Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Maevyth secretly buries the raven she mercy-killed, risking accusations of witchcraft as ravens gather and the feared Crone Witch notices her. Lolla summons Maevyth back, warning the governor is arriving for The Banishing. Their exchange reveals the parish’s persecution, Lolla’s brutal past with the Sawbones, and Maevyth’s dread, sharpened by her father’s death.
Summary
Maevyth buries the raven she mercy-killed beneath a winterberry bush, hoping the toxic berries will deter scavengers. She reflects on her reputation as “the lorn,” an omen of misfortune since infancy, and worries how the parish would judge a silver-eyed raven.
Spotting the Crone Witch at her cottage, Maevyth fears being seen and condemned. More ravens descend to peck at the scattered berries, and a distant red banner with a cross signals an official proclamation tied to the banished.
Lolla, her step-grandmother’s housekeeper and confidante, arrives and urgently calls Maevyth away from the woods, warning the governor is coming. Maevyth hides her wounded arm as Lolla fusses, recalling how the Sawbones amputated Lolla’s arm for unpaid taxes before Grandfather took her in.
As they walk, Lolla scolds Maevyth for consorting with ravens and risking witch accusations. Maevyth remembers the parish blaming her for past famine and blight. Lolla urges restraint, checks the bleeding cut, and insists Maevyth clean up for The Banishing.
They briefly acknowledge Maevyth’s grief over her father’s death; Maevyth jokes about needing Grandfather’s wine, but Lolla reminds her it’s early. The moment ends with Lolla’s solemn warning: it’s nearly time for The Banishing, heightening Maevyth’s dread.
Who Appears
- MaevythProtagonist; secretly buries a mercy-killed raven, fears witchcraft accusations, hides an arm wound, and dreads the imminent Banishing.
- Lolla (Delores)Housekeeper and confidante; one-armed from Sawbones’ punishment, fetches Maevyth, fusses over her wound, and warns the governor is coming.
- Crone WitchFeared healer at the forest’s edge; notices Maevyth, embodying the village’s superstition and danger of witchcraft accusations.
- Governor GrimsbyAuthority figure approaching for The Banishing; his rule enforces symbols like Maevyth’s choker and Sawbones’ brutal debts.
- SawbonesDebt enforcers who amputated Lolla’s arm, illustrating the governor’s harsh control and stakes for the poor.
- AgathaMaevyth’s step-grandmother; Lolla serves as her companion and often mistreats her.
- GrandfatherTook in Lolla after her maiming; his wine is a small comfort Maevyth longs for.
- AleysiaMaevyth’s sister; cited by Lolla as sharing a feisty streak encouraged by loose talk.