《This Curse》 Chapter 1 - Another CHAPTER 1 Another ¡°She¡¯s been proper¡¯ killed.¡± Alius eased past the grieving Husband to begin his inspection of the village''s latest victim. He turned her pallid face with two fingers and nodded. ¡°The biter¡ª¡± A blinding light filled his vision and he waved his hand. ¡°Close the bloody curtains, Jarrod.¡± ¡°S-sorry, sir.¡± Alius continued his investigation by circling the bed and lifting limbs; it all seemed scientific to the two onlookers. ¡°What is all this?¡± Snapped her husband after a solid ten minutes of this odd posturing by Alius. ¡°Are you able to seek out this wretch and bring me vengeance?¡± Alius dropped the limp hand of the corpse and raised his chin with a mournful breath. ¡°Vengeance. Indeed.¡± ¡°Indeed what? This is the third under your watch.¡± ¡°Come now, Mr Potter, Captain Alius is doing his best.¡± ¡°He cannot even protect his own wife!¡± Alius¡¯ eyebrows forced his scalp up yet he stayed his tongue. His eyes were wide and maddened for a flicker of a candle flame before they calmed. Mr Potter bowed his head. ¡°I am sorry¡­it¡¯s just Esmerelda¨C¡± ¡°I know, I know, it¡¯s ok Mr Potter¡­¡± Jarrod placed an arm around the widower and led him out, mumbling quietly about making a pot of tea. Alius found himself alone with the cadaver. Her beauty was fading fast in death. Icy blue veins crawled up her cheeks, her hair had whitened and once ruby lips shrivelled. This was a woman Alius once coveted. A pang of guilt shot up his spine. Alius leaned in to take the scent of the blood-stained pillow and whispered: ¡°A loathsome death, one which I would not wish upon anyone.¡± He stood straight, strode meaningfully to the door and locked it. ¡°I shan¡¯t be gentle,¡± Alius spoke to the door with his forehead pressed to it. With a flurry, he spun and thrust the mouth of his leather bag apart to retrieve his tools. Four hide bindings to tie the corpse down, with legs and arms taut and spreadeagled, his Bible, a hammer and a wooden stake. Rapping at the door disturbed Alius as he tied up the woman¡¯s remains. ¡°Alius, open the door, what are you doing in there?¡± ¡°You mustn¡¯t disturb me, this is important work!¡± Alius opened his Bible and began to pray. ¡°Let me in!¡± The wrapping became short thuds. ¡°Jarrod, restrain Mr Potter!¡± Alius¡¯ voice boomed. A great smashing and crashing could be heard from outside the room as the two men tussled. Alius watched the door for a moment until all was silent. Satisfied, he began to recite a passage from the Bible: ¡°There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.¡± Alius brought the stake up. ¡°You shall trouble no one with this coming greed.¡± The door began to thud once more. Mr Potter¡¯s guttural cry whisked about the cottage but it did not stay Alius. ¡°I will free you!¡± He pressed the tip of the stake to her chest and brought down his hammer to drive the splinter into her heart. The hinges of the door gave way and a bloodied Mr Potter stumbled through. ¡°Son of a goat!¡± His bellow was followed by a charge that caught Alius by the waist, slamming his back into the wall. ¡°Come now, Mr Potter,¡± Alius spoke through gritted teeth as he held the enraged man¡¯s head down. ¡°Easy, I have freed her.¡± Mr Potter broke away and straightened to toss his fists haphazardly at Alius¡¯ face, catching him with a smacking blow. ¡°Swine!¡± Alius ducked under and away from the exhausted assailant with a smooth dip of his head. He picked up his bag and headed for the door. He caught himself by the frame and turned to glance at Mr. Potter who had both hands against the wall, sucking in breath. ¡°I will find the man who did this, that is a promise.¡± Mr Potter looked back at his wife¡¯s desecrated corpse. Her hands and feet were bound with a stake buried deep into her chest. ¡°And what of this?¡± Alius looked over his work. ¡°Precautions.¡± ¡°The creatures you speak of live only in your head, the only madman in this village is you¡­did you kill your wife?¡± Alius blinked. ¡°No.¡± ¡°You will pay for this.¡± ¡°You will see I am right.¡± ¡°Get out.¡± Alius bowed his head and left for the door. On his way out, he scooped up Jarrod, who had come off the worst from his struggle with Mr Potter. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡± ¡°Not a problem.¡± Alius looked over the kitchen where the two men had scrapped. The plate dresser had been rocked and the stone floor was littered with ceramic shards. He strained to bring the plump Jarrod to his feet. Alius was a tall, slender man, not apt at heavy-duty work. Since the death of his wife, he had lost much of his weight. His face was gaunt and tired and he rarely left the confines of his weathered home. The early morning sun threatened to burn through Alius¡¯ translucent eyelids as he stepped out into the cool morning air. The commotion had brought about a gathering of villagers. Their grey faces were stricken with great sadness for they knew what a visit from Captain Alius meant. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Alius and Jarrod ignored the onlookers and made a hasty retreat towards the captain''s stead. Jarrod held a dirty, blood-stained handkerchief to his mouth and coughed. ¡°They are beginning to lose faith in us, Alius.¡± ¡°Faith is the first thing a weak and frightened man loses in the face of evil, Jarrod.¡± He grunted and pushed Jarrod onwards to kickstart the motion in his pudgy legs. ¡°Onward now.¡± They scurried down the side of the smithy and up towards the house. The sun was blocked by the overgrown forest that surrounded his grounds. His spacious front garden was completely unkempt and his house was much the same. They barged into the house and Alius locked the bolts of the old wooden door. ¡°Shall I put the kettle on?¡± Jarrod cocked his head. ¡°You may for yourself, I¡¯m not in any sort of mood for tea.¡± Alius was peering out from the curtain. The gathering had found its way to the foot of his garden. Mr Potter had rallied to the front and was pointing with conviction at his battered home. ¡°Jarrod.¡± ¡°Yes, sir?¡± Jarrod called from the kitchen. ¡°You believe me, yes?¡± Jarrod popped his head around the frame, kettle in one hand and a spoon in the other. ¡°Believe you how, sir?¡± ¡°Everything, these creatures.¡± Jarrod paused. ¡°Yes, no doubt, why would you tell me such lies? Iffin you hadda killed Sarah, then you¡¯d be long gone, yes?¡± ¡°Is that how you have come to such a conclusion?¡± Alius raised his eyebrow as he turned to look at his portly associate. ¡°Well, no¡­but, it¡¯s a great line of reasonin¡¯ and that¡¯s my job isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°I take your point.¡± Alius pushed himself from the window and went for his study. ¡°Say, Alius, sir?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°You¡¯re out of food, shall I fetch you some?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ll eat when I deserve to.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not lookin¡¯ well is all, kind of off¡­you need to eat.¡± Alius frowned as he poured over his notes. ¡°Enough, Jarrod, you are not my mother.¡± ¡°I know, sir. Though leaving your house might be a little awkward.¡± ¡°I am not perturbed by social awkwardness.¡± ¡°Well, I fear it may escalate¡­¡± ¡°There are far more fearsome ills that brew in this village, if they lynch me they¡¯ll seal their fate.¡± ¡°You are not scared of being killed?¡± Jarrod had moved from the kitchen and was standing in the doorway of Alius¡¯ study. It was dominated by an ornate desk that was cluttered with stacks of paper and dusty tomes. The large bay window behind the desk had been boarded up. Alius looked back. ¡°I have seen death, it doesn¡¯t scare me.¡± ¡°Still not got that window fixed, eh?¡± Jarrod smirked, trying to ease the morbid tension. Alius went back to his papers. The whistle of the kettle sent Jarrod skittering away in a panic and he went to pour the tea. He inspected the bare cupboard with concern as he searched for the honey and succumbed to a bitter brew. He returned to the study to rejoin the focused Alius. ¡°Have you slept?¡± ¡°I can sleep when I¡¯m dead, which won¡¯t be far from now if your predictions are to be considered.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t predicting¡­¡± He sipped his tea and grimaced, missing the sweetness he was accustomed to. Alius prodded his finger on a piece of paper. ¡°I have a new message for the people.¡± ¡°More instructions?¡± Jarrod sipped more tea, trying to get used to the honeyless brew. ¡°Have them scatter wheat grains about their chamber floor and outside their front doors.¡± Jarrod approached, ¡°These texts make mention of such a deterrent.¡± ¡°Indeed!¡± Said Alius. His voice was strained and riddled with fanatic excitement. ¡°Right, and how would this stop a murderer, ah I mean vampire?¡± ¡°They love to count!¡± ¡°Count?¡± ¡°One, two, three¡­¡± Jarrod set his tea down and laced his thick fingers before him. ¡°I am aware of such, it¡¯s just, I don¡¯t get it.¡± ¡°The vampire will count the wheat grain and be delayed in such a manner that the sun will set upon him before he has finished!¡± He slammed his book shut. ¡°We have him!¡± ¡°Where did you get these tomes from, Captain?¡± Jarrod lifted the heavy leather bindings of the book Alius had been citing, only for it to be slammed shut once more. ¡°It matters not, everything I have learned from these books is true.¡± ¡°How do you know?¡± ¡°I have¡­faith.¡± ¡°Faith is lost on the people, I will tell them, they may not follow the instruction.¡± Alius nodded ferociously as if expecting such a line of intrigue. ¡°Those who do not will find their homes visited by the beast and my proof will be undeniable.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± ¡°Go, address the rabble, let the faithless be punished.¡± Jarrod bowed his head and anxiously made for the door. Tentatively he approached the angered mass of villagers. He nodded at Mr. Potter and mouthed a polite good morning. ¡°Sent you out, has he?¡± Mr. Potter folded his arms. ¡°He has a new instruction.¡± Jimethy the fisher spat over the fence at Jarrod. ¡°Take a piss with it, he¡¯s just making it all up!¡± ¡°Aye! Last week he told us to formally uninvite everyone to our house, look what happened!¡± Jarrod raised his arms and attempted to ease the small crowd. ¡°Now, now¡­the formal uninvited were our Captains best guess, he said himself it may not work, but he is damned sure this will keep us safe.¡± The crowd quietened. They were interested more in the madness they perceived than the promise of safety from the village menace. Jarrod cleared his throat. ¡°Toss wheat grains about your door step, back and front and around your bed chamber floor.¡± The group stared at him and burst into cacophony and fury and curses. Alius watched through the curtains as Jarrod struggled to give the instructions. ¡°Fools, they should trust me.¡± He headed towards the pantry door which had been locked since his wife died. Jarrod had been scolded on numerous occasions for attempting to gain entry when in search of food. He spoke to the door softly. ¡°I will free you soon, my love.¡± He placed his ear against the door and waited. A scratch, a low moan. No words. Then a clattering shatter. Another window had been broken, not by children with a pig-skin ball this time, but instead by angry villagers with stones. Alius¡¯ silhouette filled the window as more rocks and jeers were tossed towards him. ¡°If you seek safety, follow my commandments!¡± he raised his arms like a mad prophet. Jarrod had dashed away, leaving Alius to fend off the approaching mob. ¡°I reckon once you¡¯re gone, the murderer will be too!¡± The accusation was followed by yea¡¯s of agreements as they closed in. A rock struck Alius on the temple and knocked him over. ¡°Got him!¡± Jarrod ran out in between the group and held out a flintlock pistol. ¡°Back off now, he is your captain and this village will maintain order!¡± ¡°You think you can stop us all?¡± ¡°No, but I can stop at least one of you, dead. Now¡­who wants to take the first step and this ball?¡± The mob retreated within itself and then backed away. ¡°You can¡¯t keep him safe all the time, Jarrod.¡± Mr Potter called. ¡°He is trying to keep you safe.¡± ¡°He¡¯s a madman, and so are you for following him!¡± ¡°Place the wheat grain as instructed.¡± Jarrod thrust the pistol toward Mr. Potter. ¡°Waste of good grain!¡± ¡°Then sleep at risk.¡± The mob dispersed and slunk away. Jarrod retreated into the house to help Alius. ¡°Are you well, Captain?¡± ¡°I am fine, this village, however¡­is being taken by a sickness I cannot mend.¡± Chapter 2 - Missing The evening took the village while Alius brooded in his manor. He watched as best he could from his upstairs window. Jarrod had been tasked with rallying the villagers into action, having them toss the grain seeds about their doors. ¡°You think you have the best of me, demon.¡± He sneered, drew the tattered fabric across the glass, and sat back in his chair. Jarrod was fending off Mr Potter and Jimethy as he shuffled about the village and helped the folks to understand Alius¡¯ plans. ¡°Come now, Mr Potter, iffin you hadn¡¯t been so brash Alius would be down here helping too.¡± ¡°This is his new plan? Grain? That¡¯ll stop the killer?¡± ¡°He says it will help.¡± ¡°He says a lot of things, Jarrod, I think it¡¯s time we got a new captain,¡± Jimethy interjected. Jarrod''s eyes flashed, ¡°And just who might that be, Jimethy? You?¡± Jimethy¡¯s eyes lowered and he inclined his head towards Mr Potter. Mr Potter cleared his throat. ¡°I think I would be best suited.¡± Jarrod adjusted his waistcoat, huffed haughtily and waddled up to the larger man. ¡°David.¡± Jarrod addressed Mr Potter with his forename, a rare informality. ¡°You have just lost your dear wife, do you not think such a duty would add more strain?¡± David sucked in his lower lip. ¡°Alius lost his wife and his mind. Do you believe grain will stop a murderer?¡± He folded his arms across his chest and glowered back at Jarrod. Jarrod shook his head, jowls flapping as he waved his hands. ¡°Mr Potter, I have faith in our captain, he is the reason we are all here, he made us independent. Now you turn your back on him.¡± He wagged his stubby finger at the two men. ¡°Now you seek to toss him to the side, throw stones at him. Your cobbler business was on its knees in Old Town.¡± Mr Potter shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s a man at the end of the day Jarrod, we were as important to him as he was to us. His leadership has expired and there is no shame in stepping down.¡± Jimethy nodded along with David. ¡°Mhm, absolutely, Alius looks as if he needs a break.¡± ¡°He needs a break from you lot!¡± Jarrod snapped and stamped his foot. A rare moment of fury bubbled over and frothed away. The red in his cheeks faded and he continued calmly. ¡°Look, I will speak to Alius and discuss a temporary replacement, so he may rest. Though I doubt anything in this world would stop him, apart from a good lynching which you lot seem hell bent on administering.¡± Mr Potter opened his mouth to riposte but thought better of it. ¡°You are right, I was¡­enraged, I did not mean to threaten his life.¡± Jarrod bowed his head lightly at the admission. ¡°You are a good man to admit such, perhaps you would be suited as captain¡­when Alius is ready to step down.¡± He bit his lip. ¡°It doesn¡¯t change the fact he thought my dead wife was a creature and drove a stake through her heart.¡± Mr. Potter reinvigorated his disdain for Alius at that moment. ¡°I will speak with Alius, not you, Jarrod¡­we will come to an agreement on the future of this village.¡± Jarrod pursed his lips and turned away from the men to continue helping the villagers prepare for the coming night. Alius had made his way out of his manor and into the light breezy evening air. He marched further up the hill to speak with the mortician who would have Esmeraldas¡¯ body on the slab by now, preparing her for burial in a week. He pushed through the heavy enforced door of the stoney structure. The air was cool and the smell of death prickled Alius¡¯ nostrils. ¡°Good evening Slyvester.¡± The short man grimaced and looked up from the slab where Esmeraldas'' body lay. He removed his gloves and carefully placed a jar to one side. ¡°Evening, Captain Alius.¡± ¡°How goes?¡± ¡°Alius, the formalities bore me, what do you want?¡± Alius stepped further into the room and stood across the slab from Sylvester. ¡°I wanted to ask¨C¡± ¡°You wanted to know if there was any movement, twitching, biting from Mr Potters''s poor wife?¡± Sylvester sighed. ¡°No. No there was not.¡± Alius nodded softly and looked around the room to steer well clear of Sylvester''s icy glare. ¡°This is good news.¡± ¡°Not so much for Mr Potter, or the fact that you hammered a stake through her heart, I imagine you want this returned?¡± ¡°It¡¯s one of the reasons I came by, yes.¡± Sylvester knelt, lifted the splintery stake and inspected it for a moment. ¡°A crude implement.¡± ¡°It stops them coming back.¡± ¡°So you say Alius, yet, no body has awoken with or without this driven through their heart.¡± ¡°No body that you know.¡± Sylvester narrowed his eyes and tossed the stake to Alius who caught it against his chest. ¡°Tell me, on that matter, where might be the body of your wife?¡± This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°That is none of your concern.¡± ¡°As the mortician, it is my primary concern. It is also a secret I have guarded from the village for much too long.¡± He raised his eyebrows. ¡°I am complicit in this little charade of yours, Alius, and I¡¯d not like to receive the wrath of the villagers when your house of twigs burns down.¡± Alius gritted his teeth. ¡°I am still the Captain, I am still the leader here. The business of my family is my own.¡± Sylvester sneered. ¡°I heard about the little rabble outside your manor. They are becoming restless. How long do you think it will be before you¡¯re chased out of your own village?¡± Alius wandered about the cold room, inspecting jars of arsenic and pickled limbs casually. ¡°Not long I am afraid.¡± His face seemed more pallid than ever and one would think Alius was a corpse that stood and walked from his deathbed. Sylvester watched Alius with curiosity. ¡°Esmeralda had the bite marks on her throat, like Angela¡­and you claim your wife was the same.¡± Alius touched his fingers to the wound on Esmeralda''s neck. ¡°Indeed, this is the work of a vampire.