The Empusium: A Health Resort Horror Story

Some days later, two plainclothes policemen from Breslau visit to ask more about the “unfortunate woman” (70). Since Wojnicz only arrived shortly before her death, he has little to tell them. Later, Thilo tells Wojnicz that Opitz “tormented” (71) his wife, though Wojnicz is sure that Thilo’s fever is causing him to invent stories. 

At night, Wojnicz is determined to investigate the strange sounds. He walks up the stairs to a loft, where he finds wardrobes containing dresses and many other “cheerful and girlish” (72) items. This, he realizes, must have been Frau Opitz’s room. The room next to it is entirely bare, except for a strange chair with strappings. He realizes the chair is for “tying someone up” (73). He closes the door and leaves.

Opitz gives Wojnicz a pair of special hiking boots, supposedly left behind by another patient. He joins the other guests on a hike, led by Raimund and Opitz. Wojnicz tries to express his gratitude to Opitz, who seems unmoved. Thilo struggles to breathe but insists on talking as they hike. He chats to Wojnicz about the landscapes. They pass by a settlement of charcoal burners. The charcoal burners, Opitz explains, are an isolated community of men who spend many months alone in the mountains.