The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 37
Overview
Alastor draws Zevander into a vision of a dungeon where Maevyth is tortured by witch pricker Lord Eldric under Sacton Crain’s sanction. Zevander nearly unleashes his destructive fire but is warned that more killing invites divine punishment on his loved ones. He restrains himself, channels his rage for future power, and fixes Sacton Crain as a target for vengeance.
Summary
Alastor summons Zevander back to the Caligoryan village and guides him into the cathedral’s depths to confront the consequences of his past killing. Through an iron hatch, Zevander witnesses Maevyth imprisoned, shorn, wounded, and surrounded by accusers as a brazier lights the cell.
A red-garbed woman presents Lord Eldric Holloway, famed witch pricker, to Sacton Crain, who cites accusations that Maevyth wished Lilleven’s trampling and ominous ravens as signs. Eldric begins methodical pricking with an engraved iron needle while men restrain Maevyth, each stab drawing screams and blood.
Zevander’s own memories of torture surge, and he moves to intervene, palm heating the door. Maevyth hears him and cries, “Angel?” Alastor warns silence and reminds Zevander that further killing will trigger divine retribution, endangering his mother and sister. Zevander trembles between fury and restraint.
Alastor urges Zevander to channel his rage into power, promising vengeance in time. Zevander studies Sacton Crain’s face, committing every detail, resolving to make him pay should fate allow. As Zevander’s flame threatens to ignite, Alastor stays his hand, stressing that the scene has not yet come to pass and that the gods will decide her suffering.
Who Appears
- ZevanderWitnesses Maevyth’s torture in a vision, nearly unleashes black fire, restrains himself, and vows vengeance against Sacton Crain.
- AlastorMentor who shows the vision, warns of divine balance and collateral punishment, and urges Zevander to channel rage into power.
- MaevythImprisoned and tortured by witch pricking; recognizes Zevander’s presence and pleads through pain.
- Sacton CrainCleric overseeing the ordeal, insisting Maevyth bears a devil’s mark; target of Zevander’s promised vengeance.
- Lord Eldric HollowayRenowned witch pricker who methodically stabs Maevyth searching for a devil’s mark.