On the winter solstice, an ancient evil demands its due in the heart of Bath.
When down-on-his-luck busker Evan takes to the streets of Bath during the Christmas market, he hopes his music will earn him enough for a warm meal and bed for the night. But after a violent robbery leaves him broken and destitute, Evan unwittingly awakens an ancient evil that demands blood sacrifice in return for vengeance.
Lured into the dark depths beneath the city by a mysterious woman who is far more than she seems, Evan discovers the long-dormant spring of the Celtic goddess Sulis.
Will he escape the ravenous deity or become her latest victim, a midwinter sacrifice to revive her cursed waters?
USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn masterfully blends folklore and the supernatural in this chilling short story set amidst the history and shadows of the ancient city of Bath.
"Splendid. Definitely a reason to put Bath on your travel itinerary. Is it evil that flows beneath the ancient cobbles of Bath or a necessary life force that keeps the status quo? This one would have shocked Austen and delighted Shelley."
PJ
5 star Amazon review
★★★★★
"Enjoyed this short gem. It’s the perfect antidote to hearing the endless Christmas carols on repeat. Excellent setting in Bath, England. Felt like I was there."
CKWindyCity
5 star Amazon review
★★★★★
"An excellent haunting Christmas tale in the tradition of M. R. James. Frightening fun with a dash of history and mystical lore as well."
Kenneth Scott Culpepper
5 star Amazon review
★★★★★
"The way the story developed took me completely by surprise and the ending is one that will stay with me for a long time. I can't write any more without spoilers. Just be sure to read on to the author's note for a behind the scenes view of how the story came to be."
I enjoyed this short read (although I'm not a huge fan of short stories normally) as it was written in such a compellingly visual way, with a macabre twist in best short story fashion