¡± ¡°Or someone who has lost their mind, Alius. You are fitting that description quite well as of recent.¡± Sylvester pulled his gloves on once more. ¡°Good luck with your investigations and good eve.¡± Alius tossed the stake in the air and caught it as he turned to leave. ¡°Good evening, Sylvester. I shall be on watch tonight, do keep safe.¡± Sylvester raised his head to glare at Alius. ¡°I¡¯m well armed, Alius. Do try to remember that.¡± The night conquered and the whistle of the wind cut through the surrounding trees. Old lanterns illuminated the streets and a few men had gathered in the middle by the village square. Mr Potter and Jarrod seemed to be engaged in another discussion. Alius made his way to the gathering and nodded at folks kindly as he walked by, approaching the group as if nothing had transpired earlier that day. ¡°Are the preparations complete?¡± Mr Potter scoffed. ¡°Your grain? Many of the homes have done it, not I, already lost my wife, thanks.¡± Alius frowned. ¡°About what happened earlier.¡± ¡°There is nothing to discuss.¡± Mr Potter nodded. ¡°It got out of hand.¡± ¡°Indeed it did, and I hope we can make amends.¡± Mr Potter chuckled and stepped off the stone slab that circled the old willow in the village centre. ¡°Amends? Yes, I have thought about that too.¡± Jarrod waved his hands. ¡°I couldn¡¯t change their minds, sir, forgive me.¡± Alius half smiled and raised his hands. ¡°Change their minds how?¡± ¡°You are no longer Captain and leader of this village, Alius.¡± Said Mr Potter. Alius looked around the small gathering of folks, their faces forlorn with darkened stares. ¡°Is that what you all want?¡± ¡°You will also be imprisoned.¡± Mr Potter smiled ruefully. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit much?¡± Jarrod stepped between the group and Alius. ¡°Alius has done his best for this vill¡ª¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Mr Potter bellowed. Two scraggy villages grabbed Jarrod and dragged him out of the way, holding him back. Alius stood firm and looked Mr Potter in the eye. ¡°As acting captain, I will take night watch, you will be jailed. Your house will be searched.¡± ¡°Why do you wish to search my house?¡± Alius barked. ¡°For your wife, her corpse.¡± ¡°Her corpse is with the mortician.¡± ¡°Thou shalt not lie.¡± Mr Potter waved his finger. ¡°Sylvester has revealed the truth to me.¡± ¡°When did he tell you this?¡± Alius¡¯ heart was throbbing and his knees were weak. Another villager gripped him tightly and he hadn¡¯t the strength to struggle. He watched Mr Potter''s face take upon a prankster''s glee, that smile revelling in his downfall. ¡°Earlier today.¡± ¡°Bastard.¡± Alius¡¯ hissed. ¡°Indeed, Alius. You are a bastard, a murderer and you shall be hanged. I¡¯ll make sure the proof is undeniable for your trial, which I will preside over.¡± ¡°You must believe me, search my house when I am dead¡­these murders will not stop and you¡¯ll be no better than he!¡± Alius struggled some now but was easily overpowered. Another villager dashed toward the group and handed Mr Potter a shiny flintlock. ¡°Thank you, Terry.¡± He pointed the flintlock at Jarrod who writhed in the grip of the two men and tried to turn his face from the barrel. ¡°What to do with his accomplice though?¡± ¡°I am an innocent man!¡± Jarrod screeched. ¡°Sure you are. Holding me back while he violated my dead wife. Hanging about that manor. You¡¯re a pair of deviants and degenerates. You are both in on these murders together.¡± He cocked the jaw of the flintlock with a satisfying click. Jarrod wriggled harder. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, porky? Don¡¯t like having guns pointed at you?¡± ¡°Leave him alone!¡± Alius snapped. ¡°Hm.¡± Mr Potter nodded. ¡°Jarrod will come with us, I wanted to see his face when we expose his precious captain.¡± David waved the flintlock at Alius who was kicking out now. ¡°Take him to the cell by the butcher, keep an eye on him.¡± Alius was apprehended by a second villager to be carted off to the old cell. He dragged his feet and struggled. His protests sounded like nothing but the maddened howls of an insane asylum patient. Vampires, walking corpses, grain, garlic. His imprisoners were more sure than ever that Alius was the culprit. The cell was windowless. The corner had a bed pan and the other side had a thin hide roll to rest on. Not the four-poster bed he was privileged to, though sleep was not something he partook in much these days. Alius¡¯ mind was plagued with regret. Doubt crept in like a gnarled hand to caress the back of his neck. Thoughts of murder and blood. He could see Esmeralda¡¯s sleeping body. Her neck shone like fresh fruit from the orchard in the hot sun. Prickly heat clawing and bringing forth a thirst for the nectar soon to ooze from the delicate skin. ¡°No!¡± He shook his head and curled into a ball. ¡°These are not my victims, you will be revealed demon!¡± His jailors watched him and traded glances. ¡°He has lost all his senses.¡± Alius flew from the corner of the cell and gripped the rusted iron bars, his mouth frothing in a repugnant fury. ¡°Your faith is lost!¡± he spat at them, forcing them to back away despite the bars that divided them. Jarrod was shoved up the hill toward the manor house that kept the now-jailed captain. ¡°Easy does it, David have him calm would you?¡± ¡°Captain Potter.¡± Jimethy corrected and shoved the pudgy man once more. ¡°Are you going to hang me too?¡± Jarrod glanced over his shoulder at Mr Potter before he was pushed to his hands and knees. ¡°That depends, Jarrod.¡± He clambered to his feet and stumbled forward to avoid another shove. ¡°On what?¡± He caught his breath as he stood by Alius¡¯ door. ¡°Open.¡± Jarrod nodded and fondled for his key. It took too long so instead he was shoved through the door. The old hinges gave way against the rotten frame and he fell on the board with a hefty slam. ¡°Oof!¡± ¡°Up now, Jarrod. Let¡¯s see what this maniac is hiding.¡± Chapter 3 - Body ¡°This place is a wreck, David,¡± Jimethy called from the kitchen as they upturned Alius¡¯ house. Jarrod was being led around before Mr Potter who was more than liberal with his gun hand. ¡°I do wish you¡¯d show a wee bit more respect.¡± Mr Potter shoved passed Jarrod when they entered the study. The desk was covered with open books that Alius had been perusing before he ventured to Sylvester''s mortuary upon the hill. ¡°What¡¯s all this then?¡± ¡°Research materials I believe. He didn¡¯t let me look at this stuff.¡± Jarrod linked his fingers together and rested his hands on his round belly. The fact that he might soon be hanged was plaguing his mind. He was beet red and sweating profusely. ¡°I didn¡¯t spend much time here.¡± ¡°Sure you didn¡¯t.¡± Mr Potter muttered as he read through the page that was left open. ¡°Vampires. Bloody vampires. I bet this is where he got all his ideas for murdering women.¡± He turned the page and grimaced at the vile hand-drawn picture of a ghastly beast devouring a hapless victim. ¡°No wonder he was sick, these books need burning.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll check upstairs.¡± Called Jimethy as he trotted up the creaky boards. Jarrod dabbed his forehead with his handkerchief and sighed deeply. ¡°What exactly is it you¡¯re looking for?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t know until I find it now will I?¡± He continued to leaf through the large tome, shaking his head at the contents of each page, muttering about Alius¡¯ madness. ¡°Why don¡¯t you make a brew, tea boy?¡± He scowled and hauled the large tome into the living room so he could watch Jarrod between pages. Jarrod agreed and began to boil up a kettle. He tried to relax himself with small talk, but Mr Potter did not reciprocate the efforts and ignored the quaint questions. He glanced at the pistol that had been left on the side table by the couch. The kettle whistled and he clutched the handle tightly. Jimethy was still upstairs. ¡°Tea.¡± Mr Potter glanced up from the book he had become engrossed in. Jarrod offered the mug. He took it and set it down by the pistol which they both looked at. Mr Potter dutifully plucked it up and set it on his lap. ¡°Did he speak much of vampires?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all he spoke about since he lost Elizabeth.¡± Mr Potter nodded. ¡°Do you believe in all this nonsense?¡± Jarrod thought carefully about his answer. He didn¡¯t want to come off as trying to dodge the hangman''s rope, but he still wanted to seem sane. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about any of these creatures.¡± He sat down tentatively across from Mr Potter on the blue dusty chair. ¡°What I do know is something otherworldly stalks this village.¡± ¡°So you do believe in this rubbish.¡± Mr Potter slammed the book closed which made Jarrod jump, before tossing the heavy tome on the small table. He leaned forward and took up the pistol. ¡°You know Alius is the one behind these murders, why not admit it and save your skin?¡± ¡°I know Alius is not behind these murders.¡± ¡°How?¡± Jarrod paused, ¡°He was with me last night, when Esmeralda¡­your wife, was murdered.¡± He dabbed his round face. ¡°I have to admit your loyalty is commendable. It proves that you were in on it though.¡± Jarrod frowned. ¡°I will say that so far as acting Captain you are not making a good start. You have already judged Alius and I without a shred of evidence.¡± He folded his arms and shook his head. Mr Potter rose and glowered at Jarrod who shrank in the chair. He took up the book and tossed it on the fireplace to join a solitary unburned log. ¡°It¡¯s cold in here, get the fire going.¡± ¡°If you destroy these books, you might destroy the answers we seek.¡± ¡°Or I might destroy heretical nonsense, written for the sole purpose of driving good men bad.¡± Jarrod sighed. ¡°Elizabeth was sick for some time, you know this, these books were ordered by Alius¡ª¡± ¡°At great expense to the village treasury, I imagine?¡± Jarrod composed himself and continued, ¡°They were ordered by Alius to help save his wife.¡± *** ¡°Perhaps me being here is a good thing,¡± Alius said to Greg, the man keeping watch. Samuel had already left, scared off by Alius¡¯ ramblings and frightful gestures. ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Greg chewed the inside of his bottom lip. He truly believed he was sitting across from a murderer and had subjected himself to entertaining his conversation, if not to pass the time. Alius was sitting in the corner, watching Greg intently. ¡°When he strikes again, I will be proven innocent.¡± He nodded violently to his own words. ¡°You will seek my guidance, but it¡¯ll be too late. He¡¯ll come for us all and this, me being here, it¡¯s exactly what he wants.¡± ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t strike again?¡± Taunted Greg, ¡°What if he wants to watch you go mad?¡± He smirked and bobbed his head cooly. ¡°He must strike again, he must feed.¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Feed on people''s blood?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the nature of a vampire is it not, Greg?¡± Alius was wide-eyed with hands raised as he pointed out what he considered the undeniable nomenclature of this reality that had folded itself around him. Greg was a young man, barely eighteen, though he was sharp-witted and handy at a couple of trades already. He was a good prospect for the village. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about the occult, captain.¡± Alius leaned forward. ¡°Did you not, just last week, tell me of a presence you felt while out lumbering? A stalking wind?¡± ¡°Yes. I was nervous.¡± ¡°Nervous, in your own backyard?¡± ¡°Well, what with all the murdering and such.¡± ¡°You said you saw something too.¡± Alius scooched forward and gripped the bars of his cage. ¡°What did you see?¡± ¡°Something like a man, but moving too fast. Could have been a shadow of a quick animal, like a squirrel.¡± ¡°In the shape of a man?¡± Greg smiled and shook his head. ¡°Captain, one moment of nervousness doesn¡¯t prove your vampires true.¡± ¡°If you let me free you can help solve this with me, you¡¯ve a keen mind and an eye for things out of step. You were the only one to notice all the axe heads had been dulled.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m the one who sharpens them, Alius.¡± ¡°So how were they dulled all at the same time?¡± Greg pondered a moment, ¡°I was careless.¡± ¡°Truly?¡± Alius shook his head. ¡°Let me out¨C¡± ¡°I¡¯m not letting you out, Alius.¡± ¡°Captain¡­¡± Alius attempted to correct him. Greg looked away, ¡°Mr Potter is captain now.¡± Alius slumped back into his corner and buried his head between his knees. He was a good salesman of ideas, however, often failed to convince people of his convictions and duty. A curse if anything. *** Jarrod, Jimethy and Mr Potter watched the fire consume the books and notes that Alius had so meticulously gathered and catalogued over the past several months. Jarrod was given the task of feeding the hungry flames. ¡°Good riddance to this nonsense.¡± Jarrod shook his head and looked at Jimethy, ¡°If you call burning your evidence good riddance.¡± Jimethy shrugged. Mr Potter scoffed, ¡°I tore out a few pages, not to mention there¡¯ll be plenty more to surface.¡± ¡°You could have sold the books.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather not fill up our coffers with the money from this filth.¡± Mr Potter sneered at Jarrod, ¡°Not everyone is an amoral, sycophantic coward like you.¡± ¡°We done in here, David?¡± Jimethy asked. ¡°No, check the pantry.¡± Jarrod huffed. ¡°Nothing in there, Alius doesn¡¯t eat.¡± ¡°Then why is it locked up?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Jarrod half lied, he knew there was something in there for had been told never to go in. Alius had hidden the key and Jarrod was none the wiser to its whereabouts. ¡°For a man so sure of Captain Alius, you know very little.¡± Mr Potter raised both eyebrows and shook his head. He moved from the fire to the pantry door. The lock was thick but the latch it looped through was weak. David was able to smash it off using the metal kettle. ¡°I do not think this is a good idea.¡± Mr Potter looked at Jarrod. ¡°Come on, tubby, you can be my canary.¡± Jarrod pressed himself up and strode over to the pantry door, ¡°You¡¯ll see there¡¯s nothing in here I assure you.¡± Jarrod was sweating again, he had no clue what may lie behind the door. Something told him it might be the body of Elizabeth. He pulled the door open and stood to one side. Mr Potter and Jimethy looked in. They said nothing. Jarrod could not look inside the pantry for fear had taken hold of his body. ¡°Well, any dark secrets?¡± ¡°Garlic?¡± Said Jimethy. Jarrod shuddered and then looked in. Mr Potter illuminated the tight corridor with his lantern. Bundles of garlic swayed in the draft from string pinned to the ceiling. ¡°Absolute madman.¡± ¡°Where is that draft coming from?¡± Jimethy said. Jarrod looked around the otherwise empty pantry, ¡°probably a crack somewhere.¡± ¡°Crack my arse.¡± Mr Potter waded into the room and handed off the lantern to Jimethy. He grabbed the empty shelf at the end of the pantry corridor and jerked it. ¡°It¡¯s loose. Jim, help me with this.¡± Jimethy set the lantern down on one of the pantry shelves and helped Mr Potter pull the end shelf down. It was weak and folded in on itself. Another door with just a hole for a handle awaited them. ¡°Look at that, Jimethy.¡± Jarrod came through to get a better look. ¡°Another door? Probably to a cupboard.¡± ¡°Probably to a cupboard? So we shouldn¡¯t open it and find out?¡± Mr Potter waved his pistol at Jarrod. ¡°Come now, open it for us.¡± It was evident the atmosphere in this house had taken hold of all three men. There once outward bravado had been replaced with timid movements and a penchant for pushing poor Jarrod in front to do all the door opening. Jarrod wormed his finger into the hole to gain some purchase. He could feel the draft from the other side and it sent a shiver up his body. It was as if someone was blowing on his finger. Mr Potter watched on as Jarrod dallied, though he didn¡¯t much mind, he was assured something tragic awaited him. One dead person was enough for any man to see in a lifetime, especially one''s wife. He could only imagine what horrors Alius the madman had committed. A stray ball of garlic struck Jimethy on the head and he waved his arms up frantically. ¡°What, what was that?¡± ¡°Garlic, Jim, keep your nerve.¡± Mr Potter sighed and nodded to Jarrod. ¡°Open it then.¡± Jarrod tugged at it. The door resisted as if being sucked back into its frame. Jarrod overcame it and pulled the door open. A moaning whirl of air flushed out like a siren¡¯s call at sea, beckoning the three men deeper. Before them lay steep stone steps. The walls were bare stone and mortar, filled with nooks and crannies. ¡°Down you go.¡± Mr Potter urged. ¡°At least hand me the lantern.¡± Jarrod reached back and Jimethy obliged, pushing the lantern handle into his hand. Jarrod''s steps echoed downward into the blackness. His lamp light was weak and only lit up a small aura about him. The air was frosty and he could see his breath rising. ¡°Why is it so cold down here?¡± Jimethy hissed. ¡°Shhhh.¡± Mr Potter hissed. The sound of the crackling fire grew weaker as they reached the bottom of the stairs. They were met with a narrow passage. With the only direction being forward they steadily walked onward. A low moan danced out from the darkness ahead and froze all three men to the spot. ¡°What was that?¡± Whispered Jimethy. ¡°Could be echoes coming from the village, noise travels you know,¡± said Jarrod. ¡°Rubbish, that¡¯s one of his victims.¡± Mr Potter pushed Jarrod forward. ¡°Move, let¡¯s see who this freak was about to prey on.¡± Chapter 4 - Found Jarrod stepped cautiously towards the sound of sobbing. His lantern light kissed the old walls and reflected off the damp ground. His shoes sloshed in a puddle and he stumbled before catching himself against the wall. ¡°Ah, my socks are soaked.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll live.¡± The ground dried up as they passed beneath a series of wooden frames and into a circular clearing. The ground was covered in wheat grains. From the darkness across the way, they could hear the sobbing. It was a female, and between the cries, she¡¯d count. ¡°One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.