White Gold Wielder
Chapter 13: Part Two — Thirteen: The Eh-Brand
by Donaldson, Stephen R.The chapter opens with Linden Avery struggling under the oppressive weight of the Sunbane, a corrupting force that exacerbates her physical and emotional torment. Her heightened health-sense, sharpened by Glimmermere’s cleansing, makes her acutely vulnerable to the sun’s ravages, which feel like they are consuming her from within. Despite earlier moments of hope and Covenant’s love, she now feels broken and hollow, unable to reconcile her inner darkness with the Land’s suffering. The Sunbane mirrors her own fractured state, leaving her despairing as the company prepares to confront Lord Foul, the source of the corruption.
Covenant leads the group westward along the dry riverbed of the former White River, hoping to use it as a path toward Andelain. Linden, though exhausted and traumatized by the Sunbane, agrees with the plan, desperate to minimize her exposure to the relentless sun. The landscape around them is desolate, with only a faint trickle of water remaining in the riverbed, a stark reminder of the Land’s degradation. The sight of Furl Falls, though diminished, offers a fleeting glimpse of resilience, a small spark of hope amid the devastation.
The dynamics among the companions are highlighted as they navigate the treacherous terrain. The First, a Giant, chooses to scout ahead, her strength and determination contrasting with Linden’s fragility. Pitchwife, though troubled, masks his worries with humor, while Sunder and Hollian express gratitude for the Giants’ companionship. Covenant, burdened by memories of past allies, remains resolute despite his fears. Linden, however, is overwhelmed by exhaustion and the Sunbane’s effects, her thoughts spiraling into despair as she questions the nature of their suffering.
By afternoon, the shade provides temporary relief, but Linden’s physical and mental strength continues to wane. The alternating heat and shadow leave her numb, and she collapses, unable to continue. Her breakdown underscores the chapter’s central theme of endurance amid overwhelming adversity. The Sunbane’s relentless cruelty mirrors her inner turmoil, leaving her weeping and powerless, a poignant reflection of the Land’s—and her own—broken state as they press onward toward an uncertain confrontation with Lord Foul.
FAQs
1. How does Linden Avery’s health-sense affect her experience of the Sunbane in this chapter?
Answer:
Linden’s heightened health-sense, sharpened by Glimmermere’s cleansing and Revelstone’s protection, makes her acutely vulnerable to the Sunbane’s corruption. She perceives the desert sun’s heat as physically consuming, as if it mirrors the darkness inherited from her father. Unlike Covenant, who remembers the Land’s former beauty, Linden has only known it under the Sunbane, intensifying her despair. The chapter emphasizes her visceral suffering—she feels “eaten away,” as if the Sunbane feeds on her inner darkness. This sensitivity leaves her emotionally and physically drained, culminating in her collapse by the chapter’s end.2. Why does Covenant choose to travel via the White River’s dry bed, and what risks does this route present?
Answer:
Covenant opts for the White River’s path to leverage the periodic sun of rain, which previously allowed the group to travel swiftly by water. Though indirect, this route could reduce exposure to the Sunbane’s relentless heat. However, the riverbed is now a barren, uneven channel with only a trickle of water, symbolizing the Land’s degradation. The terrain is physically taxing, and the First’s decision to scout ahead highlights lingering dangers, such as remnants of the Clave or other threats. Covenant’s choice reflects his pragmatic hope to mitigate the Sunbane’s impact, but it also underscores the Land’s irreversible damage.3. Analyze the contrasting attitudes of Linden and Covenant toward the Land’s suffering. How does this dynamic shape their journey?
Answer:
Linden’s despair stems from her lack of reference for the Land’s uncorrupted state; she perceives only its current agony, which mirrors her inner turmoil. Covenant, however, grieves because he remembers its past beauty, embodying the tragedy of “giving back something broken.” This divide isolates them emotionally—Linden feels the Sunbane as a personal assault, while Covenant battles guilt over his inability to restore the Land. Their differing perspectives create tension but also drive their mutual need for resilience as they approach Lord Foul, highlighting the theme of enduring hope amid hopelessness.4. What symbolic significance does Furl Falls hold in this chapter, and how does it contrast with the surrounding environment?
Answer:
Furl Falls represents enduring purity amidst decay. Though diminished by the Sunbane, it retains hints of its original blue brilliance, defying centuries of corruption. This contrasts starkly with the “brown heat” and dead hills, serving as a fragile reminder of the Land’s latent health. For Linden, the Falls offer fleeting comfort, a tangible sign that not all is lost. Its persistence mirrors the company’s fragile hope—like the Falls, their quest is a small but defiant spark against the overwhelming darkness of Lord Foul’s influence.5. How do the Giants (the First and Pitchwife) contribute to the group’s morale, and what does their presence reveal about the themes of companionship and strength?
Answer:
The Giants exemplify unwavering resolve and humor in adversity. The First’s vigilance and physical prowess (“I will watch over you”) provide practical security, while Pitchwife’s affectionate admiration for her (“Is she not a wonder?”) lightens the mood. Their presence contrasts with Vain and Findail’s self-interest, underscoring the value of loyalty. Sunder’s reflection—that he would not have believed such beings existed—highlights their role as beacons of hope. Their camaraderie reinforces the theme that solidarity and love (“There is also love in the world”) are vital weapons against despair, even in a broken world.
Quotes
1. “There is only one way to hurt a man who’s lost everything. Give him back something broken.”
This poignant observation captures the central tragedy of Covenant’s relationship with the Land, reflecting how the Sunbane’s corruption mirrors his own inner brokenness. It underscores the chapter’s theme of damaged restoration.
2. “She had heard intimations of affirmation and had followed them urgently, striving to be healed. […] But now the desert sun flamed at her with the force of an execration, and she knew better.”
This quote reveals Linden’s shattered hope and the Sunbane’s psychological toll, showing how environmental devastation parallels personal despair. It marks a key emotional turning point in the chapter.
3. “The power tormenting [the Land] was the same might which demonstrated to her undefended nerves that she was not whole.”
This powerful connection between Linden’s personal brokenness and the Land’s suffering illustrates the chapter’s exploration of interconnected trauma. It’s a crucial insight into the story’s metaphysical framework.
4. “The desert was simply dead. The dead could inspire grief, but they felt no pain.”
This stark realization represents Linden’s grim philosophical reflection on different forms of suffering under the Sunbane. It contrasts the desert sun’s horror with the more active agonies of other sun phases.
5. “Mhoram was my friend. Banner saved my life. Lena loved me. But Foamfollower made the difference.”
Covenant’s tribute to the Giants encapsulates the chapter’s theme of finding strength in companionship amid devastation. This brief eulogy highlights how relationships sustain characters against overwhelming darkness.