The Religiosity of Evil

Chapter 4

It was twilight as Knowles crested the small hill. Just below stood a vine-covered cottage. It was made of limestone, and the two windows that Knowles could see were protected by iron bars. As he drew closer, the air cooled and the soggy ground reeked of rotting vegetation. The front door appeared to be made of heavy oak. Across it was a 4-inch iron bar rusted beyond repair. Below the bar was a metal plate, about 6 inches wide and 4 inches long. Knowles lifted the plate and the stench of dead flesh assaulted his face. He heard the rustling of feet.

“Who’s there?”

It was a voice from the depths of the abyss Knowles had been seeking.

“Brother Matthias?” asked Knowles, pinching his nose to keep the stench from suffocating him.

“I asked who’s there?”

“I’m James Knowles, Professor Knowles.”

“Be gone. Your kind is of no use to me. Timidity and fear are your allies, not mine.”

“Brother Matthias, I’ve come …”

“I know why you’ve come. I know why they all come. I know. But you want to know. That’s why you’ve come. You’ll probably be satisfied with having a nice little one-on-one and then be on your merry way back to your books and your reading room. Is that right? Is that what you want? Maybe we can have tea and crumpets, and put our feet up for awhile, while I tell you about the wasteland. Hmm, interested?”