The Worm Ouroboros · Chapter
Tidings of Melikaphkhaz explained
King Gorice XII receives news of the destruction of his fleet by Lord Juss off Melikaphkhaz, with Laxus and all his men lost.
What happens
King Gorice XII receives news of the destruction of his fleet by Lord Juss off Melikaphkhaz, with Laxus and all his men lost. He appoints Corund as captain general in Carcë. That night, Lady Prezmyra learns from a letter by Lord Gro that her brother died fighting for Demonland in the same battle. She urges Corund to raise forces and abandon Witchland to take revenge on the Demons, but Corund insists they must stay and face the coming siege.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Prezmyra feels betrayed by the Demons who swore oaths to her and her brother, yet fought for Demonland.
Revenge and Retribution
Prezmyra's desire to punish the Demons drives her to urge Corund to raise forces.
War and Conquest
The destruction of the Witchland fleet and the impending siege of Carcë highlight the ongoing conflict.
Characters to notice
- Gorice XII
Receives tidings of the fleet's destruction and appoints Corund captain general.
- Corund
Named captain general; discusses the battle with Prezmyra and resolves to stay in Carcë.
- Lady Prezmyra
Learns of her brother's death; urges Corund to raise forces against Demonland.
- Sriva
Faints upon hearing the news of the fleet's destruction.
- Corsus
Sits drunk in his chair during the council.
- Corinius
Follows the King and Corund after the council.
- Lord Gro
Mentioned as the writer of a letter to Prezmyra; his counsel is recalled.
- Laxus
Reported drowned in the sea-fight off Melikaphkhaz.
Key passages
“There hath been battle off Melikaphkhaz in the Impland seas. Juss hath sunken our ships, every ship save that which brought the tidings, sunk, with Laxus and all his men that were with him.”
A naval battle occurred off Melikaphkhaz; Juss destroyed the entire Witchland fleet except for one ship, killing Laxus and his crew.
The King announces the catastrophic defeat to his lords.
“The tables are set. The King hath named me his captain general in Carcë.”
Corund tells Prezmyra that the King has appointed him as the military commander in Carcë.
Corund informs his wife of his new command.
“Succours of Demonland: late or never. False friends! O, I could eat their hearts with garlic.”
Prezmyra curses the Demons for failing to aid her brother, calling them false friends and expressing her fury.
Prezmyra's anger at the Demons after learning of her brother's death.