Witch's Tale (AU) 43-xx-xx (28) The Power of Lucifer

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Witch’s Tale (AU) 43-xx-xx (28) The Power of Lucifer"

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: October 30, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this episode, "The Power of Lucifer," listeners are treated to a chilling tale from the classic radio horror anthology "The Witch's Tale." Set at a glamorous New York City ballroom, the story explores the terrifying influence of a mysterious stranger, Ivan Orloff, whose dark connections to devil worship and the cult of Lucifer threaten a young couple's happiness, sanity, and even their souls. Through encounters blending social intrigue, supernatural menace, and philosophical musings on good and evil, the episode delivers classic golden age radio suspense and gothic horror.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. The Festive Beginning and Introduction of Intrigue

Timestamps: 01:24 - 04:45

• Setting: A lively, upper-class New York ballroom, where protagonist Warren and his wife, Catherine, are escaping the crowd for a romantic interlude.
• Characters:
  • Warren: Practical, loving husband, a "plain businessman"
  • Catherine: Uneasy, fixated on recent unsettling company
  • Ivan Orloff: A strange new acquaintance, captivating yet deeply unsettling
  • Dr. Farmer: Family friend and doctor
  • Mrs. Brewster: Socialite hostess
• First hint of evil: Catherine recounts her uncomfortable, inexplicable compulsion toward Orloff, confessing:

  "Five minutes after I met him, he was absolutely repulsive to me... After the first dance, I wanted to get away. Yet when he asked me for another... I made up my mind not to say anything about all this. It sounds so silly. Oh, I'm glad I've told you." (05:23, Catherine)

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2. The Cult of Lucifer and Orloff’s Presence

Timestamps: 04:45 - 08:27

• Orloff's Doctrine: He chillingly explains the philosophy of the Cult of Lucifer:

  "Seems to be a group, or rather many groups of people who believe that evil is a more potent factor in this world than good. Consequently, they worship the Lord of evil and serve him... by bringing sorrow and trouble wherever they can." (07:29, Orloff)

• Social discomfort: Guests are both fascinated and alarmed by Orloff’s beliefs.

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3. Supernatural Power Revealed

Timestamps: 08:33 - 13:20

• Orloff’s Influence: Warren and Catherine discover that Orloff can manipulate their will, compelling actions against their desires.

• Confrontation: Warren challenges Orloff, who demonstrates dominion over both minds, compelling Warren to apologize against his will.

  "That man made me say yes when I wanted to say no... He did it to me a second time. Beat down my will as he did before." (09:13, Warren)

• Catherine's Collapse: Suddenly, Catherine collapses, mysteriously struck down with no physical cause.

  "Her pulse is very weak. Her heart is beating and no more." (12:15, Dr. Farmer)

• Her Last Words:

  "It was just a whisper. I think she said the power of Lucifer." (13:02, Dr. Farmer)

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4. Hopelessness and The Search for Meaning

Timestamps: 13:20 - 16:42

• Three Days of Despair: Warren is consumed by grief as Catherine lies in a coma, her condition undiagnosable.

• Crisis of Faith: Warren debates with Dr. Farmer about the existence of good and evil.

  "If there is a force for good, there's an evil force that counteracts it. An evil force that's the strongest." (15:20, Warren)

• Fear and Supernatural Attribution: Warren becomes convinced Catherine is a victim of Orloff’s supernatural vengeance.

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5. Death and The Devil’s Bargain

Timestamps: 17:06 - 23:02

• Catherine’s Death: The moment of Catherine’s death is marked by chilling silence and despair.

• A Tempting Message: Orloff sends Warren his address with a cryptic note, offering hope of reversing death.

• Confrontation: Warren, armed with a pistol, confronts Orloff, who offers to return Catherine to life—for a price.

  "Do you want your wife restored to life?... The power of Lucifer can give as well as take... But you must pay a price." (19:46, Orloff)

• Deal With The Devil:

  • Orloff requires Warren to be consecrated to Lucifer’s service, warning that a price must be paid even if the specifics are unclear.

