The Sundering Flood
Introduced as a young boy living on the east side of the Sundering Flood.
Of Wethermel and the Child Osberne
The twelve-year-old protagonist, strong and bold, who lives at Wethermel and has a fateful encounter with a Dwarf.
Wolves Harry the Flock
Now past twelve, he helps tend the sheep and shows bravery and cleverness, mocking the men's cowardice with a song.
Surly John Falls Out with the Goodman
Trips Surly John with his whittle drawn, laughs at him, and later takes the sheep up the bent alone, wearing scarlet.
Osberne Slays the Wolves
Returns from shepherding with all sheep accounted for, having slain three wolves with spear, shield, and knife. He presents the wolves' heads to his family.
VI: They Fare to the Cloven Mote
Travels to the Cloven Mote for the first time, feels a premonition about Hartshaw Knolls, is celebrated for his wolf-slaying, and enjoys the feast with a young damsel.
VII: Of a Newcomer, and His Gift to Osberne
Now thirteen years old, Osberne is torn between his duty to shepherd and his longing to cross the Flood. He shows courage and discernment in meeting the stranger Steelhead.
VIII: The Goodman Gets a New Hired Man
Returns home to Wethermel, shows his new bow, and becomes the household hunter, shooting game with perfect aim.
IX: The Bight of the Cloven Knoll
Explores the riverside in his scarlet coat, meets Elfhild at the Cloven Knoll, and is captivated by her.
X: Osberne and Elfhild Hold Converse Together
Shares his dwarf-wrought whittle and wolf-slaying prowess; composes a love stave for Elfhild; reflects on Steelhead's counsel and Stephen the Eater's friendship.
XI: Osberne Shoots a Gift Across the Flood
Returns to the trysting-place in red-scarlet raiment, brings a gold penny gift, splits it with Elfhild, and shoots her half across the flood.
XII: Of a Guest Called Waywearer
Continues his trysts with Elfhild, feels deep sorrow when they miss each other, and shows growing authority by welcoming the stranger Waywearer against the goodman's wishes.
XIII: Steelhead Gives Osberne the Sword Boardcleaver
Receives the sword Boardcleaver from Steelhead; feels the glow of praise and vows to be worthy.
XIV: The Gifts of Steelhead
Receives Steelhead's blessing and gains new might; shows Boardcleaver to Elfhild and comforts her fears.
XV: Surly John Brings a Guest to Wethermel
Remains composed after being slapped by Hardcastle, and later displays his strength by twisting and straightening Surly John's knife.
XVI: Hardcastle Would Seize Wethermel
Boldly confronts Hardcastle, offering three choices and accepting the duel.
XVII: The Slaying of Hardcastle
Slays Hardcastle in single combat, reclaims Wethermel for the goodman.
XVIII: Elfhild Hears of the Slaying
Osberne tells Elfhild of his slaying of a man, defending his deed as just and necessary.
XIX: The Winter Passes and Elfhild Tells of the Death of Her Kinswoman
Attends the midwinter Cloven Mote, is paired with Gertrude, but longs for Elfhild. He expresses a deepening desire to cross the river and embrace her.
XX: Osberne Fares to Eastcheaping and Brings Gifts for Elfhild
Travels to Eastcheaping, buys gifts for Elfhild, and meets her at the trysting-place.
XXI: Warriors from Eastcheaping Ride Into the Dale
Now fifteen years old, Osberne volunteers to ride with the Eastcheaping men-at-arms against the Baron of Deepdale, selecting six men and Stephen the Eater to accompany him.
XXII: Osberne Takes Leave of Elfhild
Dons Hardcastle's byrny and basnet, girds Boardcleaver, and takes spear and shield; gives his bow and wonder-shafts to Stephen; bids farewell to Elfhild at the trysting-place, speaking of his need to seek fortune and find her beyond the Sundering Flood.
Osberne Is Chosen Captain of the Dalesmen
Chosen captain of the Dalesmen against his initial reluctance; accepts the role and begins training under Sir Medard.
XXIV: A Skirmish with the Baron of Deepdale in the Marshes
Captain of the Dalesmen; wields Boardcleaver in the skirmish, leading the defense on the causeway.
Stephen Tells of an Adventure in the Camp of the Foemen
Recovering from a wound, he eagerly agrees to Stephen's plan to capture the Baron of Deepdale.
XXVI: They Bring the Baron Into Eastcheaping
Leads the infiltration and capture of the Baron of Deepdale, showing his growing prowess and courage.
XXVII: They Parley from the Walls
Present in the chamber with Sir Medard and the Baron; introduced to the Baron as the lad of Wethermel who slew Hardcastle and showed valiancy in the war.
The Baron of Deepdale Makes Peace
Refuses knighthood from Sir Medard, accepts only a suit of armor from the spoils, and expresses his desire to live and die in the Dale.
XXIX: Osberne and His Men Return to Wethermel
Returns to Wethermel as the captain of the warriors, sings a song of their war deeds, and is embraced by his family.
XXX: Osberne Goes to the Trysting-Place
Returns to the trysting-place after the guests depart, filled with hope and fear; he is gaily clad and eager to see Elfhild.
