THE WORM OUROBOROS
@thewormouroboros.bsky.social
The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance, by Eric Rücker Eddison
Mevrian speaking for herself from a high window opening on the court and Gro for Corinius.
May 4, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Mevrian speaking for herself from a high window opening on the court and Gro for Corinius.
snaky despair; and the fault on’t not in fortune but in ourselves, that could not frame ourselves to our fortune”; that at last with heavy hearts they consented to do her bidding.
Without more ado, was a parley called,
Without more ado, was a parley called,
May 4, 2025 at 1:14 AM
snaky despair; and the fault on’t not in fortune but in ourselves, that could not frame ourselves to our fortune”; that at last with heavy hearts they consented to do her bidding.
Without more ado, was a parley called,
Without more ado, was a parley called,
and the old steward withal was well nigh mutinous. But so firm of purpose was she, and withal showed them so plainly that this was the only hope to save herself and Krothering, and the Witches must else sack the house of Krothering and in a few days win the keep, “and then, (…)
May 4, 2025 at 1:13 AM
and the old steward withal was well nigh mutinous. But so firm of purpose was she, and withal showed them so plainly that this was the only hope to save herself and Krothering, and the Witches must else sack the house of Krothering and in a few days win the keep, “and then, (…)
to yield up the keep unto Corinius under promise of a safe conduct for Astar and Ravnor and all her men.
“And submit thee to this Corinius?” said Astar. But she answered, “Thy sword hath likely cut his claws for awhile. I fear him not.”
Of all this would Astar at first have nought to do, (…)
“And submit thee to this Corinius?” said Astar. But she answered, “Thy sword hath likely cut his claws for awhile. I fear him not.”
Of all this would Astar at first have nought to do, (…)
May 4, 2025 at 1:12 AM
to yield up the keep unto Corinius under promise of a safe conduct for Astar and Ravnor and all her men.
“And submit thee to this Corinius?” said Astar. But she answered, “Thy sword hath likely cut his claws for awhile. I fear him not.”
Of all this would Astar at first have nought to do, (…)
“And submit thee to this Corinius?” said Astar. But she answered, “Thy sword hath likely cut his claws for awhile. I fear him not.”
Of all this would Astar at first have nought to do, (…)
standing like a queen before him, “I shall now defend myself and our precious things in Krothering more certainly than ye men of war may do.” And she showed him shortly that this was her design, (…)
May 4, 2025 at 1:11 AM
standing like a queen before him, “I shall now defend myself and our precious things in Krothering more certainly than ye men of war may do.” And she showed him shortly that this was her design, (…)
And now must ye obey me and do my commandment; else must we perish, for even this tower we are not enough to hold against him many days.”
“Divine Lady,” said Astar, “but once shall one pass the cruel pass of death. I and your folk will defend you unto that end.”
“Sir,” said she, (…)
“Divine Lady,” said Astar, “but once shall one pass the cruel pass of death. I and your folk will defend you unto that end.”
“Sir,” said she, (…)
May 4, 2025 at 1:10 AM
And now must ye obey me and do my commandment; else must we perish, for even this tower we are not enough to hold against him many days.”
“Divine Lady,” said Astar, “but once shall one pass the cruel pass of death. I and your folk will defend you unto that end.”
“Sir,” said she, (…)
“Divine Lady,” said Astar, “but once shall one pass the cruel pass of death. I and your folk will defend you unto that end.”
“Sir,” said she, (…)
”
“O trample out any thought of shame,” said she. “A score of them against every one of us: the glory of our defence shall be for ever. But now ’tis for me mainly he still beareth against Krothering so great and peisant strokes as thick as rain falleth from the sky.
“O trample out any thought of shame,” said she. “A score of them against every one of us: the glory of our defence shall be for ever. But now ’tis for me mainly he still beareth against Krothering so great and peisant strokes as thick as rain falleth from the sky.
May 4, 2025 at 12:10 AM
”
“O trample out any thought of shame,” said she. “A score of them against every one of us: the glory of our defence shall be for ever. But now ’tis for me mainly he still beareth against Krothering so great and peisant strokes as thick as rain falleth from the sky.
“O trample out any thought of shame,” said she. “A score of them against every one of us: the glory of our defence shall be for ever. But now ’tis for me mainly he still beareth against Krothering so great and peisant strokes as thick as rain falleth from the sky.
First I will thank thee and these valiant men that so mightily warded us and golden Krothering against our enemies. This was my mind, to ward it unto the last, because it is my dear brother’s house, and I count it unworthy Corinius should stable his horses in our chambers, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 7:18 PM
First I will thank thee and these valiant men that so mightily warded us and golden Krothering against our enemies. This was my mind, to ward it unto the last, because it is my dear brother’s house, and I count it unworthy Corinius should stable his horses in our chambers, (…)
even as I pledged mine own folk and Ravnor that here commandeth my garrison in Krothering.”
“My Lady Mevrian,” answered he, “under your safety, I shall obey you.”
She said, “No conditions, sir. Harken and know.