  "To regain Catherine, I must...? You must be consecrated in my master's service. Tonight and forevermore. You must bow down and worship Lucife." (22:01, Orloff)

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6. The Terrible Cost of Supernatural Power

Timestamps: 23:02 - 26:43

• Catherine Restored... Incomplete: Catherine is revived but left as a mindless shell.

  "She is an imbecile, my brother. As I have said, the lord of evil has no province over souls. And without the soul, there can be no mind." (25:13, Orloff)

• The Price: Warren receives his wife’s living body, but without memory, intellect, or affection—just haunting laughter.

  "Her body lives, but her eyes are dead." (24:57, Warren)

• Despair and Irony:

  • Orloff reveals his own price: no one who bargains with evil escapes unscathed.

  "I tried to purchase love... you bought power. Something evil had to sell." (26:13, Warren)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ivan Orloff describing the cult:

  "Evil is a more potent factor in this world than good... they worship the Lord of evil and serve him by bringing sorrow and trouble wherever they can." (07:29, Orloff)

• Warren’s crisis of faith:

  "If there is a force for good, there's an evil force... An evil force that's the strongest." (15:20, Warren)

• Dr. Farmer’s compassionate realism:

  "Doctors are only men. Where we fail, often something else steps in and saves God... Everything in this universe is really up to him." (13:47, Dr. Farmer)

• The Deal:

  "You must be consecrated in my master's service. Tonight and forevermore. You must bow down and worship Lucife." (22:04, Orloff)

• The Price Revealed:

  "She is an imbecile, my brother. As I have said, the lord of evil has no province over souls. And without the soul, there can be no mind." (25:13, Orloff)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:24: Scene setting; the ballroom and characters introduced
• 04:45: Devil worship and the Cult of Lucifer discussed
• 09:13: Orloff demonstrates supernatural control over Warren
• 13:02: Catherine’s whispered last words: "the power of Lucifer"
• 17:06: Catherine dies; Dr. Farmer covers her with a sheet
• 19:32: Warren confronts Orloff with a pistol
• 22:04: Orloff names Warren’s price for power—servitude to Lucifer
• 24:57: Catherine resurrected as a mindless shell
• 26:13: Warren bitterly acknowledges the tragedy of his bargain

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Tone and Style

The episode retains the melodramatic, atmospheric tone of golden age radio horror. Dialogue is earnest, sometimes florid, and laced with classic themes of supernatural temptation, marital devotion, good vs. evil, and the existential terror of powers beyond human understanding.

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For Listeners

This episode is a stand-alone gothic horror narrative, ideal for fans of dramatic, supernatural radio plays. It offers a glimpse into the fears and moral anxieties of its era, staged with sinister suspense and haunting consequences.

Listener’s takeaway:
Be careful what you wish for, especially when the price may be your soul—or far worse.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Warren]

The Witch's Tale.

[Ivan Orloff]

The fascination of the eerie, weird, blood.

[Warren]

Chilling tales told by old Nancy, the witch of Salem and Satan, her wise black cat.

[Ivan Orloff]

They are waiting, waiting for you now.

[Satan]

106 year old, I believe today. Yes, sir. A hundred and six year old. Well, Satan, give word to doubt all rights and we'll get right down to business. That's right. Make it nice. And dark and cheerful are we like snowman shadow. Now roar up to the fire and gaze into the embers. Gaze in form deep and soon you'll see a crowded ballroom in a fine big house in New York City. And there, amidst happiness and laughter, begins our tale about the power of Lucifer, the power of Ro.

[Catherine Warren]

The next dance will be a wall stair. Sure you want to sit it out?

[Warren]

Yes, Katherine. I stepped on enough defenseless female toes this evening. And as I have to buy your shoes, I'll be economical as well as merciful. This definitely seems deserted.

[Doctor Farmer]

Let's go up there and gaze at the moon.

