The Hanging Hill

45

He hears the ancient command: Ego sum te peto et videre queo.

“I seek you and demand to see you.”

He hears his name being called.

“I seek you, Michael Butler, and demand to see you.”

He zooms up through the gloom. Races toward the light.

He sees the new necromancer. Faintly. Dimly. As if he were looking at the man through a gauzy veil.

“You will find me to be a stern but benevolent master, Mr. Butler!” the sorcerer declares. “You may remain in this realm until four a.m. Then you must return below and await further instructions! Do you understand?”

He nods.

“Excellent!” the new master decrees. “Soon I will send you out to do my bidding!”

Fascinating.

Maybe this new necromancer intends to give him back his body.

Maybe this time he will be fully restored to life.

Maybe he will once again be able to do all the things he used to do!

Maybe he will be able to kill again.