The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 29
Overview
In a Liminal dream, Zevander follows the girl he has watched—Maevyth—and speaks to her though unseen, urging her to reject the Red God. When a soldier moves to punish her, Zevander unleashes his black fire, drives the man off, and wipes his memory. Alastor intervenes, warning Zevander never to return to Caligorya or touch her, stressing a larger destiny.
Summary
Zevander drifts into a misted path in Caligorya and follows the black-haired girl he has watched before. She can hear him though she cannot see him. As they speak, Zevander tells her the gods have chosen her and urges her to reject the Red God, calling her “perfect,” and binding them in a dangerous secret.
A soldier confronts the girl, orders her to undress, and begins lashing her. Triggered by memories of his own punishments, Zevander intervenes, catching the whip and summoning the black flame glyph. He sets the soldier’s armor alight, then pulls the fire back before it harms the girl as she tries to help the man.
When the soldier flees, Zevander strikes him down with a rock and whispers a command to forget, erasing the memory of the incident. He assures the girl she will not be banished and seeks her name, but she refuses further contact and leaves, promising to keep the secret.
Alastor seizes Zevander’s arm, halting him from touching the girl and collapsing the dream. He warns that returning to Caligorya without him is dangerous and forbids any physical contact, insisting the gods have a plan and that Zevander’s destiny lies elsewhere. Zevander rages at the gods’ delay, but Alastor demands patience.
Who Appears
- ZevanderInvisible in a Liminal dream, he speaks to Maevyth, defends her with black fire, erases a soldier’s memory, and defies Alastor.
- Maevyth (The Lorn)Village girl who hears Zevander’s voice; punished by a soldier; aided by Zevander; vows secrecy and withdraws.
- AlastorMentor who intervenes, forbids Zevander from returning to Caligorya or touching Maevyth, and insists on destiny and patience.
- Unnamed SoldierAbuses Maevyth with a whip; set ablaze by Zevander’s black fire; memory wiped after being struck down.