[Warren]

Now, here's an especially nice chair for moon gazing. Big enough for both of us.

[Catherine Warren]

Not unless I sit in your lap.

[Warren]

That's all right. I have a good, strong lap.

[Ivan Orloff]

Now give me a kiss.

[Mrs. Brewster]

Warren, don't mark my hair. Don't you ever get tired of making.

[Catherine Warren]

Love to your wife?

[Ivan Orloff]

No.

[Warren]

My wife ever gets tired of having me make love to her?

[Catherine Warren]

No.

[Warren]

No occasion for argument. Give me another kiss.

[Mrs. Brewster]

That's enough.

[Catherine Warren]

And I'm going to sit in this other chair before you crush my gown.

[Mrs. Brewster]

And I press the crease out of.

[Warren]

Your trousers all evening.

[Satan]

You've forsaken me.

[Warren]

And now you're doing it again.

[Satan]

I am.

[Catherine Warren]

And unless you curb your romantic ardor, I'll make you take me back in there and dance.

[Doctor Farmer]

I'll be good.

[Warren]

It's too nice to be out here with you and away from all those people.

[Catherine Warren]

You don't like the crowded here, do you?

[Warren]

Oh, they're all right, I suppose. But I don't understand them. I'm just a plain businessman. Hindu poets, Armenian artists and Turkish musicians are way over my head.

[Catherine Warren]

Since Mrs. Brewster decided to patronize the art. She certainly had some very strange people in her affairs.

[Satan]

Strange?

[Warren]

They seem lunatics to me. Fortunately, old Dr. Farmer's wife had deserted him, as you did me. So he and I sneak off in a corner and discuss politics, Wall street and baseball. That plebeian brand of conversation soon drove away any nut who came near us. What particular sort of culture does the chap go in for? Who's been monopolizing you all evening?

[Catherine Warren]

Mr. Orloff.

[Ivan Orloff]

That's his name.

[Warren]

I didn't catch it when we were introduced. Russian, isn't he?

[Catherine Warren]

I imagine so, though he didn't mention his nationality.

[Warren]

What did he do for a living?

[Catherine Warren]

I don't know.

[Warren]

I spent enough time with him to have learned his whole life's history.

[Catherine Warren]

You weren't jealous?

[Ivan Orloff]

Of course not.

[Warren]

I merely ask about him because, well, he's such a peculiar looking chap. And I'm curious to know what there is about him that held your interest for so long.

[Catherine Warren]

I don't know that either. He's a very strange person. He's talked a steady stream from the moment I met him, yet I know nothing about him at all.

[Warren]

What does he talk about?

[Catherine Warren]

Well, a subject that I've only heard of in a vaguer sort of way before. Devil worship.

[Warren]

Devil worship?

[Catherine Warren]

Yes. Not medieval witchcraft or anything like that, but something that exists. Cult of Lucifer, he called it.

[Doctor Farmer]

Cult of Lucifer?

[Catherine Warren]

It's a religious sect, he said, that has churches, ordained priests and a ceremonial.

[Warren]

And he said this cult of Lucifer is active now?

[Catherine Warren]

Yes, all over the world. Right here in New York. He talks so much about it. I've an idea he himself remembers I. Warren. There's something horrible about that man. Five minutes after I met him, he was absolutely repulsive to me.

[Warren]

Yet you danced with him all evening.

[Catherine Warren]

I don't know why. After the first dance, I wanted to get away. Yet when he asked me for another. I'd have been with him yet if you hadn't come for me. I made up my mind not to say anything about all this. It sounds so silly. Oh, I'm glad I've told you. I want you to stay with me for the rest of the evening. Don't leave me for a moment. And if Mr. Orlove asked me to dance with him again, you made some excuse. Don't let me.

[Warren]

Catherine, are you intimating that you can't refuse this man yourself?

[Satan]

Yes.

[Warren]

Don't ask me why.

[Catherine Warren]

I don't know. I'm afraid of that man Warren. Terribly afraid.

