Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
I want to express my gratitude to Keiraj M. Gillis, Editor in Chief of 7th-Circle Pyrite: A Literary Journal Celebrating Worlds Beyond for publishing my short story “The Abyss,” in Issue 2, January 20, 2024. I am especially pleased with the illustrations he included with the story; they perfectly match the story’s aesthetic.
In his words, Keiraj describes the aims of 7th-Circle Pyrite:
7th-Circle Pyrite aims to present a home for all that transcends the mundane. For those who choose to allow their writing and art to capture the macabre, surreal, esoteric, magical, and spiritual aspects of life, our journal hopes to be a refuge. This goal was borne of a desire to create safety and express appreciation for writers and artists whose work may be niche in the creative space.
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It’s late summer of 1900. Isaac Berger recounts a hike with two philosophers in the mist-shrouded mountains of Baden-Wurttemberg. The men had hired Berger to accompany them and record their conversations. As their discourse veers into dark realms, the philosophers part ways. A body is found; another eludes discovery—a riddle arises, sparking mystical conjectures in the shadows of majestic Mount Nebelberg.
Excerpt of the story’s opening.
A light touch on his arm awakened him. He was immediately confused, unsure where he was or who the two men standing before him were. The older of the two asked him his name.
“Isaac Berger,” the man replied. “Who are you?”
“I am Inspector Heinrich Müller, and this gentleman,” he said, pointing to a younger man standing behind him, “is my assistant, Constable Richter.”
To read the full story, please click here.
All the best,
Gershon
Gershon Ben-Avraham 
