Summary
Upon returning to Caiphul, Zailm is assigned the task of aiding the people of Suem, who have lost their ability to provide food for themselves magically. Menax’s comments prompt Zailm to reflect on the Suemians’ lack of agricultural knowledge and self-sufficiency. Zailm realizes that he must help an entire nation of 85 million people learn essential skills such as farming, animal husbandry, and various crafts.
Overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, Zailm prays to Incal for guidance. Gwauxln, observing his struggle, assures him that Poseid’s resources will be made available to help him. Schools and distribution centers are set up, and over the course of three and a half years, Zailm oversees the teaching of the Suemians how to sustain themselves.
During this time, Zailm also reflects on the moral complexities of human nature, particularly the tendency of people to be lenient toward real criminals and harsh toward victims. He also contemplates the failures of human justice and the importance of moral integrity.
As the chapter progresses, Lolix, the daughter of the Salda general, becomes a central figure. After the death of her father, which Lolix shows no emotion over, she begins to woo Zailm. Though Zailm is attracted to her beauty, he is already in love with Anzimee. To avoid marrying Lolix, Zailm lies, claiming that Poseid law forbids marriage with foreigners, though this is untrue. Despite his internal struggle, Zailm gives in to his desires, putting aside his love for Anzimee and silencing his conscience. He prays to Incal, asking to be stopped if he is wrong, but instead, his moral decline leads him into deeper trouble, setting the stage for future consequences.
Names and Locations
Locations
- Caiphul – The city where the narrator returns and works on resolving issues.
- Suem – A region where the people have lost their ability to magically provide food for themselves. The narrator helps the people of Suem, which includes modern Hindustan and parts of Arabia.
- Poseid – A nation whose resources are offered to help the narrator in his mission.
- Pitach Rhok – A place mentioned as the location where the narrator prayed in his earlier years.
- Hindustan – Modern-day India, part of the region of Suem.
- Arabia – Part of the region that is included in Suem.
- Ganje – A location where a Poseid commissary is stationed, where the Saldee general spends his time.
- Atlantis – Mentioned as a place of personal turmoil and later reflection.
Names of key characters
- Zailm – The narrator.
- Menax – A person who brings attention to the problem in Suem.
- Gwauxln – A person who observes the narrator and offers support.
- Rai Emon – A figure mentioned in relation to the Saldee general.
- Lolix – The daughter of the Saldee general who attempts to woo the narrator.
- Anzimee – The narrator’s love interest.
- Salda – A general who meets a tragic end.
- Suerna – A former counselor of Rai Emon who plays a role in the Salda’s death.
The chapter
The full text of this chapter is in the book: Chapter XIX: A Well-Met Problem.
