# IV: The Gathering of the Vultures explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## What happens

In the outer night, a whickering cry rises. Jaeger explains it is the witches' Christmas, a heathen festival tied to Halloween but reckoned by the full moon. Susan Gird, under a hypnotic spell, attempts to recite a binding charm but cannot utter the demon's name. Jaeger reveals he used a counter-charm from 'Powwows, or Long Lost Friend.' Outside, voices blend beast and human in horrid laughter. A ritual chant is heard, and Jaeger blows out the lamp. Through the window, Cole Wickett sees a horned, bat-winged creature approach the door, blow on the lock, and command entry. The horde rushes in with a pale, rotten light.

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural Evil and Occultism

The chapter depicts a witches' sabbath, demonic summoning, and a horned bat-winged creature, emphasizing occult evil.

### Fear and Control

Hypnotism is used to control Susan; the besieging horde uses fear and ritual to intimidate; Jaeger counters with calm preparation.

### The Power of Belief and Ritual

Both the attackers' blasphemous sacrament and Jaeger's counter-charm from a folk grimoire show the potency of ritual belief.

## Character check-ins

### Sergeant Jaeger

Leads the defense, explains the witches' Christmas, uses a counter-charm from 'Powwows, or Long Lost Friend,' and prepares to trap the intruders.

### Susan Gird

Under hypnotic influence, attempts to recite a binding spell but fails to utter the demon's name; Jaeger comforts her.

### Cole Wickett

Narrator and observer; takes post at a window to watch the door, sees the horned creature approach.

## Key lines

> Mirathe saepy Satonich⁠—

Susan begins a demonic incantation but cannot finish it.

_Shows the failure of the hypnotic spell due to Susan's inherent goodness._

> Like unto the cup and the wine⁠—may we be guarded in daytime and nightime⁠—that no wild beast may tear us, no weapons wound us, no false tongues injure us⁠—and no witchcraft or enchantment harm us. Amen.

Jaeger recites a protective charm from 'Powwows, or Long Lost Friend' to counter the spell.

_Highlights the use of folk magic by a minister against occult threats._

> I strolled through a red forest, and in the red forest was a red church. In the red church stood a red altar, and upon the red altar lay a red knife.

The besiegers chant a blasphemous ritual verse.

_Part of the witches' sabbath ritual, parodying Christian liturgy._

> Take the red knife and cut red bread!

A booming voice completes the ritual chant.

_Emphasizes the perversion of sacramental imagery._

> Hola noa massa! ... Janna, janna! Hoa, hoa! Sabbat, sabbat! Moloch, Lucifer, Asteroth!

The horde invokes pagan gods and devils.

_Reinforces the demonic and occult nature of the gathering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/iv-the-gathering-of-the-vultures
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters