Blood & Honey
The Woodwose: Reid
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter opens with Reid engulfed in thick smoke, disoriented yet determined to reach Lou, who is locked in a furious confrontation with her mother, Morgane. Amid the chaos of fleeing audience members and battling witches, Reid searches for the source of the fire but finds none. Instead, Claud Deveraux appears beside him, holding a shrinking ball of flames and exuding an earthy, wild presence. His eyes flicker with an ancient, green energy, hinting at his true nature, which Reid struggles to comprehend. Deveraux’s cryptic remarks about protecting his “ducklings” and Morgane’s escalating violence set the stage for a dramatic revelation.
Deveraux steps forward, parting the smoke to reveal Lou and Morgane locked in combat, while allies like Ansel, Jean Luc, and Coco fight for survival. As Morgane snarls at Deveraux, he undergoes a stunning transformation, morphing into a towering, antlered figure—the Woodwose. Lou reacts with disbelief, calling him a “fairy tale,” but Deveraux calmly asserts his ancient, godlike nature. He declares himself the embodiment of the Wild, with dominion over all living things, and warns Morgane of his sister’s displeasure with her actions. The tension escalates as Morgane defiantly claims her deeds are justified, only for Deveraux to counter that they will lead to Lou’s death.
The emotional core of the chapter unfolds as Deveraux confronts Morgane with a mix of sorrow and reproach, asking what has poisoned her spirit. Morgane’s raw anguish surfaces as she accuses him of abandoning her, revealing a fractured past. When she attacks him in a rage, Deveraux effortlessly neutralizes her magic, suspending her mid-air and reminding her that her power originates from him. His dominance is absolute, yet his demeanor remains tinged with regret, underscoring the tragedy of their shared history. The scene leaves Morgane powerless and the onlookers stunned, highlighting the Woodwose’s otherworldly authority.
The chapter culminates in a display of Deveraux’s overwhelming power and the unresolved tension between him and Morgane. His intervention shifts the dynamics of the conflict, leaving Lou and Reid to grapple with the revelation of his true identity and its implications. The confrontation underscores themes of legacy, betrayal, and the limits of human (and witch) agency against primordial forces. Deveraux’s final words and actions leave the characters—and readers—anticipating the consequences of his involvement in their struggle.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Claud Deveraux’s transformation into the Woodwose, and how does this revelation impact the characters’ understanding of their world?
Answer:
Claud Deveraux’s transformation into the Woodwose reveals him as an ancient, mythical being connected to nature and magic itself. This shatters Lou’s perception of reality, as she exclaims, “You’re a goddamn fairy tale,” highlighting how legendary creatures she believed fictional are real in their world. The Woodwose’s declaration that he is “the Wild” and the source of magic (“Your magic comes from me”) fundamentally changes the characters’ understanding of power dynamics. Morgane’s fear and recognition of him suggest a prior relationship, while his intervention forces all present to confront a higher order of existence beyond witches and humans.2. Analyze the complex relationship between Morgane and the Woodwose. What does their interaction reveal about their shared history and current conflict?
Answer:
The tense exchange between Morgane and the Woodwose implies a deep, fractured relationship. His use of endearments (“darling”) contrasts with her venomous tone, suggesting intimacy turned to resentment. Morgane’s accusation, “You left me,” hints at abandonment that may have contributed to her descent into cruelty. The Woodwose’s sorrowful question—”What evil poisons your spirit?“—shows he once cared for her. Their dynamic mirrors a divine/mortal rift, with Morgane both defying and fearing his authority. This history contextualizes her obsession with power and rebellion against natural order.3. How does the chapter use sensory details to enhance the scene’s chaos and supernatural elements? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The chapter immerses readers in chaos through vivid sensory writing. Olfactory details like “thick and billowing” smoke and the “earthiness” of pine sap and lichen ground the supernatural events in tangible sensations. Auditory cues—Lou’s screams, Morgane’s laughter, and the “din” of fleeing crowds—create dissonance. Visual contrasts (Deveraux’s polished shoes vs. cloven hooves; his “catlike eyes flashing”) heighten the transformation’s surrealness. The Woodwose’s cedar-scented magic and Morgane’s tear turning to smoke blend the physical and mystical, making the confrontation feel viscerally real.4. Evaluate the Woodwose’s role as a liminal figure. How does he challenge the established power structures between witches, humans, and magic?
Answer:
The Woodwose exists outside conventional hierarchies as both shepherd and force of nature. By stating he is “all that inhabits the land,” he positions himself above Morgane’s witch supremacy and human Chasseurs alike. His neutral intervention—protecting Lou’s group while chastising Morgane—disrupts the binary conflict. His reference to the “Old Laws” implies older, binding rules that limit direct action, suggesting even gods have constraints. This reframes the narrative: witches and humans are merely actors in a larger cosmic balance he oversees, undermining their perceptions of control.5. What thematic significance does Lou’s realization that she, too, is a “fairy tale” hold for her character development?
Answer:
Lou’s shock at being called a “fairy tale” parallels her journey from self-loathing to embracing her identity. The Woodwose’s remark underscores that her power and story are mythic in scale, forcing her to confront her role in a larger narrative. This moment challenges her to see herself not as an aberration but as part of a timeless struggle—a perspective that may later help her reconcile her humanity with her magic. It also foreshadows her potential to transcend Morgane’s vendetta, as myths often carry transformative destinies.
Quotes
1. “I am the Wild. I am all that inhabits the land, all things that are made and unmade. In my hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. The mountains bow to my whim. The wild animals honor me. I am the shepherd and the flock.”
This quote is significant as it reveals Claud Deveraux’s true identity as the Woodwose, a primordial force of nature. It captures the chapter’s turning point where his divine power and ancient authority are fully unveiled, shifting the dynamics of the confrontation.
2. “As are you, Louise. As are you.”
A pivotal moment where the Woodwose reflects Lou’s own mythic nature back at her, suggesting she too exists beyond ordinary reality. This brief exchange carries deep implications about Lou’s identity and her place in this world of magic and legends.
3. “What has happened to you, my love? What evil poisons your spirit?”
This emotionally charged quote shows the Woodwose’s unexpected personal connection to Morgane and his sorrow at her corruption. It adds depth to their conflict by revealing a past relationship and suggesting Morgane’s villainy may stem from deeper wounds.
4. “I am the land. Your magic comes from me.”
A powerful declaration establishing the hierarchy of magical power in this universe. This quote is crucial as it explains why Morgane’s magic cannot affect the Woodwose while reinforcing his fundamental role as the source of all natural magic in their world.
5. “You know the Old Laws. You cannot intervene.” / “I cannot directly intervene.”
This exchange introduces important worldbuilding about the rules governing divine beings, creating tension around how the Woodwose can participate in mortal affairs. It sets up limitations on his power while showing how he finds ways to work within them.