Had you been TC (again)

[Worm of Despite]

Let's say you suddenly get transported to the Land during LFB; you know what happens during the First Chrons and the Second Chrons. That's a meaty supposition, I know. What would you have done differently from TC? Not rape Lena, for one thing, I'm sure, but there's so much different stuff that happens in the book that a reader's foreknowledge could prevent.

But what really pushed me to make this thread was this thought: even if we'd read the books, do you think Foul would have still found another way to accomplish his goals--all the nasty stuff he did? If he could use Covenant's Unbelief and his bargains, I'm sure he would find something in each of us to exploit, as well. Heck, would we even be able to stand up to Foul in the end, or does it take something special, like TC's Unbelief?

Maybe now's the chance for someone to explain to me why TC's guilt, etc., made him the perfect "foeman" for Foul, as I've often heard but never understood how a normal person wouldn't make it against Foul. Thanks.

[duchess of malfi]

I will try to give part of an answer, LF, but am at work, and don't know how much time I will have to type...

While at Elohimfest, a question was asked about High Lord Kevin that produced an answer about Hile Troy -- that he was there to provide a foil for Covenant. Troy acted the way so many people say they would act, the way they say that Covenant should act -- rushed forward, did everything in his power to help the Lords and the Land -- and well, he didn't succeed too well, did he?

Covenant and his power are a two edged sword. He (and his daughter Elena as well) are important people because they have the ability to change the world for good or for ill. This was the reason that Elena was chosen as High Lord, the reason the ranyhyn included her in their horse right...also the reason that Covenant was able to coimmit a crime so terrible that it affected generations of people, and also be a great hero, a savior...

I don't know how many among us would rush blindly forward like Troy, though I suspect many decent, good people would act like him and serve the Land with the best of their ability, and how many of us were born with the ability to change a world like Elena and Covenant were...

But I do know that the Covenant's guilt is a great motivator for him. Wanting to make things right is what often will keep him going against horrible odds. It keeps him going when other people would crumple, like when he was crawling through the snow with a broken ankle...