Hub 114 by Various

Author:Various
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy

When I awoke it was daylight. I was fully clothed and lay on top of the bed in my room at the inn, the covers wholly undisturbed. I had been dreaming, the oppressive and close atmosphere of the Old Rectory delivering me a chill which had developed to mild fever. Jacob, the old priest’s servant, had carried me back to The Silvered Sickle. That was it. It had to be.

I rose as a knock came at the door. I called to enter, waving at nobody, but noticing for the first time my hands. They were dirty, caked with a brown crust that began to peel. But I had no time to investigate further. I sat back to the bed, plunging my hands beneath me to hide their condition as the landlady’s daughter entered with soup and bread.

“Excuse me, sir, but Mrs. Thwaiste has sent me up with some food. Are you feeling better, sir?”

I fidgeted a little, still keeping my hands concealed. “Indeed yes, thank-you Birdie.” The girl bowed a little, and when it became obvious I was not going to take the tray from her, she placed it carefully upon the writing desk that stood against the wall.

“I am glad you are back from that dreadful house.” Birdie looked to the floor as she spoke. She was nervous.

“Go on,” I said.

“Thackery is a wild one, sir. A real loon, Ma says. I’m inclined to agree, sir. He’s dangerous. The village isn’t the same since he arrived. Half have moved elsewhere, almost overnight, queer it was. The other half, well, they don’t want anything to do with us. The vicar even stopped his church service. We don’t know where everyone goes on a Sunday. Never been able to find out. Oh, it’s horrible and it’s Thackery’s doing. Sorry sir, I’ll leave you to your soup.”

Birdie turned her back to me as she busied herself with the tray. I half turned, wanting to question the young girl further, but then my hands felt something warm and smooth beneath the bedclothes. I drew it out silently, and in the shining gold of the ruby-studded knife I saw again that great cavern and the true face of God.

And then I remembered, and got off the bed, and in deference to her young age ensured as best I could that Birdie did not suffer unduly, twisting the knife swiftly between her shoulder blades to sever the spinal column. Of Mrs. Thwaiste I could make no such consideration. For the ape-men must be punished and expunged from God’s earth, and the dog-men shall regain their place as His blessed children.

Amen.

fin

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