Thomas Covenant 8 — The Fatal Revenant
Chapter 18: Part Two — 5. Departure from Revelstone
by Donaldson, Stephen R.Linden Avery returns to Revelstone in a somber state, haunted by the death of the Mandoubt and the weight of her perceived failure. The night is silent, and the absence of light from the Keep’s extinguished lamps and torches underscores the Masters’ unspoken judgment. Using her Staff of Law, Linden illuminates her path, defiantly confronting the darkness and the cold reception from the Haruchai. The atmosphere is heavy with tension as she enters the Keep, sensing the Masters’ collective decision about her, though they remain silent and unmoving.
Linden focuses on Stave and the Humbled, noting their injuries but recognizing their resilience. She offers to heal Stave, acknowledging his pride but emphasizing the dangers ahead. Stave’s acceptance of her help is a significant moment, as it symbolizes his willingness to set aside Haruchai stoicism for her sake. Linden’s healing fire restores his wounds, a small but meaningful act amid her grief. The other Masters watch in disdain, reinforcing the cultural divide between Stave and his kin.
Seeking solace, Linden decides to visit the Hall of Gifts, a place tied to past struggles and losses. Stave accompanies her without objection, and the Masters do not interfere, as the Hall holds little significance to them. The journey through Revelstone’s cold, labyrinthine passages mirrors Linden’s internal turmoil. She draws warmth from her Staff, clinging to the hope that remembering past sacrifices might help her endure the Mandoubt’s death and prepare for the challenges ahead.
The Hall of Gifts, a vast and solemn space, stands as a testament to the Land’s history and the Giants’ craftsmanship. Though its original purpose was to celebrate beauty and prophecy, Linden now seeks it as a refuge for her sorrow. The raw, unfinished stone and dusty silence evoke a cathedral-like reverence, offering her a moment of reflection. Here, surrounded by echoes of past victories and losses, she steels herself for the impending dawn and the uncertain path forward.
FAQs
1. How does Linden Avery’s emotional state manifest in her actions and perceptions as she returns to Revelstone?
Answer:
Linden’s grief and guilt over the Mandoubt’s death color her entire journey back to Revelstone. She perceives the walk as “unnaturally long,” hears the Mandoubt’s laughter haunting her steps, and finds no comfort in the stars or moon that once reassured her. Her emotional turmoil is further evident when she defiantly summons Earthpower from her Staff to illuminate the darkness—a symbolic rejection of the Masters’ silent judgment. The chapter emphasizes her need to “succor at least one of her friends” by healing Stave, revealing her desperation to counteract her sense of failure. Her choice to visit the Hall of Gifts, a place tied to past losses, underscores her preference for “old wounds” over fresh grief.2. Analyze the significance of Stave’s decision to accept Linden’s healing, considering Haruchai culture and his relationship with the Masters.
Answer:
Stave’s acceptance of Linden’s healing is a profound act of humility that defies Haruchai norms. The Haruchai pride themselves on enduring pain without assistance, viewing it as a test of strength. By extending his hands to Linden, Stave symbolically surrenders this pride, knowing his kinsmen will judge him harshly—as seen in their “rigid disdain.” His remark about “unremitting exercise in humility” hints at his growing alignment with Linden over his people. This moment also highlights his practicality: cracked bones would hinder his ability to protect her, suggesting his loyalty to Linden outweighs cultural rigidities. The act deepens their bond while isolating him further from the Masters.3. What thematic role does darkness play in this chapter, and how does it contrast with Linden’s use of Earthpower?
Answer:
Darkness serves as a multifaceted symbol in the chapter. Literally, it reflects the Masters’ withdrawal of light—a silent condemnation of Linden’s actions. Metaphorically, it mirrors her despair and the “darkness” of her guilt over the Mandoubt’s death. In contrast, Linden’s Earthpower-generated flame represents defiance, hope, and her refusal to be subdued. The Staff’s light “render[s] incarnate” the hidden Masters, exposing their judgments, and warms the cold halls of Revelstone, paralleling her struggle to find warmth amid emotional isolation. This dichotomy underscores the chapter’s tension between despair (darkness) and resilience (fire).4. Why might Linden choose the Hall of Gifts as her destination, and what does this reveal about her coping mechanisms?
Answer:
Linden seeks the Hall of Gifts to reconnect with “old wounds”—specifically, Honninscrave’s cairn—as a way to distance herself from the fresh pain of the Mandoubt’s death. The Hall symbolizes past sacrifices and victories, offering her a reminder that “great deeds” can be achieved without Thomas Covenant’s legendary prowess. This choice reveals her tendency to retreat into familiar grief rather than confront new losses head-on. Additionally, the Hall’s historical significance (a place where “Lord Foul’s servants suffered defeat”) may subconsciously reinforce her resolve for the coming conflict, turning memory into a tool for emotional fortification.5. How does the chapter portray the Masters’ attitude toward Linden, and what might their extinguished lights signify?
Answer:
The Masters’ attitude is one of silent condemnation and deliberate distance. Their refusal to relight Revelstone’s lamps or greet Linden speaks volumes, signaling a collective decision to ostracize her. The extinguished lights symbolize their rejection of her actions—particularly her alliance with the Harrow and her perceived recklessness. By leaving her in darkness, they communicate disapproval without words, forcing her to rely on her own power (the Staff) for guidance. This mirrors their broader distrust of her role as the “Chosen” and foreshadows potential conflicts, as their rigid control contrasts with Linden’s Earthpower-driven autonomy.
Quotes
1. “The walk back to Lord’s Keep seemed unnaturally long to Linden. She had gone farther from herself than she realized.”
This opening line establishes Linden’s profound disorientation and emotional detachment after the traumatic events with the Mandoubt. It captures the chapter’s theme of psychological distance and grief.
2. “His tale had taught her that the Haruchai were defined by their hurts.”
This insight reveals Linden’s growing understanding of Stave’s people and their cultural identity. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of sacrifice and the Haruchai’s complex relationship with pain.
3. “With Law and Earthpower and percipience, she worked swiftly… Her flame restored his flesh, sealed his bones. His gift to her was also a bereavement: it diminished him in front of his people.”
This pivotal moment shows Linden’s healing of Stave as both a physical act and a profound cultural transgression. The quote encapsulates the chapter’s tension between compassion and tradition.
4. “Old wounds were safer company: she had learned how to endure them.”
This poignant reflection explains Linden’s motivation for visiting the Hall of Gifts, revealing her coping mechanism of retreating to familiar pain rather than facing fresh grief.
5. “It was a cavern wider than Revelstone’s forehall… holding a reverent air, clean in spite of the dust; an atmosphere as hushed and humbling as that of a cathedral.”
This description of the Hall of Gifts creates a powerful contrast between the sacred space and Linden’s inner turmoil. The imagery establishes the setting as both physically and spiritually significant.