XXXI: They Meet Through Autumn and Winter
Meets Elfhild frequently through autumn and winter, brings gifts, wears the armor from Deepdale, and struggles with longing and fear of losing her.
XXXII: Foemen Among the Westdalers
Leads the defense of the Dale, fights fiercely at the Cloven Knoll, and is wounded three times but continues fighting.
XXXIII: Osberne Seeks Tidings of Elfhild
Osberne speaks to Wulfstan, seeking tidings of Elfhild by asking which steads were wasted.
XXXIV: Osberne Sorrows for the Loss of Elfhild
Grieves deeply for Elfhild, stands vigil alone at the Flood, and struggles with wild grief before returning to Wethermel.
Osberne Seeks Counsel of Steelhead
Seeks counsel from Steelhead, still sorrowful over the battle and longing for Elfhild; decides to leave Wethermel after Midsummer.
The Staves Which Osberne Taught to the Dalesmen
Osberne shows improvement in his mood and participates in the Midsummer Feast, composing and teaching the staves sung by the Dalesmen.
XXXVII: Osberne Takes Leave of Wethermel
Announces his departure from Wethermel, appoints Stephen as his deputy, and sings a song of hope for return.
XXXVIII: Osberne Parts from Stephen the Eater
Departs Wethermel on a good horse, armed with Boardcleaver and the wonder-bow, leaving Hardcastle's Loom behind.
XXXIX: Osberne Gets Him a New Master
Osberne arrives at Eastcheaping and seeks Sir Medard, then questions Sir Godrick closely before swearing fealty.
XL: Osberne Rides with Sir Godrick
Rides with Sir Godrick, demonstrates keen eyesight and skill with his dwarf-wrought bow, saves Sir Godrick from a crossbowman.
They Joust with the Knight of the Fish
Jousts against the tall champion of the Fish, wounding him grievously with a spear thrust.
XLII: They Deliver the Thorp-Dwellers from the Black Skinners
Leads the charge against the Black Skinners, feeling wrath as if Elfhild were threatened again.
XLIII: They Come to the Edge of the Wood Masterless
Arrives at Woodneb with Sir Godrick; tells tales of his homeland and confides his sorrow over Elfhild's disappearance to Sir Godrick.
XLIV: They Reach Longshaw and Osberne Gets Him a New Name
Travels to Longshaw, is renamed the Red Lad, and proves his valor as a captain.
XLV: The Red Lad Scatters the Host of the Barons
Returns from a fruitless search for Elfhild; leads a successful attack on the Barons' northern host; praised as the Red Lad; embraced by Sir Godrick before the host.
XLVI: Osberne Enters the City of the Sundering Flood
Leads fifteen hundred men from Longshaw to the City of the Sundering Flood, executes a successful night attack on the Porte's forces, and enters the City as the Red Lad.
The Battle in the Square
Leads the council and the battle, wields Boardcleaver, spares a gilded knight who is then killed by a weaver, and is later ordered to rest by Sir Godrick.
Sir Godrick Is Chosen Burgreve of the City
Leads a surprise attack on the East Gate, capturing it with three hundred picked men and little loss.
Of the City King and the Outland King
Spends time at Longshaw and the Wood Masterless, still searching for Elfhild, growing ungleeful and few-spoken.
L: The Red Lad Speaks Privily with Sir Godrick
Osberne speaks privately with Sir Godrick, expressing his weariness and longing to return to his homeland and seek Elfhild at the trysting-place.
LI: Osberne Is Beguiled by Felons
Beguiled by a false messenger, ambushed and grievously wounded, rescued by Steelhead, and left to heal at a hermitage.
The Meeting of Osberne and Elfhild
Recovering from his wounds, he is wary but ultimately follows the carline to find Elfhild, and defends her against the felons.
LIV: The Carline Beginneth Her Tale
Implied as the maiden's beloved, separated by the river; she grieves for him as she is taken away.
LVI: The Blue Knight Talks with the Maiden by the Way
Not physically present, but Elfhild inwardly longs for him and thinks of him as her beloved, wondering when she will meet him again.
LIX: Tidings of Longshaw and of the Hosting of the Barons’ League
Implied as the young captain serving Sir Godrick, described as tall, strong, wise, and lucky; Elfhild suspects he is her beloved.
LXIV: The Carline Endeth Her Tale
The champion of the Knight of Longshaw, who is sought by Elfhild and is eventually reunited with her through the Carline's planning.
Osberne and Elfhild Make Themselves Known to Their People
Reveals himself in glittering armor, declares his return after five years and presents Elfhild to the people.
The Lip of the Sundering Flood
Walks hand in hand with Elfhild along the Sundering Flood, casts the pipe into the water, and listens to her tale.
A Friend at Need
Leads the defense of the Knight of Longshaw, rallies the men of Wethermel, and uses his reputation as the Red Lad to rout the enemy.
The Knight of Longshaw Gathereth Force
Offers to lead the Knight's host but is refused; returns home to Wethermel and continues visiting Steelhead quarterly.
