The Eating Woods, #2
Eldritch
by Keri Lake
Contents
Chapter 51
Overview
Zevander storms the crypt, pins Sacton Crain, and reveals he was the “Angel” who once comforted Maevyth during her torture. Under pressure, Crain admits ordering her abandonment and killing her Lyverian mother. After briefly granting mercy, Maevyth claims her vengeance and reduces Crain to ash, closing her bond to the parish.
Summary
Zevander enters the crypt as villagers scatter, locks onto Maevyth to ensure she is unharmed, then fixes on Sacton Crain, recognizing the tormentor from Maevyth’s past. He advances, his scorpion sinking back into his skin, and slams Crain against the wall with power before gripping his throat and drawing steel.
As Maevyth questions how Zevander knows her history, he reveals he witnessed her suffering in visions, the voice she called “Angel” that warmed and comforted her when the parish left her to freeze. Crain, rattled, tries bargaining. At Maevyth’s urging, Zevander lowers his blade so Crain can speak.
Crain admits knowing Maevyth’s mother, deriding her as a Lyverian slave and a heretic. He confirms an acolyte abandoned infant Maevyth in The Eating Woods on his order. Zevander threatens him with slow venomous death, but Maevyth stays his hand, declaring she is finished with the parish and granting temporary mercy.
Crain taunts them, boasting he killed Maevyth’s mother by slitting her throat and calling Maevyth meek for forgiving him. Maevyth steps forward, laying bare years of rejection and her desire for simple acceptance. She declares that his confession has chosen his fate.
Claiming her vengeance, Maevyth grips Crain; his flesh disintegrates to ash across his limbs and torso until nothing remains but a heap on the burning platform. Zevander, Aleysia, Maevyth’s father, and Corwin prepare to leave the tomb, Maevyth severing her ties to the parish with Crain’s death.
Who Appears
- ZevanderArrives in the crypt, subdues Sacton Crain, reveals he was Maevyth’s past “Angel,” and defers vengeance to her.
- MaevythConfronts her tormentor, learns he killed her Lyverian mother, revokes mercy, and disintegrates Sacton Crain to ash.
- Sacton CrainParish leader; admits ordering Maevyth’s abandonment and murdering her mother; taunts and is executed by Maevyth.
- AleysiaSupports Maevyth, urges restraint briefly, then witnesses Maevyth take final vengeance on Crain.
- Maevyth’s fatherFreed earlier; present as events unfold and departs with Maevyth’s group.
- CorwinFreed ally; remains with Maevyth’s group and exits the crypt.