional turmoil, showing his transition into the disciplined Warmark role. However, his urgency (“he began to hurry Mehryl’s pace”) hints at underlying anxiety. His leadership blends analytical rigor with deep empathy—a balance mirrored in his request for Mhoram’s distracting stories, which reveals his self-awareness about needing emotional equilibrium.
Quotes
1. “He would have to prove that he was the fruit of hope, not of despair.”
This quote captures Hile Troy’s central internal conflict - his need to validate his existence in the Land by achieving victory in the war, lest he become “an active evil” like Covenant. It represents the chapter’s theme of personal redemption through action.
2. “One must have strength in order to judge the weakness of others. I am not so mighty.”
Lord Mhoram’s profound statement about judgment and humility contrasts with Troy’s harsh view of Covenant. This philosophical insight reveals Mhoram’s character and serves as a moral counterpoint to Troy’s more rigid perspective.
3. “He became another man - less the blind uncertain stranger to the Land, and more the Warmark of the Warward of Lord’s Keep.”
This transformation moment shows Troy embracing his role and responsibility, marking a key shift in his character development as he moves from self-doubt to determined leadership.
4. “Their homes and families were at the mercy of his success or failure. At his command they were enduring the slow hell of this forced march.”
This quote powerfully conveys the weight of Troy’s command and the human cost of war, illustrating both his growing sense of responsibility and the chapter’s exploration of wartime leadership.
5. “I’m going to do it.”
Troy’s simple final declaration represents his resolution and determination after wrestling with doubts throughout the chapter. This concise statement encapsulates his character arc in this section.