Toward Confrontation
Linden Avery is reflecting that being thrown through space and time by wild magic is disorienting enough that even being transported as she has been by caesures, croyel, Insequent, and Forestal can't prepare her for the experience. Caught up in power-propelled dizziness, Linden is unable to notice her own ring is alight in response to Covenant's use of power with the krill and his own ring. The company comes out running onto a dry-soiled wide depression bottom. They slow down as Branl deftly steadies Covenant and takes the krill from him. Linden's health-sense determines that an hour has gone by.
Jeremiah wonders about their location as he prepares to dismount from Khelen. Linden notices there are stretches of rough-edged, mostly grey grass, and a memory returns to warn her.
Long ago, days or lifetimes in the past, Anele had stood on grass outside Mithil Stonedown. In a rancid voice, he had said, There is more, but of my deeper purpose I will not speak.
On grass that resembled this.
Linden yells, "No!", and Stave catches Jeremiah and hoists him back onto Khelen. Jeremiah wants to know what the problem is, and Stave observes to Linden: "This grass is of another kind. That which cloaks the hills about Mithil Stonedown grows more thickly, and remains shorter." Jeremiah insists on an explanation. Linden apologizes and explains that she fears Lord Foul will take possession of Jeremiah as he did Anele if Jer dares to set foot on that grass.
(I have wondered why this grass has affinity for Lord Foul's possessive efforts: is the fact this grass is more grey than green make it more useful to the one the people of the Land once called the Grey Slayer? Is the grass more utilizable to someone the Ramen still call Fangthane, because it has small fang-like sawing edges? I don't think enough textual evidence exists to settle these questions.)
Linden further explains to Jeremiah that Anele was practiced at masking himself during possession but that Jeremiah might be forced into a dissociation from which he can't return. Jeremiah protests it doesn't make sense, as he stood on grass when they were by the Sarangrave, and nothing happened. LA says it may be the wrong kind of grass, there. Jeremiah's expression darkens and he states he doesn't care and let Lord Foul try to possess him. Stung by Jeremiah's attitude, Linden cautions him not to rush into an encounter with the Despiser. He says, "Fine", snorts, and keeps his head turned away from her.
Covenant steers Mishio Massima closer to Linden and comments that this translation through space and time using wild magic was easier than prior such translations, adding that he believes Linden helped him this time, consciously or not. Then he asks, "Can you see the stars? My eyes aren't that good anymore." The Giants start relaxing as they understand the thrust of Covenant's question: the stars haven't continued to die, so therefore Mahrtiir continues to be successful in forbidding the Worm from Jeremiah's fane. Covenant wishes Linden to realize she deserves some credit for Caerwood ur-Mahrtiir's victory. Linden suggests they can discuss their plans while she and Jeremiah eat. Covenant mutters agreement.
In response to a question from TC, Branl states the last translation has brought them at least 20 leagues in a generally westward direction from where Mahrtiir protects the fane, and that the Worm's storm cannot be discerned from here. Branl consults with Stave and asserts that slightly more than an hour has been lost. The Giants concur. Covenant then observes the Worm will move on towards Melenkurion Skyweir when it realizes it can't get past Caerwood ur-Mahrtiir's to reach the fane. It should move faster as it gets closer to the Skyweir.
But Covenant confidently states they can move faster now with the wild magic. Lord Foul is in Mount Thunder, and Covenant proposes they approach him rather than follow the Worm. Rime Coldspray objects that Mount Thunder is dangerous with not only the Despiser, but with its proximity to She Who Must Not Be Named. She further voices concern that the Worm cannot be opposed if no attempt is made to stop it.
"Well," Covenant said gruffly. For a moment, he appeared to wrestle with himself. Then he announced with an air of defiance, "I disagree.
"I won't try to make your decisions for you. Even Linden and Jeremiah--you all have to do what you think is right. But I'm going to Mount Thunder. I have to try to stop Lord Foul. And I need you with me. I need you all.
"It's not just that I have no earthly idea what to do about the Worm. That thing is part of the created world. It's inherent to the way this world works. There isn't enough power anywhere to get in its way. But on top of that, I think the Despiser is more important. He's absolutely more important to me." Passion mounted in him. He did not raise his voice, but it thrummed with intensity nonetheless, with the authority of earned conviction. His whole body seemed to imply imminent wild magic. "Ever since I first came here--ever since he and the Creator picked me--my life has been about Lord Foul. He scares me worse than any ordinary death, even if the people I love most are the ones who do the dying. I have to face that. I have to do something about it.
