Page:Weird Tales volume 38 number 03 CAN.djvu/70

 all his black power, has served the Slavs from the dimmest ages of the past. His idol has been preserved faithfully and worshipped devoutly for countless generations. Even this very grotto has been guarded for several centuries. But the spirit of Zcerneboh, unlike that of our other gods, prefers to exist in the body of a living person. That is, if you would consider a vampire a living person in the exact sense. It has been the tradition for as long as any Wend can remember for a vampire to volunteer for the role, for contrary to belief, no vampire is immortal. How his skin is blackened, his eyes reddened, his feautres [sic] altered to resemble the black marble statue, that is a secret kept between our priests and Zcerneboh. Now, you see, a new vampire will volunteer and the spirit of Zcerneboh will emerge from the statue to live again in him. That is the sum and substance of the matter, and answers your question.

"In that case," said Planquette, "I have made a poor bargain. "It would have been better to destroy the statue and remained in ignorance."

"Perhaps for you," said Hynek, "but I took your pledge on your honor."

"What counts my honor against the lives and happiness of millions? But, no! I still do not believe that gods can live in stone. Your pledge is safe."

Suddenly Hynek seemed inspired. The muscles of his face worked, his fists through tied behind him clenched, and his eyes glowed. "There are still other gods of the Wends! There are our military gods, eager to avenge the Wends. You stupid Teutons do not know enough lo be beaten! If Zcerneboh has failed, there are the others—Baba Yaga, the female hagfiend; Gore, the god of woe and destruction; Koshchei, of the Deathless Snake; Lyeshy, the Malicious who haunts the forests; Great Perun; Mora; Sventovit, the four-headed. Sky-god of the Elbe, and Triglav, the three-headed ruler of the Three Realms.

"You Teutons," he raved on, "know not what potent powers you provoke when you cross the Wends. Our gods of war are waiting—waiting, and their patience wears. They are waiting to fill you with such craving for war and bloodshed that finally other nations shall arise mighty and with vengeance to destroy you. And then you..."

Hynek did not finish. A sound came from the rear of the recess, where the corpse of the Vampire Zcerneboh lay still bleeding. "Wugh-g-h-gh-gh!" and a scraping sound against the stone. With horror, they saw Zcerneboh arising—staggering to feet—lunging toward them.

"He isn't dead!" screamed Mina.

Hynek voiced an exultant cry.

"He has his sword!" cried Christian, gathering Mina into his arms. Realizing they lacked the vital moment to gird for defense, and uncertain as to Zcerneboh's strength they retreated out to the ritual chamber.

Here, if necessary, they would have room to battle. Hynek followed. Stumbling over the Wend corpses they turned in time to face the monstrous deity as he staggered through the opening.

Christian directed Mina up the steps to the chamber above, and returned quickly to Planquette's side to defend themselves and see if possible to the final ending of the vampirish god. Hynek might have capitalized on the opportunity were not his hands still bound.

Zcerneboh straightened. His ghastly head and naked bleeding torso caused even Hynek to shudder. The crimson eyes swept the room, taking in the array