Chapter 36: Biórr – The War Host Departs
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
The chapter opens in Darl’s Galdur tower courtyard as Biórr leads his horse from the stable. Horns blare, and the courtyard is alive with warriors, skraeling, and dragon-born preparing for war. Biórr seeks out Red Fain, who is driving a wagon carrying children. They exchange banter about age, then agree that this march is the moment to change the world and avenge the fallen. Lik-Rifa emerges from the tower, majestic in brass-gilded mail and a red-wool cloak, flanked by Ilska and Drekr. She roars that they ride to give the wolf a red death, and the host surges out of Darl. Rotta rides beside Biórr and explains why Lik-Rifa chose to march instead of sail: many of her followers, such as frost-spiders and trolls, cannot travel by ship, and splitting the host would leave them vulnerable to Ulfrir. As the column winds through the streets, more Tainted, drengrs, and mercenaries join. At the river docks, a band of warriors led by Sterkur death-in-the-eye offers their swords. Lik-Rifa dismisses them, but Ilska and Drekr welcome them. Among them is Leif Kolskeggson, who declares he fights to see the Bloodsworn dead. The host leaves Darl behind, and as they ride into open meadows, trolls, frost-spiders, night-hags, and spertus swell their numbers until the entire world seems to seethe with Lik-Rifa’s followers. Biórr mutters that they are unbeatable, but Rotta cautions against counting dead wolves before they bleed.
Key Events
- Biórr leads his horse from the stable and sees the war preparations in Darl’s courtyard.
- He exchanges words with Red Fain about the coming war and their purpose: avenging the fallen and saving children from thraldom.
- Lik-Rifa emerges in full war gear, gives a rousing speech, and leads the host out.
- Rotta rides with Biórr and explains the strategic decision to march overland rather than split the forces by sea.
- The host swells as Tainted, drengrs, and mercenaries join them in the streets.
- Sterkur and his crew offer their swords; Lik-Rifa dismisses them but Ilska and Drekr accept.
- Leif Kolskeggson reveals his personal grudge against the Bloodsworn.
- Creatures of all kinds (trolls, frost-spiders, night-hags, spertus) attach themselves to the war host.
- Rotta warns Biórr not to assume victory too soon.
Character Development
Biórr experiences a blend of fear and excitement as the host moves out. His loyalty to Red Fain and Rotta is evident, and his awe at the size of the army shows his youthful perspective.
Red Fain remains a gruff but caring figure, focused on protecting children and avenging the fallen. His injury and age are contrasted with his determination.
Rotta continues to be pragmatic and slightly sardonic. He openly questions Lik-Rifa’s decisions (though only to Biórr) and warns against overconfidence, showing he is more cautious than his sister.
Lik-Rifa is depicted as imperious and single-minded. She cuts off Sterkur’s introduction, concerned only with slaying the wolf. Her charisma and power draw followers, but her arrogance may be a weakness.
Ilska and Drekr are extensions of Lik-Rifa’s will: they interrogate new arrivals and accept them into the host. Ilska’s reputation as “the Cruel” is noted.
Sterkur death-in-the-eye is a pragmatic mercenary, fighting for coin and to be on the winning side. Leif Kolskeggson brings a personal motive: hatred of the Bloodsworn.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
War and transformation: The entire world seems to “seethe” with followers, suggesting an unstoppable force. The host itself is a symbol of Lik-Rifa’s power and the Tainted’s hope.
Hope and vengeance: Biórr and Fain speak of changing the world and avenging the fallen. Lik-Rifa has given the Tainted hope to live without fear, a central motivation for the gathered host.
Unity of the Tainted: The army includes humans, trolls, frost-spiders, night-hags, spertus, and dragon cultists, highlighting the coalitions formed under Lik-Rifa’s banner.
Overconfidence vs. caution: Biórr’s belief that they are unbeatable is countered by Rotta’s reminder that past certainties have turned out badly.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks the departure of Lik-Rifa’s war host from Darl, setting the stage for the decisive confrontation with Ulfrir and the Bloodsworn. It introduces key allies (Sterkur, Leif) and emphasizes the scale of the dragon queen’s forces. Rotta’s strategic commentary and Biórr’s perspective ground the epic movement in personal stakes, while the inclusion of monstrous creatures underlines the otherworldly nature of this conflict. The chapter also foreshadows potential fractures: Lik-Rifa’s dismissiveness and the motivations of mercenaries may become relevant later.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Lik-Rifa choose to march overland instead of splitting her host and sailing to Snakavik?
Rotta explains that many of her followers—frost-spiders, night-hags, trolls—cannot travel by ship. Additionally, splitting the forces would allow Ulfrir to attack each group separately with his full strength. Lik-Rifa prefers to keep the host united. -
What motivates Leif Kolskeggson to join Lik-Rifa’s war host?
Leif states that he fights because he wants the Bloodsworn dead. He holds a personal grudge against them, unlike Sterkur who fights for coin and glory. -
How does Biórr’s attitude shift over the course of the chapter?
Biórr begins with a “savage blend of fear and excitement” as the horns sound. By the end, after seeing the immense host, he believes they are unbeatable. Rotta’s cautionary words, however, hint that this confidence may be misplaced.
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