The Runes of the Earth: The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant — Book One
Chapter 10: Part One — 4. Old Friends
by Donaldson, Stephen R.Linden Avery is horrified when Anele, a blind old man, suddenly channels the voice of Lord Foul, the Despiser, who taunts her with the knowledge that he holds her son, Jeremiah, captive. The Despiser cruelly toys with her, suggesting he may either enslave or kill Jeremiah, leaving Linden in agonizing uncertainty. The natural world falls eerily silent as Anele’s laughter rings with malice, and Linden’s initial shock gives way to fury. She seizes Anele, demanding Lord Foul release her son, but the Despiser mocks her powerlessness, claiming his victory is assured through the possession of white gold.
Overwhelmed but resolute, Linden refuses to succumb to despair. Though exhausted, she channels her rage into determination, vowing to rescue Jeremiah despite the odds. She shifts her focus to immediate survival needs—water, food, and shelter—hoping to ground herself in practicality. Memories of the Land’s resilience, like the enduring treasure-berries, offer her fleeting comfort. Meanwhile, Anele remains distraught, his silent weeping a stark contrast to his earlier malevolent outburst, and Linden tries to reassure him despite her own turmoil.
Their tense standoff is interrupted when Anele warns of approaching Masters—Haruchai warriors—just as one leaps down from a nearby ledge. Linden recognizes him as one of the Haruchai, a race known for their unwavering loyalty and strength. Though Anele cowers in fear, Linden feels a surge of relief, recalling how the Haruchai once aided her and Thomas Covenant against Lord Foul. She views their arrival as a potential turning point, believing they will stand against the Despiser, whom they despise as “Corruption.”
The chapter ends with Linden’s cautious hope as she faces the Haruchai, who regard her with characteristic stoicism. Their presence introduces both promise and uncertainty, as their motives remain unclear. Linden’s immediate priorities—survival and rescuing Jeremiah—now intersect with the Haruchai’s arrival, setting the stage for a fraught alliance. The tension between Anele’s terror and Linden’s tentative trust in the Haruchai underscores the chapter’s themes of desperation, defiance, and the search for allies in a hostile world.
FAQs
1. How does Lord Foul communicate with Linden in this chapter, and what effect does this have on her emotionally?
Answer:
Lord Foul communicates with Linden through Anele, speaking through the blind old man with a voice full of resonant malice. This unnerves Linden deeply, as evidenced by her physical reaction—staggering backward, feeling a chill in the air, and being momentarily silenced by shock. Emotionally, she transitions from fear and dismay to a surge of rage, fueled by her maternal instinct to protect her son, Jeremiah. The encounter leaves her exhausted but resolute, as she vows to confront Lord Foul despite his threats. The psychological toll is clear, as she must steady herself with practical concerns like finding water and shelter to avoid feeling overwhelmed.2. Analyze Linden’s character development in this chapter. How does her reaction to Lord Foul’s threats differ from how she might have responded in the past?
Answer:
Linden’s character development is evident in her shift from a more passive, fearful woman to one who confronts adversity with fierce determination. The text notes that “the woman she had once been might have covered her ears and cowered,” but now she responds with a “torrent of rage” and direct defiance. This change is inspired by her memories of “argent” (likely referring to her past experiences with wild magic) and her maternal drive to save her son. Her growth is further highlighted when she chooses not to take her anger out on Anele, recognizing his innocence, and instead focuses on practical survival strategies.3. What role does the Haruchai play in this chapter, and why does Linden react with relief upon seeing one?
Answer:
The Haruchai, represented by a figure who drops from the sky with feline grace, symbolize hope and potential aid for Linden. She reacts with relief because she associates them with unwavering loyalty and strength, recalling their past service to Thomas Covenant and herself. Despite their stern nature, she considers them friends and allies against Lord Foul, whom they call “Corruption.” Their appearance contrasts with Anele’s fear of the “Masters,” suggesting a complex dynamic. Linden’s relief underscores her desperation for trustworthy allies in her fight to rescue Jeremiah and oppose the Despiser.4. How does the chapter use environmental details to reflect Linden’s emotional state during her confrontation with Lord Foul?
Answer:
The environment mirrors Linden’s turmoil during the confrontation. When Lord Foul speaks through Anele, the birds stop calling, the breeze falls silent, and the air chills, creating a sense of unnatural stillness and dread. The sun, described as “mock[ing] her from its unattainable height,” emphasizes her isolation and helplessness. These details heighten the tension and underscore her emotional distress. Later, when her rage flares, the imagery shifts to fire and urgency, reflecting her fiery resolve. The return to practical concerns (finding water, food) signals her attempt to regain control amid chaos.5. What critical dilemma does Lord Foul present to Linden regarding her son, Jeremiah, and how does this impact her motivation?
Answer:
Lord Foul presents Linden with a cruel dilemma: whether she would suffer more seeing Jeremiah forced into his service or witnessing his tortured death. He taunts her with the inevitability of her son’s suffering, claiming that any attempt to rescue him will hasten his doom. This psychological torture is designed to break her spirit, but instead, it galvanizes her resolve. Her vow to “tear [Lord Foul’s] heart out” and her determination to find Jeremiah despite the odds demonstrate how the threat intensifies her motivation. The chapter ends with her focusing on survival, suggesting she is preparing for a long, arduous battle.
Quotes
1. “I have your son, her son, at Lord Foul’s mercy.”
This chilling declaration, spoken through Anele by Lord Foul, marks a pivotal moment of despair for Linden. It reveals the Despiser’s cruel manipulation and sets the stakes for her journey—her son Jeremiah is trapped in his grasp, driving her rage and determination.
2. “Fool! I have no heart. I have only darkness. For that reason, I strive to free myself.”
Lord Foul’s taunt underscores his nihilistic nature and his relentless pursuit of destruction. This quote encapsulates his existential malice and the existential threat he poses, framing the central conflict of the chapter—and the series.
3. “No mortal may stand in my path. I have gained white gold, and my triumph is certain.”
Here, Lord Foul boasts of his newfound power (the white gold ring), signaling a dire escalation in his capabilities. This quote heightens the tension and foreshadows the immense challenges Linden will face in opposing him.
4. “The Haruchai—Thank God! … They were men who kept their promises.”
Linden’s relief at encountering a Haruchai reflects her trust in their unwavering loyalty and strength. This moment shifts the tone from despair to hope, introducing a potential ally in her struggle against Lord Foul.
5. “You have delayed too long. The Masters are here.”
Anele’s warning, delivered with eerie prescience, introduces a new threat—the arrival of the Masters. This quote creates suspense and hints at the broader conflicts unfolding in the Land, complicating Linden’s mission further.