The Little Sisters of Eluria

"The Little Sisters of Eluria" is a novella by Stephen King, part of his "Dark Tower" series. It was originally published in 1998 as part of a collection of stories titled "Everything's Eventual". The story is set before the events of the first novel in the series, "The Gunslinger".

The protagonist, Roland Deschain, is a gunslinger wandering through a desert wasteland. He is attacked by mutants and left unconscious. When he awakens, he finds himself in the care of the Little Sisters of Eluria, a group of nuns who have taken a vow of silence. He soon learns that the sisters have been nursing him back to health and have been keeping him drugged. They believe he is the one who will save them from the evil forces that threaten their existence.

As Roland's strength returns, he realizes that the sisters have been feeding on his life force. He manages to escape with the help of a young novice named Jenna. They flee the city and make their way to a nearby cave, where they discover the source of the evil that has been plaguing the land: a powerful, ancient demon named "the Crimson King".

In a battle against the demon, Roland is gravely injured and Jenna sacrifices herself to save him. In the end, Roland manages to defeat the demon and continues his journey in search of the Dark Tower.

Overall, "The Little Sisters of Eluria" is a dark and eerie tale that explores the themes of sacrifice, faith, and the battle between good and evil. While it is a stand-alone story, it also provides valuable insight into Roland's character and the world in which he exists in the "Dark Tower" series. It is a must-read for fans of the series, as well as for those who enjoy horror and fantasy fiction.

In summary, "The Little Sisters of Eluria" is a gripping and haunting story that showcases Stephen King's storytelling skills at their finest. It is a great addition to the "Dark Tower" series and a must-read for anyone who enjoys horror and fantasy fiction.