15 - A terrible storm in Wittenberg: natural knowledge through sorcery and evil

Summary

The storm blew out of nowhere at about 11 o'clock, first with violent showers then towards midnight with rain, thunder and lightning, throwing an eerie light over the little university town cowering before the onslaught. In a students' antechamber the great door shook in its frame sending vibrations through the walls, while water ran under the door and soaked the floor. By midnight, it was too noisy to sleep. The students made out other sounds; louder, sharper and hideous because both human and anticipated. Tough young men clung to each other in terror.

Well before dawn the storm had passed, the students dozed fitfully and shivered. At first light, they awoke, and watched the door to the inner chamber materialize from the shadows as the room grew brighter. Rising and stretching, the students inched towards the chamber door.

“He locked it,” said the first, “we won't be able to get in.”

“You're right,” said the second, “we had better go round the other way.”

“Let's try it,” said the third, “he may have unlocked it later.”

He gingerly lifted the latch and the door eased open and swung towards them. Someone or something had indeed unlocked it. The great study beyond was in chaos, furniture broken, books torn, and blood, hair and hunks of gristle smeared over the walls. The far door was open and numb with distress they passed into the garden. Several body parts were scattered among the garden sweepings and kitchen filth of the compost heap in the corner. […]