The Giants are awestruck at the violence but the First quickly recovers and orders the Rire Grist to bring rope so that they may climb down and aid their wounded companion. The Caitiffin is reeling also from the violence and sees the nature of one possible fate should he displease his masters.
Not surprisingly the Hustin guard(s) obey slowly, but they do obey, especially when shouted at like a slow private by an irate drill-sergeant. The company reaches the ground including Covenant slung over Brinn’s back like a sack of potatoes (the mental image okay folks?). As a vertical caver I love this next line and can try to envision it as well...The Caitiffin's face wore a look of nausea. He appeared to feel a genuine dismay at Hergrom's fate. Perhaps he had never seen a Sandgorgon at work before. Or perhaps he understood that he might someday displease his masters and have a name of terror placed in his mind as punishment.
Always wondered what it looks like to swarm down a rope.In a rush of iron grace, the First swarmed down the rope.
Ceer’s native Haruchai’s toughness simply does not allow any expression of pain except for a sheen of sweat on his forehead.
Linden paid no heed to them. Stumbling to her knees at Ceer's side, she hunched over him and tried not to see the extremity of his pain. He said nothing. His visage held no expression. But perspiration ran from his forehead like droplets of agony.
Linden does emergency first aid the best way that she knows how and in a manner enviable to many a paramedic. The others help where/how they can. But Linden is feeling what Ceer is feeling. Her manipulation and every physical (and mental) touch is reflected back at her. With a terrible resolve she ignores the effect of her percipience has on her as she works to save Ceer.
She felt the Giants watching her intently, grimly. But she lacked the courage to open her eyes. She had to lock her jaw to keep from weeping in shared pain. Her nerves were being flayed by Ceer's hurt. Yet his need consumed every other consideration.
The entire episode begins to take it’s toll on her.
But she isn’t alone and without friends. The First in a gentle gesture helps Linden up. She ignores the pain unintentionally caused by the First’s touch on the place where Cail gripped her arm relentlessly. The two women regard each other in mute understanding. Then true to her training, the First takes charge and commands the company to leave. But Linden stops and questions about Hergrom. Again the Haruchai’s judgement is absolute.For a moment longer, Linden held herself together. With Cail's help, she applied the splint. Then she removed the tourniquet.
But after that her visceral distress became too strong for suppression. Stiffly, she crawled away from Ceer's pain. Sitting with her back against the Sandwall, she clasped her arms around her knees, hid her face, and tried to rock herself back under control. Her exacerbated nerves wailed at her like lost children; and she did not know how to bear it.
Mistweave's plight had not hurt her like this. But she had not been to blame for it, though the fault for Covenant's condition had been hers then as it was now. And then she had not been so committed to what she was doing, to the quest and her own role in it-to the precise abandonment and exposure which Gibbon-Raver had told her would destroy both her and the world.
Ceer's pain showed her just how much of herself she had lost.
Yet as she bled for him she realized that she did not wish that loss undone. She was still a doctor, still dedicated to the one thing which had preserved her from the inbred darkness of her heritage. And now at least she was not fleeing, not denying. The pain was only pain, after all; and it slowly ebbed from her joints. Better this than paralysis. Or the unresolved hunger that was worse than paralysis.
The “inhuman-ness” of the Haruchai’s judgement shocks Linden and she moves to slap him. Brinn catches it without effort, releases her and turns to escort Covenant away.Linden stared at them. Thickly, she asked, "What about Hergrom?"
Brinn gazed at her as if he did not understand her question.
"We can't just leave him here." Hergrom had spent his life to save the company. His body slumped against the wall like a sacrifice to the Great Desert. His blood formed a dark stain around him.
Brinn's flat eyes did not waver. "He failed."
The Giants are boiling with controlled anger which is expressed by the First receiving the Ghaddi’s medallion and crushing it in her fist and hurling it out to the desert. The company turns to leave.
I found this next line rather sad the first time I read it. I mean what was so bad about being mortal?
I am presuming here that Hergrom’s body was picked up later by the lower level workers of the Sandhold and disposed of, rather than left out to rot at the outer wall. Still it’s a sad epitaph for one who fought so valiantly and selfishlessly for his companions. I kept thinking “But you’re not Bloodguard dammit! You’re just like everyone else. Accept who you are and accept the possibility of failure against insurmountable odds... I mean it was a Sandgorgon for crying out loud.” But of course the Haruchai are far and above being “just like everyone else.”With Cail behind her, and Vain and Findail behind Call, she joined her companions, leaving Hergrom bereft of the dignity of care or burial by the simple fact that he had proven himself mortal.
