The story brought feelings of King Arthur. H. P. Lovecraft gives vivid descriptions for setting, creating a medieval presence complete with Merlinian Magik and ancient warriors. An Alchemist who has worked to find the Elixer of Life becomes victim when his father dies at the hands of the narrators ancestors (or a couple hundred years worth). The supposed Alchemist puts a curse on the family, that every male heir will die at 32. It unfolds true, and now our narrator seeks knowledge in Black Magic books and the vaults of an ancient castle for answers and a cure. He finds an answer with a highly dramatic climax! (Goodreads)