Short Fiction · Chapter
The Return explained
Altamont and Loudons visit a hidden community descended from survivors of a past catastrophe.
What happens
Altamont and Loudons visit a hidden community descended from survivors of a past catastrophe. They learn about the community's history, their reliance on The Books, and their anticipation of the 'Slain and Risen One.' Altamont offers help in exchange for assistance in locating a crypt of microfilmed books in Pittsburgh. After a tour of the village's industries and a violent attack by Scowrers, the two men depart by helicopter, with Loudons troubled by the community's mistaken belief that they are Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
The community has endured for generations, rebuilding walls, clearing land, and maintaining their culture despite constant threats.
Technology and Social Change
The discovery of microfilmed books and modern equipment promises to transform the community's way of life, but also raises concerns about cultural disruption.
Identity and Memory
The community's identity is rooted in The Books and the legend of the 'Slain and Risen One,' leading to a mistaken belief about Altamont and Loudons.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Altamont
Leads the expedition to the hidden community, negotiates help for accessing the microfilm crypt, and defends against the Scowrer attack.
- Dr. Loudons
Accompanies Altamont, gathers tools and workers in the village, and becomes worried about the community's false belief about their identities.
- Stephen Silk
Referred to as 'Ambassador Silk' in the context of the community; mentioned in the timeline events but not directly active in this chapter.
- Andrew Jackson Hickock
Mentioned as part of the community's leadership; not directly active in this chapter.
Key passages
“We still read and follow the teachings of The Books; we have made laws for ourselves out of them.”
The community bases its laws and daily life on the sacred texts they preserve.
Highlights the central role of The Books in the community's governance and culture.
“It is impossible that He will not, sooner or later, deduce the existence of this community. If He has not done so already.”
Tenant Jones expresses certainty that the 'Slain and Risen One' will eventually find them.
Reflects the community's messianic expectations and their belief in a prophesied return.
“Monty; I saw the Sacred Books. ... How I ever missed all the clues—You see Monty, what I’m worried about is what’s going to happen to those people when they find out that we’re not really Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.”
Loudons realizes the community mistakenly believes Altamont and himself are the legendary detectives, and fears the consequences of that revelation.
Foreshadows a potential crisis of faith and identity for the community.