The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 57
Overview
In a past timeline, Zevander is nearly freed when King Sagaerin petitions King Jeret, but General Loyce sabotages it by revealing Zevander’s Caligorya glyphs. A vivicantem test confirms his forbidden knowledge, and Jeret rescinds release, ordering investigation.
Zev names Theron as a prior traitor, yet Loyce claims Theron already thwarted the release and will be used to prove Zev’s slipping—or be killed—cementing Zev’s continued bondage.
Summary
Training in captivity, Zevander is summoned with Theron to General Loyce, who reveals King Jeret has received a third petition from King Sagaerin to release Zevander. Terrified of losing control, Loyce begs Zevander to refuse, but he rejects her and prepares to meet the king.
Zevander confides to Theron that Sagaerin loved his mother and might seek vengeance, yet he’d still choose death over remaining Loyce’s slave. A Solassion soldier escorts him to Jeret’s throne room.
Jeret, weakened by Kael’s mercenary army and razorwolves, debates Sagaerin’s new offer. Loyce pivots the discussion by alleging Zevander slips into Caligorya despite his binding band. The king’s mage tests Zevander with vivicantem; glyphs illuminate on his palm, proving forbidden mastery obtained during captivity.
Loyce argues this hidden power could turn the war, and Jeret declines Sagaerin’s request, ordering Loyce to investigate further. Zevander collapses as hope of freedom vanishes.
As Jeret departs, Zevander names Theron as the conspirator who once betrayed Loyce. She claims to know and boasts that Theron already ensured Jeret refused the release. She vows Theron will help prove Zevander can still slip into Caligorya—or Theron will die—before dragging Zevander back under her control.
Who Appears
- Zevander (Zev)Enslaved Nyxterosi; nearly freed, then condemned when his Caligorya glyphs are exposed by vivicantem; remains under Loyce’s control.
- General LoyceAbusive captor; sabotages Zev’s release by revealing his glyphs; manipulates Jeret; threatens to use or kill Theron.
- King JeretSolassion ruler; tempted by Sagaerin’s offer but declines release after learning of Zev’s glyphs; orders investigation.
- TheronSlave healer and confidant; revealed as informant who exposed Zev; enlisted by Loyce to prove Zev’s Caligorya slipping.
- Royal MageJeret’s mage; applies vivicantem that illuminates Zev’s glyphs; advises containment or destruction.
- Orgoth guardEscort who summons Zev and Theron to Loyce; witness to her volatility.
- Solassion SoldierEscorts Zev to the throne room and restrains him during the vivicantem test.