Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery

by Brom

Are you not the same moon from my other life?

“That is not what you want, that is what you need. You are not made out of needs, you are made out of your dreams and desires. What is it you wish and dream of?”

“But who are you? How can I not be wary, not be fearful that you are devil or demon? That if I give too much of myself to you, that you will own my soul? Is that not fair to say given that you, yourself, know not who you are?”

“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. “Aye, at times. It is said that the Lord works in mysterious ways.” Abitha closed the bible. “As I said … it can all be a bit confusing.” “Perhaps not, perhaps a god just has many sides.” Samson sounded hopeful. “Hmm … you make me offerings, I grow the corn, looking after you in return for your devotion. Perhaps I am a god after all? Your god.” Abitha laughed. “If it were but that simple. God has never been an easy thing for me. Between my mother’s pagan teachings and my father’s conflicted views on Christianity, I often find myself unsure who God even is.” “Why do you limit yourself to only one?” Samson asked.