Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery

by Brom

“Angels must often do dark deeds in the name of the Lord,”

“There is no peace in slaughter.”

After Mother died, all I have thought about is surviving. I have not dreamed since I were a child.”

Does your god only do good?” Abitha started to say yes, then considered the book in her hand. “No, I guess not. The Lord, God, He has drowned the world, brought plagues, sends those who offend Him to everlasting torment. Mayhap it depends on how one defines good.” “Your god, he is a slayer.”

“Why does her mother not ask the Christ God to heal her child?” “She has. We all have. Many, many, prayers.” “And this Christ God does nothing?” Abitha shrugged. “We shall see. Sometimes God helps, sometimes He does not.” Samson shook his head. “They need a better god.”

thought. I am the girl who looked into the eyes of a thousand gods, am I not?

But this belief, this absolute conviction that this evil they were doing was good, was God’s work—how, she wondered, how could such a dark conviction ever be overcome?

A hard grimace set on Abitha’s face. “If it is a witch they want,” she hissed, “then a witch they shall have.”

“I am not Abitha. Abitha was murdered. I am the witch, and the witch cares not for your tears.”

“No, please. I beg of you, mercy.” “This is a mercy. Trust me.”