Great title by the way.
“You serve me, Galien,” the demon says, “I will give you all you desire.”
HELLMOUTH is a novella/short story by Giles Kristian about a band of knights in Bohemia in 1370. The story has some historical relevance, as explained by the author in the end notes.
In the Czech countryside stands Houska Castle which is shrouded in myth and legend. Strangely unstrategic in its location, it was rumored to have been built purposefully over a gateway to hell to keep things in, not out.
The tale begins in the midst of a battle where Galien and his crew are introduced to the reader quickly. It’s not an overwhelming introduction. We get a little insight into their names and weapons of choice. As the tale evolves, you learn just enough about each character to identify who they are. It’s not an emotional connection but it’s not meant to be. You know the warriors through their challenges and behaviors facing obstacles. And it proves to be enough.
Cardinal Cesarini convinces Galien, who has lost his home, lands and family, to hunt down and bring back to him a heretic from a nearby town. The cardinal promises Galien and his warriors’ wealth and indulgences if they succeed.
Galien’s son died before being christened and he wishes to save his son from eternal torment.
Upon accepting the adventure, the cardinal insists Galien and his crew take with them a priest and a nun-like woman named Maud.
They don’t want to bring them along but it’s part of the arrangement.
As they venture forward, a magical element begins to hover over the group while Galien’s mind is seemingly unnerved and invaded by Maud’s thoughts.
We’re getting close. The voice is just in Galien’s mind, but he knows whose voice it is. He twists again and looks at Maud, who stares back at him.
Their first discovery is a hanged man left as some sort of warning. More bodies are discovered in the nearby fields. More warnings to ward them off.
The worst part is that they don’t cross paths with anyone who is alive. This seems suspicious.
The story has a creepy feel throughout.
I liked that.
The militants eventually arrive at a fortress built in a remote area away from everything and protecting nothing. It is seemingly built to keep things inside rather than out.
The warriors of course enter the fortress, and things continue to get stranger and bloodier as women’s bodies are found hang naked from trees and naked men sit and chant in a trance-like state over a hole in the ground with a lifeless goat-headed priest before them.
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It pulled no punches. It doesn’t slow down or soften. The characters are hard warriors, confident and brave. They are walking into something they can’t imagine or control.
The ending was a little bit predictable by the time you get there but that takes nothing away from the action, suspense and horror along the way. I highly recommend reading this novella.
I haven’t read any actual books by Giles Kristian yet. I will now. This was really good.
5 stars
Allen M Werner is the author of The Crystal Crux Series and the Shades of Myth series.
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