The first of a series of stories I have been told…..
On a cold November night three young men approached a strange, dilapidated house that rested on a hillside far from neighbouring homes. In it lived a man the neighbours feared, a huge, black-bearded man of mystery, a wizard, who could cast spells and who they believed was in a league with the Evil One.
All three were bound on a singular mission. They sought to pluck two hairs from the wizard’s head, with which they could destroy his most potent spell. A light gleamed through a window of the wizard, and they knew he was home. Cautiously, whispering among themselves, the three men knocked at the door. A huge head emerged from a window to welcome them, and in a few moments the grim, black-bearded man had invited the visitors into his lonely home.
The blaze was low in the fireplace and the man with the black beard stepped outside and brought back an armload of wood. As he turned toward the hearth, a signal passed among the three men and in an instant they were upon him. They began a struggle, one man against three. They beat him with the logs, leapt upon him and instantly were thrown aside. The black-bearded recluse seemed to possess the power of a demon, but finally one of his assailants seized a chair and crashed it upon his head. The struggle ended. The mighty man lay dead. They say his power of witchcraft had been broken that night.
The men who had gone on this strange mission had driven to their destination in an automobile. Yet it was belief in witchcraft that had urged them on, and their leader was a man who professed the power to cast out spells and to remove curses. The homicide was discovered two days later and within six hours three suspects were arrested, imprisoned, and charged with the murder. When they first told their story to those that listened no one would not believe it. Witchcraft! It was unbelievable–but many knew this tale was true and that there were many others out there.
More to come..
lindaseccaspina 