¡± ¡°One thousand eight hundred and fifty¡ª¡± ¡°Hello,¡± Jarrod called into the black. His meagre lantern barely illuminated his face. ¡°No no no!¡± the voice cried and she wept harder. ¡°He¡¯ll be mad, he¡¯ll be furious!¡± Mr Potter moved to the side of Jarrod. ¡°It¡¯s ok, whoever you are.¡± He placed a hand on Jarrods back and walked him forward. Jimethy didn¡¯t dare follow them. ¡°I lost my count! I lost my count!¡± she screeched and a slapping sound emitted. Jarrod edged toward the voice and held his lamp forward. ¡°My lady, we have come to free you.¡± ¡°Who is that?¡± she cried. ¡°I am Jarrod.¡± ¡°Jarrod? His friend? No! Leave me alone!¡± Mr Potter took the lamp from Jarrod and held it to his face. ¡°I am here to help, my name is¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re Mr Potter, Mr David Potter¡­you made my shoes.¡± Her voice was high and innocent. Mr Potter sucked in a deep breath and strode toward the pathetic voice. The light cast over the bare wall that was slick with mouldy residue. Slumped down on her knees was a frail woman in a tattered dress. Her hair was a shocking white. ¡°You¡¯re safe now.¡± Mr Potter moved tentatively towards her. She kept her face hidden by way of burying it between her skinny knees. ¡°I lost my count.¡± she huffed miserably and began to sob once again. ¡°What count?¡± ¡°He makes me count the grain, he makes me count it all day.¡± ¡°Who does?¡± Asked Mr Potter. The woman raised her head. She looked like a porcelain doll, beautiful yet so fragile a single touch might crack her from head to toe. Her skin was translucent and her eyes were grey. ¡°My husband.¡± Mr Potter and Jarrod gasped. ¡°E-Elizabeth!¡± said Jarrod. ¡°Your voice it¡¯s so, child-like.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of here.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t, I¡¯m chained.¡± She raised her wrist and rattled the shackle. The three men tried in vain to yank the chain from the wall but it would not budge. They¡¯d need to go at it with a pick axe at this rate. After half an hour of heaving and huffing, Mr Potter grunted: ¡°You¡¯re sure you don¡¯t know where he keeps the key?¡± Jarrod shook his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t know she was down here!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go speak to Alius, we¡¯ll get the information out of him.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me, I hate to be alone.¡± ¡°Jimethy, wait with Elizabeth.¡± Mr Potter turned to Elizabeth and placed his hand on her frail cheek. ¡°We¡¯ll have you out of her in no time, I promise.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± she sniffed up and sobbed into her hands. *** ¡°Where is the key to your wife''s shackles, Alius?¡± Alius shook his head as he held the bars. ¡°She isn¡¯t my wife Mr Potter, no, no no¡­¡± Greg sighed and shook his head, ¡°He¡¯s been like this since we put him in here.¡± Mr Potter sighed and walked towards the cage. ¡°She¡¯s told us everything, now save me some time and tell me where you keep the key.¡± Alius laughed. ¡°If you let her out, you¡¯re all dead. I can¡¯t have that on my conscience,¡± he spoke with growls and low moans. ¡°You can¡¯t, you can¡¯t free her, no¡­no no!¡± Mr Potter handed Greg the flintlock and rolled up his sleeves, buttoning them around his forearm. Jarrod caught sight of what might transpire and leaned around, ¡°Alius, I know you think you mean well, but please¡­we need those keys.¡± Alius spat out at them. ¡°Common traitor, I knew I couldn¡¯t trust you, coward!¡± ¡°Do not let Jarrod leave, Greg.¡± Greg nodded and inspected the gun. ¡°Open the cell.¡± Greg blinked. ¡°But¡­¡± You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°Open the cell.¡± Greg obeyed and stepped away from the cage. Mr Potter entered and looked at Greg, ¡°Lock us in.¡± The lock clanked and both Jarrord and Greg stepped away, looking in. ¡°Oh, this is not good¡­this is not good!¡± Jarrod looked to the door and made to leave. ¡°Stay there, Jarrod.¡± Jarrod turned and looked at Greg who was pointing the gun at him. He thought about dashing away but opted to remain. Quietly he sat on the chair and placed his head in his hands. What came next was a one-sided thrashing. Mr Potter laid into Alius with his fists. His knuckles were broken and bloodied but that didn¡¯t stop him. Alius started by laughing and resisting, but the pain overwhelmed after several rib-breaking digs from Mr Potter. His resistance turned into sobs and pleas. He cried and spat broken teeth from his swollen lips. He curled into a ball and tried to weather the unyielding storm. Forty minutes felt like forty days and forty nights at the hands of the Devil''s torments. ¡°He¡¯s had enough, please, stop!¡± Jarrod bit his nails. He had seen death a few times now, but not the administration of such violence. Greg, a young man who had never seen anything like this; had turned away, and a tear rolled down his cheek. Even though he believed Alius to be evil, it was difficult for him to see any man take this kind of thrashing. ¡°Where is that key?¡± Alius rolled on his back and cried aloud, his mouth was glossy with blood and his eyes were reddened and bruising rapidly. ¡°I¡¯ll tell, no more¡­no more!¡± he rolled back over and wept. Mr Potter stepped back. He was laced with sweat and his chest heaved. He was glad Alius had capitulated because he wasn¡¯t able to continue this much longer. His arms ached and were too heavy to lift. He pressed his back to the wall and closed his eyes. Blood dripped from his knuckles and formed claret constellations on the hard stone floor. ¡°I must warn you though, this village is set upon by a dark curse. It has my wife and she¡¯ll levy it upon you.¡± Alius whimpered as he shuffled into the corner and cradled his broken body. He wanted to pass out and let the pain wash away. Mr Potter continued to suck in mouthfuls of air. ¡°Tell me where the key is.¡± ¡°I cannot, no I shan¡¯t!¡± Alius sat up a little and spat blood at Mr Potter. ¡°Then we¡¯ll have to dig her out.¡± ¡°No, no, no!¡± He sobbed again. ¡°The light will kill her!¡± ¡°Perhaps Jimethy can come and work you for another half an hour.¡± Alius cried out. ¡°It¡¯s under Jarrods doorstep!¡± He pointed at Jarrod. ¡°It¡¯s with Jarrod!¡± Mr Potter looked at Jarrod and sneered. ¡°This better not be true.¡± Jarrod lifted his hands defensively and shook his head. ¡°If it is, I had no idea it was there!¡± Alius collapsed in the corner and began to cackle. ¡°Traitor!¡± *** ¡°Lift it then.¡± Mr Potter waved his flintlock at Jarrod. Jarrod sighed and knelt at his front door. ¡°I promise you, I had no idea about this.¡± ¡°Just lift it!¡± Jarrod nodded a few times. ¡°Yes, of course.¡± He eased the single stone block from the muddy bed, sending a few woodlice skittering. Pressed into the mud was a small key. Jarrod worked it free and stood up, offering it to Mr Potter. ¡°This must be it.¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s the key.¡± Mr Potter took it from him and inspected it. ¡°It¡¯s also the last bit of evidence I need to put you both to the rope.¡± ¡°I said I hadn¡¯t a clue!¡± ¡°Save it, Jarrod.¡± Jarrod was locked up in the cell beside Alius and Greg was left to watch them both while Mr Potter made his way back to Jimethy who had been left alone with Elizabeth. Though the mystery was solved, Mr Potter felt uneasy and that sense of creeping death coiled around his throat as he made his way back to the pantry. He had wrapped his hands in linen, for now, he didn¡¯t want to scare poor Elizabeth any more. Jimethy heard Mr Potter''s footsteps and sighed in relief. ¡°You¡¯ve been ages.¡± ¡°The prisoner didn¡¯t come easily with the details.¡± ¡°Where is Jarrod?¡± ¡°In the cell, where he belongs.¡± Jimethy nodded and went back to Elizabeth with Mr Potter, key in tow. They freed her quickly and helped her up. Her legs buckled as she tried to stand. Mr Potter and Jimethy eased her out towards the pantry entrance. She whimpered and sniffed the whole way. When they reached the steps she took each one so cautiously. The light from the house burned her eyes and she turned away. ¡°Ah, no.¡± ¡°It¡¯s ok, we¡¯ll have you back in good health.¡± She nodded and once at the top she stopped and would not go further. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°The garlic¡­¡± ¡°What of it?¡± ¡°He made me eat, he forced fed it to me! I cannot stand it!¡± Jimethy looked at David and gave a quick nod. He moved in front and proceeded to pull the hanging cloves down, taking them away, though the smell lingered. Elizabeth thanked them and stepped into the pantry, breathing a sigh. The two men went inside and held the door for her. She reached the door frame and stopped dead again. ¡°Alius said I could never come back, he said I was formally uninvited.¡± she glanced in, shaking. Mr Potter nodded. ¡°Well, I am the Captain of this village now, and this is the captain''s house, so, you please come in.¡± She gave a dry smile and stepped in cautiously. Her toenails were long and crooked and her legs were dirty. Her frayed dress floated behind her as she approached the fireplace and sat beside it. Jimethy and Mr Potter chatted quietly in the study. ¡°What do we do now?¡± Mr Potter stroked his chin. ¡°We need to get her back to health, find out everything that happened¡­then bring those two bastards to justice.¡± ¡°We have the evidence?¡± ¡°His living wife, chained up in a secret tunnel? I think it¡¯s clear what this fruit was up to.¡± Jimethy nodded and peered around the corner to check on Elizabeth. She was sitting in silence, staring at the fire. ¡°Isn¡¯t it odd? Alius was a good man¡­killing people doesn¡¯t make sense to me.¡± ¡°Some men hide their sickness well, Jimethy. He¡¯s harboured these sorts of feelings for a long time. Now he found a way to act them out.¡± Mr Potter crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°Do you think Jarrod is involved?¡± ¡°I do, this was a two-man job and they were covering each other''s tracks. The village will believe us once we show them Elizabeth.¡± Jimethy nodded and looked back at Mr Potter. ¡°He seemed quite shocked at it all, though, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°He¡¯s a good actor, Jimethy. He knew nothing all the time. Guess where the key was.¡± Jimethy shrugged. ¡°Underneath Jarrod''s doorstep.¡± Jimethy¡¯s eyes flashed in surprise and he shook his head grimly. ¡°Then it¡¯s clear, they both need to be tried.¡± ¡°Then hanged.¡± Mr Potter added. ¡°Who needs to be hanged?¡± Elizabeth had joined the men. She seemed to move silently and Jimethy could swear she was sitting by the fire that second. Mr Potter smiled at her kindly. ¡°Nothing you need to worry about right now, Elizabeth, you¡¯ve been through so much¡­¡± She smiled back and nodded sweetly. ¡°How is Esme?¡± Jimethy looked away awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ll fetch some food up from the village.¡± Mr Potter bowed his head. ¡°Thank you.¡± He looked back to Elizabeth. ¡°Esme is resting and well.¡± ¡°Oh that¡¯s good, I¡¯d much like to see her again.¡± ¡°Next week, you can see her next week.¡± Elizabeth rubbed her arms. ¡°Will you stay here tonight? I don¡¯t want to be alone anymore.¡± ¡°No problem.¡± Chapter 5 - Afresh Elizabeth played with her food by way of turning it over on her spoon and letting it slop back into the mass. ¡°You should eat something, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not hungry¡­do give Jimethy my thanks though.¡± ¡°He was more than happy to.¡± Mr Potter smiled. ¡°Thank you, as well, Mr Potter.¡± Her delicate smile cracked on just one side before she glanced back down at her porridge. ¡°Call me, David.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± She nodded. David rose from the small, round dining table between the living room and study. He made sure to light up and warm the cold manor house the best he could. ¡°Alius let this house run into the ground.¡± Elizabeth sighed. ¡°I remember when we found this plot¡­he spoke of how he¡¯d turn this place into a palace.¡± She dropped her spoon in the porridge and joined David in the living room to watch him restock the fire with a few logs he¡¯d gathered from the garden. David glanced back at her a moment. She seemed to glide silently around which gave him a shiver. He guessed it was a habit of hers to make herself as quiet as possible. ¡°Alius had a great vision for this village, a shame he has such a sickness of the mind.¡± ¡°Will I see him again?¡± Mr Potter placed his hand on the fireplace side and took a breath. ¡°Your hands¡­what happened?¡± David looked over his blooded hand wraps and rubbed his knuckles. ¡°Elizabeth, much has happened in the time you were gone. Let¡¯s not sift through it at such a late hour.¡± Elizabeth left for the kitchen and prepared a bowl of warm water. She returned promptly and knelt beside Mr Potter who was stoking the flames with the poker. ¡°Let me clean those hands.¡± David waved her off. ¡°No need, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°You helped me, let me return this small favour.¡± Mr Potter relented and shuffled on his knees to face her. She took his hands and carefully peeled away the bandages, careful not to prickle the wounds as she exposed them to the air. ¡°What a mess.¡± David eyed Elizabeth. She was beautiful. A pale angel in a gown that sunk to reveal her pert bosom. Her ruby lips and blue eyes accented her pale cheekbones most unusually. Mr Potter could only imagine why Alius would treat such a woman with such contempt; though it did give him ponderance at how well she presented after such treatment. ¡°You have been fighting, Mr Potter.¡± Elizabeth moved her cold hands over his burning knuckles. She kissed them and seemed to savour the moment before handily cleansing and re-wrapping them. ¡°See, all better.¡± David took his hands back and turned them over in front of him to inspect her work. ¡°Perfect, thank you.¡± ¡°Who were you fighting?¡± David shook his head and turned back to the fire to continue poking it. ¡°You were fighting Alius¡­you beat him didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Elizabeth¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. No man has ever broken his knuckles over me.¡± David looked at her. ¡°Elizabeth, this isn¡¯t the discussion we should be having now.¡± ¡°Is Esmeralda happy for you to spend the night here, with me?¡± Mr Potter¡¯s cheeks flushed and he looked away. ¡°She¡¯s dead isn¡¯t she?¡± David snapped his head back to look at her. ¡°What makes you say that?¡± ¡°I can tell. I can see a sadness in your eyes. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Mr Potter rose quickly and walked to the window. ¡°Elizabeth, I need to check on the village, I will be back soon.¡± ¡°Do not be too long.¡± Mr Potter came through the front door and closed it behind him quickly. He had felt something so uncanny that his heart would not calm. He shook his head and closed his eyes momentarily, trying to regain composure. Today had been too much for anyone to comprehend and his nerve was already cracking. He wondered if this is what the onset of madness might feel like. The night had not sent the villagers indoors and there was a commotion amongst a few of the groups that had gathered. Mr Potter could see the lamp lights moving about around the willow tree. He walked down the garden and stopped at the crooked gate, turning back to look over the manor. Two eyes glinted from the upstairs window from a wispy figure. Elizabeth was pining for his return already. He shuddered, creaked the gate open and headed back to the village. Jimethy met up with Mr Potter quickly. ¡°The folks are getting restless, I think you need to give them a talking to.¡± Mr Potter nodded. ¡°Right then.¡± This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve eaten bad meat.¡± Mr Potter scratched his nose and looked past Jimethy to see who was gathering; it was everyone, even Sylvester, who had made an appearance. He looked back at Jimethy and blinked, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s just Elizabeth, she¡¯s, well, she¡¯s off.¡± ¡°Off how?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know I¡¯m not a head doctor. It¡¯s like she can read my thoughts and she moves like the wind.¡± Jimethy nodded. ¡°Pretty lady, mind you.¡± ¡°Do you want to keep her company tonight?¡± ¡°No thanks.¡± Jimethy raised a hand, ¡°You better go assert your command captain.¡± Mr Potter pushed his way through the group of gathering villagers and stood on one of the centre blocks surrounding the willow tree. ¡°Folks! Quiet now.¡± ¡°Who do you think you are?¡± A woman yelled. ¡°You can¡¯t just make yourself bloomin'' captain!¡± ¡°Well, I shan¡¯t¡ª¡± Another man interrupted. ¡°You shan¡¯t be assuming yourself in charge of us!¡± ¡°Alius was¡ª¡± Once again Mr Potter was cut off by another voice, ¡°Where is Captain Alius?¡± ¡°People! Allow me to speak or I be damned to silence!¡± The crowd hushed a moment and seemed to shuffle as one. Mr Potter nodded. ¡°Thank you. It was with great remorse that I had to assume the role of captain, and I am happy to hold a vote for the position permanent.¡± ¡°Too right!¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Mr Potter nodded at the man who shouted out. ¡°As for Captain Alius, and his associate Jarrod, whom I am well aware are respected individuals amongst many of you, they are in cells.¡± ¡°In cells!¡± A man called from the back. ¡°Indeed, in cells for they are the perpetrators of these murders.¡± ¡°What proof do you have?¡± At that, the crowd rumbled with an uneasy grumble. Supporters of Mr Potter moved around behind him. This included Jimethy, Sylvester and some of the mob from the morning. ¡°Apart from him succumbing to madness.¡± Mr Potter raised his voice, ¡°We have found Elizabeth.¡± The crowd gasped and was stunned into a crestfallen silence. Mr Potter looked back up at the manor house on the hill. A light flickered in the upstairs window and then went out. He gulped. ¡°Where is she, bring her out here!¡± Mr Potter raised both hands, ¡°In good time, she has been through a lot and is resting.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°In the manor house. She was a prisoner to Alius, he had her chained in the pantry.¡± The rabble roused once more. ¡°We want to see her now!¡± ¡°As I have said¨C¡± ¡°Now, now now!¡± ¡°She is¨C¡± ¡°Now!