Short Fiction · Chapter
X: That Evening explained
Judge Pursuivant and the narrator discuss the dangerous situation involving Varduk and Sigrid Holgar, concluding that the evil must be confronted rather than avoided.
What happens
Judge Pursuivant and the narrator discuss the dangerous situation involving Varduk and Sigrid Holgar, concluding that the evil must be confronted rather than avoided. During dinner, Pursuivant reveals his sword-cane with a biblical inscription to Varduk. After rehearsal, the narrator and Jake Switz find Pursuivant unconscious at the foot of the driveway, and monstrous shapes close in on them.
Themes in this chapter
Evil and Moral Corruption
Pursuivant and the narrator discuss the active evil surrounding Varduk and the need to confront it rather than flee.
The Power of Belief and Ritual
The rehearsal of the play and Varduk's control over the actors highlight the ritualistic and belief-driven nature of the unfolding events.
Fear and Control
Varduk's manipulation of the rehearsal and the atmosphere of dread illustrate the theme of fear as a tool of control.
Characters to notice
- Keith Pursuivant
Discusses the threat of Varduk with the narrator, reveals his sword-cane to Varduk, and is later found unconscious at the driveway.
- Mr. Connatt
The narrator; walks with Pursuivant, expresses concern for Sigrid, and discovers Pursuivant unconscious.
- Varduk
Hosts dinner, invites Pursuivant, shows interest in the sword-cane, and leads the rehearsal.
- Jake Switz
Accompanies the narrator after rehearsal and helps revive the unconscious Pursuivant.
- Gib
Present during the discovery of Pursuivant; Jake addresses him as 'Gib'.
- Martha Vining
Participates in rehearsal and asks to keep her script.
Key passages
“If it was true, how did Davidson dare tell it? Probably because he was ordered to.”
The narrator questions why Davidson would share a dangerous story, and Pursuivant suggests he was following orders.
Reveals the calculated nature of Varduk's influence.
“Because evil is bound to occur. To spirit her away will be only a retreat. The situation must be allowed to develop—then we can achieve victory.”
Pursuivant argues that confronting the evil directly is necessary rather than avoiding it.
Sets up the theme of sacrifice and redemption.
“Sic pereant omnes inimici tui, Domine.”
So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord.
The inscription on Pursuivant's sword-cane, from Judges 5:31, signaling his readiness for spiritual warfare.