[Warren]

Oh, There they are.

[Doctor Farmer]

Mrs. Brewster.

[Mrs. Brewster]

My dear Catherine. We've been looking everywhere for you and Warren.

[Warren]

Oh, just sitting out of dance, Mrs. Brewster. Won't you join us?

[Catherine Warren]

Yes, he's with them.

[Warren]

Don't worry, darling. The honest Oloff won't bother you now.

[Ivan Orloff]

You and your husband have been enjoying the moonlight, Mrs. Grace.

[Mrs. Brewster]

Yes, Mr. Orloff. How gorgeously romantic. They're always running away from people so they can be by themselves, Mr. Olaf, as though they were sweethearts instead of husband and wife. In these two young people you see.

[Ivan Orloff]

The perfect marriage in most unusual things to see. Perfect things are there.

[Doctor Farmer]

I say they are.

[Warren]

But you played me a mean trick.

[Doctor Farmer]

When you disappeared with Catherine Warren, a Swedish poetist. Got me in the corner and nearly talked my arm off.

[Warren]

I tell you, My dear, that Dr. Farmer and I had organized a mutual protective association of two against artists.

[Mrs. Brewster]

Oh, you and the doctor are incurably bourgeoisy.

[Doctor Farmer]

Afraid we are, Mrs. Brewster. Your guests of this evening are too high brow for plain people such as Warren and myself. By that I mean no offense to you, mister.

[Ivan Orloff]

None is taken. I like you and plain people. It's not what you call high brow.

[Mrs. Brewster]

You're far too modest, Mr. Olog. You and Warren must become better acquainted with this gentleman, doctor. He's been everywhere, seen everything and oh, he's told me of the most interesting things. Catherine, my dear, did he tell you of that perfectly intriguing sect he called the cult of Lucifer?

[Catherine Warren]

Yes, Mr. Olof told me a great deal about it.

[Doctor Farmer]

What is the cult of Lucifer?

[Ivan Orloff]

Seems to be a group, or rather many groups of people who believe that evil is a more potent factor in this world than good. Consequently, they worship the Lord of evil and serve him not by what orthodox religionists call worthy acts, but by bringing sorrow and trouble wherever they can.

[Mrs. Brewster]

Did you ever hear of anything so perfectly fascinating?

[Doctor Farmer]

There are idiots in this world who go in for anything because of Lucifer.

[Ivan Orloff]

Is not composed of idiot stuffer. You may have heard it said that the devil takes care of his own. He endows his most ardent disciples with great power. So I am told. All rot. Perhaps. Of course, I am only speaking your sense.

[Mrs. Brewster]

Oh, naturally. It's delightfully interesting to think about. But one wouldn't wish to be acquainted with people who believe such things personally, would one?

[Warren]

I don't think so, Mrs. Bruce.

[Catherine Warren]

No.

[Warren]

Darn well, I wouldn't.

[Mrs. Brewster]

Now I simply must return to my other guests. You'll excuse me, won't you?

[Doctor Farmer]

By all means.

[Mrs. Brewster]

You four lovely people mustn't stay out here too long, don't we?

[Warren]

Well, no one Gets me back in.

[Doctor Farmer]

There while I'm in my right senses.

[Ivan Orloff]

May I hope that Mr. Craig will return to the ballroom very soon as my partner for the next dance corps.

[Catherine Warren]

I. I. Shall we go now?

[Ivan Orloff]

The music has begun.

[Catherine Warren]

Yes.

[Warren]

Catherine.

[Ivan Orloff]

I. I have your permission? Of course. Mr. B. Yes, thank you. I am Mrs. Green. We shall join you gentlemen later.

[Doctor Farmer]

What's the matter with you? You look as though someone had hit you over the head.

[Warren]

But Doctor.

[Satan]

What?

[Warren]

That man made me say yes when I wanted to say no. He walked away with Catherine when I wanted to stop him and she didn't want to go.

[Doctor Farmer]

What are you talking about?

