The Maw of the Ocean

The Maw of the Ocean is the 60^th chapter of Eldest. It takes the point of view of Roran.

Summary

Roran finds the storm making him retch despite having little trouble on Clovis's barges. The storm batters the ship and Roran hopes that the storm is doing some good in throwing the Empire's three stoops off of their trail. The ships were faster than the Dragon Wing so they had had to engage each other previously. They also believe there is a magician on the lead stoop and assume the Empire simply wishes to prevent them from reaching Surda, dead or alive. A lightning strike hits the mizzen mast mast of the Dragon Wing and they need to cut the ropes and leave it in the thrashing ocean.

When the storm breaks after two days Beirland, where they had possibly hoped to lose the stoops, lies southwest. Roran, Jeod, and Uthar join in a cabin and discuss their position. They cannot make it to Alagaësia's coast near the Jiet River for the stoops have almost caught them. They cannot stand and fight for they face a magician.

Jeod asks about going through the Boar's Eye to which Uthar is incredulous and adamantly disregards it as an option. Jeod says he has heard that it's safe to sail the Boar's Eye at high and low tide. Jeod points out that the Boar's Eye could easily destroy the stoops or they'd be forced to circumvent it and the Dragon Wing could escape. Uthar still has reservations, but Roran seems to side with Jeod. Uthar relcutantly admits it's possible to go through and Roran affirms that they must be brave and bold now and this is their best option. Uthar contemplates other options briefly, then agrees to sail through the Boar's Eye.