The Runes of the Earth: The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant — Book One
Chapter 30: Part Two — 12. Find Me
by Donaldson, Stephen R.The chapter opens with Linden Avery facing the oppressive judgment of the Masters in the Close, their collective animosity weighing heavily upon her. Supported by her companions, Liand and Mahrtiir, she approaches Stave, expressing profound gratitude for his unwavering loyalty. Stave, however, responds with a sense of finality, as if his actions have irrevocably severed him from his people. Linden’s emotional thanks are met with his stoic acknowledgment, emphasizing his commitment to her cause despite the personal cost.
The tension escalates as Linden confronts Handir, the Voice of the Masters, demanding clarity on whether they will ally with her or oppose her. Handir’s cold demeanor and evasive response heighten her dread, while Mahrtiir’s sharp interjection underscores the tension between the Masters and Linden’s allies. Handir dismisses the Manethrall’s challenge, prioritizing an unresolved matter among the Masters, which leads to a dramatic confrontation between Stave and the Humbled.
The Humbled, Galt, Clyme, and Branl, take turns attacking Stave, each delivering brutal blows while he refuses to defend himself. Linden, though horrified, restrains her companions from intervening, recognizing that Stave must endure this trial to preserve his honor. The violence symbolizes the Masters’ rejection of Stave’s defiance, as he bears their punishment with grim acceptance. Linden’s anguish mirrors the physical and emotional stakes of the conflict, highlighting the Haruchai’s rigid code of judgment.
The chapter culminates in Handir’s formal pronouncement of Stave’s exile, severing him from the Haruchai and their communal mind. Stave’s allegiance to Linden is deemed a betrayal, and he is condemned to isolation. Handir’s final, sudden attack underscores the ruthlessness of the Masters’ verdict, leaving Linden and her allies to grapple with the consequences of Stave’s sacrifice and the uncertain path ahead. The chapter closes with a sense of unresolved tension and impending confrontation.
FAQs
1. How does Stave demonstrate his loyalty to Linden Avery in this chapter, and what are the consequences of his actions?
Answer:
Stave demonstrates his loyalty by publicly supporting Linden Avery against the will of the Masters, declaring his faith in her despite their disapproval. His actions include standing by her side, acknowledging her as “the Chosen,” and accepting severe physical punishment from the Humbled without defending himself. The consequences are severe: Handir declares Stave “severed from the Masters” and all Haruchai, excluding him from their mental communication (“true speech”) and banishing him from their homeland. This represents both a personal sacrifice and a profound shift in allegiance, as Stave chooses Linden over his own people.2. What is the significance of the Ranyhyn’s influence in the conflict between Stave and the Masters?
Answer:
The Ranyhyn serve as a moral authority that even the Masters cannot ignore. Stave cites their teachings as his reason for supporting Linden, stating, “The Ranyhyn have taught me that I cannot refuse your service.” This challenges the Masters’ rigid judgment, as the Ranyhyn are revered beings whose will carries weight. Mahrtiir reinforces this by arguing that the Masters cannot defy the Ranyhyn’s confirmation of Linden’s purpose. The Ranyhyn thus symbolize a higher truth that transcends the Masters’ authority, creating tension between tradition and a greater calling.3. Analyze the ritualized violence inflicted on Stave by the Humbled. What does this reveal about Haruchai culture and their concept of justice?
Answer:
The Humbled’s attacks on Stave—Galt’s kick, Clyme’s elbow strike, and Branl’s punch to his scarred face—are deliberate and symbolic. They represent a formal “rite of disapproval,” not just random brutality. The Haruchai culture values physical endurance, discipline, and acceptance of consequences without resistance. By not defending himself, Stave demonstrates his submission to their judgment while maintaining his dignity. This ritual underscores their belief in personal accountability and the severity of defying collective will. However, it also highlights their inflexibility, as they prioritize punishment over dialogue or reconciliation.4. How does Linden Avery’s emotional response to Stave’s treatment reflect her character development and her role in the larger conflict?
Answer:
Linden’s reactions—gratitude toward Stave, anger at the Masters, and physical empathy for his pain—show her deepening compassion and moral resolve. She initially restrains herself out of respect for Stave’s pride, but her outburst (“Oh, come on!”) reveals her frustration with the Masters’ cruelty. Her ability to quench the Staff’s accidental flames demonstrates growing control over her power, while her insistence that this is “between them” shows her understanding of Haruchai customs. These moments position her as both a protector and a challenger of unjust systems, foreshadowing her larger role in opposing the Masters’ tyranny.5. What broader thematic conflict is illustrated by Handir’s declaration that Stave is “severed from the Masters”?
Answer:
Handir’s decree embodies the clash between rigid tradition and individual conviction. The Masters represent an authoritarian system that demands conformity, while Stave’s choice to align with Linden symbolizes the cost of dissent and the search for higher truth. His exile reflects themes of isolation and sacrifice for principle, paralleling real-world struggles against oppressive hierarchies. The chapter questions whether loyalty to a group should override personal ethics, and whether institutions can adapt when confronted with undeniable truths (like the Ranyhyn’s will). This tension drives the narrative’s exploration of power, faith, and redemption.
Quotes
1. “She could not imagine what the Masters would do now. But their accumulated judgment had a tangible force which seemed to bear down upon her from the sides of the Close, as heavy as Revelstone’s unillumined rock. It felt like animosity.”
This opening passage sets the oppressive tone of the chapter, illustrating the psychological weight of the Masters’ collective judgment on Linden Avery. The vivid imagery of “Revelstone’s unillumined rock” mirrors the suffocating authority and hostility she faces.
2. “Dispassionately, as if he had no interest in her gratitude, Stave replied, ‘You are Linden Avery the Chosen. The Ranyhyn have taught me that I cannot refuse your service.’”
This quote captures Stave’s pivotal moment of allegiance, showing his transition from Master to Linden’s ally. His acknowledgment of the Ranyhyn’s influence underscores the chapter’s theme of loyalty transcending rigid hierarchies.
3. “But Handir did not choose to heed the Manethrall. Instead he replied, ‘Stand aside, Linden Avery. Another matter requires precedence. I will reply when it has been addressed.’”
Handir’s dismissal highlights the Masters’ inflexible authority and their deliberate delay in addressing Linden’s plea. This moment escalates tensions, foreshadowing the violent confrontation with Stave.
4. “Like the Humbled, he struck…”
The abrupt ending of this passage (though cut off) underscores the chapter’s climactic violence and the Masters’ merciless enforcement of their judgment. It leaves a visceral impression of Stave’s ordeal and the cost of his defiance.