[Warren]

By the Lord. He isn't going to get away with it. Warren. Where are you going? Ola. Ola.

[Catherine Warren]

Come back here.

[Ivan Orloff]

Ola. Are you calling me?

[Catherine Warren]

Yes.

[Warren]

Come back here with my wife.

[Doctor Farmer]

You're making a scene. What's the matter with you?

[Warren]

You will soon find out and so will he.

[Ivan Orloff]

Why have you called me? Mr. Gray?

[Warren]

You know well enough. But step out here on this balcony and I'll tell you. Let go of his arm. Catherine. Come here to me. Come here to me.

[Ivan Orloff]

I go to your husband?

[Warren]

Yes. What kind of a game are you playing? She couldn't even take her hand from your arm until you let her. When she told me you'd made her dance with you all evening against her will, I. I didn't know what to think. But now I do. Because you just worked the same hypnotic trick on me. I don't like to be tricked, Mr. Or. And I don't want hypnotists experimenting on my wife. She's not dancing with you anymore. That's all.

[Ivan Orloff]

Not quite all. Your tone has been both loud and insulting. Dr. Palmer has been a witness and others have been attracted by your words. It is your privilege to say I cannot dance with your wife. But I expect an apology.

[Warren]

You won't get it all.

[Ivan Orloff]

It may be in my power to compel it.

[Warren]

Not from me.

[Ivan Orloff]

You will apologize to Mr. Gray before Mortimer.

[Satan]

People.

[Warren]

I. I apologize to you, Mr. Olof.

[Ivan Orloff]

I thank you. But now that you have made it, I choose not to accept your apology. Mr. Ray. You will feel that IOF is a most vindictive man. Go.

[Doctor Farmer]

What in heaven's name is the meaning of all this? What's happened to you again? You look stunned. Like a man who has received a blow.

[Warren]

Doc. He did it to me a second time. Beat down my will as he did before.

[Catherine Warren]

It doesn't matter, dear. He's gone now. Let's get up in to leave here. We never met him before tonight. And we won't see him anymore.

[Doctor Farmer]

I'm not so sure of that. I didn't like the look of that fellow when he left.

[Catherine Warren]

He can't do us any harm, doctor. He. He can't.

[Satan]

Can't.

[Warren]

Darling, what's the matter?

[Catherine Warren]

I feel I catch her.

[Doctor Farmer]

Warren.

[Ivan Orloff]

She's falling.

[Warren]

Catherine, darling. What's wrong with you? Doctor, she's fainted.

[Doctor Farmer]

Carry her to that bench. Lay her down.

[Warren]

But what could have caused it?

[Doctor Farmer]

I don't know.

[Warren]

Catherine. Catherine, darling. She's so white and still. She's scarcely breathing. Doctor, what's the reason for this? She hasn't been sick.

[Ivan Orloff]

I know that.

[Doctor Farmer]

I'm her doctor. Someone telephone for the ambulance. Hurry.

[Warren]

An ambulance, doc?

[Catherine Warren]

Yes.

[Warren]

You don't think I'd better get her.

[Doctor Farmer]

To a hospital if I hope to save her life?

[Ivan Orloff]

Her life?

[Satan]

Yes.

[Doctor Farmer]

Her pulse is very weak. Her heart is beating and no more.

[Warren]

She can't die, doc. You won't let her die and talk to biker.

[Catherine Warren]

Help it.

[Doctor Farmer]

Hold on to yourself, my boy.

[Warren]

Catherine.

[Catherine Warren]

Catherine.

[Doctor Farmer]

I can't understand it. I examined her only last week. Her heart was red as a clock.

[Warren]

What's the reason.

[Satan]

Doctor?

[Warren]

Her lips are moving. She's trying to say something. What is it, dear? Oh, she hasn't even the strength to speak to me. What's the reason? What's the reason you still.

[Doctor Farmer]

Please, she is trying to say something. Catherine. What is it, dear?