Now they are at a “cross-roads”; return to the safety of the Dromond or back into the jaws of the Kemper. (Ok ok a bit melodramatic here I know). Surprising the companions Findail speaks to plea for the rational and safest choice of returning to the ship. But Linden turns him down, making the excuse that she can care for Ceer’s leg better in the Sandhold. Like Covenant she clings to promises that she made to herself. But she also pointed out that getting “into” the Sandhold is a lot easier than getting out. She knows the lust that the Kasreyn has for Covenant’s white gold. But again Brinn shows no more compassion for Ceer than he did for Hergrom. For once he agrees with the Elohim that it’s better to leave. The First likewise agrees with the Elohim. But she obviously does not want the dead Haruchai’s life to be spent in waste nor risk the loss of another of her companions.
The captian responds instantly because he's looking for something to do that will help show his innocence at what happened. They are led inside back to their rooms. Pitchwife has joined them, coming from the ship to bring news. Linden has already warned him not to speak until they are alone. It’s a tiny victory to surprise the Caitiffin and possibly the Kemper himself that the knowledge of the guards acting as microphones (or radios...or whatever!) is no longer secret.At that, the First stiffened. "Aye," she growled, "the Elohim speaks truly. And Hergrom expended his life for us, though you deem it failure. I am prepared to hazard somewhat in the name of Ceer's hurt." Without waiting for a response, she swung toward the Caitiffin, calling as she moved, "Ho, Rire Grist! Our companion is sorely injured. We must have medicaments."
When they are finally alone the emotion is barely contained by Pitchwife and the First. But she is well trained.
As Pitchwife relates the tale of the attempt against the Giantship. Honninscrave barely can contain himself to remain with his companions instead of flying back to his beloved ship. An attack on the Dromond is an assault on the First but:While Linden bent to the task of Ceer's knee, Pitchwife and the First confronted each other. "Stone and Sea!" he began. "I am gladdened by the sight of you-though it wrings my heart to discover you in such straits. What has become of Hergrom? How has such harm befallen Ceer? Surely this tale -- " The First interrupted him softly. The edges of her tone frayed as if she would have wept if she had been alone with him. "What word do you bring from Starfare's Gem?"
.With an effort, the First held herself as still as the Haruchai
During Pitchwife’s tale, Linden is impressed by the medical knowledge of the Bhrathairealm people.
From Pitchwife’s tale it also seems that the people of Bhrathairain are technologically advanced enough to work their (attempted) sabotage while under water, likewise their knowledge of explosives and a timing device. Another small victory for the Quest was that the Giants, directed by Sevinhand caused a great deal of property damage by chucking the bomb back at the pier before it could explode.Clearly, the Bhrathair had a wide, ranging medical knowledge-the fruit of their violent history.
Despite the peril and the urgency the First does her training proud and maintains a tight hold on the companions. And true to her Giant-nature "not all tales are told". Thus she commands a frantic Honninscrave to relate the recent events to Pitchwife. Smart move so “it gave him a way to contain his apprehension.”
As a confused Pitchwife tries to sort things out Linden explains the truth of the matter.
But Linden has a better idea, go to the Gaddhi and ask permission to leave. Linden seems familiar with the subterfuge that the Kemper has built up around himself and the designs of puppet ruling. Now she seeks to cause a rift between the two in hopes of dividing and conquer. Linden’s ploy begins to work as the Caitiffin blanches at the First’s request for an audience with the Gaddhi. As the Rire Gist complies the company hastily gather their things and their injured Haruchai to begin their escape.Pitchwife was groping to take in everything he had heard. "This gaddhi" he murmured in fragments. "As you have described him. Is he capable of enacting such a chicane?"
Linden rose to her feet. Though his question had not been directed at her, she answered, "No."
He looked at her, strove for comprehension. "Then -- "
"It was Kasreyn from the beginning." She bit out the words. "He controls everything, even when Rant Absolain doesn't realize it. He must have told the gaddhi exactly what to do. To get Hergrom killed. And he doesn't want us to know it," she went on. "He wants us to be afraid of Rant Absolain instead of him. He failed with Covenant once. He's trying to get another chance. Maybe he thinks we'll ask him to save us from the gaddhi."
