At their palace in Demonland, brothers Juss, Goldry, and Spitfire Bluszco receive an ambassador from Witchland, a neighboring realm. Introducing himself, the dwarf demands that the lords of Demonland recognize Gorice XI as their King. Insulted, they refuse his request, challenging the lord of Witchland to battle for control of Mercury. The Worm Ouroboros is a novel by E. R. Eddison.