The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
Koshtra Pivrarcha explained
Juss, Brandoch Daha, and Mivarsh Faz continue their perilous journey into the mountains, facing storms, ice, and near-death experiences as they ascend the great north buttress of Koshtra Pivrarcha.
What happens
Juss, Brandoch Daha, and Mivarsh Faz continue their perilous journey into the mountains, facing storms, ice, and near-death experiences as they ascend the great north buttress of Koshtra Pivrarcha. Juss reveals that they must first look down upon Koshtra Belorn from the highest peak of Koshtra Pivrarcha to break a curse before they can safely approach her. After a night of terror in a blizzard, they press on, and Juss ultimately leads the final ascent to the summit, where the mist clears and they see the peaks beneath them.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Brotherhood
Juss's devotion to his brother Goldry drives the quest, and the mutual respect and care between Juss and Brandoch Daha is highlighted throughout the climb.
Fate and Prophecy
Juss reveals a curse on Koshtra Belorn that dictates the order of their climb, and he was guided by a dream from higher powers to seek tidings of his brother.
Pride and Hubris
Brandoch Daha's choice of the most fearsome climb reflects a pride in mountaineering skill, and the Demons' determination to conquer the highest peak shows their ambition.
Characters to notice
- Lord Juss
Leads the expedition, reveals the curse on Koshtra Belorn, and insists on climbing Koshtra Pivrarcha first. Shows great endurance and care for his companions during the storm.
- Brandoch Daha
Eager mountaineer who chooses the most fearsome route up the east ridge of Koshtra Pivrarcha. Praises Juss's hardihood and defers the honor of first stepping onto the peak.
- Mivarsh
Reluctant guide who fears the unknown land and its dangers, but chooses to accompany the Demons rather than face the Moruna alone. Survives the storm thanks to Juss's care.
- Goldry Bluszco
Referenced as Juss's brother, whose capture by King Gorice XII's magic is the motivation for the quest.
- Gorice XII
Referenced as the King of Witchland who sent a magical sending to take Goldry Bluszco.
Key passages
“But so it is, that the great King of Witchland, practising in darkness in his royal palace of Carcë such arts of grammarie and sendings magical as the world hath not been grieved with until now, sent an ill thing to take my brother, the Lord Goldry Bluszco, who is dear to me as mine own soul.”
Juss explains that King Gorice XII used dark magic from Carcë to capture his brother Goldry Bluszco.
Juss reveals the motive for the quest: rescuing his brother from Witchland's sorcery.
“There is a saw in Impland, 'Ware of a tall wife.' Even so there lieth a curse on any that shall attempt Koshtra Belorn that hath not first looked down upon her; and he shall have his death or ever he have his will.”
Juss warns that a curse kills anyone who tries to climb Koshtra Belorn without first looking down on her from a higher peak.
The curse dictates that they must first summit Koshtra Pivrarcha to break it.
“All night he hath striven against the cold, chafing not himself only but me and thee to save us from frostbite. And be sure nought else had saved thy carcase.”
Brandoch Daha tells Mivarsh that Juss worked all night to keep them all from freezing to death.
Highlights Juss's selfless endurance during the storm.