The Second Coming of Gluttony: Chapter 1 - The Whispers of Want
The air hung thick and heavy, a miasma of roasting meat and simmering spices that clung to the cobblestones of Aethelburg like a second skin. It was a city built on appetite, a sprawling monument to indulgence, where the scent of roasted boar mingled with the sickly sweet perfume of overripe fruits. But tonight, something felt different. A subtle unease prickled beneath the usual decadent aroma, a tremor in the city's gluttonous heart.
This was the city I, Elias Thorne, had dedicated my life to studying. Not as a gourmand, mind you, though my palate appreciates a fine pheasant as much as the next man. No, my obsession with Aethelburg stemmed from a darker, more insidious hunger—the insatiable craving that fueled the city's very existence. I was a scholar of excess, a chronicler of gluttony in all its horrifying, magnificent forms.
My research had led me to believe that Aethelburg wasn't simply a city built on excess; it was fed by it. A symbiotic relationship, I hypothesized, between the city and its citizens, a pact sealed in blood and spiced wine. And tonight, that pact felt…fractured.
What is the Second Coming of Gluttony about?
The Second Coming of Gluttony is a fictional narrative exploring the consequences of unchecked indulgence and societal obsession with consumption. It delves into the psychological and societal ramifications of gluttony, not just in the context of food, but as a metaphor for avarice and unchecked desire in all its forms. The story unfolds in the fictional city of Aethelburg, a place built on and sustained by the insatiable appetites of its inhabitants.
What kind of gluttony is the book about?
The novel explores gluttony in its broadest sense. It's not simply about overeating. Instead, it delves into the myriad ways in which people consume—consuming resources, power, experiences, and even emotions—to an unhealthy and destructive degree. Aethelburg serves as a microcosm of this societal sickness, reflecting the unchecked greed and excess prevalent in many aspects of modern life.
Is The Second Coming of Gluttony a horror story?
While not strictly a horror novel in the traditional sense, the narrative incorporates elements of dark fantasy and psychological horror. The escalating consequences of Aethelburg's insatiable hunger create a palpable sense of dread and unease. The story explores the unsettling transformation of the city and its inhabitants as the lines between reality and nightmare blur.
What makes Aethelburg so unique?
Aethelburg is more than just a setting; it's a character in itself. Its unique architecture, steeped in decadence and excess, reflects the values and priorities of its citizens. The city's very structure seems to feed off the gluttony of its inhabitants, creating a cyclical relationship where excess fuels further excess. The air itself feels heavy with the weight of unchecked desire. As the story progresses, the city itself becomes a reflection of the moral decay at its heart.
My investigation began with a whisper – a rumor spreading through the city’s underbelly like a creeping mold. A tale of a forgotten feast, a ritual sacrifice, a forgotten god demanding more than mere indulgence. More than just food. It demanded… something else. Something far more sinister.
The whispers were growing louder. The air grew colder. And I, Elias Thorne, felt a chill deeper than any autumn wind could bring. The feast was about to begin again.
