The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
XXIX: The Fleet at Muelva explained
The Demonland lords depart from Queen Sophonisba's realm and return to their ships at Muelva, where they learn that Laxus holds the Straits of Melikaphkhaz with eight score warships, blocking their return.
What happens
The Demonland lords depart from Queen Sophonisba's realm and return to their ships at Muelva, where they learn that Laxus holds the Straits of Melikaphkhaz with eight score warships, blocking their return. Juss calls a council of war, determined to force a passage despite the odds.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Brotherhood
The Demonland lords stand united, with Brandoch Daha and Juss's banter reflecting their deep bond.
War and Conquest
The chapter sets up a decisive naval confrontation, with Juss vowing to 'bang on the gates of Carcë.'
Characters to notice
- Lord Juss
Leads the Demonland lords, bids farewell to Queen Sophonisba, and resolves to force the Straits despite Laxus's superior fleet.
- Brandoch Daha
Challenges Juss's hesitation, asserting their superiority over the Witchland fleet.
- Goldry Bluszco
Expresses confidence in beating Laxus despite the odds.
- Spitfire
Dismisses the Witchland ships as easy to dispatch.
- Lord Gro
Provides intelligence on the new Witchland ships built at Tenemos, confirming the threat.
- King Gaslark
Reports the dire situation and distrusts Gro, but is rebuked by Brandoch Daha.
- La Fireez
Joins Gaslark in urging action, noting they are trapped.
- Hesper Golthring
Brings news of the Witchland fleet after a skirmish in the Straits.
Key passages
“We have entered the barrel and the bunghole is stopped.”
We are trapped with no way out.
Gaslark and La Fireez describe their predicament.
“If Laxus will deny us sea-room through Melikaphkhaz Straits, I trow there shall go up thence a crash which when the King heareth it he shall know it for our first banging on the gates of Carcë.”
If Laxus blocks our passage, we will fight so fiercely that King Gorice will hear the clash as our first assault on his stronghold.
Juss's defiant declaration of intent to force the Straits.