"Black Tallow" is a short Cthulhu Mythos story by American author Edward M. Erdelac.
Synopsis[]
When Raymond, a specialist in translating ancient texts, is contacted by his old friend Paul, a successful businessman who wishes to pay him seven million dollars to translate a ritualistic text, he jumps at the chance.
However, while translating the text at Paul's house, Raymond slowly comes to the realisation that in preparation for enacting the ritual - which he believes will allow him to commune with Yog-Sothoth and Azathoth amongst others, and grant him ultimate knowledge of the universe - Paul has murdered his wife and daughter, and rendered them down into tallow for devotional candles.
In the meantime, Paul takes the translation but imperfectly completes the rite, and is consumed by an entity from beyond.
Characters[]
- Raymond, a scholarly but poor man in his middle age.
- Paul Woodson, Raymond's former college roommate, now head of a successful multinational.
Publication History[]
"Black Tallow" was published in the Brian M. Sammons-edited anthology The Dark Rites of Cthulhu by April Moon Books in March 2014.