The Gaddhi grants an audience and does so alone and apparently drunk. A few moments of (false) honoring the puppet the First takes charge:
But the Gaddhi’s true colors come to the fore as if the praise and honoring of his weak-self were words of horror to his ears. He refuses. Mainly out of fear of the Kemper and also out of offended ego...what little he has left.The First gave him a moment of silence like an act of forbearance toward his weakness. Then she took a step forward, bowed formally, and began to speak,
"O gaddhi, you honor us with this hearing. We are your guests and desire to ask a boon of you." The edge of her voice was masked in velvet. "Word has come to us that our vessel is now replenished and repaired, according to your grace. O gaddhi, the quest which drives us across the seas is urgent and consuming. We ask your grant to depart, that we may pursue our purpose, bearing the honor of your name with us as we go."
While it could also be argued that he fears a bad reputation being spread by the Giants, after all who would doubt a Giant? Ever heard of a Giant that lies??
Spoiler
possessed by Ravers don't count ya'll. 
The First is obviously trained to battle with words as well as with a sword as she hammers another blow against the wedge they hope to drive between the gaddhi and the kemper.At last, he rasped against the desert in his throat, "Depart?" His voice cracked helplessly. "I cannot permit it. You have suffered in Bhrathairealm." Somehow, he found the strength to insist defensively, "Through no fault of mine. Blood was shed. I am required to exact justice." But then he became timorous again, painfully aware of his isolation. "But you must not bear such tidings of me to the world. You are guests, and the gaddhi is not harsh to his guests. I will make restitution." His eyes winced as his brain scrambled in search of inspiration. "Do you desire a sword? Take what you wish in the name of my goodwill and be content. You may not depart." His gaze beseeched the First not to press him further.
With that the company make their decision to get the hell out of dodge. The First leads the way and of course directly towards the yearning of her warrior’s heart. Pitchwife cannot escape the irony of his wife’s actions.But she did not relent. Her voice hardened. "O gaddhi, I have heard it spoken that the hustin are yours, answering to your will absolutely."
She surprised him; but he did not perceive the nature of her attack. The thought of the hustin restored to him a measure of confidence. "That is true. The Guard is mine."
"It is untrue." The First slipped her intent like a dirk through his defenses. "If you command them to permit our departure, they will refuse."
The gaddhi sprang to his feet. "You lie!"
She overrode his protest. "Kasreyn of the Gyre commands them. He made them, and they are his." Sharply, she drove the deepest wedge she could find between Rant Absolain and the Kemper. "They answer you only at his whim."
"Lies!" he shouted at her. "Lies!" Magenta anger or fear suffused his visage. "They are mine!"
At once, Linden responded, "Then try it! Tell them to let us go. Give us permission to leave. You're the gaddhi. What have you got to lose?"
At her demand, all the color drained from his face, leaving him as pallid as panic in the focus of the light. His mouth gaped, but no words came. His mind appeared to flee inward, reaving him of self-consciousness or choice. Dumbly, he turned, descended from the Auspice, came down to the level of the company. He trembled as he moved-as frail as if the moments were years and all the stone of the Sandhold had turned against him. Staring vaguely before him, he shuffled toward Linden, brought his fear to her. He swallowed several times; his gaze slowly clarified. In a hoarse whisper like an internal wound, he said, "I dare not."
Thus now armed and mightly at that... Honninscrave carrying a “huge iron-bound timber which must have been part of some large siege-engine.” A club fit for a Giant. Brinn and the other Haruchai are probably peeing their tunics at the opportunity to do battle alongside of giants.Linden hurried after the First; but she did not let herself run. The time for running had not yet come. Her senses were alert and sharp, etching out perceptions. Her companions were behind her in formation, poised for violence. But here nothing threatened them. Below them, the Tier of Riches remained empty. Beyond that her percipience did not reach.
In silence marked only by the sounds of their feet, the questers spiraled down to the Tier. There the First did not hesitate. With a warrior's stride, she passed among the galleries until she reached the one which displayed the blade she coveted.
"Heard my ears aright?" she murmured in stern irony as she lifted the long-sword from its mounts, hefted it to ascertain its balance. "Did the gaddhi not grant me this glaive?" The falchion's edges were as keen as the light in her eyes. Her mouth tasted names for this blade.
Chortling to himself, Pitchwife went with Honninscrave to find other weapons.