[Warren]

I couldn't hear her, doc. What did she say?

[Doctor Farmer]

It was just a whisper. I think she said the power of Lucifer.

[Warren]

Isn't she any better, doctor?

[Doctor Farmer]

Just the same, my boy.

[Warren]

That's all. You've told me for three days that she's just the same. And she lies on this bed, never moving, scarcely breathing, dying. Oh, isn't there anything you can do to save her?

[Doctor Farmer]

I've done everything, tried everything. I know I'm at my wits end, boy. The specialist I brought in can't diagnose this condition and any better than I can. Nor recommend the treatment. We doctors know so little.

[Warren]

Then you haven't any hope she's going to die?

[Doctor Farmer]

No, I haven't given up hope. But doctors are only men. Where we fail, often something else steps in and saves God. He gives and he takes away, son. Everything in this universe is really up to him.

[Warren]

And he's forgotten her and me. Don't you think? I've prayed to him? Every moment since he collapsed that night a prayer has been on my lips or crying in my heart. A prayer of desperation. A cry of my whole being. For if I lose her, I have nothing in the world. He's forgotten me. He doesn't care.

[Doctor Farmer]

I don't think you or I or any other human being can say that. For we don't know his schemes, my boy. I'm not just trying to deaden your anxiety and heartbreak with a sugar coated anodyn of religion. I haven't any creed. I'm just talking what I sincerely believe. Catherine has been unconscious for three days. She hasn't suffered for a single moment of that time or felt the slightest pain. If she doesn't come out of this, I don't say she won't. I don't believe she won't. And I'll do all a human being can to bring her back to you. But if I can't, she'll simply pass from a light sleep into a deep one. She'll have been spared a lot of trouble that living holds for everyone. God will have been very kind to her, my boy. And you won't have lost Catherine. For there's another place where those who love are reunited.

[Warren]

Maybe three days ago I thought that believe was sure of it. Now I've lost all faith in the sort of providence that's true. My wife. Without a warning, Warren. I've lost all faith. I tell you, if there is a force for good, there's an evil force that counteracts it. An evil force that's the strongest.

[Doctor Farmer]

You don't know what you're saying.

[Warren]

Oh yes I do, Doctor. What did Catherine's whisper mean that night when she murmured the power of Lucifer?

[Doctor Farmer]

I don't know. Probably something about Olaf's filthy cult had lingered in her mind. Or it may have been in my mind so that I read her whisper as I did. I couldn't really swear. Her lips formed words she murmured too low to hear.

[Warren]

No, she said what you thought she did.

[Ivan Orloff]

All right.

[Warren]

She said the power of Lucifer. They were the last words she uttered. They were a message to me. A message I hadn't understood until now.

[Doctor Farmer]

What do you mean?

[Warren]

That devil all asked everything to her. Effie proved that he could bend our minds. Now he's proved his hellish power in her body.

[Satan]

You're a man.

[Warren]

No, I'm not. You haven't any explanation for whatever struck her down. Without cause, without a warning. I have.

[Ivan Orloff]

At last. Orloff threatened me.

[Warren]

He said the devil took care of his own. That he gave great power to his disciples. To him that power is killing my wife. The power of Lucifer, the God of evil. Who is stronger than the Lord of Good.

[Doctor Farmer]

You are beside yourself, my boy.

[Ivan Orloff]

You.

[Doctor Farmer]

You can't believe such a thing.

[Warren]

I do believe it. And if Catherine dies, then I know it, my boy. Catherine just moaned. The first sound she's made. Out of my way, Warren.

[Satan]

Let me see.

[Warren]

What's that rattling noise I hear? It's coming from the throat, Doctor. She looks different. She's lying so still.

[Satan]

There.

[Warren]

There's not the slightest movement. Her eyes are open, staring. Doctor, why are you pulling that sheet over her face, Doctor?

[Ivan Orloff]

Katherine.

[Warren]

Katherine.

[Doctor Farmer]

Son.

