The Sea of Trolls

In the morning, Jack rejoices in the birdsong filling the beautiful valley, but Thorgil wants to leave because she detests birds. Jack insists that they rest and gather supplies before they continue on their journey. The life force that fills the valley draws a bird called a capercaillie, but Jack doesn’t kill it because the Bard taught him that it was “evil to use the life force to lure game” (317). Soon afterward, he finds an orchard filled with ripe fruit and nuts.

Days pass, and Thorgil’s ankle and burns mend. She argues that they should continue their quest, but Jack disagrees because he revels in the valley’s abundant life force. One day, Jack laughs uncontrollably and realizes that this place is like the Valley of Lunatics that the Bard warned him about. Golden Bristles finds Jack, and they happily reunite. 

Thorgil reveals that she has been able to understand birds ever since the dragon’s blood touched her tongue, which is how she was able to guide them to the valley. She despises her new supernatural power. Remembering the peril that Lucy is in, Jack gathers food from the orchard and leaves the valley with Thorgil, Bold Heart, and Golden Bristles.