¡± Mr Potter backed up as the mob closed in around him. His supporters were fewer in number and dispersed for their own safety. The group stopped still and then backed away all of sudden to Mr Potter''s surprise. Mr Potter looked at them in confusion, their jaws were slack and gaumless as if they had been struck about the head with an iron bar. ¡°It¡¯s Elizabeth¡­¡± said one of the crowd. Mr Potter looked back. There she was, the pale beauty to his rescue. She glided beside him elegantly and spoke with a voice that carried through the whole village. ¡°The terror Alius brought to me, and this village is over.¡± she placed her hands on her heart and waved with the wind. ¡°Please forgive me for what my husband has done to you all¡­¡± ¡°We thought you dead!¡± Cried Olivia, a wife of the butcher and good friend to Elizabeth. ¡°Oh, my dearest Oliva.¡± Elizabeth bent down and reached out towards her. ¡°I thought I was dead too. But Mr Potter saved me, I am sorry if I caused you to worry.¡± Mr Potter watched Elizabeth soothe and woo the crowd with her tale of woe. She delivered it with elegance and had everyone in tears for her tragedy. She told them all of how she was locked up and treated like a vampire by Alius, and that he was desperate to cure her. She told them of how he accused other women in the village of vampirism and how he would destroy them. She mentioned that Esmeralda was one of these women. Jimethy looked at David and nodded, impressed by how she eased the crowd. She had an aura that caressed everyone. It was clear to them why Alius was so successful at being a leader with such a woman behind him. ¡°This is why¡ª¡± Elizabeth continued. ¡°You should consider Mr Potter your captain. He is our hero, he stopped Alius, and he saved me and all of you. We can put this behind us.¡± Mr Potter raised his voice, ¡°Of course, I am still happy to have a vote, I don¡¯t think this one deed makes me the sole heir to such duty.¡± David was seemingly trying to talk his way out of captaincy now. Something about the manor and Alius¡¯ words were haunting him. ¡°Nonsense, Potter! You¡¯re the man for the job!¡± The crowd cheered and clapped. With a flick of her wrist, Elizabeth had charmed the village into siding with Mr Potter. ¡°Bring us Alius!¡± Cried a man. ¡°Bring him to me!¡± Daniel had pushed his way to the front and was seething with rage. ¡°I want him, I want him.¡± ¡°We all want to see justice.¡± Said Mr Potter. ¡°He killed my wife first! That bastard is mine, I want Jarrod too!¡± ¡°We will hold a trial here in the centre of the village, you¡¯ll get justice!¡± Daniel grunted and stormed off. Mr Potter looked at Elizabeth and bowed his head. She smiled in return and moved into the crowd to greet her friends and those who loved her and had missed her greatly and thought she was dead. Sylvester approached Mr Potter and looked up at him. His face was narrow and his features were small. Atop his head lay a thing greasy black mop of hair that encircled a growing bald spot. ¡°Seems you have convinced the village of your new aspirations, though getting Elizabeth to do it was rather shrewd even for me.¡± Mr Potter grunted, ¡°Captaincy is not my aspiration, nor did I ask Elizabeth to help.¡± ¡°Yet you got both, heaven helps a man for a reason, no?¡± David shook his head, ¡°Save your conspiracies, Sylvester.¡± He chortled, ¡°She is filled with vitality for a woman with such a tale, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°It is hard to know what to think right now.¡± ¡°I¡¯d say you be careful, Captain, this job drove the last one mad and you¡¯re already more confused than I¡¯ve ever seen you.¡± ¡°I can see why you don¡¯t spend much time with people, Sylvester.¡± He shrugged, ¡°You¡¯re a cobbler, Mr Potter, making shoes is simple, sometimes it¡¯s better for one to stick to what is simple.¡± ¡°Do you think I should not be captain?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think, I stick to dead bodies¡­those are simple.¡± Sylvester smiled and walked away before Mr Potter could respond. It seemed the Captain''s attentions would be strained further, as from the butcher he could see a panicked Greg charging from the cells by the butchers, arms waving as he hollered: ¡°Captain Potter!¡± ¡°What is, lad?¡± Greg placed his hands on his knees, panting, ¡°Daniel, he¡¯s got a flintlock. He demanded I open Jarrod''s cell, he¡¯s in there now trying to drag him out.¡± Captain Potter pushed Greg to one side and placed his hands on his hips, watching the jail-house. His eyes widened as he saw Jarrod¡¯s pudgy silhouette being dragged out by Daniel. ¡°Lord have mercy.¡± He said to himself through gritted teeth. Chapter 6 - Reign Captain Potter drew his flintlock and dashed towards the two struggling men. ¡°Oi!¡± He closed the distance and raised his weapon. ¡°Stop, Daniel!¡± Daniel tossed Jarrod to the ground and aimed the gun at him. ¡°Let me have this fat one.¡± Some villagers gathered around to watch. Elizabeth moved between the people delicately to appear out in front. The dream of self-sufficiency in the corner of the woods was becoming a nightmarish solitude. Mr Potter would need to reign this in to add his stamp to his new, unwanted rule. ¡°We will hold a trial. We aren¡¯t savages.¡± Daniel laughed as he taunted the panicking Jarrod with the barrel end of his flintlock. ¡°Savages? Could have fooled me. What happened to Alius?¡± Mr Potter looked at his bandaged hands and frowned. ¡°I did what I had to. He¡¯ll still get a fair trial.¡± ¡°So you get to dish out all the revenge, eh?¡± He pointed the gun at Mr Potter. Jarrod whimpered and crawled on his hands and knees towards Captain Potter, ¡°Don¡¯t let him kill me!¡± ¡°I know how you feel, Daniel.¡± David lowered his pistol and raised his hand, ¡°I am not here to be your enemy. We must put this curse behind us and deal with it properly.¡± Daniel was heaving. His eyes darted amongst the horrified onlookers. He cocked his flintlocks jaw and pulled the trigger. Dirt kicked up and sprayed over Jarrod as the iron ball lodged into the ground. ¡°They get their trial, but I do the execution.¡± Mr Potter looked around at the expectant folk as he contemplated the offer. Villagers were standing by their doors gawking; even children had come out to watch. ¡°Agreed, but you¡¯ll do it properly. Humane, a hanging.¡± ¡°Swinging it will be.¡± The rabble calmed once more and dispersed when Daniel stormed off. Elizabeth moved up to Captain Potters''s flank and stroked his shoulder. ¡°You did well there, Captain.¡± David shuddered and looked at her. Her eyes glowed from the surrounding lanterns. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see you back at home.¡± He frowned. That sounded weird to him as if Elizabeth was his wife or a lady in waiting. He hadn¡¯t signed up for this. Elizabeth seemed quite able to look after herself. He and Jimethy helped Jarrod to his feet. ¡°Thank you boys.¡± ¡°Jimethy nodded.¡± ¡°You head back, Jim, we¡¯ll need our rest¡­I¡¯ll take Jarrod back to his cell.¡± Jimethy headed off and left the two men alone outside the jail-house. ¡°Is putting me in a cage really quite necessary, Mr Potter?¡± Jarrod wiped his cheek with his handkerchief. ¡°I did nothing wrong. I had no idea about Alius.¡± Captain Potter gripped Jarrod by the arm and walked him back into the cell house; he was tired of listening to people''s stories. His eyelids felt like lead weight hung from them. ¡°Mr Potter, I insist you consider my¡ª¡± Captain Potter shoved Jarrod into the cell, locked it quickly and gave it a rattle to check it was firm. He turned to leave but stopped when he heard a slow clapping noise. ¡°Well played, Mr Potter, Captain Potter.¡± He looked at Alius and sneered. ¡°It¡¯s not a game.¡± ¡°Yet you¡¯ve won. You have everything you always wanted.¡± ¡°I never wanted any of this.¡± Alius stood up slowly, his beaten body creaking. ¡°Oh?¡± He smiled with crooked teeth. He then mocked David''s voice while quoting him: ¡°As acting Captain¡± Mr Potter shook his head. ¡°I am tired.¡± ¡°What of Elizabeth? Don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t know about your affair.¡± He gripped the bars and leaned against them as he watched David writhe within his skin. ¡°What you did to Esmeralda.¡± He tutted and shook his head. ¡°Yet I afforded you such a mercy by not telling a soul, not punishing Elizabeth.¡± ¡°That happened a long time ago. I regret it every day.¡± ¡°Truly a man of God. You have the woman you covet, the house you desire and the power you thirst for. All you had to do was kill me and take up your new mantel.¡± Mr Potter¡¯s lips remained tightly shut while he clenched his jaw. His aching arms shook as he listened. ¡°I should thank you, Captain Potter. You have adopted a burden that was killing me. I hope you succeed where I have failed.¡± The captain turned to leave. ¡°Captain. You are to spend the night with my wife. She isn¡¯t the woman you lusted for. Not the lady you broke your vows with poor Esme for. I have advice for you.¡± ¡°Speak it.¡± ¡°Did you invite her into the house?¡± Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Sleep with garlic. Scatter grain about your bed.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a madman.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll join me soon enough, Captain.¡± Mr Potter left and rubbed his eyes before exposing them to the fresh breeze of the night air. A single upstairs window of the manor house was lit. A figure stood there. Just as the previous time, the window blackened. Two specks remained that were like cat eyes in the night. They flickered, then disappeared. The captain turned on the spot in a dazed panic. His breathing was hoarse. His eyes were watery. Alius¡¯ words were more penetrative than he¡¯d like to admit. He felt truth to the maniac''s words. Elizabeth was different. She moved in uncanny ways. Her voice was softer. Each word felt precisely picked from a tree of words grown in a garden of deceit. Tonight, David would sleep a room or two away from her. The Captain walked about the lonely village to prolong his return to the manor, inspecting things idly as if something was ready to jump out at him. *** ¡°You have forsaken us, Alius.¡± Alius chuckled. ¡°You were always a gutless wretch, Jarrod. You¡¯ll be no loss to anyone.¡± ¡°I trusted you.¡± Jarrod held his hands in his head, ¡°What is my reward? Daniel has it out for me. I shall certainly be hanged.¡± ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have slept with Angela.¡± ¡°He doesn¡¯t know of that.¡± ¡°He certainly does, Jarrod. So does God. Did you trust me for a reward?¡± Jarrod rubbed the tears from his eyes and sniffed up a string of snot that had escaped. ¡°I trusted you because I believed you. You were a great man once, Alius.¡± ¡°I was never a great man. I just did my duty.¡± ¡°Why did you hide the key under my doorstep? Tell me that for my own sake before I am killed for your crimes.¡± Alius smirked. ¡°It¡¯s best you continue this journey with me.¡± ¡°Into the damned grave?¡± Jarrod spat and jumped up to grab the bars between their cells. ¡°I did nothing to deserve this. I just hope we part ways after we are hanged. I shan¡¯t want to join you in hell.¡± Alius watched Jarrod rage at him. ¡°We are already in hell, Jarrod. I am just trying to stop it spilling from out the walls.¡± ¡°What are you even saying, Alius?¡± Jarrod backpedalled until his back hit the cold stone wall and slid down to his rump. He sobbed softly and sniffed up more snot. ¡°I wish I had never followed you on this dream.¡± ¡°I am sorry, Jarrod.¡± ¡°Sorry? Now you¡¯re sorry? A moment ago, I was a coward and a wretch!¡± ¡°I am not sorry about you dying, Jarrod. I hope you conduct yourself properly before God.¡± ¡°I hope you burn in hell.¡± *** The captain eased the manor house door open slowly and peered in. ¡°Elizabeth?¡± his voice bounced around the decrepit house. The wind swept through and clattered the pantry door shut. He figured Elizabeth had taken to her bed for a much-needed sleep. Though tired, David found himself unable to head straight to bed. He didn¡¯t much fancy sharing sheets with Alius and considered a stretch out on the old couch. ¡°Welcome home, David.¡± David clutched his heart and swivelled his head. Elizabeth was standing like a ghost in the dark in the dining area. ¡°You scared me, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°I waited up for you.¡± ¡°Thank you, but there was no need.¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s the right thing to do.¡± She swayed as she glided into the living room and lit a few candles. ¡°You did well out there.¡± ¡°I think most of it was because of you, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°I just told them the truth. The truth saves does it not?¡± David watched the graceful beauty as she finished up brightening the living room. ¡°Where shall you sleep, Elizabeth?¡± ¡°I was hoping to take the guest room. Memories of the master bedroom, they haunt me.¡± David nodded solemnly. ¡°I understand.¡± He rose and left Elizabeth in the living room, returning momentarily with a sheep-skin blanket. ¡°You are to sleep here?¡± ¡°Yes, I think it¡¯s for the best.¡± ¡°This is your house now. You should have a proper bed.¡± Elizabeth tilted her head curiously. ¡°This is the house of the Captain, I am not the Captain, just a stand-in.¡± ¡°It¡¯s clear who the people have chosen, this is your duty now.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t want it!¡± Elizabeth shook in place and seemed to grow paler. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡± David sighed and took her by the shoulders, ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s been quite the day. Though I have no right to complain to you. You have been treated in a wretched way.¡± Elizabeth looked up at David and smiled. Her eyes were glittery and seemed to flash with a fire. ¡°You have been most kind to me. I shall retire to my room then, we can speak in the morning.¡± David hugged Elizabeth quickly. He turned and prepped his bed. He spoke as he straightened out the sheep-skin covers. ¡°Tomorrow is a big day¡ª¡± he looked behind him. Elizabeth was gone. The Captain straightened and looked around. Alone in the room once more. The candles gave way to the wind and the room blackened but for the pale moonlight creeping through the cracks of the studies boarded window. The couch was not a comfortable resting place but Mr Potter was so tired it mattered little to him. A light rain peppered the windows and this was relaxing for him. He closed his eyes and let sleep whisk him away. The slam of a door sat the captain up. He threw the covers off him and looked around the dark room. He stood and rubbed his eyes before lighting a candle in a holder. ¡°Bloody pantry door,¡± he murmured and walked around the couch with the flickering candle. The house was cold and he wished he hadn¡¯t released his sleep heat from the covers. The pantry door was closed. He dragged a chair and wedged it shut. ¡°That¡¯ll sort you,¡± he grunted. He looked behind him at the dining room table. It was scattered with the garlic Jimethy had cut down. David chuckled and thought how ridiculous Alius had been. The warmth of the sheep-skin blanket beckoned him and he headed back to the living room. Slam. There it was again. He looked at the pantry door. Of course, had wedged it shut. It sounded as if it came from upstairs. He didn¡¯t want to wake Elizabeth but that slamming door needed to be stopped. He wondered how Alius ever stayed in this God-forsaken pit. David stood at the bottom of the old wooden steps and looked up at them. Elizabeth was up there. Why would he be so hesitant? He took a deep breath and started to ascend. Each step creaked and felt as if it was about to give way underfoot. The staircase rounded a tight corner onto the landing. The bannister was missing. More work for him to do no doubt. Four doors along the upstairs hallway, two on each side. He didn¡¯t know which room was which unfortunately and he didn¡¯t want to go into Elizabeth¡¯s room. It would be unfair for her. Though he needed to ensure he didn¡¯t wedge her in. He sighed and called her name to see if she had been woken by the door slam. ¡°Elizabeth?¡± He said quietly. He walked down the hallway and opened the first door. It let out an irritated whine. He peered in and held his candle out. Seemed like a storage place, there were old trunks and lots of shelves from what he could tell. The back of the room was still dark, but he figured there¡¯d be something in here he could use to wedge the doors closed. Two bright orbs flickered from the blackness at David and stopped him from advancing further. He shut the door and stepped back into the hall. That slam rang out through the hallway once more. All the doors were shut. It came from downstairs this time. Searching for any reason to go back down, David descended the staircase in a half panic. The chair that wedged the pantry door shut had been replaced by the dining table. ¡°Alright, very clever Alius,¡± David whispered to himself. He grabbed a clove of garlic and stuffed it in his pocket. Perhaps Alius had been driven mad by this house. ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep now.¡± He said calmly. A voice whispered from the pantry door. ¡°Sleep tight.¡± Chapter 7 - A village of sin Captain Potter grabbed the chair, shoved it against the pantry door and backed away. He reconsidered and instead moved the entire table in front of the door. In a flustered and sleep-deprived panic, he rotated the couch around to face the door. Finally, he dragged the small table beside the couch and lay his flintlock upon it. With candles lit, Mr Potter lay on the couch. Now watching the pantry door, he whispered: ¡°Come out, I dare you.¡± The door seemed to bulge in the darkness. That meagre candlelight wasn¡¯t enough to penetrate the umbra of the manor house. Fierce angular architecture defended its dark nooks from exploring light. David was kept awake by the upcoming trial that would blight this already tortured village. Revelations of past sins would be laid bare like Jezebel for waiting adulterers. Perhaps they would vie for his blood as he did for Alius¡¯. Fatigue took over David, and his troubles could no longer bear the strain of keeping him awake. He clutched the garlic in his pocket and retrieved it to place it on the table beside his flintlock. His eyes flickered. Then he fell asleep. *** ¡°Good morning, David.¡± David¡¯s eyes flickered and cleared away the sleepy blur. Elizabeth stood across the couch before the pantry door with her hands behind her back. The sound of chirping birds and a cockerel crow chattered from outside. It was morning. He sat up quickly and looked around. ¡°You were busy rearranging last night? You made quite the noise.