Brood of the Witch-Queen · Chapter
I: Antony Ferrara explained
Robert Cairn confides in his friend Sime about his disturbing observations of Antony Ferrara, including Ferrara's strange behavior, his fire on a hot night, the incense in his rooms, and the unsettling objects and photographs he keeps.
What happens
Robert Cairn confides in his friend Sime about his disturbing observations of Antony Ferrara, including Ferrara's strange behavior, his fire on a hot night, the incense in his rooms, and the unsettling objects and photographs he keeps. Cairn recounts a visit to Ferrara's rooms after a storm, where he saw a mummy, strange artifacts, and a photograph of Myra Duquesne. Later, Cairn attempts to visit Ferrara again but is met with suspicious behavior, deepening his unease.
Themes in this chapter
Sorcery vs. Science
Cairn's rational observations clash with Ferrara's occult practices, including incense (Kyphi), a mummy, and strange artifacts.
The Occult and Ancient Egypt
Ferrara's use of Kyphi incense and possession of an unwrapped mummy and ancient objects link him to Egyptian occultism.
Appearance vs. Reality
Ferrara's charming exterior contrasts with the sinister nature of his rooms and actions, as perceived by Cairn.
Characters to notice
- Robert Cairn
Main perspective; confides in Sime about Ferrara's strange behavior and visits Ferrara's rooms.
- Dr. Sime
Cairn's friend and confidant; listens to Cairn's account and offers commentary.
- Antony Ferrara
Subject of Cairn's suspicions; keeps a fire, incense, and strange artifacts; behaves evasively.
- Myra Duquesne
Mentioned as Ferrara's cousin; her photograph is seen in Ferrara's rooms.
- Sir Michael Ferrara
Mentioned as a friend of Dr. Cairn and father of Antony Ferrara.
Key passages
“His rooms smelt like a joss-house; I told him so. He said he was experimenting with Kyphi —the ancient Egyptian stuff used in the temples.”
Cairn tells Sime that Ferrara's rooms smelled strongly of incense, and Ferrara claimed he was experimenting with Kyphi, an ancient Egyptian temple incense.
Highlights Ferrara's involvement with Egyptian occult practices.
“There was an unwrapped mummy there, the mummy of a woman—I can't possibly describe it. He had pictures, too—photographs. I shan't try to tell you what they represented.”
Cairn describes seeing a female mummy and disturbing photographs in Ferrara's rooms, which he finds too unsettling to detail.
Emphasizes the macabre and occult nature of Ferrara's possessions.
“Ferrara's ivory face was more pale than usual, and he conveyed the idea that he was chewed up—exhausted. Beads of perspiration were on his forehead.”
Cairn observes that Ferrara looked unusually pale and exhausted, with sweat on his forehead, suggesting recent exertion or distress.
Indicates Ferrara's physical state, possibly linked to occult activities.