In the story, the characters are navigating a tense situation involving Tor the Just, who has been holding back the Notherners for an impressive nine days. One character feels a sense of relief when another decides not to press further on this topic, indicating a mutual understanding and unspoken camaraderie between them.

This relief suggests that while Tor may seem uninteresting to some, his actions reflect significant bravery and capability. The mention of "melting a hole in the hills" hints at the extraordinary feats he is capable of, elevating his status in the eyes of those who recognize the weight of his efforts against their enemies.