Through the Devil’s Door
Seeking refuge from the rain, I came across an ancient, crumbling church. The north-facing ‘Devil’s door’ hung open on rusted hinges.
I squeezed through the gap, escaping the deluge, only to be welcomed by the mouldering odour of wood, rotting beneath the broken roof. Cobwebs hung from beams. Tentatively, I crept across the sandstone flags, past broken pews.
With a squeal the Devil’s door slammed. Old organ pipes wheezed to life as a ray of light burst through cracked stained glass.
An ethereal glow illuminated the figure over the altar. “Welcome, we’ve been waiting for blood to help us renew.”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA wonderful interweaving of actual history and fantasy, spooky and enthralling. Great writing!
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am actually working on an extended version of this story that I’m hoping to self publish later this month, so I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. My current profile picture is actually taken from the cover that I created for the story 🙂
I love this site. I learn so much. I just read your story and got intrigued. Looked up “Devil’s Door” and found a wealth of information. Your story is a door to another time, another world. Great writing!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Fuji. I’m quite fascinated by that crossover between paganism and Christianity. There is so much of historical interest in these old, early Christian churches.
Full of tension and suspense Carrie and opening a door to history. Loved all the descriptions and the ‘creepy’ last paragraph. Really well written.
Thanks Linda, it’s one I’m still working on extending. I have a 3000 word draft, but it needs a lot of polishing.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWonderful story, Carrie. How old are some of those churches? Do you have a Devil’s Door close to where you live? Your part of the world seems so rich in history, so much inspiration for a talented writer. Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks for commenting Juma. There are a few churches in Nottinghamshire dating back to the early twelfth century, so I would imagine there are a few Devil’s doors too.
I like Fuji had to look up the ‘Devils Door’ and coming from the North Carrie, you have me worried now. Thanks!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Eric. My work here is done ?. Actually, I think that they are more prevalent in Sussex, so you should be safe Eric. Such an interesting subject though, I just had to write something about ‘Devil’s Doors’ after reading about them.
Hi Carrie,
An exceptional story. Your capacity to tell a tale is extraordinary.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Dipayan. I’m happy that you enjoyed reading it.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou’re welcome.
This is nice. I see vividly ancient churches with a full of tension theme. I feel that the place in your story is very historic.
Thank you Lotchie. There are many of these old churches that have ‘Devil’s Doors’ and there is plenty of information about the history of them online. So interesting that they just begged for a story!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI wish and I hope that you write more about historical churches here in Voice club.
I am one of those who never had heard of “Devil’s doors” before. The details in your story are carefully chosen and the reader can clearly sense the presence of something unknown and scary. I hope that you will be able to finish the expanded work on this fascinating theme.
Thanks Christer. Old, deconsecrated and neglected churches are certainly a great foundation on which to build a horror story.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWow! So much tension, fright and horror in this story. Can’t wait to have the full-paged story.
Thank you for commenting, Thompson. Yes, I must sit down and work through the draft of the full version. I haven’t looked at it for several months, so I think it’s time I went back to it and look at it with fresh eyes.
Wonderful story, Carrie! I’m fascinated by ancient churches, especially those in the British Isles. I have often wished I could spend a summer, year or lifetime on your island. ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you for your comment Julie. I think we all have things we would love to see in other countries. Every now and then I’m reminded of how wonderful our green and pleasant land is; it happened today, at the side of a waterfall on the River Swale in Richmond. But, we do have so much history hidden within the walls of some stunning buildings around the country. I think we can… Read more »