The unusually low tides are a locus of power and time. It is also the meaning of the glyph with the wavy lines. The question is how does Christopher avoid a bad consequence when all he gets are vague warnings?
Alistair is much weaker than it seems. He lost his own muscle with Denton and relies on Levasque. Alistair who sees everyone as pawns is a pawn himself to Levasque.
I wondered when Bartholemew would turn up. He is one of Andy's greatest strengths. There is fierce loyalty and love there which Esca cannot get from anyone.