Recovering from the storm, Linden wants to make herself useful as well. Cable Seadreamer responds, and brings her to help him and Cail clean up one of the ruined grainholds. As she works, Linden thinks about both Seadreamer's and Covenant's plight. Seadreamer's Earth-Sight distress seems eased by the fact that the ship is not moving towards the One Tree. Linden feels that the Giant's trial among the Elohim has altered something in him--maybe some part of his vision--to make him dread the One Tree so much. As for Covenant, Linden still has no answer to his blank state. She only knows that her last attempt to enter him was wrong because it was not done in the right spirit; instead, it was tainted by rage and hunger for power. But she feels that it's precisely that anger that pushed her to make the attempt; otherwise, she would have been too afraid.
Later, Grimmand Honninscrave holds counsel to decide where to go from where they presently are. Starfare's Gem is in a precarious situation, having been driven off course, and in desperate need of supplies, food and repair. By chance, the ship finds itself not far from the land of the Bhrathair. So Honninscrave suggests to Linden that Bhrathairain Harbor may be just the place to meet the needs of the quest and the ship. All the Giants want to go there, but Linden senses that they also have misgivings. Honninscrave explains that Giants have not visited Bhrathairealm for a long time, but tales he has heard hints that the Bhrathair are a changed people, thus the quest cannot be sure of the welcome it will receive. Linden decides they should take the risk. The Giants are relieved by her decision.
Days later, Starfare's Gem reaches Bhrathairealm and its hot and dry climate. Linden and Pitchwife stand together on deck to watch as the Giantship enters the huge Harbor. Linden can already see the "massive stone pile" of the Sandhold at the far end of the harbor town:
Pitchwife tells Linden the story of the Bhrathair's struggle against the Sandgorgons of the Great Desert, and the coming of Kasreyn of the Gyre, who emprisoned the Sandgorgons in their Doom. The plight of the Sandgorgons troubles Linden:Erected above Bhrathairain in five stages, it dominated the vista like a brooding titan. Its fifth level was a straight high tower like a stone finger brandished in warning.
A skiff from the Harbor comes out to intercept Starfare's Gem and directs the dromond to a levee large enough to accommodate it. The sight of the Giantship at the docks draws a crowd of people who had never seen such a thing before. Shortly, the Giants are met by the Harbor Captain. This guy is all business. When Honninscrave tells him Starfare's Gem has not come for trade but repairs, the unsympathetic Captain replies that if they're not here to do business, they can't stay. If the Giants try to stay, he promises that their ship "will be destroyed before nightfall." So Honninscrave orders Galewrath to take the Captain hostage "to share whatever harm we suffer."In her world, dangerous animals were frequently exterminated; and the world was not improved thereby.
Then, five men on horseback arrive on the scene. One of them dismounts and hurls abuse at the poor Captain, then presents himself to Honninscrave. He is Rire Grist, Caitiffin of the ghaddi's Horse, come to give welcome to the Giants. He goes all out to smooth the way for the Giants, but his flowery words don't impress Honninscrave much. The Giant goes to consult with his companions. Again, they defer to Linden for the final answer. She decides they should go ahead and meet with the ghaddi.
But Linden seems to be struggling against "a growing inner confusion" that might be affecting her choices:
Honninscrave leaves Sevinhand the Anchormaster in charge of Starfare's Gem, with instructions to flee the Harbor if necessary. Though he wants to be at the First's side, Pitchwife must stay behind to begin repairs. Honninsrave orders Galewrath to let go of the hapless Harbor Captain. They will accept the ghaddi's "gracious" hospitality.Her attention kept slipping away toward the Sandhold. Immense powers lay hidden within those blank walls. And powers were answers.
(I was a last minute substitute, so I hope my summary here wasn't too incoherent...)