The Last Water Diviner

In a rural Welsh village, a farmer's fifth daughter, Mer, is born with the rare ability to control water. Her powers are both a blessing and a curse, keeping her dry in rain and saving lives, but also drawing the attention of those who would use her. When her abilities are discovered, she is taken from her family by the prince's spymaster, Renfrew, and forced into royal service. Mer's childhood is marked by loss, fear, and the realization that her magic can both save and destroy. Her journey from innocence to survivor is shaped by betrayal and the harsh lessons of power, setting the stage for her struggle to reclaim her freedom and identity.

A Spymaster's Bargain

Years later, Mer is hiding in a tavern, haunted by her past and hunted by the prince. Renfrew, now a fugitive himself, finds her and proposes a final job: to steal the magical heart of Gwaelod and break the prince's power. He claims this will buy Mer's freedom, but she is wary of his motives. When Mer is captured and nearly returned to the prince, Renfrew orchestrates her escape, revealing the stakes: she is the last living water diviner, and the only one who can access the Well that protects the kingdom. The offer is both a chance at liberation and a trap, forcing Mer to confront her past and the man who shaped her.

The Ironfetch's Curse

In the fighting pits of a nearby city, Fane, a cursed ironfetch, throws matches to avoid attention. He is bound by a deadly bargain with the otherfolk: seven years of service for seven lives. Fane's magic makes him a killer when provoked, but he despises violence and longs for peace. When he intervenes to save a friend, his true power is revealed. Renfrew and Mer recruit him for their heist, recognizing his unique abilities. Fane's past—marked by loss, vengeance, and servitude to the otherfolk—shadows his every step, and his presence in the crew is both a blessing and a harbinger of tragedy.

Gathering the Crew

Renfrew assembles a crew for the heist: Mer, Fane, the scholar Emrick, the charming Gryf, and the thief Ifanna—Mer's former lover and betrayer. Each brings skills and secrets, and none fully trust the others. The plan is to infiltrate the city of Caer Wyddno, find the hidden Well, and steal its magical treasures. Old wounds resurface as Mer and Ifanna confront their shared history of love and betrayal. The crew's dynamic is tense, with shifting loyalties and hidden agendas. As they prepare for the impossible, the lines between friend and foe blur, and the cost of trust becomes painfully clear.

Thieves, Traitors, and Thieves

To access the Well, the crew must navigate the city's criminal underworld. Mer seeks out Ifanna, now imprisoned, and orchestrates her escape, rekindling old feelings and resentments. Ifanna's inclusion is both a risk and a necessity, as her connections to the thieves' guild provide the key to the sewers and the Well. The crew's journey through the city is fraught with danger, as they are hunted by the prince's men and betrayed by those they thought allies. Each member is forced to confront their own motives: revenge, redemption, or simple survival. The heist becomes a crucible, forging and breaking bonds in equal measure.

The Well's Secret Heart

The crew enters the sea caves beneath Caer Wyddno, guided by Mer's magic. The journey is perilous, with natural hazards and magical traps left by the otherfolk. They discover the Well is not just a source of treasure, but the heart of the kingdom's magic, holding back the sea itself. The Well's defenses are psychological as well as physical, forcing each intruder to relive their worst memories and deepest regrets. Emrick is killed by magical guardians, and the crew is shaken. Mer's connection to the Well reveals the true nature of its power—and the catastrophic consequences of disturbing it.

The Boar and the Betrayal

At the Well, the crew faces Ysgithyrwyn, the legendary boar, guardian of the Well's treasures. The battle is brutal and costly, with Gryf and Renfrew's true intentions coming to light. Renfrew reveals his plan: to destroy the Well and flood Gwaelod, sacrificing the kingdom to prevent the prince from waging war on the otherfolk. Gryf, driven by vengeance for his poisoned family, sides with Renfrew. Mer, Ifanna, and Fane are forced to fight their own allies to prevent the destruction of the Well. The battle is not just against the boar, but against the darkness within themselves and those they once trusted.

The Heist Unravels

The crew's unity shatters as Renfrew and Gryf set explosives to destroy the Well. Mer and Ifanna fight desperately to stop them, but are outmatched. Fane, revealed as an agent of the otherfolk, intervenes, choosing Mer over his orders. In the chaos, Renfrew succeeds in detonating the explosives, killing himself and unleashing the sea. The Well's magic is broken, and the kingdom's doom is sealed. The survivors—Mer, Ifanna, and Fane—flee, burdened by guilt and loss. The heist has become a tragedy, and the price of survival is higher than any of them imagined.

Nightmares in the Wellspring

As the Well's magic collapses, Mer and the others are trapped in magical nightmares, forced to relive their greatest regrets and betrayals. Mer confronts Ifanna's betrayal and learns the truth: Ifanna traded Mer's life to save others, a choice that still haunts them both. Gryf's nightmare reveals the devastation Mer's magic unwittingly caused. Renfrew's memories expose the full scope of his plan and the burden of his choices. Each survivor emerges changed, their wounds deeper than before. The Well's magic is not just a barrier, but a mirror, forcing them to face the consequences of their actions.