"Sure, if we stop the Worm, Foul would be stuck in his prison. But we can't, and he won't. Think about that. Think about setting Despite loose in eternity, where it can pollute every new creation just like it's polluted this one. That's bad enough. Hellfire, that's bad enough! But it could become even worse. If he gets his hands on Jeremiah, he'll try to trade places with the Creator. He'll try to make a prison that will put an end to the very possibility of creation. He'll wipe out everything that has ever lived, everything that ever might live, every conceivable world.
"If he can do that, eternity will become the kind of wasteland we've only seen in caesures. Then there won't be anything anywhere ever again. Nothing except scorn until even Lord Foul's heart breaks."
Jeremiah inquires, "So your solution is to take me closer to him?" Covenant responds that Lord Foul could take Jeremiah any place. "All he needs is the right kind of grass and one mistake." TC turns to LA and explains that he doesn't think they can stop the Worm but that two white gold rings, the Staff of Law, Jeremiah's talent and proven friends should be effective against the Despiser. Covenant remarks that they shouldn't enter Mount Thunder from the Upper Land through Treacher's Gorge, because they would be expected by LF to enter that way. His idea is to move toward Kiril Threndor ascending on the path of the Defiles Course, of all the dangerous-sounding routes to choose..
Branl's quick reaction: "The waters are corrupt," The Unbeliever replies the waters are surely receded since the Soulsease started pouring into the Lost Deep. Branl warns the air will be poisonous. TC dismisses this by noting they have the Staff of Law to purify the air. He argues the lurker can aid them from the Lower Land's side of Mt. Thunder, and that they're taking advantage of the Ardent's proclamation that Linden's fate is "writ in water" by going that way. Branl observes that if Pahni and Bhapa manage to persuade the Masters to come to their aid, that aid will be on the wrong side of the mountain. But Covenant points out with skurj and Sandgorgons to bar the Masters' way at Treacher's Gorge, it would be better for the Masters' well-being if Pahni and Bhapa fail to convince them to fight. Jeremiah and then Linden agree to enter Mt. Thunder through the Course. Linden reflects on Berek's warning in Andelain that Lord Foul may only be freed by one who is compelled by rage, and contemptuous of consequence. She fears he was describing Jeremiah, or saw danger in Jeremiah, Covenant, or herself.
They travel forward by wild magic, arriving at the ravine with a sand-banked stream in the middle and weathered hills on both sides. It occurs to Linden that the Ranyhyn must have selected this place to arrive from the general directions Covenant's power was aimed, as it turns out this is the place where the Ardent had fed them--near the gypsum ridge where Liand, Anele, and Galt are buried. Covenant nearly falls from his seat on Mishio Massima to stumble over the ground with vertiginous clumsiness, but as he regains his balance he declares to the Giants that they appear to need a bath. He adds it's obvious he needs one by his smell, and invites Jeremiah to join him in a cleansing swim. Jeremiah dismounts Khelen and goes along with this. Latebirth, Bluntfist, and other Giants start joking about their respective body odors. Frostheart Grueburn doesn't join in with this, but instead walks toward Linden (still on Hyn) until she is standing by her.
In contrast to her comrades, Grueburn looked grave, almost somber. Softly she said, "Linden Giantfriend, perhaps you will consent to speak with me apart from these coistrels. A matter weighs upon my heart. You will do a kindness if you allow me to unburden it."
"All right." Linden's clothes were still clean, scrubbed by the benison of Caerroil Wildwood's power. Even her hair was clean. And she welcomed any distraction from herself. "Let's talk."
As she slipped down from Hyn's back, Stave and Branl also dismounted. At once, the four Ranyhyn turned away from the stream and followed the ravine, taking Covenant's steed with them.
Grueburn indicates they follow the direction the equines took, Linden asks Stave to watch Jeremiah. Stave states Branl is doing just that, and Linden sees Jeremiah and Branl going along with Covenant. She asks Grueburn if she minds Stave's companionship, and Frostheart replies, "Stave Rockbrother's companionship is welcome at all times." Grueburn leads Linden and Stave some Giant's-stride distance higher up the ravine from everybody else, stops, and with a disturbed air she admits to LA & the Rockbrother she doesn't know how to say what's worrying her. Linden encourages her, and FG then assures her that being a Giant will enable her to find a way to speak of it.
