The sword flashed down toward Gerhard’s neck; his sister’s muffled scream came from somewhere behind him and he winced at the sight of the blade descending and closed his eyes tightly. Time slowed as the sword moved. His life flashed before his eyes; in his mind he screamed to God for help. The seconds seemed like an eternity; he felt himself falling into a bottomless pit and he could not pull himself out. He wondered what it would feel like when the cold steel penetrated his neck.

Part Eight: Strange Matters of Some Large Concern