What an excellent short story. I first experienced this peice via audiobook, and as always turned off the lights to listen to it in the silence of my own mind and imagination. Wonderful. It took me on a journey that reminded me of Old Testament rage, sinful tribes and civilizations, and the oppressive force of a hungry and ancient evil. The sheer potency of the evil presence described in this story is most striking, and we get to take a front row seat to watch as a head strong man tests his power of will against the seething, hissing rage of uncountable ages. This is not to be confused with 'Salem's Lot, but is an equally great tale giving us a glimpse of a purely evil force.