The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 50
Overview
In Foxglove’s underground tomb, Sacton Crain whips the villagers into burning Maevyth, Aleysia, Corwin, and Maevyth’s father as a sacrifice to end the plague. Governor Grimsby protests and is murdered by his own enforcer as the mob frenzies. Maevyth breaks the fire trap with Aeryz and her bone whip. As panic peaks, Zevander and his giant scorpion smash through the doors, forcing a decisive confrontation.
Summary
Maevyth, Aleysia, Corwin, and Maevyth’s father are herded beneath Foxglove’s church into an ancient tomb repurposed as communal sleeping quarters. Sacton Crain rallies armed villagers, condemning the four as witch, heretic, harlot, and sea serpent, and orders a ring of kindling lit to burn them alive as a purging sacrifice.
Governor Grimsby hobbles forward to denounce the killings and plead for peace, but a Sawbones enforcer stabs him in the neck. The mob descends, finishing Grimsby as Crain watches, unmoved. Aleysia needles Crain about visions of the coming Decimation, rattling him; he flings the torch to tighten the fiery trap.
As heat builds and escape closes, Aleysia urges Maevyth to embrace her power. When Crain refuses to yield, Maevyth unleashes Aeryz, blasting him back and opening a gap in the flames. The four scramble out, but the villagers close in, chanting “witch.” Maevyth summons her bone whip; a single crack severs Mr. Morvenne’s limb, shocking the crowd into momentary retreat.
Crain demands the crowd finish them, but thunderous blows shake the far iron doors. Panic rises as the doors crash inward. Zevander strides in with his colossal scorpion, forcing a standstill and abruptly shifting control of the chamber.
Who Appears
- MaevythCentral target of the burning; uses Aeryz to break the fire ring and wields her bone whip.
- Sacton CrainFanatical priest orchestrating the mass burning; rattled by Decimation talk; commands the mob.
- AleysiaDefiant ally; taunts Crain about visions; urges Maevyth to unleash her power.
- Maevyth’s fatherCaptured with Maevyth; tries to shield the group and denounces Crain.
- CorwinCaptive companion; panics at the flames but survives Maevyth’s escape attempt.
- Governor GrimsbyOpposes the burning and calls for peace; murdered by his own Sawbones and the mob.
- Sawbones enforcerGrimsby’s tattooed debt collector; assassinates him to please the mob and Crain.
- Mr. MorvenneVillager attacking the group; loses an arm to Maevyth’s bone whip.
- ZevanderArrives last, smashing through the doors to confront the mob and reach Maevyth.
- Giant scorpionZevander’s massive companion; bursts into the crypt, intimidating the villagers.