Prey and Priest

1859

Knock knock

A weathered, middle age woman opens the door. Peering out into the darkness of the night is the man answering her prayers. He is about 5'11 with a long worn face and wisps of white hair poking out underneath his bowling hat. He's dressed sharply in his priest attire leaving no doubt to who he is.

"May I come in?"

"Of course! Come inside please. I've been awaiting your arrival."

He nods to her and hands over his hat and coat. The priest doesn't unhandled his suitcase. It stays on his person even after coming to sit in the parlour for tea.

"Thank you for coming to our aid. We didn't know what else to do. The Church refused to send out another priest after the incident."

"Oh yes. I've heard of that. Apparently failed exorcisms are bad for the Church's reputation. Especially with the last priest perishing in such a way."

The woman puts her tea cup down and puts her head in her hands.

"Yes... ever since then the problem as only gotten worse."

"Worse how?"

"Well you'll just have to see yourself. You'd never believe a hag like me. The whole town thinks I've gone mad."

"I don't think you have."

"I knew you would believe me. From the stories I've heard, you are quite the expert in these matters. You are the one they call in when the Church has turned their back."

"I'm sure you've heard the outcome of most of these exorcisms though?"

At the mention of this, the woman is full of sorrow and tears run down her tired face.

"Yes of course. But I know it's too late to hope for the daughter back. I just want to save her immortal soul."

"I will do the best I can."

"That's all I can ask of you now."

________

The priest ascended the staircase alone shortly after speaking with the girl's mother. He has his briefcase in hand and an unwavering resolve. The worry-stricken mother was given strict orders not to come upstairs no matter what she heard. The door was the second one from the left once he finished his small ascent. Nothing could be deciphered from the door about what lies behind. What evils the room holds doesn't leak out into the candle lit hallway. Reaching out to touch the bronze door handle, it's hot to the touch. The priest jerked his hand back and smirked.

"This is a good sign."

The priest used his silk handkerchief to twist the knob and entered the room then close the door behind him. He made sure to lock the door before turning around. The room was cold contrary to the door handle. The man could see his own breath and the windows were fogged over. He smelt her before he saw her. The teenage girl decked of death and excrements. When his eyes met the girl that was once human, she appeared to be a shell of who she once was. Emptied only to be ransacked by a devil. She didn't say anything. Just watched me like a predator. If only the demon knew that he was not the prey tonight.

The priest sauntered over to the bed the young lady was bound to. Her wrists and ankles were secured with rope to the four posts on the bed. I'm not sure if the precaution was taken for her safety or for other's. Her long cotton nightgown was soiled with vomit, piss, and shit. The older male places his suitcase on top of the low dresser against the wall.

"Have you come to fail like the others Father?"

At hearing the devil's voice, the priest turned towards her with a grin that would make children cry.

"I have not come to exorcise you."

"Bullshit! You walk and dress like a man of faith. I'm sure you've heard of what I did to the last holy man to walk through that door?"

"Oh of course I had. Amateur work really though."

The demonic being had every right to look confused.

"Is this a new strategy of the Church, Father? Are you going to attempt to confuse me? Maybe you should try seducing me next! Oh yes! Be the little whore like your mum was."

"Oh, you misjudge me. I am no priest. The Church did not send me. This is merely a disguise in order to get close to you."

"I think that is my job, Father. Why not come closer so I can show you how it's done, bitch?"

The demonic voice is getting stronger and deeper. The girl's eyes are completely whited out. Perfect. The man turns away from her and approaches his suitcase. He confidently unlatches it and studies what is inside. After touching every tool inside, he picks up one of his favourites. It's a gnarly little contraption made of blessed silver that will aid him in peeling the flesh off of the bone of any human host. He turns around and stalks the powerless demon on the bed. The predatory gaze of pure delight meets the utterly fearful eye of the demonic being inside this innocent girl.

"What is that? This is no exorcism!"

"I told you that I am not a man of faith. The plot I use brings me to beings like you. I do enjoy a good old-school torture session. Don't you? And I've had to upgrade from humans. Too easy of targets. Demons and devils make the perfect prey. I can cut and burn and slice all day and you will not die. A demon cannot leave a host until exorcised and I never intend for that. On top of it all, I am praised for my work!"

________

The screams and pleas can be heard all through the house. The mother wept by the bottom of the stairs awaiting the end. The priest has been in that room for hours. It is almost dawn before he steps outside the door.

"Is it done! Is my daughter's soul saved?"

"It is done. Her body suffered, but her soul will have peace. I will take the body with me to purify it."

"Can I not bury her in the family plot?"

"No ma'am. The demonic presence has tinted the very bones. I need to burn it. I will return with her ash remains soon."

"Thank you so much Father. You are a blessing."

The priest smiles down at the woman.

"I'm only doing my job ma'am."

________

The priests hauls a large bag out of the coach. It was a short ride, so the demon isn't likely awake yet. He drags it into the house and into a secret cellar hidden beneath the kitchen. It's dark inside without any natural light. Only lanterns reach down here. The faux priest lugs his newest toy into a corridor with iron cages lining the walls. Each cell he passes contains a conquest. There's something beautiful about making an agent of chaos and death flinch at the very sight of you!

He pulls the motionless body into the closest empty cells and chains the host body to a wall. This makes his fifth plaything. He exits the cell and locks it behind him. He'll come back once the devil has awaken. He goes towards the entrance and selects a glass urn full of cremated pig remains. He smiles to himself and starts to hum a cheery tune while blowing out the lantern.