“My Lady Mevrian,” answered he, “under your safety, I shall obey you.”
She said, “No conditions, sir. Harken and know.
May 2, 2025 at 6:18 PM
even as I pledged mine own folk and Ravnor that here commandeth my garrison in Krothering.”
“My Lady Mevrian,” answered he, “under your safety, I shall obey you.”
She said, “No conditions, sir. Harken and know.
“My Lady Mevrian,” answered he, “under your safety, I shall obey you.”
She said, “No conditions, sir. Harken and know.
And about the fifth hour after noon the sons of Corund gat the main gate.
Lady Mevrian bare in that hour with her own hand a stoup of wine to Astar in a lull of the battle. While he drank, she said, “Astar, the hour demandeth that I pledge thee to obedience, (…)
Lady Mevrian bare in that hour with her own hand a stoup of wine to Astar in a lull of the battle. While he drank, she said, “Astar, the hour demandeth that I pledge thee to obedience, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 6:17 PM
And about the fifth hour after noon the sons of Corund gat the main gate.
Lady Mevrian bare in that hour with her own hand a stoup of wine to Astar in a lull of the battle. While he drank, she said, “Astar, the hour demandeth that I pledge thee to obedience, (…)
Lady Mevrian bare in that hour with her own hand a stoup of wine to Astar in a lull of the battle. While he drank, she said, “Astar, the hour demandeth that I pledge thee to obedience, (…)
But Astar of Rettray stayed him there with so great a sword-stroke on the helm that he overthrew him all astonied down without the wall and into the ditch; but his men drew him forth and saved him. So was the Lord Corinius put out of the fight; but greatly still he egged on his men.
May 2, 2025 at 5:17 PM
But Astar of Rettray stayed him there with so great a sword-stroke on the helm that he overthrew him all astonied down without the wall and into the ditch; but his men drew him forth and saved him. So was the Lord Corinius put out of the fight; but greatly still he egged on his men.
And now had Corinius well nigh won the castle, faring up on the walls west of the donjon tower where he and his fell to clearing the battlements, rushing on like wolves.
May 2, 2025 at 4:17 PM
And now had Corinius well nigh won the castle, faring up on the walls west of the donjon tower where he and his fell to clearing the battlements, rushing on like wolves.
and still the battle went forward, and still were wounds given and taken, the odds swung yet heavier against them of Demonland, and more and more must the castle hold of its own strength only, for there were not whole men left enow to man the walls.
May 2, 2025 at 3:17 PM
and still the battle went forward, and still were wounds given and taken, the odds swung yet heavier against them of Demonland, and more and more must the castle hold of its own strength only, for there were not whole men left enow to man the walls.
and himself from the west where the walls and towers showed strongest but the natural strength of the place weaker than elsewhere. Now they within were few, because of Mevrian’s sending of those two hundred horse to follow Zigg and those came not back after Switchwater; and as the day wore, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
and himself from the west where the walls and towers showed strongest but the natural strength of the place weaker than elsewhere. Now they within were few, because of Mevrian’s sending of those two hundred horse to follow Zigg and those came not back after Switchwater; and as the day wore, (…)
• • • • •
Betimes on the morrow Corinius let fare against Krothering with all his host, Laxus from the south, Heming and Cargo from the east against the main gates, (…)
Betimes on the morrow Corinius let fare against Krothering with all his host, Laxus from the south, Heming and Cargo from the east against the main gates, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 3:15 PM
• • • • •
Betimes on the morrow Corinius let fare against Krothering with all his host, Laxus from the south, Heming and Cargo from the east against the main gates, (…)
Betimes on the morrow Corinius let fare against Krothering with all his host, Laxus from the south, Heming and Cargo from the east against the main gates, (…)
So that nought was clear to him save the unclear trouble of his discontent; and it was as if the conscience of a secret grant his inward mind made had suddenly cast a vail betwixt his thoughts and him that he durst not pluck aside. (…)
May 2, 2025 at 3:14 PM
So that nought was clear to him save the unclear trouble of his discontent; and it was as if the conscience of a secret grant his inward mind made had suddenly cast a vail betwixt his thoughts and him that he durst not pluck aside. (…)
but tumultuous with manifold imaginings of hopes and fears and old desires, that intertwined like serpents twisting and contending.
May 2, 2025 at 2:14 PM
but tumultuous with manifold imaginings of hopes and fears and old desires, that intertwined like serpents twisting and contending.
then shall we fare away and do according to thy counsel, O Laxus.”
“’Tis now four days lost,” said Laxus. “Thou canst not retrieve them. Howso, be it as thou wilt.”
So brake up their council. But the mind and heart of the Lord Gro was nought peaceful within him, (…)
“’Tis now four days lost,” said Laxus. “Thou canst not retrieve them. Howso, be it as thou wilt.”
So brake up their council. But the mind and heart of the Lord Gro was nought peaceful within him, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 2:13 PM
then shall we fare away and do according to thy counsel, O Laxus.”
“’Tis now four days lost,” said Laxus. “Thou canst not retrieve them. Howso, be it as thou wilt.”