Finally Grueburn began. "Some days past, while we traveled together after the Timewarden had parted from us, I chanced to stand with you while you and Stave Rockbrother spoke. Together you considered questions of Desecration."
Like a slap of wind, Stave observed, "Our words were intended for each other alone, Frostheart Grueburn."
"Yet I heard them. From that time to this, I have respected that they were not for me. Nevertheless my thoughts have turned often to matters of Desecration."
Linden dreads discussing this. Grueburn assures Stave that she just wants to air her concern, which apparently contents Stave. Grueburn then comments that there seems to be some fresh pessimistic vibration around the Doctor, and admits to being disquieted about it.
"Ah, now, Linden Giantfriend, some new darkness hovers in you[...]Chiefly I fear that you sail a course which leads to the Desecration of yourself. To my sight, it appears that you confront an impossible conundrum."
Grueburn thinks part of Dr. Avery's problem is she can't totally protect Jeremiah or anyone else, and that this will have fearful effects upon the Chosen. Linden remembers the Swordmainnir, her friends, have everything to lose, so she opens up that she must face her own worst fear, a fear that's beyond what she feels about Lord Foul, the Worm, or her loved ones dying.
"My worst fear"--this was as close as she could come to complete honesty--"is that there may actually be something I could do, and I won't be brave enough to do it."
Linden feels an uncomfortable empathy with Kevin Landwaster, and recalls how she's long believed that letting severe pain continue is worse than Desecration. She doubts she possesses the ability to find or face a solution to ending the pain of Despite that doesn't trigger Desecration.
For a time, Frostheart Grueburn and Stave answered her with silence. What could they have said? She was who she was. Her fears were her own. But then Stave said like a man who had never known a moment's doubt, "It is written in water, Linden. Deeds are not stones. Fears are not. And even stone may fail. No outcome is certain."
Before Linden could think of a response, Grueburn began to chuckle. "Well said, Stave Rockbrother. As ever, Linden Giantfriend misesteems herself. She has restored joy to my ears, though she does not hear it."
Then she added, "Accept my thanks, Linden Giantfriend. You have comforted me. I regret only that you are not likewise comforted."
At once, the woman turned away. Perhaps she sensed that Linden wanted to be alone; that Linden needed time to accept what she had heard and said. Still chuckling, Grueburn went to rejoin her comrades. But Stave remained.
He said nothing further. For that, Linden was grateful. His presence was enough to remind her that she was not alone. No other answer would suffice unless she found it for herself.
(Linden's answer comforts Frostheart Grueburn, but why? My guess is because Linden demonstrates by her answer that she's determined to be responsible for herself, and has realized that she must set aside responsibility for what others in her company might have to face. And neither Stave nor Frostheart doubts that the Chosen has the courage to do what must be done, once she's figured out what action is needed.)
While waiting with Stave until she's convinced she's ready to rejoin the company, Linden feels a gratifying impression from the heavens.
While the stars were dying, they had called to her nerves like keening; like bright supplications. But now they were not vanishing from the heavens. Perhaps as a result, they looked less forlorn to her. They seemed to gaze down almost hopefully as if they had found something to believe in.
Heading back to rejoin the company,Linden and Stave are met by a dripping-wet Covenant, recently emerged from the creek. The ur-Lord apologizes to his wife, as he feels he has offended her with his suggested course of action. Linden observes Thomas hasn't said what she or the rest of the group should be doing. The twice-proven Illender says he knows that, but the only things clear to him are that he must face Foul and that Foul doesn't desire him, LA and Jerry together in opposition to him. Linden protests this is not enough of an answer, so in a harder voice Thomas reminds her they didn't start this, they didn't choose their circumstances. It only matters how they choose to respond. If their responses aren't good enough to save the world, then the Creator can sweat the consequences. TC draws in LA to kiss, and she responds by kissing back, once she's realized he's given her all the answers he's got.
It becomes apparent to the Chosen that Jeremiah is not present with the company. Linden asks Stave where the Chosen-son is; she reminds him of his promise that Branl would watch over him.
