The Illearth War
Chapter 19: NINETEEN: The Ruins of the Southron Wastes
by R, Donaldson, StephenWarmark Troy, having overcome his earlier paralysis and horror, resumes command as the Warward marches through the harsh Southron Wastes. The terrain is brutally arid, with dust-choked winds and scarce water, forcing the army to endure grueling conditions. Troy calculates the mounting casualties, noting the grim toll of exhaustion and dehydration. Despite the losses, he is struck by the soldiers’ unwavering loyalty, as few choose to abandon the march despite its dire circumstances.
The commanders implement strict measures to sustain the army, including rationing supplies, repurposing horses for the weak, and relying on Bloodguard for scouting. Troy reveals that Fleshharrower’s forces are in pursuit and will overtake them by the next afternoon. Amorine, overwhelmed by the burden of leadership, briefly falters but regains resolve when Troy outlines a plan to divert south toward the ruined city of Doriendor Corishev, where they might gain a temporary advantage.
Troy decides to stay behind with Amorine, eight Eoward volunteers, and the Lords to delay Fleshharrower while the main army presses on. Quaan questions the necessity of the relentless march, but Troy refuses to disclose his full strategy, hinting at a final, desperate plan requiring Lord Mhoram’s intervention. The decision strains their friendship, yet Quaan accepts it, recognizing the gravity of their situation.
As the chapter concludes, Troy monitors Fleshharrower’s advance, estimating the Giant-Raver’s arrival at Doriendor Corishev by mid-afternoon. The tension builds, underscoring the precariousness of Troy’s strategy and the looming confrontation. His reliance on Mhoram’s promised aid remains a fragile hope, leaving the outcome uncertain as the Warward braces for the next phase of its harrowing journey.
FAQs
1. What are the primary environmental challenges faced by the Warward as they march through the Southron Wastes, and how do these conditions impact their progress?
Answer:
The Warward faces extreme environmental hardships in the Southron Wastes, including arid, desolate terrain with little vegetation or water. The ground is hard yet dusty, making marching difficult and exhausting. The heat is relentless, with no seasonal relief, and the landscape is eroded into jagged hills and gullies. These conditions slow the army’s progress to about seven leagues per day and cause significant attrition, with warriors succumbing to exhaustion and dehydration. The harsh environment forces commanders to implement strict rationing and use horses to carry the weakest members, highlighting the physical toll of the march (e.g., the description of the first dead warrior and the dust-filled eyes of the fallen).2. How does Warmark Troy’s leadership evolve in this chapter, and what does his response to the Warward’s struggles reveal about his character?
Answer:
Troy begins the chapter emotionally drained and horrified by Lord Verement’s death, but he quickly suppresses these feelings to focus on his strategic duties. His leadership is marked by calculated decision-making, as seen in his predictions of attrition rates and his plan to reach Doriendor Corishev. However, his internal struggle is evident—he feels guilt over the warriors’ deaths but remains determined to lead. His choice to stay behind with a rearguard shows his willingness to share in the army’s sacrifices. Troy’s blend of strategic acumen and emotional burden reveals a complex leader who is both resolute and deeply affected by the costs of war.3. Analyze the significance of First Haft Amorine’s reaction to the march and her request to command the rearguard. What does this reveal about morale and leadership in the Warward?
Answer:
Amorine’s initial despair (“We are lost”) and her plea to relinquish command reflect the extreme psychological strain on the Warward’s leaders. However, her subsequent resurgence of courage when tasked with leading the rearguard demonstrates how purpose can restore morale. Her transformation underscores the importance of meaningful roles in sustaining motivation during adversity. Troy’s decision to assign her the rearguard also highlights his understanding of leadership psychology—by giving her a active, defiant role (rather than passive retreat), he reinvigorates her sense of agency and commitment to the army’s survival.4. Why does Troy withhold his final plan from Quaan and others, and what might this suggest about his strategic mindset or the nature of his plan?
Answer:
Troy’s secrecy implies his plan involves high risk or morally difficult choices, possibly requiring surprise or psychological resilience from his troops. His refusal to explain suggests he fears demoralizing his officers or provoking dissent if the plan’s full implications were known (e.g., it might involve significant sacrifices). Additionally, his muttered remark about Mhoram having to “save us” hints that the plan is a desperate gambit, relying on external intervention. This secrecy reflects Troy’s awareness of the fragile morale of his army and his need to maintain a veneer of control, even as he grapples with the weight of his decisions.5. How does the chapter frame the relationship between human vulnerability and military discipline in the face of overwhelming odds?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes the Warward’s physical and emotional fragility with their disciplined adherence to duty. Warriors die from exhaustion but refuse to abandon the march, showcasing a grim resolve. Troy’s calculations of attrition rates (e.g., “eleven dead the first day, twenty-two the second”) coldly quantify suffering, yet his pain humanizes him. The Bloodguard’s logistical support (scouting, water gathering) represents an idealized discipline, while Amorine’s breakdown and recovery illustrate the tension between vulnerability and duty. Ultimately, the chapter portrays war as a test of endurance, where leadership involves balancing compassion with the ruthless efficiency required for survival.
Quotes
1. “He was the Warmark, and he had returned to his work. He was thinking-measuring distances, gauging relative speeds, forecasting the Warward’s attrition rate. He was in command.”
This quote marks Troy’s psychological shift from despair to determined leadership. It captures his professional mindset as he resumes command, focusing on strategic calculations despite the dire circumstances.
2. “The result was a stark, heat-pale land possessed by a weird and unfriendly beauty. The Warward had to march over packed ground that felt as hard and hostile as rock underfoot, and yet sent up thick dust as if the soil were nothing but powder.”
This vivid description of the Southron Wastes establishes the harsh environment the army must endure. The paradoxical imagery (“unfriendly beauty,” “hard yet powdery”) emphasizes the land’s deceptive and treacherous nature.
3. “He mustered his confidence to answer Quaan’s and Amorine’s inevitable questions…‘Don’t worry. We’re not beaten yet.’ But to himself he sounded more hysterical than confident.”
This reveals Troy’s internal conflict between maintaining leadership morale and his own doubts. The contrast between his outward assurance and private fear highlights the psychological toll of command.
4. “He felt that he was speaking too quickly. He forced himself to slow down while he explained his intentions. Then he was relieved to see dour approval in the faces of his officers.”
This moment shows Troy’s self-awareness and growth as a leader. His ability to recognize and correct his nervousness, then gain validation from his officers, demonstrates his developing command presence.
5. “‘Warmark, is there no end to your plans?’ ‘Yes,’ Troy sighed. ‘Yes, there is. And we’re going to get there. After that, Mhoram is going to have to save us. He promised-’”
This exchange foreshadows Troy’s ultimate strategic limit and dependence on others. The unfinished thought (“He promised-”) creates tension while revealing Troy’s underlying hope in Mhoram’s powers.