# V: Blood in the Night explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## What happens

Lanark and his men are ambushed by Quantrill's guerrillas. In the chaotic battle, Lanark kills a rider and captures his horse. The house burns with strange blue flames, frightening the guerrillas into retreat. After the fight, Lanark buries the dead, including Persil Mandifer, whose body is lost in the fire. He promises Enid Mandifer he will return after the war to ensure her safety.

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural Evil and Occultism

The house burns with unnatural blue flames, suggesting a supernatural influence tied to Persil Mandifer's occult practices.

### Sacrifice and Redemption

Lanark's promise to return to Enid Mandifer after the war reflects a personal commitment to redemption and care.

### Fear and Control

Quantrill's fear of the blue light causes him to flee, showing how supernatural elements disrupt human control.

## Character check-ins

### Kane Lanark

Leads the Union troops, fights in the battle, kills a guerrilla, and later conducts burial rites.

### Enid Mandifer

Survives the attack, watches the blue flames, and receives Lanark's promise to return after the war.

### Persil Mandifer

Found badly battered by horses' feet; his body is later lost in the burning house.

### Sergeant Jager

Assists Lanark during the battle, examines the wounded, and helps with burial arrangements.

### Corporal Gray

Killed in the battle, dying under Lanark's feet with multiple bullet wounds.

### Quantrill

Leads the guerrilla attack, is seen by Lanark, and flees when the blue flames erupt.

## Key lines

> Neither Lanark nor the others remembered that they began to fight for their lives; they only knew all at once that they were doing it.

The fight started so suddenly that no one recalled deciding to defend themselves; they just found themselves in combat.

_Describes the abrupt onset of the battle._

> It was growing lighter, with a blue light. Lanark did not understand that. Quantrill did not understand it, either.

An inexplicable blue light began to brighten the scene, baffling both Lanark and Quantrill.

_Highlights the mysterious supernatural element of the blue flames._

> I swear that I shall return to this place. I shall make sure that you, too, are alive and well.

Lanark vows to come back after the war to check on Enid Mandifer's safety.

_Shows Lanark's personal promise and sense of responsibility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/v-blood-in-the-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters