The Carline

Elfhild

Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante.

Elfhild

Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante.

Elfhild

Elfhild and the Carline have a close, supportive relationship, with the Carline acting as a wise and caring confidante.

Of Wethermel and the Child Osberne

Bridget, the old kinswoman and foster-mother, who protects Osberne with a parchment charm against evil.

XI: Osberne Shoots a Gift Across the Flood

Mentioned as the old woman who taught Elfhild lore and tales.

XIX: The Winter Passes and Elfhild Tells of the Death of Her Kinswoman

An old woman taken into Elfhild's house, teaches her lore and ancient tales, supports her secret friendship with Osberne, and prophesies their future meeting.

XX: Osberne Fares to Eastcheaping and Brings Gifts for Elfhild

Mentioned by Elfhild as having said that all women will love Osberne.

XXX: Osberne Goes to the Trysting-Place

Mentioned as Elfhild's companion; she is wise and protective, but not present at the tryst.

XXXVII: Osberne Takes Leave of Wethermel

Mentioned among the women moved to tears by Osberne's departure.

LI: Osberne Is Beguiled by Felons

Not directly present, but the carle-messenger's master is implied to be connected to the earlier battle in the City.

The Meeting of Osberne and Elfhild

The wise woman who brings Osberne to Elfhild, performing a protective ritual before they enter.

Strangers Come to Wethermel

One of the three strangers; she is asked by the tall man to begin the storytelling.

LIV: The Carline Beginneth Her Tale

Begins her tale; uses mysterious lore to protect the maiden and herself from the Red Skinners; comforts the maiden with hope of reunion.

LV: The Blue Knight Buys the Maiden of the Chapman

Uses her cunning and perhaps wizardry to protect the Maiden, arranges her presentation to the Blue Knight, and escapes the chapman's arrow.

LVI: The Blue Knight Talks with the Maiden by the Way

Mentioned as Elfhild's fosterer; she is present during the journey and shares a tent with Elfhild on one night.

They Come to Brookside

Accompanies the Maiden, overhears Sir Alwyn's prophecy about his death, and reflects on foresight.

Peaceful Days in the Castle of Brookside

Stays watchful and listens closely, hoping to find a way for Elfhild to follow her true path.

LIX: Tidings of Longshaw and of the Hosting of the Barons’ League

Gathers intelligence at the Michaelmas market, using gems from Elfhild's dwarf-given collar to fund her inquiries.

LX: The Blue Knight Gathers Men and Departs from Brookside

The Carline stands with the Maiden, sharing unspoken thoughts about the Blue Knight's mother's potential malice.

LXI: The Maiden and the Carline Flee to the Grey Sisters

The Carline questions the chapmen, comforts the Maiden, and orchestrates their escape from Brookside on horseback.

LXII: They Fall in with Three Chapmen

Travels with the Maiden disguised as a lay-sister; overhears the chapmen's plot and resolves to deliver them.

LXIII: They Escape from the Chapmen by the Carline’s Wizardry

Uses wizardry to put the chapmen to sleep and later performs a ritual to create a magical barrier; guides the Maiden to safety.

LXIV: The Carline Endeth Her Tale

The wise foster-mother who orchestrates their journey, negotiates with the Sub-prior, and eventually brings the champion to Elfhild.

Osberne and Elfhild Make Themselves Known to Their People

Sits down after her tale, setting the stage for the revelation.