The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
X: The Marchlands of the Moruna explained
The Demon lords journey eastward from Salapanta toward the Moruna, passing through haunted woods, a gravelly sea, and desolate vales.
What happens
The Demon lords journey eastward from Salapanta toward the Moruna, passing through haunted woods, a gravelly sea, and desolate vales. They come to the castle of Ishnain Nemartra, where a mysterious lady offers a challenge: whoever stays awake all night watching her sparrow-hawk may ask one earthly boon. Brandoch Daha wins the challenge but, seduced by the lady's beauty, asks for her body instead of a wiser gift. She grants his desire but lays a curse on him: war, the ruin of Krothering, and vengeance denied to his hand. The next morning, the castle is revealed as a ruin. The company continues, warned by Mivarsh Faz that Jalcanaius Fostus and his forces are pursuing them. They decide to take refuge in the hold of Eshgrar Ogo.
Themes in this chapter
Magic and Sorcery
The enchanted castle, the lady's sparrow-hawk challenge, and her curse on Brandoch Daha exemplify the pervasive sorcery of the Moruna.
Pride and Hubris
Brandoch Daha's overconfidence in seeking the lady's body rather than a prudent boon leads to a dire curse.
Fate and Prophecy
The lady's curse foretells war, the fall of Krothering, and the denial of vengeance, shaping future events.
Characters to notice
- Brandoch Daha
Wins the lot to watch the sparrow-hawk, succumbs to the lady's enchantment, and receives a curse of war and ruin upon Krothering.
- Lord Juss
Leads the company, advises caution against the lady's guile, and decides to head for Eshgrar Ogo after Mivarsh's warning.
- Spitfire
Mocks Juss's caution and joins the lot-casting for the adventure.
- Mivarsh
Warns the Demons of Jalcanaius Fostus's pursuit, having ridden hard to reach them.
- Jalcanaius Fostus
Mentions as the enemy arming hundreds and pursuing the Demon company.
Key passages
“None may go thither and not die.”
Mivarsh warns that entering the Moruna means certain death.
Highlights the perilous nature of the journey.
“I shall come to him at the night’s end and shall grant unto him the first thing that he will ask me of earthly things.”
The lady promises to fulfill one earthly wish for whoever stays awake watching her sparrow-hawk all night.
Sets up the central challenge of the chapter.
“Thou shalt have war and not peace. He that thou worst hatest shall throw down and ruin thy fair lordship, Krothering Castle and the mains thereof. And though vengeance shall overtake him at the last, by another’s hand than thine shall it come, and to thine hand shall it be denied.”
The lady curses Brandoch Daha with war, the destruction of Krothering by his worst enemy, and the denial of personal vengeance.
The curse is a pivotal plot point for Brandoch Daha's arc.