¡± ¡°Sorry, Elizabeth. I heard some things and was ensuring we were safe.¡± She tilted her head and looked at the flintlock accompanied by the garlic on the little table. ¡°Enjoy the smell of garlic and gunpowder?¡± He chuckled and rubbed the side of his head. ¡°Not quite.¡± ¡°I think I mentioned how and why I dislike garlic.¡± Elizabeth had taken on a stern tone that took David by surprise. ¡°Please dispose of it. Promptly.¡± She raised both eyebrows. ¡°Then you should fetch food from the village. I¡¯ll cook you breakfast.¡± David pursed his lips and hesitantly gathered the garlic from the dining table. He placed it in a box. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me fibs, Captain.¡± She smirked. ¡°You have a big day ahead of you. So do I.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll dispose of this garlic on my way to the village.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Captain Potter left the manor and trudged down the garden path with the box of garlic under one arm. He looked around and decided to hide the box in an unused planter. He turned and looked up at the manor house. A shadow moved in the upstairs window. He shuddered and continued into the village. The centre was alive with business and trade. The clinking of the smithy hammer, children playing, and the general chatter of the population was a welcome ambience. Jimethy and Greg approached and gave him a wave. ¡°By the lord, you look dreadful, David.¡± ¡°Thank you, Jim.¡± Said the Captain, rubbing his baggy, bloodshot eyes. He was pale and seemed to walk with a dazed skip. ¡°How was your sleep?¡± Jim smirked. ¡°Dreadful. That house is a nuisance.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Doors slamming, furniture moving¡­¡± Greg gave Jimethy a sideways glance. ¡°Furniture moving?¡± ¡°Aye.¡± The Captain yawned and rubbed his face. ¡°I moved a chair to stop the pantry door slamming and it ended up tucked back under the dining room table.¡± ¡°The wind, perhaps?¡± Asked Greg. David shook his head. ¡°No, perhaps Elizabeth.¡± Jimethy raised his eyebrows. ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°I think she¡¯s been turned somewhat batty by this whole experience. It¡¯s like living with a cat that talks.¡± At that, David looked back at the looming manor house. The curtains in the top window fell closed. He shivered. ¡°I need to get some food for the house.¡± ¡°The trial will be today, yes?¡± Jimethy inclined his head. ¡°It will.¡± ¡°Who will be presiding? You said it¡¯d be you.¡± Mr Potter nodded a few times, ¡°I perhaps said that in great haste. I believe old Graveson would be best.¡± ¡°He¡¯s a smart man,¡± said Greg. ¡°We need a jury too. Six should do.¡± Added Jimethy. ¡°Can I entrust you with that task, Jim?¡± ¡°Sure, what time will it happen?¡± ¡°Three.¡± Jimethy bowed his head and turned away. Greg made to follow, but the captain stopped him. ¡°Greg.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Help the prisoners clean up best you can.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Bring Samuel and Terrence, take no chances.¡± Greg smirked and jogged away to catch up to Jimethy. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. The Captain looked around the village. People were looking at him, talking about him and most likely eager to listen to what he to say. He sighed and stood on the centre edging surrounding the old Willow tree. ¡°People!¡± The villagers stopped and quietened, but they didn¡¯t move. ¡°Right.¡± The Captain clapped his hands. This announcement was the first he¡¯d made, and he was, for some reason, a little nervous. What if the people did not accept the nature of this trial? ¡°As you¡¯re all aware, we have two prisoners. Their trial will occur today. It will be a local affair.¡± ¡°No outside officiating, then?¡± ¡°Not necessary.¡± The Captain raised his chin. ¡°We can deal with this ourselves as a village.¡± The villagers gathered around and listened to Mr Potter explain the agenda. He was confident it would go well, which showed through in his delivery. Old man Graveson would take priority over breakfast. The Captain ventured to Gravesons¡¯ shack. It was within the outer rim of the woods surrounding the village and sat beside the old gardens planted upon the village''s founding. Old man Graveson had managed the garden. He took considerable pride in their upkeep, though they did not receive as many visitors nowadays. Captain Potter knocked on the shack door, rattling vigorously. The door clattered and wobbled after a few minutes. Old man Graveson stood in the doorway. He was tall with a long grey beard that covered most of his face. A pair of round spectacles balanced precariously on the edge of his bulbous nose. ¡°Aye?¡± He eyed Captain Potter as he leaned on his gnarled cane. ¡°Good morning, Mr Graveson.¡± ¡°Potter.¡± ¡°That¡¯s me, eh, Captain Potter now.¡± ¡°That fool Alius die or something?¡± He cleared his throat. ¡°Not quite, he¡¯s actually on trial.¡± ¡°Fer what?¡± ¡°The recent murders in the village?¡± ¡°Not sure about all that.¡± ¡°Well. I am Captain now, and I have come to ask your services on behalf of the village.¡± ¡°Go on.¡± Graveson¡¯s voice was tired. He swayed on the spot. David smiled. ¡°We¡¯d like you to be judge over the proceedings.¡± Graveson¡¯s milky eyes narrowed, ¡°I¡¯m an old man. I don¡¯t have the energy for that.¡± ¡°It would be good to have someone with your experience be there for the trial.¡± The elder pushed out his bottom lip. ¡°Alius, I never could place my finger on him.¡± He grunted. ¡°Did he ever rebuild the chapel and find a new reverend?¡± David tried to hide his impatience. He needed a ¡°yes¡± so he could be on his way. ¡°No, he did not¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s been nearly a year!¡± Graveson wheezed angrily. ¡°If I remain as Captain, I¡¯ll make it a priority Mr Graves¡ª¡± ¡°What do you mean if you¡¯ll remain?¡± The captain cleared his throat, ¡°I¡¯m only acting Captain. There are other suitable candidates. I shall hold a vote after the trial.¡± Graveson jabbed at Mr Potter with his cane. ¡°How can you make any promises if you don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll even be the Captain? Hm?¡± David caught the cane after the third prod and did his best to keep his voice calm. ¡°As I said. If I am made Captain, the Chapel rebuild and replacing the reverend will be my priority.¡± He pushed the cane to one side. Graveson nodded a few times and hummed. ¡°Right, and when is this trial?¡± ¡°Today, three o''clock.¡± ¡°Today! By the Lord, you give an old man little chance.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Have someone pick me up in a cart. I can¡¯t walk far.¡± ¡°No problem. And Mr Graveson.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Mr Potter smiled and bowed his head. Mr Graveson slammed his door on him and muttered something untoward. *** Mr Potter made the arrangements to have old man Graveson collected. Jimethy had gathered a jury and had ushered them into the town hall. The two ladies who worked in the administration room had tidied the rarely used town hall for the coming trial. Breakfast. It was nearly noon, and Mr Potter hadn¡¯t returned to the house with food for poor Elizabeth. He frantically gathered eggs and bread, then charged back to the manor. He barged through the door, ¡°Elizabeth.¡± She was standing across from him, hands behind her back. ¡°What took you so long? I asked you to fetch breakfast. It¡¯s gone noon.¡± David tried to wave her remarks off, ¡°I know, hugely sorry, got caught up in preparation for the trial.¡± He held up the eggs and bread. ¡°I brought us something to eat.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not hungry anymore.¡± ¡°Right, and should you still like to make me a meal.¡± ¡°Make it yourself.¡± Elizabeth snapped and stormed upstairs. David was left there in confusion. He felt like a husband scorned by a disappointed wife. Worse still, he felt guilty. His tardiness was perfectly reasonable, given the circumstances. He looked at the bread and eggs and shrugged. Elizabeth approached David while he poached some of the eggs. ¡°David.¡± He looked over his shoulder, ¡°Elizabeth, are you well?¡± She frowned. ¡°I wish to make amends. I do not like it when we argue like this.¡± David turned to face her and nodded with an expression of confusion painted over his face. ¡°Right.¡± ¡°You understand why I was upset with you, right, David?¡± ¡°Yes. I promised breakfast, instead, I returned at dinner time.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t make promises to me and fail to keep them, David. It¡¯s been very hard for me.¡± David pondered the direction Elizabeth had decided to take. She was not interested in giving any quarter. Her recent circumstances made him sympathetic to her misgivings, though it still vexed him. An unpleasant feeling washed over him that caused him to shudder. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t hiding anything else from me? Are you, David?¡± ¡°Such as?¡± ¡°You promised me that you¡¯d dispose of that vile garlic.¡± David began to sweat while his cheeks reddened. ¡°That I did.¡± ¡°You fulfilled your promise, right, David?¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes flashed and then narrowed. David swallowed deeply as that cool gaze pierced him. ¡°I¡­left them at the end of the garden. He cleared his throat. I mean to give them away.¡± ¡°Very good.¡± Her face returned to the innocent visage he remembered when he freed her from the pantry dungeon. ¡°So. The trial will happen today?¡± ¡°Three o¡¯clock in the town hall.¡± He turned back to his eggs and lifted the pan to stop the water bubbling over. He had instead made hard-boiled eggs. ¡°We should expect to see you at the trial, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll need to give your account of what Alius did like last night.¡± Elizabeth sat down at the dining table. ¡°I see. You are quite right, of course. I shall attend the trial. I do fear the prospect of seeing Alius again.¡± ¡°I can imagine,¡± David said as he set the eggs and bread on one plate and sat across from Elizabeth. She eyed his meal. ¡°Did you want some?¡± ¡°I already told you, your late return chased my hunger away.¡± David nodded. ¡°Of course.¡± He bit into an egg, well aware of Elizabeth''s stare as he tucked in, a sense of creeping guilt reforming at the pit of his stomach. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to say grace before you eat?¡± Elizabeth frowned with a quirk of disgust that tugged at her top lip. David dropped the remaining half of the egg on his table. He was about to scold her but controlled himself. His temple vein trembled. He finished what was in his mouth and cleared his throat. ¡°Of course, how absent-minded of me.¡± He placed his hands together, closed his eyes and spoke a small prayer of thanks.¡± When he opened his eyes, Elizabeth had gone. Chapter 8 - A trial begins David wiped his mouth and cleared the table. The trial was looming, so he hadn¡¯t the time to dawdle. He yelled goodbye to Elizabeth and said he¡¯d be in the village helping with preparations. The village was a fluster. A group of ladies were harassing Jeremy about the accommodation offered for the trial. News of the event had spread, and everyone wanted to get in on the dramatics. People had dressed in their best, which reminded The Captain he needed to clean up and change; that would require a visit to the cobblers, his true home. The Captain waved off people as they asked questions or tried to get his attention while he headed home. He entered his house and closed the door on the rowdy village, shutting out their incessant rabble for a moment of quiet. David sighed and staggered through his broken home. The remnants of his scuffle with Jarrod still needed to be tidied, though he couldn¡¯t imagine when he¡¯d get the time. The room where Esme had died was calling. Through the crack in the door, he could hear her breathing. It was deep, loud and seemed to contort the walls. David shook his head, internally chastising his fears. He barged into the room. Nothing. Just the bed with the blood-stained pillow. The old dresser and the bay window sill. David¡¯s heart throbbed. Since his wife''s death, he hadn¡¯t mourned. ¡°Captain!¡± The Captain slammed the bedroom door and turned to see Jimethy had let himself in. ¡°Do I not get a bloody moment of peace!¡± Jimethy halted and went wide-eyed in surprise. ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s¨C¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Apologies for the language.¡± ¡°Right, it¡¯s just Greg.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°He¡¯s been bit.¡± ¡°He¡¯s been bit?¡± ¡°Yeah, Alius bit him.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°In the cells when he was cleaning him up, bit him on the hand.¡± The captain rolled his eyes and shook his head. ¡°You seem agitated, David.¡± ¡°Call me captain. It¡¯s the job everyone seems to want me to do.¡± ¡°Right, Captain¡­you seem agitated.¡± ¡°I am agitated. I¡¯ve not slept properly. I eat under scrutiny. I can¡¯t mourn my wife.¡± Jimethy nodded. ¡°Look, the trial is at three. It¡¯ll be quick. After that, we can head to the pub and celebrate. Mandy will serve us up something nice.¡± Jimethy¡¯s celebratory agenda seemed to warm something within David. He cracked a smile and said: ¡°Agreed. Let me get ready, then I¡¯ll see about what happened to Greg.¡± *** Greg was sitting outside the old cells with a bandaged hand, looking sorry for himself. He clocked the captain''s approach and rose to meet him. ¡°Sir.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± The captain took Greg¡¯s wrist and inspected his hand. ¡°He was just sitting there quietly while I soaped his hair. Out of nowhere, he just bites me. Terry and Sam gave him a quick thrashing, but none too hard since he¡¯d already been paggered by you.¡± ¡°Go home, have a rest. Go to the physician if it gets infected. We need your hands.¡± Greg nodded quickly and jogged home. Jimethy met up with David. ¡°Shall we go speak to Alius?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡± ¡°Find out why he bit him, perhaps?¡± ¡°We can ask him during the trial. Honestly, this helps our case.¡± The trial was an hour away. The villagers had formed a crowd outside the town hole and were all vying to get in and seated. There wouldn¡¯t be enough room, so it was agreed the doors and windows would be left open so people could look in from the outside. Mr Graveson made his appearance, which caused several people to swarm him. Terrence, who had brought him up in a blanketed cart, shooed them away. Graveson was wheeled to the Captain standing by a small well-off from the town hall. ¡°Well, I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°Good to see you, judge.¡± ¡°Hm, people are excited about this.¡± He strained to get out of the cart, prompting Terry and Jimethy to help him and onto his feet. ¡°Alright, geroff me.¡± He dusted himself down, walked into the town hall and seated himself at the far end. ¡°Weird fella,¡± said Terry. ¡°He¡¯ll do. People respect old folks. Like they are wizards or something.¡± Jimethy chuckled. ¡°Get everyone seated or cleared out of the way, Terry.¡± Terry barked a: yes sir and started enthusiastically shoving and shouting for people to move their backsides. ¡°Jimethy.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain?¡± ¡°You and Samuel fetch Jarrod and Alius. Don¡¯t let them bite you.¡± ¡°Why? Might I turn into a vampire?¡± He raised his eyebrows playfully. The Captain didn¡¯t seem amused and continued: ¡°Keep an eye out for Daniel.¡± ¡°Why, what¡¯s he up to?¡± Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him all morning if he tries to interrupt the trial. Kill him.¡± Jimethy blinked. ¡°Right.¡± ¡°I mean it. I don¡¯t want anything to get in the way of this. It needs to be clean. I, we, this whole village must put this behind us and carry on as we were.¡± ¡°No disagreement from me.¡± Jimethy saluted and jogged away to fetch the prisoners. David ran his hand through his hair, took a deep breath and entered the town hall. All eyes were on him as he walked between the rows of benches. He took a place behind the lectern borrowed from the burned-down chapel and banged his fist on it to silence the chatter. ¡°Order, folks.¡± They took a moment to calm down but soon prepared themselves for their new captain''s address. ¡°Today''s trial will have Jarrod Bucksley and Alius Van Der Haus on the stand. They are accused of the murders of Angela Yeoman and¡­¡± He cleared his throat and composed himself, ¡°Esmeralda Potter. The defendants are additionally accused of the imprisonment and torture of Elizabeth Van Der Haus. Who will give witness today.¡± A bubble of irritating chatter brewed amongst the onlookers. The Captain silenced them with an advanced admonishment. ¡°It¡¯s imperative, that, during the trial, you remain seated and silent. If you do not comply, you will be removed. If you try to intervene in the trial.¡± He looked around the room for the absent Daniel but could not catch his face. ¡°You may find yourself shot. This is a serious matter. A fair trial must occur for all of our sakes.¡± The villagers remained quiet after this. David gave a nod of satisfaction. ¡°I shall be the prosecutor. Our very own and most esteemed elder, Mr Frederick Graveson, has humbly and generously offered to preside over the trial. You will respect his judgement.¡± Judge Graveson grumbled and nodded. Elizabeth entered. Everyone turned to see. David watched her tentatively walk up the aisle like a child at a wedding. She was wearing a black dress with a matching veil. Atop her head sat a wide-brimmed hat. People spoke in hushed tones, gossiping, revelling and delighting in their theories. David considered them all parasites before shaking such a cruel thought from his mind. He guided Elizabeth to a chair reserved for her at the front and off to the side. ¡°Are you feeling well, Elizabeth?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± She tilted her head. David took her by the hand. ¡°If you need to move away from the trial, please feel free. This will be difficult to listen to.¡± She smiled softly, ¡°I must give my statement.¡± David nodded, ¡°You are so strong, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Did you think I was weak?