Contents
Chapter 27
Overview
Maevyth is thrown into a cell where corrupt guards plan to set prisoners on her and later throw her into a pit. She seizes a knife and stalls them, but an enormous scorpion bursts in, killing a prisoner and the guards. The attack halts the assault and leaves Maevyth unconscious, escalating the danger and mystery surrounding her captivity.
Summary
Maevyth is shoved into a dark cell and shocked by a warded door when she tries to escape. While she reels, two guards discuss returning at high moon to carry out a sinister plan, hinting at drugging a colleague and a coming spectacle.
Alone, Maevyth battles panic—first over Aleysia’s unknown fate, then a swarm of bizarre insects that merge into black ooze. More large bugs lurk in the shadows, keeping her on edge as the guards return with others and speak of setting her loose in a pit.
The men usher in a shackled, disheveled prisoner named for imminent execution and arm him to attack Maevyth. She takes his offered knife, wounds him, and bluffs that her blood is dangerously tainted, rattling him. A scuffle among the guards creates a brief distraction, and Maevyth positions herself to escape.
Before she can act further, a massive shadow overtakes her. An enormous scorpion skewers the prisoner, revealed by the disemboweled bodies of guards at its feet. Confronted by the towering creature and spattered with blood, Maevyth succumbs to shock and loses consciousness, ending the chapter in sudden, terrifying uncertainty.
Who Appears
- MaevythCaptured, thrown into a cell, resists assault, bluffs with “tainted” blood, and faints after a giant scorpion kills others.
- Giant scorpionEnormous predator that invades the cell, impales a prisoner, and is shown over slain guards.
- Dark-haired guardTaunts Maevyth, plans her assault and the pit, participates until killed by the scorpion.
- Redheaded guardEager participant in the abuse plans; bickers and wagers; found disemboweled by scorpion.
- Blond guardJoins plotting, starts a fight with another guard, part of the group overpowered by events.
- StolyusHesitant, inflamed arm, mocked by others; refuses direct participation but enables the setup.
- FerrysCondemned prisoner forced into the cell to assault Maevyth; offers a knife; killed by scorpion.