Feast of the Fool

By: Thane Thompson
September 9, 2008

Yaden had been part of Landon Coven for five years. When the old master passed on, Yaden took his place. Leadership brought many things, including an endless supply of young girls, all rebelling against their father-figure God.

But Elgar Astaroth changed all that. Yaden knew Elgar from back when they both were learning incants and tracing the seven points of light. While Yaden recruited new girls and shacked his wick, Elgar continued to study.

It wasn't long before a deep-seated schism was brewing. Elgar even tried to interrupt one of the ceremonies. When he upended several candles around the pentagram, which broke the sacred form and unsettled the newer acolytes, Yaden knew they needed to talk. Yaden found him in the cramped back room that passed for the coven's library.

"What's the hell's wrong with you?"

Anger colored Elgar's face. "You defile our master. You don't worship him during Sabbat."

"That's a load of crap," Yaden said. "I think you're just jealous."

"Of you? Over what?" Elgar thought for a second, then said, "Oh, you think I want to be like you and spread every pair of legs I can find?"

The truth felt good. Leaning in close, Yaden whispered, "Why else do you think I'm here? It sure isn't for the make-up and the clothes."

Elgar's eyes widened at the confession. A shadow passed over his face and he glanced away. When he looked back, he gave Yaden a little lop-sided smile, just like he used to. "Fine," he said, and that was the end of the argument.

###

It was like nothing had happened. The next Friday, Yaden was back at the altar. When the rite ended, he drank down the ceremonial wine. As his foot reached for the floor, the room began to spin, and he felt arms reach out to catch him as everything went black.