The Price of Survival

With the Well destroyed, the sea begins to reclaim Gwaelod. Mer, Ifanna, and Fane race to warn the city, risking everything to save as many as they can. Ifanna rallies the thieves' guild to evacuate the poor and powerless, sacrificing her own legacy for their lives. Mer confronts the prince, forcing him to order the evacuation. Fane, torn between his curse and his love for Mer, chooses to fight for her. The city's escape is chaotic and incomplete; many are saved, but countless more are lost. The survivors are left to reckon with what they have done—and what they have lost.

The Drowning of Gwaelod

As the floodwaters rise, Mer makes the ultimate sacrifice, using the last of her magic to hold back the sea and buy time for the refugees. Her power is not enough to save the kingdom, but it saves lives. Fane, having fulfilled his bargain with the otherfolk, uses a magical cauldron to bring Mer back from the brink of death. The survivors—Mer, Fane, Ifanna, and Trefor the corgi—emerge into a changed world. Gwaelod is gone, drowned beneath the waves, but hope endures in the lives they have saved and the bonds they have forged.

Sacrifice and Salvation

In the wake of the flood, the survivors gather on the new shoreline, mourning the lost and searching for purpose. Ifanna leads the remnants of the thieves' guild south, choosing people over gold. Fane and Mer, freed from their curses and burdens, choose each other. The otherfolk reclaim their magical artifact, and Fane's service ends. Mer, scarred but alive, finds peace in the knowledge that she has finally chosen her own path. Together, they seek a new home, planting the seeds of a future built on forgiveness and hope.

After the Flood

The legend of Gwaelod becomes a tale of loss and survival, of magic and sacrifice. Mer and Fane, with their loyal dogs, settle in a new village, far from the ruins of the drowned kingdom. They are no longer fugitives or weapons, but partners and builders, using their gifts to help others. The story of the drowned woods is not just one of tragedy, but of resilience—the power to choose mercy over vengeance, to build anew from the wreckage, and to find belonging in a world forever changed.

Characters

Mer (Mererid)

Mer is the last living water diviner in Wales, marked by trauma, guilt, and a fierce will to survive. Taken from her family as a child, she is shaped by Renfrew's tutelage and the prince's exploitation. Her magic is both a gift and a curse, capable of healing and destruction. Mer's psyche is defined by loss, betrayal, and the burden of unintended harm—her powers were used to poison innocents, a truth that haunts her. She craves safety and belonging, but is slow to trust, especially after Ifanna's betrayal. Over the course of the story, Mer transforms from a hunted fugitive into a self-sacrificing hero, choosing to save others even at great personal cost. Her journey is one of reclaiming agency, forgiving herself, and learning that true strength lies in mercy and connection.

Renfrew

Renfrew is the former spymaster of Gwaelod, a man of cold logic and deep, conflicted care. He raises Mer as both weapon and surrogate daughter, teaching her to survive in a world of secrets and violence. Renfrew's loyalty to the kingdom is absolute, but his methods are ruthless—he believes in sacrificing the few for the many. His plan to destroy the Well and flood Gwaelod is born of desperation to prevent a greater war, but it reveals the darkness at his core. Renfrew's relationship with Mer is complex: he loves her in his way, but cannot see her as anything but a tool. His final act is both a betrayal and a twisted act of love, forcing Mer to confront the cost of his worldview and ultimately reject it.

Fane

Fane is an ironfetch, bound by a deadly bargain with the otherfolk: seven years of service for seven lives. His magic makes him a lethal fighter, but he despises violence and fears losing control. Fane's past is marked by loss—his family was murdered, and his quest for vengeance led him to the otherfolk. He is haunted by the lives he has taken and yearns for peace and belonging. Fane's relationship with Mer is one of mutual recognition and understanding; both are marked by trauma and the fear of their own power. His ultimate choice to side with Mer over Renfrew, and to use his final life to save her, is an act of love and redemption, freeing them both from the chains of their past.

Ifanna

Ifanna is the heir to the thieves' guild and Mer's former lover. She is bold, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to her people, but her pragmatism leads her to betray Mer in order to save others. Ifanna's actions are driven by a sense of responsibility and the harsh realities of leadership. Her relationship with Mer is fraught with longing, regret, and unresolved feelings. Ifanna's arc is one of sacrifice—she gives up her legacy and wealth to save the powerless, choosing people over gold. Her willingness to face her own failings and fight for redemption makes her a complex and sympathetic figure.

Gryf

Gryf is introduced as a charming, easygoing member of the crew, but his true motivation is revenge. His family was killed by the poisoned wells Mer unwittingly helped create, and he joins Renfrew's plot to destroy Gwaelod. Gryf's affable exterior masks deep pain and rage, and his willingness to sacrifice others for vengeance mirrors Renfrew's utilitarianism. His confrontation with Mer forces both to confront the consequences of their actions and the cycle of harm that vengeance perpetuates.

