The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
Koshtra Belorn explained
Lord Juss and Lord Brandoch Daha, accompanied by Mivarsh Faz, complete their perilous descent from Koshtra Pivrarcha and approach the cliffs of Koshtra Belorn.
What happens
Lord Juss and Lord Brandoch Daha, accompanied by Mivarsh Faz, complete their perilous descent from Koshtra Pivrarcha and approach the cliffs of Koshtra Belorn. After a harrowing journey, they witness a supernatural light and music emanating from the mountain, leading to the opening of a portal. Queen Sophonisba appears, greeting them as the fated ones. She brings them into her palace, where they dwell for seven days. Juss repeatedly seeks news of his brother Goldry Bluszco, but the Queen puts him off, finally explaining that she is bound by fate and shares their enmity with Witchland.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Prophecy
Juss's dream and the Queen's greeting ('the fated years bring forth as the Gods ordain') underscore the theme of destiny guiding the quest.
Magic and Sorcery
The supernatural light, music, and the Queen's palace manifest through enchantment, and Juss suspects the King's sorcery may have lured them.
Friendship and Brotherhood
Juss's unwavering determination to find Goldry and Brandoch Daha's steadfast companionship highlight bonds of brotherhood.
Characters to notice
- Lord Juss
Leads the expedition to Koshtra Belorn, driven by his dream to find his brother Goldry. He is resolute and patient, but grows heavy-hearted as the Queen delays answering his questions.
- Brandoch Daha
Accompanies Juss, expressing doubt that the dream is a lure from the King. He is weary but loyal, and shares in the awe of the mountain's marvels.
- Mivarsh
Travels with the Demons, suffering from cold and exhaustion during the descent.
- Queen Sophonisba
Appears as a youthful queen crowned with clouds, dwelling in Koshtra Belorn. She welcomes Juss and Brandoch Daha, but avoids speaking of Goldry, citing a prohibition.
- Goldry Bluszco
Referenced in Juss's dream and his persistent inquiries. He is envisioned imprisoned on a brass citadel, pale and sorrowful, yet unbowed.
Key passages
“What dost think on? said Juss to Brandoch Daha, that leaned upon his sword surveying that glory. Brandoch Daha started and looked on him. Why, said he, on this: that it is likely thy dream was but a lure, sent thee by the King to tempt us on to mighty actions reserved for our destruction.”
Juss asks Brandoch Daha what he is thinking. Brandoch Daha replies that he suspects Juss's dream might be a trap set by the King to lead them to their doom.
Brandoch Daha voices his suspicion that the dream is a deception, highlighting the theme of fate versus trickery.
“Thanks be and praise to the blessed Gods. For lo, the years depart, and the fated years bring forth as the Gods ordain. And ye be those that were for to come.”
Queen Sophonisba thanks the gods and declares that Juss and Brandoch Daha are the prophesied ones who have come at the destined time.
The Queen's greeting confirms the prophetic nature of their journey.
“My lord, that I have put thee off, ascribe it not to evil intent. That were an unnatural part indeed in me unto you of Demonland who have fulfilled the weird and set me free again to visit again the world of men which I so much desire, despite all my sorrows I there fulfilled in elder time.”
The Queen explains that her reluctance to answer Juss is not out of malice, but because she is bound by fate, and she is grateful to the Demons for freeing her.
She reveals her own past sorrows and her gratitude, linking her fate to the Demons' quest.