Halloween Stories 2017: And End of Wisdom
The smell of gasoline was strong. This desert heat made sure the fumes were thick, even near midnight. The sloshing of can and the shuffling of busy feet made the darkness of the wastes seem safe by comparison. Curses where shouted.
“Protect My Children!”
“Immoral Literature No More!”
“Burn the demon books!”
Each shout was accompanied by cheers and more gas on the piles. In the century since the bombs fell, this cult of hate had hunted the paper relics of the lost age. Knowledge was surely the cause of the atom dropping on their great-great-grandparents heads.
A torch was lit. Then another. Then a dozen more. So many self appointed vicars cried out that words no longer existed. Just a sludge of anger amplified by the disjointed screams of a mob wanting blood.
An ear shattering whistle came from the edge of the camp. Silence rushed through the crowd. All eyes on the interloper.
“I believe you have some of my property there. I’ll thank you for protecting, but it’s time to gather my books and part way.” James smiled, hoping this group, this sect, would peacefully end their crusade against wisdom.
He hoped, but he held no breath.
“Protect My Children!”
“Immoral Literature No More!”
“Burn the demon books!”
Each shout was accompanied by cheers and more gas on the piles. In the century since the bombs fell, this cult of hate had hunted the paper relics of the lost age. Knowledge was surely the cause of the atom dropping on their great-great-grandparents heads.
A torch was lit. Then another. Then a dozen more. So many self appointed vicars cried out that words no longer existed. Just a sludge of anger amplified by the disjointed screams of a mob wanting blood.
An ear shattering whistle came from the edge of the camp. Silence rushed through the crowd. All eyes on the interloper.
“I believe you have some of my property there. I’ll thank you for protecting, but it’s time to gather my books and part way.” James smiled, hoping this group, this sect, would peacefully end their crusade against wisdom.
He hoped, but he held no breath.