Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery

by Brom

“You speak often of gods and devils. What is the difference?” “That’s easy,” Abitha said. “Gods are benevolent, looking over their flock in return for their devotion. Devils vex and torment.” “And what if it is not that simple?” Samson asked. “Can a god be both slayer and shepherd? Reward and vex? 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.” Samson appeared pleased to hear this.

“Even the Devil does not wish to be the Devil. So sad. It would be so much easier if you could wallow in your role. But who wants to be the harbinger of death and devastation?”

Why be the rabbit, it seemed to ask, when you can be the wolf?

“I am the shepherd and I am the slayer. I am life and I am death!”