The Vourdalak

“My children”, Gorcha intimates before taking his leave, “wait for my return for six days. After these six days, if I don’t return, recite a prayer in my memory, as it will mean that I perished in battle… But if I should reappear – may God protect you! – after the six days, I enjoin you to bar the door and deny me entry, whatever I say or do. For by then, I will be none other than a Vourdalak, a damned one.”