Thomas Covenant 8 — The Fatal Revenant
Chapter 19: Part Two — 6. Sons
by Donaldson, Stephen R.The chapter begins with Linden Avery and her companions, including the Ramen and Haruchai, paying homage to the Ranyhyn before setting off toward Andelain. Despite her impatience, Linden respects the ceremonial delay as Manethrall Mahrtiir introduces the horses to the Masters. The Humbled—Branl, Galt, and Clyme—join the group, likely seeking redemption. As they depart Revelstone, Linden feels a shift in her agency, no longer merely reacting to her enemies but taking control of her fate. The company rides southeast, traversing a battlefield and entering a region of gentle hills, where they remain vigilant against potential threats.
As the journey progresses, Linden notices the absence of villages, speculating that the Ramen are avoiding encounters to prevent delays or conflicts with the Humbled. She also watches for the Harrow, but he remains unseen. Despite the slow pace, Linden finds solace in Hyn’s strength and the support of her friends. However, the first night’s camp on rocky terrain leaves her restless, haunted by the fear of attacks from Kastenessen, Roger, or other foes. Kevin’s Dirt weighs on her, sapping her resolve, while the Haruchai’s unwavering vigilance both comforts and unsettles her.
The next day brings relief as Liand uses his orcrest to counteract Kevin’s Dirt, restoring health-sense to the group. This lifts Linden’s spirits, and the landscape opens into grasslands, easing her anxiety. By evening, they camp in an arroyo with a stream, a safer spot for Anele. Linden plans to rest better here, trusting her companions and the Ranyhyn to guard them. As twilight falls, she reflects on their journey, feeling a tentative hope amid the dangers.
Stave later recounts the Harrow and Mandoubt’s mysterious conflict, as well as the Vizard and Theomach, though he withholds details about the Haruchai’s past. Linden observes the curiosity of Liand and the Cords, but Stave’s stern demeanor discourages questions. Mahrtiir, however, seems determined to seek answers, hinting at unresolved tensions within the group. The chapter closes with Linden balancing newfound determination against the ever-present threats lurking in the Land.
FAQs
1. What role do the Ranyhyn play in this chapter, and why are they significant to Linden and her companions?
Answer:
The Ranyhyn are revered, intelligent horses that serve as both mounts and protectors for Linden and her group. In this chapter, they facilitate the journey toward Andelain, carrying the company swiftly across varied terrain. Their presence is crucial because they symbolize hope and agency for Linden, who feels empowered by their strength and reliability. The Ramen and Haruchai pay homage to them, highlighting their cultural importance. Additionally, the Ranyhyn’s endurance and loyalty allow the group to evade potential threats, making them indispensable to the mission’s success.2. How does Kevin’s Dirt affect Linden, and how does Liand counteract its influence?
Answer:
Kevin’s Dirt is a malevolent force that dulls health-sense, eroding Linden’s perception, resolve, and judgment, especially at night. It heightens her anxiety and makes her feel vulnerable. Liand counters this using his orcrest (Sunstone), a powerful tool that restores health-sense to Linden, the Ramen, and himself. His success with the stone is a pivotal moment, as it alleviates Linden’s burden of being the sole wielder of magic in the group. This act underscores Liand’s growing competence and provides the company with a renewed sense of security.3. Analyze the dynamics between the Haruchai (including Stave and the Humbled) and Linden’s group. What strengths and weaknesses do they bring?
Answer:
The Haruchai, including Stave and the Humbled, are unwavering guardians who prioritize duty over personal needs, mirroring the ancient Bloodguard. Their vigilance—requiring little sleep or food—makes them formidable protectors. However, their rigidity is also a flaw; they distrust Linden’s powers and resist exposing villagers to her magic, reflecting their inflexible worldview. Stave, though loyal, withholds information (e.g., about the Insequent) to appease the Humbled, showing tension between transparency and tradition. Their presence is both a comfort and a constraint, embodying steadfastness but also ideological stubbornness.4. Why does Linden feel a shift in her agency during this journey, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Linden feels she has “wrested the initiative” from her enemies by deciding to travel to Andelain, marking a transition from reactive to proactive. This shift highlights her growing determination to confront threats on her own terms, fueled by the support of her friends and the Ranyhyn. Her impatience to depart Revelstone and her vigilance against attacks (e.g., from Kastenessen) reveal her resilience and strategic mindset. However, her lingering anxiety under Kevin’s Dirt shows her humanity—she is empowered but not invulnerable, balancing courage with vulnerability.5. What thematic significance does the landscape hold in this chapter, and how does it reflect the group’s journey?
Answer:
The evolving terrain mirrors the group’s emotional and narrative arc. The “tumbled hills” and constrained horizons early on symbolize uncertainty and limited visibility, paralleling Linden’s fear of ambushes. Later, the “billowing grassland” evokes openness and hope as Liand’s orcrest restores their senses. The arroyo, with its mix of protective stone and flowing water, represents a precarious balance between safety and change. These landscapes externalize the characters’ struggles—obstacles, resilience, and fleeting moments of peace—while reinforcing the Land’s role as an active participant in their quest.
Quotes
1. “Foes like Kastenessen and Roger, the Harrow and Lord Foul, merely wished to break her so that she might surrender or misuse her powers. The Masters believed that she could not be trusted.”
This quote captures the central tension Linden faces—external enemies seeking to manipulate her, and the distrust of the Masters who should be her allies. It highlights her isolation and the dual threats she must navigate.
2. “With luck and courage, and the inestimable aid of her friends, she might be able to surprise the Despiser’s allies.”
Here, Linden shifts from reacting to taking initiative, marking a turning point in her journey. The quote reflects her growing resolve and reliance on camaraderie to challenge her adversaries.
3. “Beyond question the Falls are a great evil, Liand had once said to her. Yet I deem them a little wrong beside the deprivation imposed by Kevin’s Dirt.”
This emphasizes the oppressive weight of Kevin’s Dirt, a recurring obstacle in the story. It underscores how this supernatural blindness erodes not just physical senses but also morale and judgment.
4. “She could rely on their stringent inflexibility. But it was also their gravest weakness.”
This succinctly critiques the Haruchai’s unwavering discipline, which is both their strength and fatal flaw. It encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of their rigid nature and its consequences.
5. “After the discomforts of the previous night, she wanted a chance for better rest. But first she sat with her back against the dry wall of the gully while twilight deepened into evening overhead, and Liand and Pahni readied a meal over a cheery cookfire. There she was able to relax and think.”
This quiet moment contrasts with the chapter’s tension, showing Linden’s need for respite and reflection. It humanizes her struggles and underscores the importance of small comforts amid larger battles.