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± She chuckled. ¡°I jest.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Greg came into the hall with his injured hand and stood at the back. The Captain felt everything was going to plan. He had his witnesses. He had his judge. He had the village ear. He had his two defendants. Jarrod was the first to appear. His hands were tied behind his back and a black bag covered his face. Jimethy and Samuel marched him toward the stage. The crowd jeered while David demanded order. Jimethy shoved Jarrod onto a chair. Samuel ripped the bag from his head and revealed, to his horror, a large crowd of villagers staring at him with murder in their hearts. Jimethy and Samuel left after tying Jarrod down. They returned promptly with Alius. His wiry frame twisted and jerked as he was bustled to the front to sit beside Jarrod. A villager called out: ¡°Mop and bucket!¡± about Jarrod and Alius¡¯ contrasting proportions. ¡°Remove him, Terrence!¡± Shouted the Captain. Terrence gleefully hopped down from the stage, and with Samuel''s help, they dragged the man from his seat and pushed him out of the hall. Another villager took advantage of the free space and plopped herself down comfortably. Jimethy ripped the bag from Alius¡¯ face to reveal his deathly pale features to the village. Alius sneered at them. ¡°Look at you all, come to watch for amusement. You¡¯re the maniacs.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Not I.¡± The crowd jeered at Alius and frothed angrily. ¡°Order, order!¡± Graveson spoke this time. ¡°Shut up, you fools!¡± David looked at Judge Graveson with a slight smirk. He was confident the old man could take control of proceedings and quickly headed to Jimethy to ask him: ¡°Have you seen Daniel?¡± ¡°No, had a quick look around while I was dragging these two in.¡± David rubbed his chin. ¡°I have a bad feeling about this. Take my gun. Tell Terry to get his rifle and wait outside.¡± ¡°Right you are.¡± Terrence accepted the order but didn¡¯t seem too pleased. He was much more interested in watching the trial like everybody else. Though getting to show off his rifle might impress Hannah. Graveson scratched his big nose and adjusted his spectacles. ¡°Well then. We have a prosecutor. Do we have a defence for Alius and Jarrod?¡± The room fell silent. ¡°Well, this will be a fair trial!¡± Alius cried with a gravelly laugh. ¡°You can defend yourself.¡± Said judge Graveson. ¡°Judge, I don¡¯t know what I am accused of!¡± ¡°Liar!¡± Yelled The Captain. ¡°Order!¡± Graveson grumbled. ¡°You¡¯re on trial for the murders of ehm¡­what were their names, David?¡± ¡°Angela Yeoman, Esmeralda Potter and the imprisonment and torture of Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Right, all of that.¡± Graveson was about to speak but was interrupted by a deafening shot. He cringed and the crowd stood up and screamed. ¡°Order! What was that?¡± ¡°He¡¯s been shot! He¡¯s been shot!¡± The crowd panicked and began pouring into the aisle. Terrence came in with his rifle and held it aloft. ¡°Sit down! Calm down!¡± Daniel was heaving with the smoking flintlock in his hand. ¡°That¡¯s what you get, you fat bastard.¡± Jimethy pointed his pistol at Daniel. ¡°You stupid fool!¡± The Captain held out his hands. It had occurred to him that with all of Daniel¡¯s foolishness, he had outwitted the entire village and himself by hiding behind the large curtain behind the main stage. ¡°What have you done, Daniel?¡± ¡°Justice. That fat pig shagged my wife, then killed her. He was mine!¡± He pulled out the flintlock¡¯s bayonet and clipped it in. ¡°Now I¡¯m gonna stick, Alius.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Jimethy held his gun firm. ¡°Drop it.¡± ¡°Or what? You¡¯ll shoot me?¡± ¡°I will.¡± Daniel laughed and walked closer to Jimethy. ¡°You won¡¯t do anything.¡± ¡°I swear I¡¯ll do it.¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± Daniel lunged and grabbed the gun from Jimethy like a flash of lightning. He stepped back and held the gun out to Jimethy. ¡°Back of now, Jim. You soft prat.¡± Jim, feeling foolish, raised both hands and stepped back. ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Daniel.¡± The Captain sighed, so much for a simple trial. He¡¯d kill Daniel if he got the chance, which he soon will. Daniel smirked and held the gun up to Alius. Alius bounced on the chair. ¡°Go on, do it! Show the village just how incompetent Mr. Potter is!¡± He cocked the jaw. Bang. The crowd ducked down and gasped. Daniel dropped the flintlock, stumbled back and slid down the curtain. Standing in the aisle with a smoking rifle was Terrence. He lowered the barrel and nodded at The Captain. David nodded back. The room was silent until the unhinged cackle of Alius rang out like a death knell on Sunday. ¡°Oh, Captain Potter. That¡¯s two dead men. Two dead men on your watch! I assume I¡¯ll be the third. You¡¯re an angel of death!¡± ¡°These deaths are on your head, Alius.¡± ¡°Keep telling yourself that, Mr Potter.¡± David looked at Jimethy with a disappointed glare that Jimethy could feel. He walked to him. ¡°Clear the dead from the room.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be needed on hand to¨C¡± ¡°You can clear the bodies. Terrence will take over your duty here in the trial. You¡¯ll be needed as a witness anyway.¡± ¡°Right. Captain.¡± He nodded, lifted the pistol and made to walk out. ¡°Jim.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°The gun.¡± ¡°Right.¡± He handed the gun to David and made for the cart so he could load up the bodies. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen,¡± David called. ¡°Please, sit.¡± He raised his hands. ¡°What you just witnessed is the unfortunate ripples of a village, our village, that has been tortured over the past months.¡± The crowd sat to listen. ¡°Daniel was a disturbed man. We did our best to alleviate his worries, but we failed. For that, I am sorry.¡± David cleared his throat. ¡°The trial of Alius will go ahead.¡± Chapter 9 - Filthy revelations It took almost an hour to get those who wished to continue with the trial to settle. The captain made a few more speeches and begged for understanding. Some villagers had stormed out while others fled in fear. Elizabeth sat quietly throughout the commotion. She watched David. Every time he looked at her, she smiled. Not the kind of smile to warm a cold heart on a winter''s evening, but the type of smile a sadist might offer in mockery to their victim. Terrence had reloaded all the pistols and his rifle. Samuel and The captain now held a flintlock each. All three were vigilant. *** Jimethy had the unpleasant task of carting the two fresh corpses up to the morticians. He cursed under his breath at The Captain and himself. This failure was his own. He allowed Daniel to hide from him, take his weapon and shoot Jarrod. Sylvester helped him bring the bodies into the mortuary when he arrived. He was taken aback to see two fresh corpses and thought the trial had been incredibly brief. Jimethy explained what happened to the fascinated mortician. ¡°You made quite a fool of yourself, Jim.¡± Sylvester chortled. Jim sneered. ¡°I doubt you would fair any better.¡± Sylvester grinned and nodded slowly, ¡°The difference between you and I, Jim, is that I don¡¯t nose the backside of the man in power. You put yourself in that position.¡± ¡°I helped him out. That was it.¡± Sylvester lifted the covering placed over Jarrod to inspect the body. ¡°You did the same with Alius.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Jimethy moved around the slab. Sylvester glanced at him and shuffled a little. ¡°You were always chatting with him.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°Trying to get in his ear.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t.¡± Sylvester raised his brow as Jimethy got closer. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be back off to that trial?¡± Jimethy stopped. ¡°Aren¡¯t you coming?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°It¡¯s no business of yours, Jim.¡± Jimethy tutted and walked out. ¡°I hate that man.¡± He whispered to himself. He rejoined the folks in the town hall where the trial had begun, now with Alius on the stand, alone. Jim noted how happy Alius seemed about the trial and thought it odd. ¡°I¡¯d like to call my first witness,¡± boomed the Captain''s voice through the hall. ¡°Mrs Elizabeth Van der Haus.¡± Elizabeth stood daintily and gingerly ascended the steps onto the stage to stand across from Alius. The villagers looked on in silence, now gripped by the entire affair. ¡°Now Mrs Vander Hause,¡± said The Captain. ¡°Call me Elizabeth, please,¡± she said sweetly. David bowed his head. ¡°Of course. Elizabeth, is it true this man, your husband, Alius Van der Haus, imprisoned you?¡± he pointed at Alius as he spoke. ¡°Yes.¡± she nodded. ¡°Why did he do such a thing?¡± ¡°To punish me.¡± David paused. He hadn¡¯t heard the answer to this question he needed to ask. ¡°Punish you for what?¡± ¡°My affair. With you.¡± She tilted her head. The entire room gasped. A lady watching from the window fainted. The crowd began to rumble, and Judge Graveson called for order. ¡°Silence with you all!¡± Alius laughed and rocked on the chair he was bound to. Captain Potter hadn¡¯t expected this revelation to come from Elizabeth¡¯s mouth. David was sweating. His skin flushed a deep crimson. ¡°How long ago was this affair¡­of ours?¡± ¡°Thirteen years.¡± ¡°How long has Mr Van der Haus been aware?¡± ¡°Twelve years,¡± Elizabeth spoke coldly, unphased by how she might appear to the spectators. The captain nodded and bit his bottom lip. He tried to think of a line of questioning that might put him in some gracious light. The cat was out of the bag now, and he may find himself on trial at this rate. ¡°Why did you have an affair?¡± Elizabeth smiled at David. ¡°You were handsome, Mr Potter¡­I mean, Captain Potter.¡± The crowd gasped in unison again and began to chatter. The captain pinched the bridge of his nose. Elizabeth was tossing him beneath the carriage to be crushed and trampled and could do nothing for it but continue. He considered retiring his witness but knew her testimony was pivotal. ¡°When did he begin your imprisonment, Elizabeth?¡± ¡°About two months ago.¡± ¡°So, the time he addressed the village to announce your death.¡± Elizabeth shrugged, ¡°So the story goes. I was not around to see what happened in my absence.¡± ¡°Certainly. If Mr Van der Haus was punishing you for our affair, why did it take so long for him to begin the punishment? Why not punish you when he was aware?¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t want to spoil your marriage with Esmeralda.¡± ¡°Mrs Potter, a member of the deceased.¡± Added the captain. ¡°My wife.¡± Elizabeth nodded happily. ¡°So Alius changed his mind?¡± ¡°He must have.¡± ¡°He must have? Are you not sure?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Elizabeth paused. ¡°I am sure he was punishing me for our affair.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°Well¨C¡± David cut her short, ¡°Did he say outright that he was punishing you for our affair?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± The captain turned to the jury, ¡°So, as we can see, Alius¡¯ motives are not yet clear.¡± Elizabeth wiggled in her seat. ¡°He tortured you, correct?¡± ¡°It¡¯s difficult to talk about.¡± ¡°You¡¯re good at talking about difficult things, Mrs Van Der Haus,¡± David spoke through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯d like for the jury to hear what Mr Alius Van Der Haus did to you.¡± ¡°Well. He called me a vampire. He locked me in an old tunnel under the manor.¡± Judge Graveson was leaning forward at this point. The elder seemed pleased to have taken up the role of judge. He was getting far more than he had bargained for. Elizabeth continued: ¡°He force-fed me garlic. Made me count wheat grain.¡± She looked over at Alius, who had been quiet for her. ¡°He beat me.¡± ¡°Lies!¡± Spat Alius. The crowd brewed into murmurs and whispers once more. ¡°Order, order!¡± ¡°He pulled my teeth out,¡± Elizabeth said and sobbed into her hands. The captain frowned. He had only noticed her perfect smile. Missing teeth would have been quite obvious, he thought. ¡°Would you mind showing the jury and myself your missing teeth?¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± Elizabeth rose. She approached the jury first, and with her back to the Captain, she cocked her head. A couple of the jury members covered their mouths in disgust. She turned to David and smiled wide. Her canines were missing. The captain could not believe what he was seeing. Something so overt couldn¡¯t have gotten passed him. He held his head and took a moment of pause. Tiredness was the only reason he could consider for not noticing, or that Elizabeth had been careful with her smile. ¡°Thank you, Elizabeth.¡± She bowed her head and returned to her seat carefully. ¡°Will there be any more questions for the witness?¡± Said judge Graveson. ¡°None from the prosecution, judge.¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to ask some questions.¡± Alius nodded. ¡°As you¡¯re acting as your own defence, you are permitted.¡± Alius smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t know your name, but I¡¯ll call you Elizabeth for this sham.¡± He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Tell me, did you enjoy sleeping with Mr Potter?¡± ¡°He was a wonderful lover.¡± Elizabeth smiled and narrowed her eyes back at him. ¡°Better than me?¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± David covered his face with his hands. The crowd chattered, but the judge was too engrossed to silence them. ¡°How long have you been a vampire, Elizabeth?¡± David peeked from between his fingers. The question wouldn¡¯t help the madman''s case, lest Elizabeth admits to being such a creature. ¡°Never, it¡¯s all in your mind, Alius. You¡¯re mad.¡± ¡°Do you hate me?¡± ¡°I feel sorry for you, Alius.¡± ¡°Do you believe I killed those women?¡± Elizabeth paused. ¡°Yes.¡± Alius smiled. ¡°That is all.¡± Sylvester was next to be called to the stand. Jimethy explained he was at the mortician''s. Terrence was ordered to collect Sylvester, so Jimethy was brought onto the stand instead. Jimethy answered the Captain''s questions roundly about discovering the bodies and strengthed Elizabeth¡¯s story nicely. Alius had a turn to ask Jimethy questions now. Both Jimethy and The Captain were quite confident Jimethy would have no troubles though. ¡°Jimethy, Jimmy, Jim. How are you?¡± Jimethy shrugged at Alius. ¡°Is it true that you used to play with young Tom Boden?¡± Jim frowned. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What happened to Tom, Jim?¡± ¡°There was an accident, he was attacked by the Jenkins dogs.¡± ¡°Accident. So you didn¡¯t lock him in there with them?¡± ¡°Certainly not.¡± The Captain leapt to his feet, ¡°Judge, this has nothing to do with the case!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll allow it to continue.¡± The Captain shook his head and slunk back down with his arms folded over his chest.¡± ¡°How did he get in the barn with the dogs?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know how he got in the barn with the dogs?¡± ¡°No.¡± Jim shook his head. ¡°Whose padlock was found on the exterior of the barn?¡± ¡°Mine. But¡ª¡± ¡°No further questions!¡± Alius laughed and licked his lips. Jimethy tried to explain again but was interrupted by the judge and the crowd which had become rowdy again. Judge Graveson struggled to quell them this time. After a few minutes, they finally sat down. David rubbed his head. He was being taunted by Alius at this point. Terrence hadn¡¯t made it back with Sylvester just yet, so Greg was brought on as the next witness. He spoke about the things Alius said and did in the cell. The story of his bitten hand was helpful to the case against, Alius. It didn¡¯t seem like he cared much. Alius had his turn next. ¡°Greg, my young friend.¡± Greg nodded. ¡°Hello, Alius.¡± ¡°You see I am rather beaten, bruised.¡± ¡°I do.¡± ¡°How did that happen?¡± Greg looked at David. ¡°Captain Potter beat you, sir.¡± ¡°How did that make you feel, to see a prisoner in your care throttled as I was?¡± ¡°Not good.¡± ¡°How long was I beaten?¡± ¡°Perhaps half an hour.¡± More murmurs from the crowd, though they quelled after Alius finished his questions. Sylvester arrived. He wasn¡¯t pleased to be in such a busy public place. Terrence had been effective when it came to convincing people to behave, or stop. ¡°Sylvester Lanshire. You accepted the bodies of Esmeralda and Angela into your mortuary, correct?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°Could you describe for the jury, how those bodies were delivered to you?¡± ¡°Dead.¡± Some of the spectators chuckled. ¡°Very good. Anything out of place.¡± ¡°Ah, they had a stake driven through their hearts. Angela had gloves of garlic pushed into her mouth.¡± ¡°Is this normal?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Do you know who did this?¡± ¡°Alius.¡± ¡°How do you know he did this?¡± ¡°He told me. He also asked me if any of the bodies drew breath once more and attempted to bite me.¡± ¡°Did they?¡± Sylvester scoffed, ¡°Of course not.¡± ¡°Alius asked you to keep a secret from the village, didn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Sylvester nodded and lowered his eyes. ¡°What was it?¡± ¡°Alius had not produced Elizabeth¡¯s corpse. I had asked for it several times. He told me to tell the village I had it.¡± The Captain nodded. ¡°Who did you tell about this?¡± ¡°You, Captain.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I could not keep it in any longer. I felt it suspicious. It was clear Alius was going mad.¡± ¡°Do you believe Alius killed Angela Yeoman and Esmeralda Potter?¡± Sylvester pursed his lips and hesitated. ¡°I do. What he did to those women''s corpses is, well it¡¯s insane.¡± The captain wrapped up his questions with a thanks. As usual, Alius had his turn to ask. The entire room now leaned forward and went dead silent. Sylvester noticed this change but wasn¡¯t aware of the reason why, if he had seen Alius¡¯ previous questioning sessions he might have fled. ¡°Sylvester, how long have you been this village''s faithful mortician?¡± ¡°Six years.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your favourite food?¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± He looked at the judge who waved him to answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I like porridge.¡± ¡°Do you remember a fateful day three years ago, when I caught you eating?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t recall.¡± ¡°You were indulging yourself in a particular meat.¡± Sylvester shook his head. ¡°I shan¡¯t answer this nonsense.¡± ¡°Your head was between the legs of a recently deceased Emily Crane, was it not?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°You begged for me to keep your secret, I did, by the way.¡± ¡°Nonsense.¡± ¡°You enjoy the taste of dead flesh from between the legs of women. If you don¡¯t believe me, dig up Angela or go see Esmeralda. I bet he¡¯s made a mess of them.¡± The onlookers rose to their feet and began shouting. It was hard to tell at whom. ¡°No more questions!¡± Yelled Alius over the noise. Chapter 10 - Black proceedings Sylvester stormed out of the courtroom as it erupted into a rowdy debate. Judge Gravesons shrill calls for order were ignored, or unheard. The trial had taken its toll on the sensibilities of the villagers, and the Captain was at risk of losing the proceedings to mass hysteria. The captain drew his flintlock and fired a bullet into the air. The crack of the powder stunned everyone. ¡°Order!¡± he barked. ¡°This trial must continue if you desire justice for Alius''s crimes. Do you want me to set him free and have this horror continue? This is all a game Alius is playing. He is trying to put the village on trial when in fact, it is HE who is on the dock!¡± The crowd settled and sat down. The captain handed his flintlock to Samuel to be repowdered. Somehow, David felt he¡¯d need it again today. The time was five o¡¯clock, and the trial lasted two hours and there were still more witnesses to go. The evening was overcast. Speckles of rain dotted the people watching from outside. They responded by cramming themselves in tightly from the back. Terrence didn¡¯t argue much with them this time. Several more witnesses took the stand. The villagers were each subjected to questions regarding interactions they had with Alius. It was all rather mundane for the onlookers until Alius had his turn. Each time, Alius would reveal an alleged sin. Sally Mcgowen, poisoning the cats. Victor Premish and his pilfering of stores. Henry Blackmoore and his desire for fire around the chapel. None could be proven, but they sowed seeds of doubt effectively as the crowd rumbled and nodded at hearing their theories brought to life. David stood up after hearing no further witnesses were willing to stand. ¡°It seems Alius has been successful in scaring away witnesses with his tales. All unsubstantiated, I might add.¡± He looked over the village. The rain cracked and poured hard. Nobody outside moved. ¡°My next witness is me. Jimethy will be the prosecutor for this line.¡± Jimethy cleared his throat. They hadn¡¯t had time to prepare, even if they did, it was clear this trial was more theatre than anything. He watched Potter take a seat and began questioning. He repeated many of the questions The captain had asked him, reinforcing the story about finding Elizabeth. Jim cleared his throat. ¡°Mr Van Hausen came to your home on the morning you found your wife dead, correct?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What did Alius determine?¡± ¡°He said it was the work of a vampire.¡± Jimethy nodded. ¡°He drove a stake through her heart¡­how did this happen?¡± ¡°When I left the room to make a cup of tea, he locked the door.¡± David looked forlorn, ¡°I realised something was amiss and tried to go back inside. When I found it locked, I tried to break the door down.¡± ¡°What happened next?¡± ¡°He commanded Jarrod to retrain me.¡± ¡°Was Jarrod rough?¡± ¡°He threw me into the plate dresser and struck me twice.¡± ¡°Were you able to fend off your assailant?¡± ¡°Yes. I then broke into the room.¡± ¡°What did you find?¡± David took a deep breath, ¡°He had driven a stake through Esme¡¯s heart. And¡­he was mounting her body, kissing it.¡± Alius stamped his feet. ¡°That is a lie!¡± ¡°Order!¡± Said Judge Graveson. David continued. ¡°I tried to pull him off and he bit her neck. He attacked me, then fled.¡± Embellishing the story made the pit of his stomach twinge with guilt. It was easy to shake off when he looked at Alius, reminded of his chaotic impact. ¡°What happened after that?¡± ¡°Regrettably, I overreacted and caused a scene in the village. I then found out from Sylvester that Elizabeth''s body was missing, and this spurred me into action. As a result of that action, Elizabeth.¡± He gestured toward her, ¡°was saved.¡± ¡°No further questions.¡± Alius smiled. ¡°Well, here we are, Mr Potter. Captain David Potter.¡± The captain shuffled in his chair and crossed his legs. He raised his chin confidently. ¡°Why did you tell a lie about what happened in your home with Esmeralda?¡± ¡°I did not.¡± Alius nodded, ¡°You may think this is my trial. It¡¯s yours. And before your peers, you will demonstrate what is in store for this village. It does not bode well.¡± ¡°Ask your questions, make your accusations, please.¡± Alius shook his head. ¡°I do not care for my life. I have been wishing it away every day for the past five years. This village was a mistake, you were all a mistake.¡± The crowd bubbled and growled. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend I lie. You picked a judge with a penchant for children.¡± ¡°Order!¡± Graveson went beet red and miraculously rose with great speed. ¡°You will remain on point!¡± Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. David thought it convenient this was the first time the Judge had halted Alius¡¯ wild accusations. Alius was sealing his fate, baying for the rope to strangle the pain away. The rain was flooding into the open door of the hall and pooling in the aisle. Darkness enveloped. The village seemed devoid of life because of the lack of lanterns lit. Elizabeth remained seated, quiet and with a delicate smile barely visible under her veil. ¡°I think it¡¯s time for final statements, said Graveson.¡± He rubbed his wrinkly forehead and brushed his beard with his fingers. ¡°We are all tired.¡± The captain was first. ¡°To the Jury. I think you have seen how clearly mad Mr Van Der Haus is. He tortured his wife. He had the village uninvite each other formally to their homes. Had us lock ourselves away. Hang garlic from our doors and scatter grain wheat about our steps. Why?¡± He raised his hands, ¡°Simple, so he and his accomplice, Mr Jarrod Bucksley, could have free reign. They patrolled uninhibited and murdered two innocent women.¡± The captain sighed, ¡°All this under the guise of vampires and creatures, a sick fantasy he was playing out. He has tortured our village with his lies. You have seen it first-hand in this trial. I beg of you, dear jury, make the right choice here.¡± Terrence dragged the chair Alius was tied to the front of the stage so he could speak to the jury and the crowd. ¡°You are all dead.¡± he laughed. ¡°Repent, for this curse will collect. It wants your blood. It will have it. When I am dead, your problems will grow like weeds.¡± David shook his head. Graveson cleared his throat, ¡°Well, the jury shall head to the inn to make their decision. Do not interrupt them.¡± The jury shuffled out behind Terrence. The town was silent in their absence. The rain had cooled the room. The villagers shivered and pulled in tight. A lump had formed in David''s throat. He thought of how he could have worded things and questions he might have asked. The verdict must be guilty. The doubt was crippling. He needed to piss but hadn¡¯t the strength to stand. The jury returned after an agonising hour. David felt what life remained in him drain away to join the rain in the aisle. His breathing hastened. All he could see was the jury seating themselves. He didn¡¯t hear Graveson ask them for their verdict. He could only hear muffled squawking and honking. The lead juror stood. ¡°We have agreed upon a verdict.¡± David closed his eyes. Alius smiled happily. ¡°We find Mr Alius Van Der Haus.¡± The whole room leaned in. ¡°Guilty. Guilty for the murders of Angela Yeoman and Esmeralda Potter. Guilty of the imprisonment and torture of Elizabeth Van Der Haus.¡± David breathed a sigh of relief. He felt his entire body deflate. His legs were shaking, his arms weak and his heart was palpating. He had succeeded in taking down Alius. The victory felt hollow still. Graveson eased up to his feet gingerly. ¡°Judgement for Alius. Death. By way of hanging.¡± He grumbled. ¡°Now, someone take me home. I¡¯m hungry.¡± *** Many of the villagers had returned home to warm from the rain. A group of around forty had come to see the hanging. The captain wanted to get the hanging over quickly. He was not going to risk having Alius alive for a moment longer. It felt wrong that he desired the death of a man so urgently. A part of him wasn¡¯t sure that he had killed Esmeralda. Terrence and Jimethy prepped the rope. They were to use the old willow in the village square as the brace. Alius gave no struggle or protest as he walked up to the tree. He stood on the stool and then allowed Terrence to bring the rope around his neck and tighten the noose. Jimethy tied his hands behind his back and his ankles together. Captain David led a small prayer for the village. He asked for forgiveness and that a new dawn could be granted in the wake of this tragedy. The rain fell heavy and they were soaked through. Lanterns circled the willow tree with their holder''s faces hidden. ¡°Do you have any final words, Alius?¡± Asked David. Alius looked at Mr Potter and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s in the walls, David.¡± He screwed his face up. ¡°What is in the walls.¡± ¡°All of it. It¡¯s in the walls. It¡¯s waiting to come out. You will learn soon enough, Captain. By freeing me, you shackle yourself. I do not hate you.¡± ¡°Then why the resistance to me?¡± Alius smiled, ¡°I do not respect you, David. I do not have confidence in you. You are not fit for leadership. You are greedy and make poor decisions. You have damned this village and all we worked for.¡± David nodded, ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll consider those criticisms.¡± Terrence placed his foot on the stool and waited for the Captain''s signal. David nodded. The stool tumbled away after being kicked. Alius began to choke. He wriggled like a fly caught in a spider''s web. The gasping chokes turned to gurgles, then the gurgles to a wheeze as Alius¡¯ body released air from his other orifices. The smell was unbecoming. ¡°Shall we take the body down?¡± Asked Jimethy. ¡°No, leave it for the morning.¡± David turned to the crowd. ¡°The deed is done, the devil is banished. Back to your homes to be with your families. Be safe.¡± ¡°There will be much to do in the morning, Captain.¡± David grimaced as he trotted towards the cobbler''s house. ¡°I know. We have bodies and questions.¡± Jimethy followed along beside him, ¡°We also have your captaincy.¡± ¡°How do you mean?¡± ¡°Well, after the news of the affair, I am sure you¡¯ll have fallen out of favour,¡± Jimethy said smugly. David turned and moved before Jimethy¡¯s path, ¡°I do not want to be captain.¡± ¡°Yet you are.¡± ¡°We will vote on it when a candidate appears.¡± ¡°There is one.¡± David cleared his throat. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Me.¡± Jimethy pointed at himself. ¡°You?¡± Jimethy sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that. I¡¯m as competent as the next man.¡± ¡°Daniel took your flintlock from you.¡± ¡°I was in shock.¡± ¡°You dithered. You put us all at risk. You think you could be Captain?¡± Jimethy cocked his head, ¡°Sounds like you don¡¯t want competition.¡± ¡°I do, but I want it from a man that is dependable.¡± ¡°Unlike you.¡± David clenched his fist and raised his arm halfway. ¡°Going to hit me, Captain?¡± Jimethy nodded to the balled fist. ¡°No, I¡¯m tired. Three men died today.¡± ¡°On your watch.¡± ¡°On our watch.¡± Jimethy shook his head, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it tomorrow then. Will you be spending the night with your lover, Elizabeth?¡± David gritted his teeth, ¡°She isn¡¯t my lover.¡± Jimethy smirked. ¡°Try not to lock any boys in with dogs in the meantime.¡± David nodded, pleased to have wiped the smirk from Jimethy¡¯s smug face. Jimethy spat on the ground and stormed off. David rubbed his head. He wandered back to his home, his true home. So much for the celebratory drinks and meal at the inn, thought David. He locked the door behind him and pressed his forehead to the wood. ¡°Aren¡¯t you coming to the manor house?¡± He spun on the spot. ¡°Elizabeth?¡± Chapter 11 - Uninvited Guest Elizabeth stood with her hands behind her back, rocking from ball to heel. She had removed her veil. ¡°How did you get in here?¡± ¡°I went through the door.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t invite you.¡± ¡°You never uninvited me. Well, Esmeralda never uninvited me,¡± she smiled and licked her lips. ¡°I shan¡¯t be going to the manor house, and you should not be here?¡± ¡°Why? Do you fear the dullards of this village will think the worst of us?¡± David walked past her and into the kitchen. He could feel her cold breath on his neck. ¡°They already know the worst of us.¡± He muttered while preparing a pot of tea. The broken china cracked under his boots as he trotted around the kitchen. ¡°I overheard your conversation with Jimethy.¡± Elizabeth stood in the doorframe and watched David. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be mourning your husband? You¡¯re dressed for it.¡± Elizabeth chuckled, ¡°He wants your position.¡± ¡°He can have it.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t want to be captain?¡± David was about to reply when he felt icy fingers rub his shoulders. He placed his hands on the table and inhaled. Her presence made him want to curl up into a ball and die. ¡°Where has your ambition gone?¡± ¡°I have no ambition. I¡¯m a cobbler who stumbled on a murderer. Why would you care?¡± He tried to shrug her off but was held in place by a strength which would be unreasonable for a woman her size. David turned his head to look at her. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me.¡± Her voice was a husky whisper. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t like what you saw.¡± He shuddered and closed his eyes. ¡°What are you?¡± ¡°You will be captain, David.¡± She kissed the back of his neck. David tried to struggle but was held too tight. He whimpered softly. ¡°You¡¯re not Elizabeth.¡± He shook his head as tears formed in the corners of his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re not her.¡± ¡°You will come to the manor house. I do not wish to be alone.¡± Her voice was a deep and animalistic growl. ¡°I wish to be alone.¡± David could feel talons claws dig into his shoulders. He mustered the courage and roared as he turned around to face her. She had gone. The door flapped in the wind and the candles flickered then extinguished. The captain stormed onto the wet street and into the square, where Alius¡¯ body swung in the wind. He looked up at the manor house. The upstairs window was bright. Watching him only for a moment before it went black. He gritted his teeth and yelled to the house on the hill, ¡°I¡¯m not coming!¡± Terrence came out from the tavern where he was having a drink. ¡°Captain, everything alright?¡± David held his finger out to Terrence. ¡°Tomorrow, we choose a new captain.¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡°Jimethy can be captain. Tell him he¡¯s the captain.¡± ¡°Now?¡± ¡°Yes, now, I¡¯m no longer acting captain.¡± ¡°Why? Is it the affair business?¡± David ran his hand over his head. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± ¡°Leaving where?¡± ¡°Anywhere. I¡¯m going back to Old Town.¡± The rain had given way to a drizzle and the wind picked up a fierce whip. Signs, tables, chairs and buckets flew about the streets as villagers ran out to collect their stuff. ¡°You can come with me if you like.¡± ¡°Nay, sir. I¡¯ll stay here.¡± He looked back at a young lady he was drinking with. She was waving him back into the pub. ¡°Do you as you please.¡± David returned to his home and tried to open the door, it was locked from the inside. He looked through the window where only blackness and his wide-eyed reflection stared back at him. He picked up a planter and tossed it through the window. The glass shattered and sprayed his living room floor with soil and glass. He took up a street lantern and clambered through carefully. The glass crunched under his boots as he waved the lantern in front of him. Smoke still danced from the candles and the scent of their wicks filled his nostrils. He whispered to himself, ¡°Right, David, Pack a few things and get out of here.¡± ¡°You alright?¡± David jumped and turned around. His neighbour Louise was peering through the broken window with wide eyes. ¡°Yes, locked myself out.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a frightful way of going about things, Mr Potter.¡± He rolled his eyes, ¡°Cheaper to replace a window than a broken door and frame.¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Right.¡± The lady left, and David could still hear her chattering about the goings on with a few concerned villages nearby. Tentatively, he made his way to the living room door that led into the hallway running to the kitchen. The door whined as it opened onto the dark stretch. He never thought he¡¯d be so scared to walk through his home. Whispers from around the house taunted him. He pushed his arm out to illuminate the hallway, and his head followed. Looking left, clear, looking right towards the front door, it was clear. ¡°Right, David. Compose yourself.¡± He quick time stepped to the door and retrieved the key. Padding footsteps from behind had David turn to look down the hallway. The door to the bedroom where Esmeralda died slammed shut. ¡°I¡¯m not amused by your games, Elizabeth.¡± He waited for a reply. ¡°I shall be leaving this place. There¡¯s nothing here for me now.¡± Two golden eyes in the darkness blinked at David from the kitchen. He dropped the lantern and turned to unlock the door. The low growl hummed from behind, prickling the hairs on his neck as he fumbled for the key in his pocket. ¡°Come home to me.¡± David whimpered and shook his head. The growl grew louder. He could feel a cold breeze on his neck as if a revenant was breathing over him. ¡°No, no, no!