The Shepherd King, #2
Two Twisted Crowns
by Rachel Gillig
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Five
Overview
Ravyn’s group reaches the threshold of the alderwood and learns that the Spirit will only allow entry if Jespyr or Petyr gives up a protective charm. The demand exposes the true cost of retrieving the Twin Alders Card: someone vulnerable to the mist must become the guide.
Ravyn tries to manipulate the choice to spare Jespyr, but Jespyr sees through him and willingly sacrifices her charm for Emory. The chapter shifts the quest from preparation to irreversible danger as Jespyr enters the Spirit’s wood already touched by the mist.
Summary
At dawn, the Nightmare wakes Ravyn and Jespyr and signals that it is time to enter the alderwood. He disperses the protective circle of aspens, and the group faces the silent, unnaturally still forest. Petyr questions how they can enter when the trees stand too tightly together.
The Nightmare explains that the alderwood belongs to the Spirit and cannot be moved by his sword. He cuts his finger and presses blood to an alder trunk, causing a jagged hole to open in the bark. Ravyn peers inside, smells salt and rot, and sees a flash of silver eyes, confirming that the wood is hostile and alive with the Spirit’s presence.
The Nightmare reveals that the Spirit will only grant passage if the group pays with a charm, because they need a guide through the shifting, violent alderwood. Ravyn offers a spare viper-head charm, but the Nightmare refuses because the charm must come from Jespyr or Petyr. Without a charm, they cannot reach the Twin Alders Card, the Deck cannot unite on Solstice, and Emory Yew will die.
Ravyn realizes the Nightmare anticipated this sacrifice and angrily attacks him, accusing him of knowing one of the party would have to risk infection or death. The Nightmare admits there is no alternative now that the Destrier is dead, because neither the mist nor the Spirit can claim Ravyn or the Nightmare. Jespyr volunteers, while Petyr argues that he should be the one to pay because Jespyr is too important.
To make the choice fair, Jespyr and Petyr agree to toss Petyr’s lucky coin. Petyr calls heads and Jespyr calls tails, but after Ravyn tosses the coin, he announces heads while hiding the result. Jespyr immediately recognizes that Ravyn is lying and, angry that Ravyn tried to deny her the chance to sacrifice for Emory, thrusts her dog-tooth charm into the alder tree.
The alderwood responds with wind, mist, and moving trees, opening a narrow path meant for Jespyr. Mist enters her mouth and begins affecting her as she asks whether Ravyn is with her. Ravyn promises he is right behind her, and Jespyr, with the light fading from her eyes, runs into the alderwood.
Who Appears
- Ravyntries to protect Jespyr from sacrificing her charm, then follows her into danger.
- Jespyrvolunteers to pay the Spirit’s price and gives up her dog-tooth charm.
- The Nightmareexplains the Spirit’s demand and insists a vulnerable companion must pay.
- Petyroffers himself as an alternative sacrifice and calls heads in the coin toss.
- The Spirit of the Woodunseen power controlling the alderwood, demanding a charm before opening a path.
- Emory Yewabsent but central motivation; Jespyr sacrifices her charm to save him.