The Devil Aspect

by Craig Russell

“Really? The castle only dates back to the early Middle Ages, as far as I know.” “Ah, but you’re wrong. The current castle perhaps, but what lies beneath…” The German archaeologist wagged his finger in the air. “What lies beneath is truly ancient. The castle of Hrad Orlů was built on the site of a Neolithic hill fort. Danubian or Linear Pottery Culture, we think. In fact, the outer wall of the castle follows the circle of the original Neolithic rondel. Do you know that when the current castle was built, there were no kitchens or proper accommodations? That it was originally never intended to be inhabited?” “Then why did they build it?” “It’s one of the most solidly built fortresses in Bohemia, despite having no strategic importance. It was built as a great fastness not to keep anything out, but to keep something in. Something locked up for all time. Which is quite appropriate when you think of its current use.” “Really?” Viktor was intrigued despite himself. “Who was confined there?” “Not who, what,” said the German. “There’s a network of caves beneath the castle that were believed to be the mouth of Hell. The castle was built to seal it up. All nonsense, of course, but it’s true the Neolithic site was founded on the entrance to a network of caves. Have you noticed how the castle seems fused into the rock? It’s like Predjama Castle in Slovenia, where its fortitude as a stronghold comes as much from nature’s as man’s design. Do you know we really have no idea how long there...