Thomas Covenant 8 — The Fatal Revenant
Chapter 6: Part One — 5. “I know what to do”
by Donaldson, Stephen R.Exhausted and emotionally drained, Linden Avery is supported by Stave and Liand after her intense efforts to protect Revelstone. Despite her success in extinguishing the Fall and thwarting the Demondim, she grapples with a sense of loss, having missed opportunities to uncover truths about Jeremiah and Covenant. The aid of the ur-viles and Waynhim, brought by Esmer, leaves her questioning their motives, yet she acknowledges their unwavering trust in her. Their assistance has left them vulnerable, but Linden no longer doubts their loyalty, even as she anticipates Esmer’s inevitable betrayal.
Liand expresses awe at Linden’s power, comparing her actions to a pivotal moment in the Land’s salvation. Stave confirms her success, noting the Demondim’s rage and the impending battle for Revelstone. Though weakened, Linden resolves to meet Covenant near Furl Falls, relying on her friends and the Staff of Law for support. She hopes Revelstone’s ancient defenses will hold against the Demondim, but her immediate focus shifts to recovering her strength and preparing for the challenges ahead.
The Waynhim return, offering Linden a potent restorative brew that revitalizes her physically and mentally. Grateful, she reflects on their selfless aid despite the risks they face. Their artificial nature makes it difficult to discern their condition, but she senses no lasting harm. Linden thanks them, acknowledging their enigmatic motives, but the creatures depart without response, leaving her to ponder their unwavering support.
Revitalized, Linden turns her attention to her companions, receiving praise from Mahrtiir and the Ramen for her deeds. Liand and Pahni share a quiet moment, while Anele speaks cryptically in an unfamiliar voice. Linden resolves to focus on her next steps, trusting the Masters to defend Revelstone as she prepares to reunite with Covenant and Jeremiah, uncertain of what their meeting will demand of her.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Linden experience after her successful defense of Revelstone, and why does she view her success as a “complex failure”?
Answer:
Linden feels a mix of grief and satisfaction after her efforts. While she successfully defended Revelstone by extinguishing the Fall and repelling the Demondim, she views this as a “complex failure” because she missed opportunities to uncover truths about the Demondim-spawn, Jeremiah, and Covenant. Her focus on Revelstone’s safety came at the cost of personal understanding, leaving her blind to insights she might have gained with prolonged augmented percipience. This duality—achieving a critical victory while sacrificing personal growth—creates her conflicted emotions.
2. How do the ur-viles and Waynhim demonstrate their trust in Linden, and what significance does this hold for her?
Answer:
The ur-viles and Waynhim show trust by granting Linden augmented percipience, making their deepest secrets vulnerable to her probing. This act convinces her of their sincerity, despite her doubts about Esmer’s motives. Their selfless aid—risking their own safety to empower her—cements her belief that their intentions are separate from Esmer’s potential betrayals. This trust shifts Linden’s perspective, making her no longer question their loyalty, even as she remains wary of Esmer’s contradictions.
3. Analyze the role of the vitrim offered by the Waynhim. How does it function symbolically and practically in the narrative?
Answer:
Practically, the vitrim restores Linden’s energy and self-awareness, enabling her to continue her journey. Symbolically, it represents the paradoxical nature of aid in the Land: though created through “alien” knowledge (not Earthpower or Law), it aligns with Linden’s needs, mirroring the Waynhim’s own role as unexpected allies. The scene underscores themes of reciprocity and the blurring of moral boundaries—unnatural yet benevolent forces supporting Linden’s cause.
4. Why does Stave describe the Demondim’s reaction as “enraged,” and what implications does this have for Revelstone’s survival?
Answer:
Stave notes the Demondim’s rage because Linden’s destruction of the Fall (and its Illearth Stone bale) removes their advantage, forcing a direct assault. This shifts the battle to a test of Revelstone’s physical defenses and the Masters’ combat skills. While Linden’s actions make victory “conceivable,” the Demondim’s fury heightens the stakes, implying a prolonged, brutal siege. The outcome now hinges on the Keep’s ancient resilience and the Masters’ endurance, leaving Linden to trust in factors beyond her control.
5. Evaluate Linden’s decision to prioritize meeting Covenant over further aiding Revelstone. What does this reveal about her character and priorities?
Answer:
Linden’s choice reflects her evolving role as a leader torn between immediate crises and deeper mysteries. Though she regrets leaving Revelstone’s defense to the Masters, her exhaustion and Covenant’s summons compel her to focus on broader threats (e.g., Jeremiah’s changes). This decision highlights her pragmatism—recognizing her limits—and her growing resolve to address root causes over symptoms. It also underscores her trust in others (the Masters, her friends) to shoulder responsibilities she cannot.
Quotes
1. “She felt a kind of grief, the consequences of self-expenditure, as though her success were a complex failure.”
This quote captures Linden’s paradoxical emotional state after her exhausting efforts - achieving victory while simultaneously feeling loss. It represents the chapter’s theme of sacrifice and the costs of power.
2. “For a moment while you dazzled me, I seemed to stand at the side of the Land’s redemption.”
Liand’s awestruck reaction highlights the magnitude of Linden’s magical feat and its potential significance for the Land’s salvation, contrasting with Linden’s own doubts about her actions.
3. “You have extinguished the Fall… Thus the Demondim are enraged. Already they assail the Keep.”
Stave’s announcement marks a key turning point - Linden’s success in removing the threat has ironically provoked the enemy’s furious retaliation, raising new dangers for Revelstone.
4. “The loremaster’s knife had disappeared. Instead with both hands the black creature offered her an iron bowl.”
This vivid moment symbolizes the unexpected alliance between Linden and the Demondim-spawn, showing how former enemies can become crucial allies in times of need.
5. “Such power becomes you.”
Anele’s mysterious comment (in an unfamiliar voice) serves as both validation of Linden’s actions and an ominous hint about her growing capabilities and their implications.