Linden ascends the nearby slope Stave has indicated as the location of Jeremiah and Branl, with Stave following closely and TC, Rime Coldspray, and Frostheart Grueburn not far behind Stave. Reaching the slope's crest, they all see that Branl is standing there, the white light of the krill in his eyes. Jeremiah is standing on a clump of grey-green grass which has saw-like edges, and he's facing away from his mother. Nothing appears to be happening, so Linden tells him, "Jeremiah, honey. That's enough. You tried. You can stop now.""He does so," Stave nodded stolidly toward the shining on the rise beyond Linden. "The Chosen-son parted from the company to wend upstream. Branl followed at a slight distance. He does not neglect his charge:"
Linden flung a glance at Covenant; but he shook his head. "He didn't say anything. I tried to get him talking, but he had too much on his mind."
If something had happened to her son, she would have felt it. Surely she would have felt it?
"Beyond the hillside," Stave continued," the boy has discovered a stretch of grass among sheltered stones. It bears some resemblance that which Anele had cause to fear. There he stands, offering demands and imprecations. For that reason, Branl does not intervene.
"It appears first that your son does not partake of the vulnerability or flaw which exposed Anele to Corruption. We conclude that the boy has inherited only Anele's openness to Kastenessen--a peril which no longer threatens him. His wish to encounter evil is foolhardy, but it does not endanger him."
"Or," Linden countered over her shoulder, "Lord Foul just hasn't taken advantage of it yet."
She was already running.
Without warning, a silent shock jolted the hills. For one small splinter of time, the world's Laws seemed to pause. Linden's heart did not beat. Her lungs did not stretch for air. The stream hesitated in its course, poised and motionless. Stave became one more stone in the hollow. Covenant hung between one downward step and the next. Coldspray and Grueburn froze.
Then a second shock released the hollow. Linden's pulse hit like a blow on an anvil. Covenant lurched for balance. Stave readied himself.
Instantly the air became attar, thick as the smoke of burning flesh, cloying as an inferno of incense. The heavens leaned down on Linden as if they had become lead. Even Stave flinched. Coldspray or Grueburn stumbled. One of them caught Covenant. Branl started downward with the krill raised.
In Lord Foul's voice, Jeremiah announced like a grinding millstone, "It may interest you to know, fools and servants, that your ploy has achieved its purpose. Your edifice stands, a worthy emblem of your wish to oppose me. Yet even there, your deeds work against you. Deprived of Elohim, the Worm hastens onward. It hastens, fools! The hour of my many triumphs approaches. You cannot thwart it."
"Branl!" Covenant gasped. "The krill. Give me the krill!"
The Despiser and Jeremiah ignored him. They spoke only to Linden.
"Nonetheless," the crushing voice continued, "this callow whelp thinks to challenge me. Me! As guerdon for his puerile valor, I have given him a gift which will make him wise in the subtleties of despair. When I have need of him, I will claim him, and no endeavor of yours will suffice to redeem him."
If your son serves me, he will do so in your presence.
"And you, frail woman--" Lord Foul's mirth filled the vale. "You have become the daughter of my heart. In you, I am well pleased. Ere the end, you also will serve me.
"Thus all things conduce to my desires."
Covenant snatched the dagger from Branl. "Is that what you think, Foul?" Have you forgotten what we can do to you? Have you forgotten we're coming for you?"
"Forgotten, wretch?" retorted the Despiser, bitter and gleeful. "I rely upon it. I forget nothing. I am prepared for you. If you think to confront me, you will discover that your efforts harm only yourself."
Covenant moves toward Foul/Jeremiah holding Loric's gleaming knife (and what he hoped to accomplish by such an act, I have no idea
). Linden blocks his path, and uses the Staff of Law and her percipience to exorcise Fangthane from her son. Jeremiah drops and the Sun-Sage leaves the Staff to run to him."Mom," he croaked. "Oh, Mom. I can feel the Worm. I can feel it. It's going up a cliff. A cliff! And it's going fast. Like the cliff was nothing."
The Despiser's gift.
Shivers that began in the marrow of Jeremiah's bones spread through him. Linden hugged him tightly, but could not still his trembling.
Lord Foul had taught her son to fear him.
(And my fear when I first read this was that Lord Foul now knows their location.)
Ah, the annoyances of adopting a canon character name! Anyhow, I would deem Linden’s honesty provides an surplus kilo of comfort in addition to the entire bearing of her own responsibilities. 
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Well, whatever the case, it's one more flower of hope abloom in the gloom. THOOLAH should now berate her as well, but do they possess hardy enough guts to envisage that 9-foot steel blade? 
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