[Ivan Orloff]

Son.

[Mrs. Brewster]

Katherine, my darling.

[Doctor Farmer]

Don't lose face, my boy. You'll find her again if you don't lose your face. Who is it? Oh, I. I shan't need you now.

[Mrs. Brewster]

I've got an important message, doctor.

[Catherine Warren]

It's for Mr.

[Satan]

Grim.

[Warren]

Mr. Orlop. Orlop. What is the message?

[Catherine Warren]

Simply this slip of paper. His address, sir.

[Warren]

But he said it was a matter.

[Catherine Warren]

Of life and death. Oh, doctor. Mrs. Gregg.

[Ivan Orloff]

Yes, just now. His address. A matter of life and death.

[Warren]

Perhaps he meant he could have saved her, but this came too late. The gunfather of me thought.

[Ivan Orloff]

She's dead, boy.

[Doctor Farmer]

What do you must think yourself?

[Ivan Orloff]

He killed her.

[Warren]

He killed her. But this tells me where to find him, Warren. This tells me where to find him. Where to take his life for hers. Come back. Stop him, someone.

[Catherine Warren]

He's mad, Doctor.

[Warren]

All the power of Lucifer won't save him. His life for hers. His life for hers.

[Ivan Orloff]

Come in, gentlemen. We expected as a hive, Master. It was exactly 11 minutes past midnight when you let him in the downstairs door. I told you it would be. The master knows all things. Mr. Gregg has a pistol in his pocket, Headmaster. With his hand inside the pocket and his fingers on the trigger. Already I can see the outline through the clock. I see through these walls. I saw him by the gun four miles away. He means to shoot me the moment he and I are alone in this room. Show him in at once, Alexei, and leave us yet. Fools. Fools. The gentleman. Come in, Mr. Gray, please. Go, Alexei, and shut the door behind you. Yes.

[Warren]

You murderer.

[Ivan Orloff]

Wait. Before you press the trigger of the people, let me ask you one question.

[Warren]

No, you.

[Ivan Orloff]

It is a question. I summoned you to hear the question of life or death. Do you want your wife restored to you?

[Warren]

My. My wife?

[Ivan Orloff]

Do you want your wife restored to life?

[Warren]

You know she's dead. That proves you killed her. I do not deny it.

[Ivan Orloff]

I told you once that Ivan Orloff was a most vindictive man.

[Warren]

You fiend. Now you will pay your life for hers.

[Ivan Orloff]

Wait. First, answer my question. Do you want your Wife restored to life. No.

[Warren]

You are playing with.

[Ivan Orloff]

A man does not play when another holds a loaded pistol as he prays.

[Catherine Warren]

And?

[Ivan Orloff]

And I am very afraid of firearms.

[Doctor Farmer]

Really?

[Ivan Orloff]

Keep your pistol, Mr. Gregg. Keep it pointed at my body if you will. But you had better hear what I have to say before you shoot. Ayes, sir. You relax a little. That is better. I left a note telling you where to find my humble residence. As your dear wife breathed her last.

[Warren]

Wife?

[Ivan Orloff]

I left it because Ivan Olaf is also a forgiving man. When his vengeance is complete, the power of Lucifer can give as well as take. The power of Lucifer, which in that hospital room this evening, you'll realize was greater than the power of Fool. I am a priest of Lucifer. This is the power that I wield. To doubt, perhaps. That I can bring your wife to life as I have made her die. Take this piece of paper. Tear it up. Tear it up. Hold the pieces in your open hands. I have not touched them. I do not touch them. Yet.

[Satan]

Look.

[Warren]

Join together as they were before you took order.

[Ivan Orloff]

So I can restore the broken fragments of your dear one's life.

[Warren]

Give her back to me. I'll be your slave.

[Ivan Orloff]

I do not need a slave. But the master I adore needs loyal servants.

[Warren]

What do you mean?

[Ivan Orloff]

That the devil takes care of his own. But only his own. That he gives nothing for nothing. You must pay a price. That you must serve him. If you would have means of you to.

