# XXI: The Parley Before Krothering explained — The Worm Ouroboros > Chapter companion for The Worm Ouroboros by E. R. Eddison. ## What happens Corinius, having consolidated his hold on eastern Demonland, marches his main army westward toward Krothering, driven by both strategic necessity and his burning desire for Lady Mevrian, whose portrait he discovered. He sends Lord Gro as his envoy to demand Mevrian's surrender and hand in marriage. Mevrian scornfully refuses, recalling Gro from happier days in Goblinland, and declares that her cousin Spitfire is raising an army to drive the Witches away. ## Themes in this chapter ### Honor and Chivalry Gro's reluctant delivery of a dishonorable marriage ultimatum contrasts with Mevrian's proud refusal and her memory of Gro's former kindness. ### Loyalty and Betrayal Gro's service to Corinius is seen by Mevrian as a betrayal of his former self, the Lord Gro of Goblinland who once befriended her. ### Pride and Hubris Corinius's arrogant demand for Mevrian's hand and his confidence in his invincible power reflect his hubris. ## Character check-ins ### Corinius Commands the Witchland army besieging Krothering; sends Gro to parley with Mevrian, driven by lust and malice toward Brandoch Daha. ### Lord Gro Reluctantly serves as Corinius's envoy to Mevrian; delivers the marriage ultimatum despite his personal distaste and sorrow. ### Lady Mevrian Proudly refuses Corinius's offer; recalls meeting Gro as a child in Goblinland and mocks his current allegiance to Witchland. ### Spitfire Mentioned as having healed his wounds and gathering an army to relieve Krothering. ### Brandoch Daha Corinius's old malice against him is a key motive for the westward march. ### Lord Zigg Raised an army for Spitfire but retreated after learning of Thremnir's Heugh; his house is later sacked by Corinius. ### Bremery Holds Galing for Lord Juss with only seventy men against Corinius's forces. ## Key lines > Corinius, by the grace of the great King and the might of his own hand king of Demonland, sitteth as thou well mayst see in power invincible before this castle. But he willed me let thee know that he is not come for to make war against ladies and damosels... Only this honour he proffereth thee, to wed thee in sweet marriage and make thee his queen in Demonland. Corinius claims kingship by divine right and force, offering Mevrian marriage as a 'honor' while threatening destruction if refused. _Corinius's ultimatum to Mevrian, delivered by Gro._ > I remember thee, my lord. Let me stir thy memory. Eleven years ago, my brother went to war in Goblinland against the Witches, and overcame them on Lormeron field... I was at those revels. I saw thee there, my lord; and being but a little maid of eleven summers, sat on thy knee in Gaslark's halls. Thou didst show me books... and I, being a little harmless maid, thought thee good and kind of heart, and loved thee. Mevrian recalls a childhood meeting with Gro in Goblinland, contrasting his former kindness with his current role as a Witchland envoy. _Mevrian's poignant memory of Gro's past self, highlighting his fall from grace._ > Be not deceived. This Corinius is a naughty, wicked, and luxurious youth, that will use thee without any respect if once he break in by force into Krothering Castle. It were wiselier carried to make some open show to receive him; so by fair words and putting of him off thou mayst yet escape. Gro warns Mevrian privately that Corinius is ruthless and advises her to feign compliance to buy time. _Gro's secret counsel to Mevrian, showing his lingering sympathy despite his allegiance._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters/xxi-the-parley-before-krothering - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_worm_ouroboros_se/chapters