The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 60
Overview
Zevander follows Corwin into the temple undercroft, where Corwin realizes Zev sealed villagers in the tomb. Zev threatens Corwin to keep silent and ignores signs of a survivor. They discover a hidden stable with four remaining horses; Zev calms a black gelding, Vane, and learns of a tunnel that exits Foxglove. Despite Zev’s warning to stay, Corwin resolves to travel with the group, advancing preparations for the Sawtooths trek.
Summary
Zevander trails Corwin down to the undercroft, amused as Corwin notices a slick trail of gore from the prior night. Corwin’s unease grows when he reaches the soldered tomb doors, realizing Zevander sealed the villagers inside. Zevander threatens him to keep quiet, and, despite hearing tapping from within, turns away.
They continue to a cold, spacious stable on the north side of the temple, finding only four horses left. The animals are spooked, but Zevander selects a black gelding, Vane, and soothes the horse with a controlled warmth that stills its grinding and wins its trust.
As Corwin tends the remaining horses, he reveals a concealed tunnel that runs beneath Foxglove’s wall, an intended clergy escape route. The passage offers the group a discreet exit for their impending journey without confronting the main gate.
Corwin anxiously asks about the dangerous “dragon bird” outside and suggests hiding in the fortified temple, but Zevander dismisses the temple’s security and advises Corwin to stay behind if fearful. Corwin, however, insists on joining the group, and they press on with mounting and escape plans for the Sawtooths trek.
Who Appears
- Zevander (Zev)Leads Corwin into the undercroft, threatens his silence, ignores a survivor, calms and claims the gelding Vane.
- CorwinGuides Zev to hidden stables, realizes the entombment, reveals escape tunnel, chooses to accompany the group despite fear.