Key Out of Time · Chapter
VII: Witches’ Meat explained
Ross and Karara learn from Loketh that Ashe has been taken by the Wreckers and turned over to the Foanna as a sacrifice, or 'witches' meat.' Loketh swears loyalty to Ross through a ritual of bread and salt, and the trio plans to rescue Ashe
What happens
Ross and Karara learn from Loketh that Ashe has been taken by the Wreckers and turned over to the Foanna as a sacrifice, or 'witches' meat.' Loketh swears loyalty to Ross through a ritual of bread and salt, and the trio plans to rescue Ashe by sea, using Loketh's secret boat.
Themes in this chapter
Alliance and Trust
Ross decides to trust Loketh based on the ritual of bread and salt, forming a bond despite cultural differences.
Survival and Resilience
The Terrans face the threat of sacrifice and must plan a rescue to survive in this hostile time.
Cultural Clash and Conflict
The Foanna, Wreckers, and sea people are at odds, and the Terrans must navigate these alien customs and conflicts.
Characters to notice
- Ross Murdock
Ross decides to trust Loketh despite the risk, plans to rescue Ashe, and struggles with the urgency of time.
- Karara Trehern
Karara questions their strategy, communicates with the dolphins, and translates Loketh's thoughts; she is horrified by the term 'witches' meat.'
- Gordon Ashe
Ashe is seen as a prisoner of the Wreckers, bruised and stripped, then handed over to the Foanna as a sacrifice.
- Loketh
Loketh swears fealty to Ross through a ritual, reveals Ashe's fate, and offers his secret boat for the rescue mission.
- Taua
Taua nuzzles Karara and helps confirm Loketh's open mind through telepathic contact.
- Tino-rau
Tino-rau is mentioned as one of the dolphins who can read thoughts, supporting the verification of Loketh's honesty.
Key passages
“He might be recklessly endangering all of them, Ross knew. But if Ashe was immured somewhere in that rock pile over their heads, then the risk of trusting Loketh would be worth it.”
Ross acknowledges the danger of trusting Loketh but believes it is necessary to save Ashe.
Ross weighs risk versus reward in his decision to trust Loketh.
“To give bread into the hands of one you have taken in battle, makes him your man—not as a slave to labor, but as one who draws sword at your bidding.”
Accepting bread from a captor creates a bond of loyalty, making the receiver a sworn follower.
Loketh explains the ritual of bread and salt as a binding oath of service.
“They have claimed the wreck survivors for tribute. Your companion will be witches’ meat.”
The Foanna have taken the survivors as a sacrificial offering; your friend will be killed in a ritual.
Loketh reveals that Ashe is to be sacrificed as 'witches' meat.'