
TALES OF THE SUPERNATURAL.
In this atmospheric tale two enigmatic figures—an Illyrian assassin and a Venetian poisoner—convene beside a fabled bottomless lake that whispers of ancient curses and forbidden magic. Their conversation, a blend of solemn catechism and daring intrigue, reveals a bond forged in shared orphanhood, secret bloodlines, and the relentless pursuit of power. As the night deepens and the distant church bells toll twelve, they prepare a pact that intertwines destiny, danger, and a hint of forbidden affection.
The story balances the chill of gothic superstition with a lingering romantic tension, inviting listeners to feel the pull of loyalty, betrayal, and the allure of dark knowledge. Set against a backdrop of shadowed Italian cliffs and murmuring waters, the narrative unfolds with vivid dialogue and a palpable sense of impending ritual, promising a captivating journey through love and the supernatural.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (259K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co.,1894.
Credits
Al Haines
Release date
2022-11-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

Best known today for a small but memorable collection of supernatural tales, this late-Victorian writer also had a strikingly varied life as a language scholar. His fiction blends Gothic atmosphere with a literary, learned edge.
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