So brake up their council. But the mind and heart of the Lord Gro was nought peaceful within him, (…)
“’Tis now four days lost,” said Laxus. “Thou canst not retrieve them. Howso, be it as thou wilt.”
So brake up their council. But the mind and heart of the Lord Gro was nought peaceful within him, (…)
no not for the Gods almighty, once I have ta’en my course. But I will make a bargain with you, and this it is: that we to-morrow do assault the hold a last time, using all our men and all our might. And if, as I think is most unlikely and most shameful, we get it not, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 2:12 PM
no not for the Gods almighty, once I have ta’en my course. But I will make a bargain with you, and this it is: that we to-morrow do assault the hold a last time, using all our men and all our might. And if, as I think is most unlikely and most shameful, we get it not, (…)
with much show of jolly friendliness, “’twas but a jest; and, I freely acknowledge, an ill jest. I’m sorry for it, my lords.
“And now,” said he, “come we again to the matter. Krothering Castle will I not forgo, since ’tis not my way to turn back for any man on earth, (…)
“And now,” said he, “come we again to the matter. Krothering Castle will I not forgo, since ’tis not my way to turn back for any man on earth, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 2:11 PM
with much show of jolly friendliness, “’twas but a jest; and, I freely acknowledge, an ill jest. I’m sorry for it, my lords.
“And now,” said he, “come we again to the matter. Krothering Castle will I not forgo, since ’tis not my way to turn back for any man on earth, (…)
“And now,” said he, “come we again to the matter. Krothering Castle will I not forgo, since ’tis not my way to turn back for any man on earth, (…)
Corinius,” said Heming. “Have we not well followed thee and upheld thee? And so shall we do henceforth. But remember, I am King Corund’s son. And if thou speak this wicked lie again, it shall cost thee thy life if I may.”
Corinius threw out his arms and laughed. “Come,” said he, standing up, (…)
Corinius threw out his arms and laughed. “Come,” said he, standing up, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Corinius,” said Heming. “Have we not well followed thee and upheld thee? And so shall we do henceforth. But remember, I am King Corund’s son. And if thou speak this wicked lie again, it shall cost thee thy life if I may.”
Corinius threw out his arms and laughed. “Come,” said he, standing up, (…)
Corinius threw out his arms and laughed. “Come,” said he, standing up, (…)
but his sword was ready. His great jowl was set, his insolent blue eyes scornfully looked from one to another of those lords where they stood menacing him. “Pshaw!” said he, at last. “Who brought her name into it but thyself, my Lord Gro? not I.”
“Thou wert best not bring it in again,
“Thou wert best not bring it in again,
May 2, 2025 at 1:10 PM
but his sword was ready. His great jowl was set, his insolent blue eyes scornfully looked from one to another of those lords where they stood menacing him. “Pshaw!” said he, at last. “Who brought her name into it but thyself, my Lord Gro? not I.”
“Thou wert best not bring it in again,
“Thou wert best not bring it in again,
I am schooled to bear with it for Witchland’s sake and until thine own venom choke thee. But this shalt thou not do whiles I live, thou or any other: to let thy bawdy tongue meddle with Queen Prezmyra’s name.”
Corinius sat still in his chair in a posture of studied ease, (…)
Corinius sat still in his chair in a posture of studied ease, (…)
May 2, 2025 at 1:09 PM
I am schooled to bear with it for Witchland’s sake and until thine own venom choke thee. But this shalt thou not do whiles I live, thou or any other: to let thy bawdy tongue meddle with Queen Prezmyra’s name.”
Corinius sat still in his chair in a posture of studied ease, (…)
Corinius sat still in his chair in a posture of studied ease, (…)
Or dost think this one hath a softer breast than thy Queen’s to cushion thy perfumed locks?”
With that word spoken, all three of them leaped from their seats. Gro, with a face ashen gray, said, “At me thou mayst spit what filth thou wilt.
With that word spoken, all three of them leaped from their seats. Gro, with a face ashen gray, said, “At me thou mayst spit what filth thou wilt.
May 2, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Or dost think this one hath a softer breast than thy Queen’s to cushion thy perfumed locks?”
With that word spoken, all three of them leaped from their seats. Gro, with a face ashen gray, said, “At me thou mayst spit what filth thou wilt.
With that word spoken, all three of them leaped from their seats. Gro, with a face ashen gray, said, “At me thou mayst spit what filth thou wilt.
thou hast a starved look i’ the eyes giveth me to think the errand I sent thee to Krothering gates did thee no good. My cat’s leering look showeth me that my cat goeth a catterwawing. Dost now find the raven’s wing a seemlier hue in a wench’s hair to set thy cold blood a-leaping than tawny red?
May 2, 2025 at 11:09 AM
thou hast a starved look i’ the eyes giveth me to think the errand I sent thee to Krothering gates did thee no good. My cat’s leering look showeth me that my cat goeth a catterwawing. Dost now find the raven’s wing a seemlier hue in a wench’s hair to set thy cold blood a-leaping than tawny red?