Gods & Monsters
Sticks and Stones
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter follows Reid Diggory, a determined and angry Chasseur captain, as he races through a misty northern forest, driven by fragmented memories and a burning desire to reclaim his stolen knife, Balisarda. He recalls a past mission under Captain Blanchart, who suspected melusines in the area, and dismisses the claims of a freckled witch who insists she is his wife. Reid’s thoughts are chaotic, filled with images of bloodstained snow, lavender hair, and a demonic tree that consumed his weapon. His rage fuels his sprint toward a nearby hamlet, where he plans to gather forces against the witches he believes hold his sister Célie and the crown prince hostage.
Reid’s internal conflict intensifies as he grapples with disjointed memories, including his brief association with the Troupe de Fortune and the scarred witch Lou, who claims to be his wife. He scoffs at the idea, refusing to believe he would ever marry a witch, yet her words haunt him. His primary focus remains on retrieving Balisarda, even if it means destroying the forest. The chapter highlights his single-minded determination and deep-seated hatred for witches, juxtaposed with flashes of doubt and unresolved questions about his past.
Upon reaching the hamlet, Reid attempts to rally the locals for a witch hunt, but his efforts are met with unexpected resistance. A young boy at the parish door accuses Reid of being a murderer and a witch, referencing his killing of the Archbishop. This shocking revelation momentarily stuns Reid, forcing him to confront the possibility that his memories are incomplete or manipulated. The boy’s defiance and the villagers’ hostility suggest that Reid’s reputation has been tarnished, and his authority is no longer recognized.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Reid reeling from the boy’s accusations and the chilling realization that he may have committed unforgivable acts. His once-unshakable conviction wavers as the pieces of his fractured memories begin to form a disturbing picture. The confrontation at the parish door underscores the theme of identity and betrayal, leaving Reid—and the reader—questioning who he truly is and what he has done. The tension builds as Reid stands on the precipice of a truth that could shatter his worldview.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Reid experience regarding his memories, and how does this manifest in his actions?
Answer:
Reid experiences significant cognitive dissonance as fragmented memories contradict his current beliefs and identity. While he remembers events like traveling with the Troupe de Fortune and throwing knives with them, he cannot reconcile these memories with his self-image as a devout Chasseur who despises witches. This manifests in physical stumbling and emotional turmoil, described as “pieces of memory swarm[ing] and sting[ing] like insects.” His denial is particularly evident when he dismisses Lou’s claim of being his wife, despite her emotional reaction suggesting truth. Reid copes by fixating on retrieving his Balisarda knife, channeling confusion into a singular, actionable goal.2. How does the hamlet boy’s reaction to Reid reveal a shift in societal perceptions of Chasseurs?
Answer:
The boy’s hostility—calling Reid a “murderer” and “witch”—reflects a dramatic reversal of traditional power dynamics. Previously, Chasseurs like Reid commanded fear and respect as witch hunters sanctioned by the Church. Now, the boy threatens Reid with a knife and references “huntsmen,” implying Chasseurs are themselves hunted. This aligns with Reid’s fragmented memory of killing the Archbishop, a sacrilegious act that would delegitimize him. The confrontation underscores a broader societal shift where Chasseurs are no longer protectors but outlaws, mirroring Reid’s internal crisis of identity.3. Analyze the significance of Reid’s fixation on his Balisarda knife. What might it symbolize?
Answer:
The Balisarda represents Reid’s fractured identity and lost purpose. As a Chasseur, his knives are tools of righteousness, but the empty sheath “above [his] heart” suggests a spiritual void. His vow to “burn the whole forest” to reclaim it mirrors his desperate clinging to past certainty. The knife’s absorption by the “demonic tree” (likely magical) parallels how Reid’s worldview has been subsumed by truths he cannot accept—like his marriage to Lou. His obsession with the physical weapon contrasts with his inability to grasp emotional truths, highlighting his prioritization of duty over humanity.4. How does the chapter use sensory details to convey Reid’s emotional state? Provide examples.
Answer:
Physical sensations mirror Reid’s turmoil: his “flushed” skin and “burning” cheeks reflect rage, while the “numbing” wind echoes emotional detachment. The “searing pain” of memories contrasts with the “sickening cold” of realizing he killed the Archbishop, illustrating shock. Auditory details like “pounded” footsteps and the door “bang[ing]” against stone externalize his aggression. Notably, his breath “catch[ing]” around Lou’s name reveals subconscious recognition beneath his sneering. These visceral descriptions immerse readers in Reid’s unstable psyche, blurring lines between physical and emotional distress.5. Why might Reid’s sudden concern for Célie be ironic or hypocritical?
Answer:
Reid’s panic over leaving Célie with witches ignores his own violent history. He earlier recalls “bloodstained snow” and “gruesome injury,” implying past harm to innocents. His concern also contrasts with dismissing Lou’s grief—another woman he supposedly loved—as “hideous.” The irony deepens when considering Célie’s implied safety with the crown prince, whom Reid distrusts for sympathizing with witches. This selective protectiveness underscores his cognitive dissonance: he upholds patriarchal duty (protecting a lady) while rejecting relational bonds (his marriage), revealing inconsistent morals.
Quotes
1. “I’d burn the whole forest if necessary. I’d hack the demonic tree down to the ground, and I’d dig until its roots became kindling.”
This quote showcases Reid’s fanatical determination and violent resolve to reclaim his lost Balisarda knife, embodying his single-minded devotion to his mission and his willingness to destroy anything in his path.
2. “I’m your wife, she’d said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. In the biblical sense.”
A pivotal moment that introduces the emotional conflict and memory gaps Reid experiences, hinting at a deeper, forgotten relationship with the “freckled witch” that challenges his identity and beliefs.
3. “As if I’d ever debase myself with a witch. As if I’d ever marry anyone, let alone a bride of Satan.”
This quote highlights Reid’s ingrained prejudice and denial, reflecting the ideological clash between his Chasseur indoctrination and the personal history he can’t remember—or refuses to acknowledge.
4. “Do you want the lives of innocents on your conscience?… Do you? His voice cracked on the challenge…”
A tense exchange that reveals the growing societal shift against Chasseurs, as even a young boy dares to confront Reid, calling him a “murderer” and “witch”—a stark role reversal from the usual dynamics of power.
5. “Father Angelart ain’t here, but I—I got me a knife too, right? I’ll gut you, I will, before the huntsmen arrive.”
This moment underscores the crumbling authority of the Chasseurs, as a civilian threatens Reid with the same violence he once wielded, symbolizing the turning tide in their world’s power structure.