The Fear-Master

Introduction

“The Fear-Master” is a story about Steve, a young American who arrives at his uncle’s trading post on the West Coast of Africa. The narrative delves into his encounters with the local environment, the native population, and his attempts to manage the trading post alongside his cousin Geraldine, amid rising tensions and mysterious threats.

First published in ‘Crypt of Cthulhu #22’ in 1984.

Summary

The story begins with Steve arriving at his uncle’s trading post, feeling unimpressed and fatigued by the African landscape and climate. The post consists of a bungalow, storehouses, and a makeshift wharf. Steve is immediately struck by the oppressive heat and swarms of mosquitoes. Upon disembarking, he is greeted by his cousin Geraldine, who surprises him by being in charge of the post during their uncle’s absence.

Geraldine leads Steve inside, where he refreshes himself with a drink. They converse, and Steve learns about the difficulties she has faced, including a mysterious and threatening native who has been seen lurking around the village. This native had once attacked a local girl, whom Geraldine rescued and sheltered until she ran away.

Despite Geraldine’s efforts to manage the post, she admits to being fearful, feeling watched, and hearing unexplained noises at night. Steve, with a sense of duty and confidence in his ability to handle the situation, offers to help her manage the post and deal with the mysterious native.

Steve’s initial attempts to establish authority over the natives are met with resistance and insolence. His efforts to command respect are undermined by the cultural differences and the natives’ perception of his compliance with Geraldine’s orders. An early morning encounter with a mission-educated native further highlights the tension, as the native insolently refuses Steve’s request for a boat.

Geraldine informs Steve that many of the workers have returned to their village, leaving essential tasks undone. She attributes this to the influence of the strange native. Steve decides to take a more aggressive approach. When confronted by a group of idle natives, he resorts to violence, striking a native and brandishing his revolver to enforce his orders.

Geraldine is initially shocked by Steve’s ruthless methods but is also impressed by the results. Steve earns the fearful respect of the natives, who nickname him “the Fear-Master” for his brutal efficiency. He sends a message to the local chief, demanding the return of the workers under threat of violence against the chief’s brother. The tactic works, and the runaways return, restoring order to the trading post.

Steve’s aggressive and direct approach contrasts with Geraldine’s more diplomatic and fearful methods, highlighting the different ways they each handle the challenges posed by their environment and the local population.

Characters

  • Steve: The protagonist, a young American who arrives at his uncle’s trading post to help manage it. He adopts a tough and direct approach to dealing with the natives, earning their fearful respect.
  • Geraldine: Steve’s cousin, who is temporarily in charge of the trading post. She struggles with fear and the mysterious threats posed by a native but is dedicated to maintaining order.
  • Uncle: The owner of the trading post, who is away during the events of the story.
  • B’Oona: A respectful and efficient house-servant who stands out from the other natives due to his good behavior.
  • The Strange Native: A mysterious and threatening figure who has been seen lurking around the village and is suspected of influencing the local natives against the trading post.
  • Mission-Educated Native: A native who speaks English well and demonstrates insolence towards Steve, highlighting the cultural tension.
  • NgUru: The chief of the Jakri tribe, whose brother is involved in the conflict with Steve.
  • NgUru’s Brother: A native who is struck by Steve and used as leverage to ensure the return of the runaway workers.

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Cover art by James B. Zimmerman