The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 83
Overview
Broken and stranded on a narrow ledge in Nethyria, Zevander clings to life and to memories of Maevyth, accepting death as a likely end. He prays she finds Dolion, resigning himself to fate. At the brink, Raivox breaches the boundary and appears above the chasm, offering unexpected salvation.
Summary
Zevander regains consciousness battered and in agony, lying on a sliver of rock jutting over a vast chasm in Nethyria. Spiders and humanoid creatures scream as they plunge past him into the darkness below, while Zevander realizes the ledge holds only his torso and any movement could send him falling. He fixates on Maevyth, recalling her face, voice, and their moments together, and clutches the necklace from his pocket to steady his thoughts.
Accepting that climbing to the distant cliff top is impossible, Zevander contemplates death and prays the gods let Maevyth find Dolion. The din of the abyss underscores his isolation and fading hope, and he resigns himself to slipping into Caligorya, if only to see her one last time.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar from above breaks through his surrender. Zevander looks up to find Raivox’s eyes gleaming at the cliff’s edge. Defying the boundary, Raivox launches into the air and hovers over the chasm. Relief and grim humor return to Zevander as he greets the dragon, signaling that rescue—and a renewed chance to fight—has arrived.
Who Appears
- ZevanderWounded and stranded on a ledge in Nethyria; clings to memories of Maevyth; prepares for death until help arrives.
- RaivoxBreaches the boundary into Nethyria and appears over the chasm, poised to rescue Zevander.