The Wings of the Bat

Introduction

“The Wings of the Bat” is a story set in colonial Africa, where a series of mysterious and gruesome murders linked to voodoo practices stir unrest among the local tribes. The protagonist, along with his companions, navigates through danger and intrigue to uncover the truth behind these eerie deaths. 3400 words, incomplete.

Summary

The story begins with the protagonist being approached by a terrified houseboy, Agadi, who informs him that his neighbor, John McKerr, has been murdered. McKerr’s body is found near the river, with a spear in his back and a vampire bat wing nearby—an ominous symbol of voodooism. The protagonist, along with his companion Ahmed, buries McKerr and begins to investigate the murder, suspecting witch doctors but finding no concrete evidence.

As tension rises among the local tribes, the protagonist and Ahmed encounter a formidable witch doctor named M’Nungo-wayo. This man exudes power and malevolence, instantly causing unease. After a confrontation where Ahmed tries to kill M’Nungo-wayo but fails, the witch doctor vanishes, and soon after, more murders occur, including the gruesome deaths of the protagonist’s friends, William Mell and Clev Cornage, each marked by the sinister bat wing.

The protagonist becomes increasingly paranoid and wary, anticipating an attack. One night, he is lured into the jungle by his seemingly loyal houseboy, Membula, under the pretense that Ahmed needs help. Sensing a trap, the protagonist kills Membula when his suspicions are confirmed. However, he is then captured by a group of natives and taken to a secret voodoo gathering where he is to be sacrificed.

In a sacrificial chamber, the protagonist finds himself in a horrifying situation, surrounded by skulls and blood. He fights off an attacker, kills him, and escapes through a trapdoor, only to face a gigantic python in a pit. Just as he faces certain death, a rescue party led by Ahmed, the Zulu chief Umslopogas, and Captain Oldwick of the Rhodesian Royal Police arrives, killing the python and dispersing the natives.

Ahmed explains that M’Nungo-wayo had been stirring up the tribes, aiming to unite them under his control using voodoo and terror. M’Nungo-wayo’s ultimate goal was to overthrow the colonial rulers and establish his own power. The rescue party, aided by Umslopogas and his warriors, thwarted this plan just in time. The story concludes with Ahmed presenting the severed head of M’Nungo-wayo, with a bat wing in its mouth, as proof of their victory.

Characters

  • Protagonist (unnamed): The main character who investigates the mysterious murders and ultimately faces the danger of being sacrificed.
  • Ahmed: The protagonist’s loyal and brave companion, who assists in the investigation and ultimately helps rescue the protagonist.
  • John McKerr: The protagonist’s neighbor who is found murdered at the beginning of the story.
  • Agadi: The houseboy who discovers McKerr’s body and alerts the protagonist.
  • William Mell: A friend of the protagonist who is murdered by M’Nungo-wayo.
  • Clev Cornage: Mell’s partner who is also murdered by M’Nungo-wayo.
  • M’Nungo-wayo: A powerful and malevolent witch doctor responsible for the murders and unrest among the tribes.
  • Membula: The protagonist’s houseboy who betrays him and leads him into a trap.
  • Insimbe: The Kaffir chief who is conflicted between his fear of the witch doctor and his fear of colonial retribution.
  • Umslopogas: The Zulu chief who helps Ahmed and the protagonist by providing crucial information and support.
  • Captain Oldwick: An officer of the Rhodesian Royal Police who aids in the rescue operation.

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