[Warren]

To regain Catherine. I must.

[Ivan Orloff]

You must be consecrated in my master's service. Tonight and forevermore. You must bow down and worship Lucife. You are very pale, my brother. For we are brothers now. By the virtue of the faith we share. You did not enjoy your consecration in our order.

[Warren]

It was horrible.

[Ivan Orloff]

Bestial.

[Warren]

Unholy.

[Ivan Orloff]

Holy and unholy are words we do not employ. The thing is either evil or uneval. For there are power lines.

[Warren]

If evil gives you power to bring back the warmth of life, that cold body on the bed. I accept your awful faith. To have her back, to have her love again. Is worth the eternal damnation of my soul. If I have a soul.

[Ivan Orloff]

You must not doubt the existence of your soul, my brother. Or to accept the creed of evil. A creed of good must also be believed. One cannot exist without the other. Our deity. Stronger, as you shall soon see. Or he will bring the dead to life.

[Warren]

How soon? How soon?

[Ivan Orloff]

In less than a minute, blood will course again. In those now so lifeless veins. Breath will return. And those closed eyes will open of themselves. In less than a minute, the dead will rise at War.

[Warren]

Oh, Catherine, it'll be worth my soul to have your love again.

[Satan]

Ah.

[Ivan Orloff]

You have not forfeited your soul. Souls are not my master's business.

[Warren]

You said if he restored her, I must pay a price.

[Ivan Orloff]

Of course. He gives nothing for nothing.

[Warren]

What will that price be? I do not know.

[Ivan Orloff]

I do not even know the price that I must someday pay for power. But I do not care. Power is all that matters, and I shall live many years to wield it, for I control the minds of men and nothing can destroy me.

[Warren]

Or off colours returning to her cheeks.

[Doctor Farmer]

By the power of Lucifer, she breathed.

[Warren]

You kept your promise. You're restoring her to life.

[Ivan Orloff]

Not I, but he, my sir.

[Warren]

Her flesh grows warm. She's coming back to me now, like you. I don't care what price I have to pay. I'll have Catherine once more nigh.

[Ivan Orloff]

Catherine.

[Warren]

All right. She's open. Her eyes Speak to me, darling. Let me hear your voice again. You look as though you didn't know me. I'm Warren, dear, your husband. Catherine. Why do you laugh like that? Why are you laughing like a. Like a baby? Olaf. Her eyes.

[Ivan Orloff]

What about them?

[Warren]

They're mink. Scary. Her body lives, but her eyes are dead.

[Ivan Orloff]

So they are.

[Doctor Farmer]

I forgot to tell you that though.

[Ivan Orloff]

My master can restore the dead to life, he cannot restore the brain.

[Warren]

You mean the Catherine?

[Ivan Orloff]

She is an imbecile, my brother. As I have said, the lord of evil has no province over souls. And without the soul, there can be no mind. Of course. But rest easy now. You have nothing more to fear. You have paid the devil's price.

[Warren]

You monster. You fiend. Drop that gun.

[Ivan Orloff]

Oh, you fool. I told you I had mastery of all created men. When I let you keep that gun this afternoon. I only played with you for amusement. I am a priest of Lucifer. With the power he has given me, I shall live forever. Catherine, he has picked up the gun you dropped. Take it from her and return it to your pocket. It pleases me to have you keep it. And no, you cannot use it.

[Warren]

Imbecile.

[Ivan Orloff]

Do not point that gun at me.

[Catherine Warren]

Cost her.

[Warren]

Please drop it. She has no mind. Or not. Your pearl is before her and her fingers on the trigger.

[Catherine Warren]

No. No.

[Warren]

Now, Olaf, you, like me, have failed your master's price. Only you bought power. Something evil had to sell. I tried to purchase love.

[Satan]

Well, that's the end of that. Satan. Now you and me have business to attend to. Botan business. Satan. Near midnight. Satan.