The Last Dark: The climax of the entire Thomas Covenant Chronicles (Last Chronicles of Thomas Cove)

Guardian made a dismissive gesture with both hands. “I am done with you. You do not hear, and so you cannot be redeemed. From this moment, I speak only to the Unbeliever. He will not disregard the remnants of my life, as you have done.”
    His gesture seemed to dispel the sensation of storms seething around him. He was definitely growing weaker, but he did not act weakened. Simply by turning away from the Humbled, he thwarted their outrage; cast them into shadow. Now they stood silent, like men whose mouths had been sealed. When Brinn faced Covenant again, he was smiling with a hint of remorse—and also with an air of satisfaction.
    On the far side of the
krill
, he seated himself cross-legged in front of Covenant. His eyes in their nests of seams and wrinkles glittered with refreshed affection. He sat with his elbows braced on his thighs and his chin propped on his fists; held himself leaning forward to study Covenant more closely. When Brinn was comfortably settled, however, he said nothing. Instead he gazed at Covenant as if he, the
ak-Haru
, had been made content by the sight of his old friend’s face.
    Covenant wanted to lie down. His forehead throbbed, and broken bones gnawed like teeth in his chest, biting deeper with every slight movement. Brinn’s obscure intentions and the dammed fury of the Humbled and his own wounds exceeded him. He ached to close his eyes and slump backward and let everything go.
    Yet he did not. His heart had not forgotten its stubborn litany of loves and needs. And the Guardian had come because he wanted to help in some fashion. Covenant could not allow himself to lapse while so much remained unresolved.
    With an effort that nearly made him sob, he muttered, “You aren’t exactly being fair. You know that, don’t you?”
    Brinn’s smile grew warmer. “It is for this that I esteem you, Thomas Covenant—this among many other qualities. Regardless of your own plight, you do not neglect the hurts of your companions.” Then his mien assumed more somber lines. “But now we must take counsel together. Your wounds are grave, my friend. Some healing you must have. Yet with healing will come sleep. It must, for your need is extreme. Therefore we must converse before I expend my waning strength. If you have not chosen your course, these Humbled will determine it on your behalf—and they will not determine wisely.”
    Covenant groaned. “You see me. You know what I’ve done. What’s left? What can I possibly hope to accomplish?”
    He meant, Take me to Linden. If you have that kind of power, use it. Before I’m too far gone to tell her I’m sorry.
    The Guardian nodded. “Indeed, Unbeliever, I see you. Your desires are plain to me. You yearn to be reunited with Linden Avery the Chosen for the Land’s sake, and for your own. Were these Humbled less parsimonious in their dealings, they would honor the passion which binds you to your loves. But I must urge you to reconsider the Land’s peril.
    “You have slain your former mate, a deed costly to you, and hurtful, yet nonetheless necessary. What then remains for you to attempt? Have you forgotten
turiya
Herem? He who reveled in your former mate’s agony and abasement? He is not slain. Of that I need not assure you. You are already certain of it.”
    Oh, hell, Covenant thought.
Turiya
? But he did not have enough life left to curse aloud. On the fall of a shuddering breath, he asked, “You want me to go after
him
?”
    Brinn’s study did not waver. Instead of answering directly, he inquired, “He has failed Corruption’s chief intent for him. What will he now essay in restitution?”
    Hellfire. Covenant groaned again. He was in no shape to think, much less talk. Nevertheless he did what he could. Brinn had called him
friend
.
    “He’ll try to possess someone else. Or something else. He isn’t good for much unless he’s wearing a body.”
    The
ak-Haru
leaned closer. “Then whose flesh will he assume? Not yours, that is certain. He is not such a fool. Nor will he attempt the Humbled. Their intransigence has not waned. He cannot rule them. Among the
skest
, he may perchance strive to attain your death. But they are little, and by nature timorous, readily cowed. Also I deem that
turiya
Herem is too prideful to be contented by them.”
    Covenant peered past the actinic brightness of the
krill
as if he were going blind. “So—?” His former companion faded in and out of focus. Give me a hint. I can’t keep doing this.
    The