# XI: Return of the Sacrifice explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## What happens

Lanark and Enid Mandifer return to the clearing where they first met, as part of a plan devised by Jager to draw out the supernatural forces by having Enid repeat the ritual of sacrifice. Lanark stands guard while Enid undresses and recites the incantation, but she sees a dark presence in her mirror and screams. Lanark fires his revolver at the lurking shape and charges into the trees.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Power of Belief and Ritual

The ritual incantation is used to summon the god-demon, and Jager's plan relies on the belief that repeating the sacrifice will draw out the evil.

### Supernatural Evil and Occultism

The dark presence seen in the mirror and the occult ritual underscore the supernatural evil at work.

## Character check-ins

### Kane Lanark

Accompanies Enid Mandifer to the clearing, armed with a revolver and Jager's saber, and fires at a dark presence.

### Enid Mandifer

Acts as a decoy, undresses, and recites the ritual incantation; sees a dark presence in her mirror and screams.

### Sergeant Jager

Devised the plan to use Enid as a decoy and circles to the east to observe and attack.

## Key lines

> A maid, alone and pure, I stand, not upon water nor on land; I hold a mirror in my hand, in which to see what Fate may send.

Enid recites the ritual words that are meant to summon the demon, standing in the water with a mirror.

_This is the incantation Enid was instructed to say by her stepfather Persil Mandifer._

> We must make the devils come forth and face us

Jager argues that they need to force the evil entities to reveal themselves.

_Jager's rationale for using Enid as a decoy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/xi-return-of-the-sacrifice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters