The (Solo) Adventures of Solomon Kane
The Rattle of Bones. Chapter 8: Mine Host Vanishes
The maniac stands partly in the doorway of the secret room, his weapon menacing Kane. Suddenly, he topples backwards and vanishes in the darkness; and at the same instant a vagrant gust of wind sweeps down the outer corridor and slams the door shut behind him. The candle on the wall flickers and dies. Kane’s groping hands sweep over the floor, finding his pistol and sword. He straightens, facing the door where the maniac vanished.
He stands in utter darkness, his blood freezing, while a hideous muffled screaming emanates from the secret room, intermingled with the dry, grisly rattle of fleshless bones. Dare the Puritan intervene or leave this maddened wretch to what was an undoubtedly just fate?
Straightening his shoulders, Kane fumbles with flint and tinder to relight the candle. In all conscience, the Puritan can not let the mad innkeeper die in such an unnatural and evil manner, no matter his crimes.
Sparks are struck and the wick flares, throwing chaotic shadows around the ramshackled room as the candle flickers frantically.
Ready as Kane will ever be for the final battle
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