Blood & Honey
Troupe De Fortune: Reid
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter opens with Reid’s unease about Lou’s plan to seek refuge with Claud Deveraux’s acting troupe. Despite his objections, Lou insists that Deveraux is their best chance for survival, as he had previously helped them and seems to harbor no ill will toward witches. Reid remains skeptical, noting that Deveraux’s motives are unclear and that their safety hinges on trusting a stranger who knows Lou’s secret. The group reluctantly prepares to leave, with Reid sensing an ominous presence in the forest—a pair of silver eyes watching them before disappearing into the shadows.
As they arrive at the village square, the troupe is bustling with activity, preparing to depart under the new moon. Deveraux exudes enthusiasm, dismissing concerns about the dangers ahead, while his colleague Zenna voices skepticism about their risky venture. The tension between practicality and Deveraux’s whimsical optimism is palpable. Lou hesitates before approaching Deveraux, introducing herself and her companions by their real names—a bold move that underscores their desperation. Reid notices Lou’s deliberate omission of his surname, signaling unresolved personal tensions.
Deveraux recognizes Lou and seems intrigued by their sudden appearance. Lou openly admits their precarious situation, referencing the wanted posters and the destruction they’ve left behind. A confrontation erupts when a troupe member accuses Lou of unjustly killing the Holy Father, igniting Lou’s anger and Reid’s suppressed grief. Ansel intervenes to de-escalate the situation, but the exchange highlights the deep divisions and trauma within the group. Reid struggles to contain his emotions, haunted by memories of the Holy Father’s betrayal.
Despite the tension, Lou refocuses on their immediate need: safe passage to Cesarine. Deveraux’s theatrical demeanor contrasts sharply with the gravity of their circumstances, leaving Reid wary of the unpredictable alliance. The chapter ends with the group on the brink of joining the troupe, their fate uncertain as they prepare to navigate both external dangers and internal turmoil. The snowy setting and eerie forest presence foreshadow further challenges ahead.
FAQs
1. What is Lou’s plan to ensure their safety, and why does Reid have reservations about it?
Answer:
Lou’s plan involves seeking help from Claud Deveraux, the leader of a troupe of actors, to hide among them and travel to Cesarine unnoticed. She argues that no one would suspect them to be with actors, providing concealment without magic. However, Reid is skeptical because Claud already knows Lou is a witch, which poses a risk in a kingdom where witches are feared. Additionally, Reid distrusts Claud’s motives and questions what kind of person would willingly help known fugitives. The plan hinges entirely on Claud’s reliability, which Reid finds uncertain (pages 123-126).2. Analyze the significance of the silver-eyed creature Reid glimpses in the forest. What might this foreshadow?
Answer:
The brief appearance of the silver-eyed creature creates an atmosphere of foreboding, suggesting that unseen dangers or supernatural elements are tracking the group. The description—”luminescent eyes… large… silver”—implies it is not human, possibly a magical being or predator. This moment, coupled with the “eerie silence” and “calm before the storm,” foreshadows future threats or conflicts, hinting that their journey will be fraught with peril beyond their current adversaries (page 124).3. How does the interaction between Lou and the curly-haired woman reveal tensions about the Holy Father’s death?
Answer:
The curly-haired woman, likely a devout believer, condemns Lou for killing the Holy Father, stating he “didn’t deserve what happened to him.” Lou retaliates by highlighting the Holy Father’s persecution of witches, asking what he did deserve. This clash underscores the moral divide between the Church’s supporters and its victims. Reid’s visceral reaction—struggling with grief and anger—further complicates the scene, showing how the Holy Father’s death has left emotional scars on both sides (pages 126-127).4. Evaluate Claud Deveraux’s character based on his dialogue and actions in this chapter. What motives might drive him?
Answer:
Claud is theatrical, energetic, and seemingly altruistic, urging his troupe to depart under the new moon for “Dame Fortune’s” favor. However, his willingness to help fugitives suggests either recklessness or hidden agendas. Zenna’s sarcastic remarks (“we’ll be burned at the stake”) imply the troupe is taking risks, yet Claud brushes off concerns with optimism. His offer of extra pay to Zenna hints at pragmatism beneath his flamboyance. Possible motives include a genuine disdain for the Church, personal interest in Lou, or a desire for drama—literal or figurative (pages 124-126).5. Why does Lou introduce herself as “Louise le Blanc” instead of “Louise Diggory,” and how does Reid react?
Answer:
By using “le Blanc” (her maiden name), Lou distances herself from Reid, symbolizing their fractured relationship and her reclaimed identity as a witch. Reid notices this but remains “impassive,” suppressing his emotions. This subtle choice reflects Lou’s independence and Reid’s internal struggle—between his love for her and his lingering grief over the Holy Father, whom he once revered “like a son” (pages 125-127).
Quotes
1. “This entire scheme, albeit clever, depended on one thing: Claud Deveraux.”
This quote highlights the pivotal gamble the characters are taking by relying on a near-stranger for their survival. It underscores the tension between Lou’s confidence and Reid’s skepticism about trusting someone who already knows dangerous secrets about them.
2. “‘Your salvation,’ Lou had said, stuffing my bedroll into my pack. ‘Look, he saved our asses tonight. He could’ve let us die, but he didn’t.’”
Lou’s pragmatic argument reveals her survival-focused mindset and contrasts with Reid’s moral reservations. The quote captures the chapter’s central conflict: whether to prioritize safety or principle when allies are scarce.
3. “‘Absurdité! The people of Cesarine need their spirits lifted. Who better to lift them than we? Soon, we shall whisk the patrons of La Mascarade des Crânes away to a world of frivolity and fantasy.’”
Claud Deveraux’s theatrical declaration introduces the troupe’s role as both literal and metaphorical disguises for the protagonists. The quote exemplifies the chapter’s theme of performance as a tool for survival in a hostile world.
4. “‘Killing the Holy Father will do that,’ the young woman behind Deveraux said softly. She’d woven flowers through her curly hair and clutched a cross pendant at her throat.”
This moment crystallizes the chapter’s exploration of grief and moral ambiguity. The unnamed woman’s accusation forces the characters (and readers) to confront the consequences of their actions, even when justified.
5. “‘He still didn’t deserve what happened to him.’ / ‘You were like a son to me, Reid.’”
These parallel statements (from the curly-haired woman and Reid’s memory) reveal the chapter’s emotional core—the collision between righteous vengeance and personal loss. The quotes bookend the moral conflict simmering beneath the practical escape plan.