At a Winter's Fire

by Bernard Capes

"At a Winter's Fire" by Bernard Capes is a collection of short stories published during the late 19th century. The opening tale, "The Moon Stricken," immerses readers in a hauntingly atmospheric narrative set in the Swiss Alps, following an unnamed protagonist who encounters various characters, including Camille Barbière, a young man grappling with the aftermath of insanity attributed to a traumatic event connected to a full moon. The beginning of "At a Winter's Fire" presents a vivid scene of the protagonist's trek through a desolate gorge in the Alps, where he reflects on the eerie ambiance as night descends. He ultimately encounters Camille and his mother, who describe Camille's earlier sanity and subsequent madness linked to a mysterious event during a full moon. The tension builds around Camille's troubled past, as he exhibits both gentleness and a haunting presence, stirring the protagonist's curiosity. The narrative paints a rich landscape of psychological and supernatural themes, suggesting a deeper exploration of the human mind against the backdrop of an enchanting yet foreboding natural world.