Emrick

Emrick is a learned expert on the otherfolk and magical traps, but his knowledge proves insufficient in the face of real danger. He is motivated by debt and desperation, and his arrogance masks deep insecurity. Emrick's death at the hands of magical guardians is a sobering reminder of the story's stakes and the limits of intellect in a world ruled by power and violence.

Prince Garanhir

Garanhir is the young, ruthless prince of Gwaelod, obsessed with expanding his power and waging war on the otherfolk. He is both a victim and perpetrator of the kingdom's cycle of violence, using Mer's magic for his own ends and branding her as property. Garanhir's inability to see beyond his own ambitions leads to the kingdom's destruction, but in the end, he is forced to confront the limits of his power and the cost of his choices.

Trefor

Trefor is more than a dog—he is a subtle magical presence, able to sense magic and provide comfort to the crew. His loyalty to Fane and Mer is unwavering, and his presence is a source of warmth and levity amid the darkness. Trefor's role as a bridge between the mortal and magical worlds underscores the story's themes of connection and belonging.

The Otherfolk (Tylwyth Teg)

The otherfolk are the magical beings who once ruled the land and now exist at its margins. They are both benefactors and manipulators, granting power at a price and intervening only when their own interests are threatened. Their bargains shape the destinies of mortals like Fane and Mer, and their presence is a constant reminder of the world's deeper mysteries and dangers.

The Boar, Ysgithyrwyn

The legendary boar is the Well's final defense, a creature of magic and violence. Its presence is both a test and a warning, embodying the dangers of tampering with ancient powers. The battle with the boar is a crucible for the crew, forcing them to confront their own limits and the true cost of their quest.

Plot Devices

Heist Structure and Found Family

The novel uses the structure of a heist—a crew assembled for an impossible job—to bring together characters with conflicting motives and histories. The heist is both literal (stealing the Well's treasures) and metaphorical (stealing back agency, freedom, and redemption). The found family dynamic is central, with bonds forged and broken under pressure. The structure allows for shifting alliances, betrayals, and moments of grace, as each character is tested by the demands of the job and the weight of their past.

Magic as Burden and Mirror

Magic in the story is not a simple gift, but a burden that shapes identity and destiny. Mer's water magic is both her salvation and her curse, used by others for harm and forcing her to confront the consequences. Fane's curse is a literalization of trauma—violence that cannot be controlled or escaped. The Well's magic is both a barrier and a mirror, forcing intruders to relive their worst memories and regrets. Magic is thus a device for psychological exploration, revealing character and driving the plot toward its tragic climax.

Betrayal, Sacrifice, and Cycles of Harm

The story is driven by betrayals—Ifanna's, Renfrew's, Gryf's—and the sacrifices they demand. Each character is forced to choose between self-preservation and the greater good, between vengeance and mercy. The plot repeatedly subverts the fantasy of clean heroism, showing that every choice has a cost and that cycles of harm are hard to break. The ultimate sacrifice—Mer's willingness to die to save others—breaks the cycle and offers a path to redemption.

Foreshadowing and Mythic Resonance

The story is steeped in Welsh myth, with the legend of the drowned kingdom of Gwaelod serving as both backdrop and prophecy. The Well, the boar, and the otherfolk are all drawn from folklore, and the narrative structure echoes the inevitability of myth. Foreshadowing is used to build tension and underscore the tragic arc: the warnings about the Well, the repeated lessons about the cost of magic, and the echoes of past betrayals all point toward the story's climax.

Psychological Realism and Moral Ambiguity

The novel's structure and devices emphasize psychological depth and moral ambiguity. Characters are shaped by trauma, guilt, and longing, and their choices are never simple. The use of magical nightmares and memory as plot devices allows for deep exploration of regret and forgiveness. The story resists easy answers, insisting that survival and redemption are hard-won and never complete.

Analysis

The Drowned Woods reimagines the heist fantasy as a meditation on the burdens of power, the scars of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption. At its heart is Mer, a survivor whose magic is both a weapon and a wound, and whose journey from pawn to self-sacrificing hero is both harrowing and hopeful. The novel interrogates the fantasy of clean heroism, insisting that every act of power—magical or otherwise—has consequences, and that cycles of harm are hard to break. Through its mythic structure and psychological realism, the story explores the ways trauma shapes identity, the difficulty of forgiveness (of self and others), and the necessity of choosing mercy over vengeance. The drowning of Gwaelod is both a literal and symbolic reckoning, forcing characters to confront what they are willing to sacrifice for survival and what it means to build anew from ruin. In the end, the novel offers no easy answers, but it does offer hope: that even in a world shaped by loss, it is possible to choose connection, to plant new seeds, and to find belonging—not in power, but in love and community.

Last updated: October 26, 2025