Kevin's Watch

The last time I read TCTC was over ten years ago (my previous post). During reading, I always seem to notice things that I didn't on previous read-throughs.

The following paragraph is from TPTP Chapter 2 (Variol-son):

'Then High Lord Mhoram recollected his promise to reveal the secret of the wild magic. He did not know whether or not Covenant could still hear him, but he whispered after the fading form, 'You are the white gold.''

This really piqued my interest, I couldn't remember Mhoram making such a promise. It doesn't necessarily mean he didn't, just that I couldn't remember when, or if he did. If he did, can someone refer me to which chapter/Book? I would be most grateful.

I get the impression that Mhoram must have made a bargain with TC and promised to tell him what he knows about use of the Wild magic, if he ever found anything out. Is this true? What take on this subject do any of you have?

I certainly cannot remember this little gem of an exchange on my previous runs through this series, must be my ten years reading drought catching up with me, or maybe it's my age?

Cheers for any insight...

Rave on,

Tony.

I don't have my books with me, but I'm pretty sure that Mhoram promised to reveal the secret if Covenant would at least hear his story of how they lost the Bloodguard before he refused the summons.

Sum sui generis
Vs

VS is correct. I don't have my copy of TPTP with me, but just go back to the point where Mhoram begins Covenant's summoning, and you should come across it.

Damn! I didn't realise it was that recent. I re-read the part in question and you are both right, cheers guys. Although I must admit that unless you *really* concentrate on that part then there is a big chance of ambiguity, which is probably why I missed it or it didn't sink in, in the first place.

For example, at an early point in the summoning Mhoram mentions his 'Secret knowledge'. As we know it refers to his insight about how to use the Wild magic, which he will impart to TC for him listening to his story, and for TC to be able to deny the summoning. But earlier in the chapter even before the summoning was attempted or even thought possible without the Staff of Law, he mentions his other 'Secret knowledge' regarding unlocking even greater power by violating the Oath of Peace. That it was a grave peril unless used carefully, and he had to keep it from the other Lords. It is very easy to confuse these two issues. Although they are probably related. Which is why the issue was confused I think.

And in fact TC is already unsummoning himself and fading out of sight *before* Mhorah tells him he is the White gold, so this information was redundant. Why does Mhoram tell him he is the White gold so he can forbid the summoning when he has just more or less unsummoned himself anyway?

Tony.

And in fact TC is already unsummoning himself and fading out of sight *before* Mhorah tells him he is the White gold, so this information was redundant. Why does Mhoram tell him he is the White gold so he can forbid the summoning when he has just more or less unsummoned himself anyway?

Read just a bit closer - he was released by Mhoram as well.

High Lord Mhoram told Covenant at the beginning of the summoning as a bargain: (paraphrasing) "Hear me out and if you still wish to go, I will tell you how to make use of your white gold to deny us."

He then ended up releasing Covenant, but as Covenant was fading away to save the little girl, THAT is when Mhoram remembered his promise.