Stryx

by Jeffrey Kosh

Rome. 1503 AD.Pope Alexander VI sits on the See of Peter. And inside a dreary tower, Cardinal Lodovico Strigidi, statesman of the Church and powerful necromancer, delves deep into arcane knowledge. He is keeper of obscure secrets, esoteric mysteries, and shadow lord of the Holy Seat. Nonetheless, for all his power, he is going to spend the night in fear, because a messenger of the netherworld will pay him a visit. Alone and terror-stricken, Cardinal Strigidi must face the only creature he dreads the most.The owl.From Jeffrey Kosh’s twisted mind comes this visionary tale of literary horror.It includes an extract from REVENANT.

23 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2012

About the author

Jeffrey Kosh is the author of four novels, some novelettes, and a long series of short stories. Perhaps best known for his horror fiction, Jeffrey also likes to experience different paths. His works have been published by Alexandria Publishing Group, Grinning Skull Press, May-December Publications, Optimus Maximus Publishing, and EFW.
He is the owner of Jeffrey Kosh Graphics, where he creates book covers for various authors and publishing companies, movie posters, and DVD jackets. His various careers have led him to travel extensively worldwide, developing a passion for cinema, wildlife, history, and popular folklore. All these things heavy influences his writing style.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I doesn't matter what subject matter or genre Jeffery Kosh chooses to write about he is able to write with all of he passion he feels in his heart with every word in every story. This short is no different. He is able to bring the fears and loneliness of the main character in the story to life in your minds eye so that you are absorbed by every emotion.
When Cardinal Lodovico Strigidi is plagued by the sounds of a creature that he feels is the messenger of evil and death he would give anything to make it go away, but when he realizes that there is no on in the world that can be there for him and help him the fear and despair only grows.
This is a must read short for all who love a bit of potery and despair in your life.

[Lorraine Versini · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a quick lunchtime read, but I found that it totally made me forget about my food. There's just something about Jeffrey's tales that draws you right in. You're totally sucked into the atmosphere, and although it's not "scary" as such, it still chills you to the bone. Once again it's beautifully dark and oppressive. Once again it's a little gem of poetry.

[Jeffrey Kosh]

I know, I wrote it. Nonetheless, I consider this short tale one of my greatest achievements.