Chapter 9 Summary

Birle is not sure how many days and nights have passed. Orien passes the time by scratching their names into the rock. Orien confides that he leaves no children behind. None of the wives that were suggested appealed to him. Except Melisaune, and his own father married her, while the Earl was away with the King. The girl bore three children, all of whom died as infants, and eventually died herself.

When Birle is too weak to move, Orien begins to walk along the water's edge. He waves his hands wildly in the air. Turning her head, Birle sees that he is waving at a ship on the sea. Finally, the ship sails out of sight. They are so disappointed they do not even notice another small boat approaching until the oarsman hails them. The man offers to rescue them in return for...