As they quickly regroup and continue downward towards the exit Linden’s senses go into over-drive at the danger awaiting them. The First as usual is ready and willing. After-all she gets to test her new toy sooner than she expected.At the sight, Brinn's gaze brightened; and a look like a smile passed over Ceer's pain-disdaining visage.
There they find the Kemper standing with at least 100 hustin and as many human soldiers. The Kemper tries to bully them to stop, but of course his words are futile against the will of the giants and Haruchai. It would make for a great action scene in a movie.But when they reached the Second Circinate, Linden halted them. Her tension was scaling toward hysteria. "Down there," All her senses rang like hammered metal. Opposition too dense to be enumerated crowded the forecourt of the First Circinate. "He's waiting for us." Kasreyn's presence was as unmistakable as his hunger.
'That is well." The First stroked her new sword. Her certainty was iron and beauty in her countenance. "His life in Bhrathairealm will no longer be what it was. If he is required to declare his tyranny, many things will be altered-not least among them the prosperity of this land." Her voice was acutely eager.
The company arrayed itself for battle. Knotting her fear in her throat, Linden took Covenant from Brinn, freeing the Haruchai to fight. The First and Honninscrave, Pitchwife and the two Haruchai, positioned themselves around Seadreamer,
Ceer, Covenant, and Linden. Ignoring the Demondim-spawn and Findail, who needed no protection, the company walked defiantly down the stairs to the First Circinate.
But of course all good things must come to an end as “the questers were grievously outnumbered; and more hustin arrived constantly”. Confusion takes over as Seadreamer trying to maneuver in the fray bumps Linden and knocks her into a pool of blood. Vain and Findail of course are useless as usual. Findail disappears and Vain just stands there as if he is oblivious to what’s going on. The guards and Hustin that attack Vain however learn the hard lesson that he was one best left alone as contact with Vain tears them apart. Linden tries to get Vain to help as the guards assault turns towards Covenant.Then the First called like a tantara, "STONE AND SEA!" and Honninscrave attacked. Heaving his timber broadside against the hustin, he broke their ranks halfway to Kasreyn's position. At once, he sprang into the confusion, began felling Guards on every side with his great fists. The First and Pitchwife went with him, passed him. Pitch-wife had neither the First's grace nor the Master's strength; but his arms were as sturdy as oaks, and with his cudgel he bashed assailants away from the First's back while she slashed her way forward. She went for Kasreyn as if she meant to reap blood right to the wellspring of his heart. She was the First; and he had manipulated and slain her comrades while she had been weaponless. Her sword flashed like lightning among the sunshafts, first iron and then red as she flailed bloodshed about her. The spears of the Guards were awkward for such in-fighting. No soldier could reach the Giants with an ordinary sword. The three seafarers fought through the throng toward Kasreyn and were impossibly successful. Seadreamer, carrying Ceer, herded Covenant and Linden forward. On either side, Brinn and Cail seemed to blur as they fought. Whirling and striking in all directions, they dealt out blows and swift death. For long moments of inchoate attack and precise rebuff, the company moved down the length of the forecourt.
Makes you want to shout Merkiva Vain! Doesn’t it? For all the good it would do. But the Kasreyn plays his ace up his sleeve and traps the questers with wide golden hoops that render an individual unconscious as the guards circle the group to prevent escape. In a matter of moments several fall victim to the hoops including Linden which knocks her unconscious and thus closes the chapter.An assault rushed at Covenant, was barely beaten back. "Vain!" Linden raged. "Do something!" He had saved her life more than once. They all needed his help now.
But the Demondim-spawn remained deaf to her.
Whew!
An exciting chapter to be sure and the appalling amount of bloodshed was for nothing as the questers fell victim to the Kemper’s theurgy. Try to imagine the scene... try to imagine the damage that giants can do to human beings... particularly the First who is trained in battle and her sheer size and strength with that huge blade of (now) hers. Then with the Haruchai using their deft skills in hand to hand combat killing guards and hustin alike. Honninscrave using his great strength and anger at the Birathairans that tried to destroy his ship to cause his own brand of destruction among the attackers. Pitchwife has that nasty *spiked* club (can anyone say ow!) and bashing anyone daring to get close enough to try and hurt his beloved. Though the First can very well take care of herself... a male’s desire to protect his mate still comes through in Pitchwife.
Yeah, baby, yeah! Where's the movie? Bring on the popcorn! Any scene involving Giants and Haruchai in battle should be a must-see event in any movie treatment. Let's see Pitchwife swing that club one more time! 
)
ROFLMAO!
