The Shepherd King, #2
Two Twisted Crowns
by Rachel Gillig
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Two
Overview
Ravyn begins the quest for the Twin Alders Card with Jespyr, Gorse, Petyr, Wik, and the Nightmare, whose command over the wood exposes him more clearly as Taxus, the Shepherd King. Ravyn discovers that the Nightmare cannot reach Elspeth inside her own mind, raising the stakes beyond the quest itself. At the first barter, a magical lake forces each traveler to confront a dangerous double, and Petyr survives only to be left poisoned.
Summary
Ravyn leaves Castle Yew at dawn without ceremony, saying a strained farewell to his parents before meeting Jespyr, Gorse, Petyr, and Wik at the stone chamber. The Nightmare arrives grim and intent, carrying a cleaned sword and crown. After placing the crown inside the chamber, the Nightmare says it is not his to wear anymore, and Ravyn checks that everyone has protective charms for the mist.
The group enters the wood, where the Nightmare leads erratically through the trees. When Gorse questions the route, the Nightmare kneels by a yew, speaks the name “Taxus,” and taps his sword. The forest violently rearranges itself, opening a path and revealing the Shepherd King’s old power over the wood.
As they continue, wolves begin stalking the party. Ravyn tries to warn the Nightmare and uses his burgundy Card to enter the Nightmare’s mind, where Ravyn hears the Nightmare screaming for Elspeth and demanding that Elspeth answer. Ravyn realizes the Nightmare cannot find Elspeth either, and the Nightmare’s brief despair frightens Ravyn more than the wolves.
The wolves drive the group toward the first barter: a vast, mirrorlike lake. The Nightmare explains that the Spirit of the Wood requires blood and that the water will test them; if they survive, the lake will grant passage onward. Each traveler cuts themselves and bleeds into the water before diving in, though Ravyn worries about any wound left on Elspeth’s body.
In the lake, Ravyn is attacked by a magical double wearing his highwayman mask, which tempts him to abandon duty and remain as the freer, lawless version of himself. Ravyn resists, stabs the double, and surfaces. Jespyr and Gorse use Black Horse Cards to speed ahead, while Ravyn sees Petyr dragged under by a Destrier-shaped double.
Ravyn dives after Petyr, wrestles him free, and drags Petyr to shore with the monster still clawed into Petyr’s leg. The Nightmare kills the double with his sword, but Petyr’s calf is torn open and his blood turns thick and foul. The Nightmare examines the wound and confirms the lake’s danger: the water is poisoned.
Who Appears
- Ravyn YewLeads the quest, fears for Elspeth, resists his double, and saves Petyr from the lake.
- The Nightmare / TaxusGuides the party, commands the wood, cannot find Elspeth, and kills Petyr’s attacking double.
- Elspeth SpindleAbsent within her own mind; her silence alarms both Ravyn and the Nightmare.
- Jespyr YewTravels with Ravyn, recognizes old lore, warns of wolves, and uses a Black Horse Card.
- Petyr IvyJokes through the journey, enters the lake, is dragged under, and suffers a poisoned leg wound.
- GorseDestrier accompanying the quest; distrusts the route and uses a Black Horse Card to survive.
- Wik IvyPetyr’s brother; joins the quest, jokes with the group, and helps pull Petyr from danger.