¡± He jammed the key in and twisted it. The door clicked. He shoved at the door but it wouldn¡¯t budge. Something was blocking it. ¡°David. You will go home now!¡± The voice echoed through his ribcage. With the last of his strength, he shouldered the door and spilled into the street. At least, he expected to be in the street. David walked in and looked around. He was in the manor house living room. The table had been blocking the door from when he placed it in front last night. He shut the pantry door behind him quickly and breathed. ¡°Don¡¯t think about leaving, David.¡± David pressed his back to the pantry door. Elizabeth was sitting on the couch, cross-legged wearing her nighty. Her eyes flashed golden and her teeth were a row of chattering spines. ¡°Who are you?¡± She smiled at him and cocked her head. ¡°I¡¯m famished, David.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t help you.¡± ¡°The village is ripe, David.¡± She stood slowly. Her face caught in the candlelight. It was bony and pallid. Her hair fell out as she glided towards him. Her mouth opened wide. David lifted his arm to cover his face and then screamed. He awoke on the bed. Which bed? He looked around the room. He was back at his home. Sweat-laden, he climbed off the bed and walked into the dark hallway. He lit candles one by one. ¡°Just a dream.¡± David checked the living room. The window was intact, yet, glass and soil littered the floor. A loud rapping at the door made him jump. Ever so gingerly he approached. Unlocking it and easing the door open. It was still night. Standing outside was the short man, Sylvester. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± Sylvester nodded. ¡°May I come.¡± David was about to agree, as he could use the company after that nightmare, but something twinged in his mind. ¡°No, you¡¯re not permitted to enter.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not for long¡ª¡± ¡°You are not invited into my house.¡± Sylvester paused. ¡°You¡¯re starting to sound like Alius. I am not a vampire.¡± ¡°Well, that remains to be seen after what transpired in the trial.¡± ¡°Do you honestly believe that drivel?¡± David rubbed his head, ¡°No. I suppose not.¡± ¡°Then you¡¯ll let me in, hm?¡± ¡°I am not taking visitors.¡± ¡°I do wish to speak to you urgently.¡± David gritted his teeth. Exhaustion had set in. He didn¡¯t much care for the people in the village anymore and still had a great desire to leave as soon as possible. ¡°I shall visit your mortuary tomorrow.¡± ¡°Whatever for.¡± ¡°We can discuss what plagues you. Amongst other things.¡± Sylvester was turned away and David slammed the door shut on him. ¡°A fine job, sending him away.¡± David froze when he heard Elizabeth''s voice. He turned to look at her, expecting the monster. No, just plain Elizabeth. She smiled at him warmly. ¡°He¡¯s a bad sort. Do you think it¡¯s true what Alius said about him?¡± ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve come to check on you, David. You don¡¯t seem well.¡± ¡°I just saw you, in the house, you were¡ª¡± ¡°David.¡± she raised her eyebrows. ¡°You have a very important duty as Captain. You must remain vigilant.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± David pressed himself tightly against his front door. ¡°Tomorrow, you will investigate the accusations levied against Sylvester. If he has done what Alius speaks of, we need to stop him.¡± ¡°We? I am the Captain. I¡¯ll decide who needs to be stopped.¡± Her eyes seemed to flash as she approached him. ¡°Get some sleep now. Tomorrow is a new day for us. For this village.¡± David closed his eyes tightly. ¡°Excuse me, David.¡± He opened them. ¡°I¡¯d like to leave.¡± She nodded at him. ¡°Right.¡± He moved away from the door to let Elizabeth leave. ¡°You are acting so very strangely.¡± She shook her head left. David locked the door and stumbled through his home before collapsing on the chair. He dipped in and out of consciousness before finally falling asleep. *** ¡°He said I¡¯m acting captain, now.¡± Said Terrence. Jimethy raised his eyebrows. ¡°You?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± He nodded. Terrence had been slurring his words. ¡°Said I did such a good job today, and because you made a pig''s ear of everything, you have to be my helper.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have to be your anything, Terrence. You¡¯re drunk.¡± Jimethy made to close his front door on him but Terrence stopped him. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if I¡¯ve been drinking. What matters is you accept that I¡¯m Captain.¡± ¡°Where is, David?¡± ¡°He¡¯s gone. Left.¡± ¡°He¡¯s run away has he?¡± Jimethy narrowed his eyes. ¡°I think I can catch up to him before he leaves town.¡± Jimethy attempted to leave his house but Terrence shoved him back in. ¡°What are you doing, Terrence?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t question me you prat.¡± Jimethy sneered and shoved Terrence back. ¡°Piss off with you, drunkard!¡± Terrence took considerable offence to Jimethy¡¯s shove and tackled him into the house. They both fell on the floor with Terrence on top. Like a frenzied ape, he began to rain blows down on the cowering Jimethy. He cursed and thumped with all his might. Jimethy was able to roll onto his belly underneath the maddened Terrence and crawl away, rocking his assailant off. He scrambled to his feet and ran up the stairs. ¡°Jimmy. Come out, Jimmy!¡± Jimethy could hear the door locking. He looked around his bedroom for a weapon, only to find an old bushcraft blade. ¡°Go away, Terrence.¡± He could hear him coming up the stairs with deliberately slow thuds. ¡°I know you¡¯re drunk. Leave now and I won¡¯t tell a soul about this!¡± He shook in the corner, the inch blade at the ready. Terry kicked the door open and growled. He pushed the bed out of the way and pointed at Jimethy. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your face, Terry?¡± Jimethy held out the blade to threaten. Terry laughed and snarled. His spiny teeth chattered. His eyes glowed a pale yellow with large pupils like pits. ¡°Never challenge the Captain, Jim.¡± Jimethy lunged at Terry and found himself on the floor. Terry mounted him rapidly and pinned him down with impossible strength. ¡°No, Terry!¡± A blood-curdling scream rang out through the village. Nobody cared. They were either sleeping or making merry after the trial. Besides, it¡¯d just be a drunkard. Chapter 12 - A new dawn David awoke with a start and sat up on his chair. The morning sun poured through the window and brightened his living room. His head pounded and his eyes burned. He pushed himself onto his feet and went to finish the pot of tea he had attempted last night. He stirred his cup and then brought the hot brew to his lips, savouring the sip of tea. Three knocks at the door rattled down the hallway before he could take a second sip. ¡°For the love of the lord.¡± He headed to the front door with cup in hand and opened it. ¡°What do you two need?¡± Jimethy and Terry stood before him. ¡°Couple of things,¡± said Jimethy. ¡°First, I want to say sorry about last night.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. As I said, you can have the captaincy. I¡¯ll be leaving this morning.¡± Terrence frowned, ¡°We had a discussion last night, didn¡¯t we, Jim? We think you¡¯re the man for the job.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± David made to close the door on them but Terrence blocked it with his foot. ¡°There¡¯s a problem that needs your attention.¡± ¡°Not my problem, leave me be.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Alius, sir,¡± Jimethy interjected. David grimaced and opened the door wider. ¡°Alius swings, what possible problem could he be?¡± ¡°He¡¯s gone, Captain.¡± Said Terry. ¡°Gone?¡± ¡°Not there.¡± ¡°I know what gone means. He''ll have been taken to the mortuary by Sylvester.¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, he undressed him first.¡± ¡°What?¡± Terry nodded, ¡°His clothes are strewn about the tree.¡± ¡°Well, as I said, I¡¯m not captain. Good luck finding out what happened there, Jim.¡± He slammed the door in their face and pressed his back against it. Terry and Jim exchanged a few words before wandering away. David finished his tea and went straight to packing. He stuffed a change of clothes, his cobbler tools and a few rations into an old sack pack. After eating a couple of runny eggs and some stale bread, he headed out. Several villages led by Terry and Jim made to block his path. ¡°Goodbye,¡± said David curtly to them. ¡°You can¡¯t leave,¡± said a villager. ¡°Yes I can. I¡¯ve had enough of you people and this village.¡± ¡°Alius has vanished.¡± ¡°One of you probably ate him or something.¡± The small group gasped. Jimethy kept up with David¡¯s quick walking pace, ¡°I said sorry. Don¡¯t leave on account of me.¡± David shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s nothing to do with you. It¡¯s this place. Alius was right, it¡¯s cursed.¡± Jim stopped as he watched David walk on, ¡°So you have lost your mind as Alius did?¡± ¡°No.¡± David called back, ¡°I¡¯m leaving before I do.¡± Jimethy raised his hands before they slapped down by his sides. Terry joined his flank and folded his arms to watch David flee. ¡°He¡¯ll be back. For now, I¡¯ll take the role of captain.¡± Jim looked at Terry. ¡°Right you are, my captain.¡± Terry smiled broadly and turned to the villagers, who were fussing around the Willow tree. ¡°We better get to work lest they start coming up with their own theories.¡± Jim nodded. Terry barged through the group and stood in front of the willow tree to face them. ¡°Good morning, everyone.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s Captain Potter?¡± ¡°He¡¯s investigating something, I am acting captain.¡± Terry smiled and gave a glance to the manor on the hill. ¡°Another captain?¡± ¡°No, acting captain, while Mr Potter is away.¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s time we had a vote on our new captain.¡± A man shouted. More villagers had come out of their homes to join the growing crowd. ¡°I think you should shut your mouth,¡± Terry growled, and the man sunk back into the group of dower faces. Terry continued: ¡°The trial was quite the event. The village needs time to heal. Captain Potter will steady the ship.¡± ¡°Then why isn¡¯t he here?¡± ¡°I told you, he¡¯s investigating something.¡± ¡°What happened to Alius? Where is his body?¡± ¡°Sylvester picked him up last night.¡± Terry smiled calmly. ¡°Stripped him naked first, did he?¡± Called a woman. Terry shook his head, ¡°Sylvester is an odd fellow. I shall speak to him and ask him why. For now, go home, go to work. It¡¯s market day tomorrow.¡± The crowd dispersed, chuntering as they returned home or to their work. Jim approached Terry and rubbed his hands. ¡°What now?¡± ¡°Get the pistols.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°We need to show a presence, we need to be armed.¡± ¡°Right, then what?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a chat with that oddity, Sylvester.¡± *** This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. David did not look back as he marched through the woods on the old path. A fine mist covered the ground. The dew-kissed grass soaked his shoes and pant cuffs. He didn¡¯t look back. The trees loomed over him and bristled in the wind. He didn¡¯t know how far he had to go, but he wouldn¡¯t stop til he was in New Town. The misty layer around his feet made navigating the terrain cumbersome, causing him to stumble over stones and branches. ¡°Running from your problems, Mr Potter?¡± David nearly jumped up a tree when he heard that dry, familiar voice. He staggered around and tried to find the source. ¡°Who said that? Who¡¯s there?¡± From behind an old oak came a naked man. A rope hung around his neck and trailed alongside him. He stepped out onto the path and placed his hands on his hips. ¡°Ah, I do love the crisp morning forest air.¡± The initial shock of a bare man in the woods faded until he realised who it was. ¡°Alius?¡± ¡°In the flesh, sort of.¡± ¡°You¡¯re dead.¡± ¡°Perceptive as always, David.¡± ¡°How..are..you¨C¡± ¡°I¡¯m better than ever, David. Finally, I can rest. My mind is my own again.¡± David backed away slowly, making ready to run. ¡°You¡¯re one of them¡­¡± Alius shook his head slowly. ¡°No. But it is good you recognise this curse.¡± ¡°How are you here?¡± Alius looked around the forest. He took in the ambience, sighed deeply and looked at David. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. Well, partially.¡± ¡°What is?¡± Alius rubbed his nose. ¡°There is no escape from this village.¡± ¡°Still insane. I see.¡± ¡°I stand before you, risen from the dead and you still have the audacity to play the doubting Thomas?¡± Alius stepped closer to David. David backed away. ¡°You¡¯re hardly heaven-sent.¡± Alius pushed out his bottom lip, ¡°A fair point. Though that does not help your situation.¡± ¡°What is my situation?¡± ¡°We are in purgatory. Gehanna. If you will. Held by this curse.¡± David sneered, ¡°Then I shall walk away from it.¡± ¡°We brought this upon ourselves, David. We laid with the Devil for a life of frivolity. We took the wretched and hid them away from God''s gaze.¡± ¡°Make a point.¡± ¡°Walk with me.¡± David hesitated but followed behind Alius down the misty road. ¡°This is a dream.¡± ¡°You will wish that so, David.¡± Alius sighed. ¡°The village is poised to consume itself. You will be the vessel.¡± ¡°Vessel?¡± Alius stopped. ¡°I do not have much time. I will be hunted. I will be forced to live in the walls and watch with the rest of the souls. Our descent into hell begins. The Devil collects his tax.¡± ¡°What am I to do?¡± Alius looked at David over his shoulder. ¡°I do not know.¡± *** Sylvester opened his door quickly, ¡°Finally. Captain, we can speak¡ª¡± ¡°Good morning, Syl.¡± ¡°What do you two want?¡± He looked over Jimethy and Terry. Terry pushed Sylvester back into the mortuary, grabbed him by the arm and walked him down the steps to where he prepared the bodies. Jim closed the door and followed behind. ¡°What are you doing? Get off me!¡± Terry shoved him into the slab where Jarrod''s bloated corpse lay. ¡°Business has been picking up for you lately, I see.¡± ¡°If you want to call it that.¡± Sylvester rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°I did what you asked of me.¡± ¡°Why did you wish to speak to the captain?¡± Sylvester moved around the slab to put it between himself and Terry. ¡°It was about the burial arrangements for Esmeralda.¡± ¡°You seemed awfully anxious to speak with him.¡± Jimethy moved around the other side of the slab. ¡°I did what you asked. Potter is captain.¡± ¡°Potter ran away.¡± ¡°Right, well¡­¡± ¡°Where is Alius¡¯ body?¡± Sylvester opened his mouth wide, ¡°What?¡± Terry moved around the slab and narrowed his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened to his body. Probably prankster?¡± Terrence slapped Jarrod¡¯s stomach and laughed at the wobble. ¡°Waste of good food.¡± Sylvester shuffled his feet. ¡°Will that be all?¡± Terry raised his eyebrows. ¡°If I find out you were planning on helping David¡­¡± ¡°I wish to be sired! Why would I help him?¡± Sylvester snapped, though instantly regretted it. Terry became a whirl of mist that passed through the slab before solidifying into a furious face of fangs. He gripped Sylvester by the throat. ¡°You already feast like a pig in shit, it seems.¡± Sylvester''s feet kicked helplessly as he dangled. Terry dropped the mortician. ¡°Stop your skulking, odd little man. You¡¯re enough to make a rapist shudder.¡± The mortician backed into one of his cupboards and rocked it. The jars of pickled parts sloshed and threatened to topple from their shelves. Terrence and Jimethy went to the manor house and rapped a few times. They waited patiently for Elizabeth to answer. ¡°Good morning, Terrence.¡± ¡°My lady.¡± ¡°You sired, Jimethy.¡± ¡°Yes¨C¡± ¡°I did not permit such an act.¡± ¡°Well¨C¡± ¡°You are an incorrigible little rat.¡± Terry shuddered and glanced at Jimethy who was keeping his head low. ¡°My lady, Alius has escaped.¡± ¡°You mean you let him get away.¡± Terry winced, ¡°Sorry, I did not¨C¡± ¡°You did not think. You were busy siring Jim and fawning over that strumpet. I hope for your sake you have not sired her.¡± ¡°No, never.¡± ¡°Good. She¡¯s a Jezebel. It would be a waste not to have her rump for the centrepiece.¡± Elizabeth licked her lips and shook her head slowly. ¡°What to do about you.¡± she tutted a few times. ¡°I suppose our newest convert will have the opportunity to prove himself.¡± She gestured to Jimethy. ¡°I¡¯m ready to serve.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know what you say.¡± Elizabeth smiled. ¡°What of our captain? Where is he?¡± Terry averted his gaze and mumbled, ¡°He¡¯s fled.¡± ¡°As expected. He will be run in circles about the wood and return shortly. However, your blunder with Alius concerns me. He must not find him.¡± ¡°He¡¯s a madman¨C¡± Elizabeth¡¯s face twisted into a ghastly mess of teeth and blood. ¡°He¡¯s well versed and now of sane mind.¡± She pressed her long nail into Terry¡¯s throat. Terry gasped. ¡°My lady¡­¡± She pushed her finger deep into his neck and twirled it around. Terry¡¯s neck began to turn black. ¡°Nnngh, my lady.¡± ¡°Find Alius and bring him back. If you fail, you¡¯ll join him in the walls.¡± She pushed Terry back, sending him rolling down the garden path. Her golden eyes locked on Jimethy¡¯s. ¡°The same goes for you, Jim.¡± *** The chirping of the birds went silent, the wind stopped blowing and the trees froze in place. David blinked. It was like they had walked into a pencil drawing. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Alius placed his finger over his lips. ¡°Shhh, she is looking for us.¡± ¡°Who is?¡± ¡°Shhh¡± ¡°Who is?¡± David whispered. ¡°Elizabeth will find me.¡± David shook his head, ¡°Come with me. We can flee together.¡± ¡°Enough, you fool, I am trying to help you.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you help me before this?¡± His eyes went wild at David''s constant questions, ¡°I had been driven to derangement. No longer fit for purpose.¡± ¡°What purpose?¡± ¡°I have a cache of hidden notes, deep in the pantry tunnel. Search for the blue stone. They will help you.¡± ¡°What will happen to you?¡± ¡°I will be found. We never spoke.¡± ¡°But¨C¡± Alius gripped David by the shoulders, ¡°We never spoke.¡± Before David could say another word, Alius had dashed away, leaving him in the still forest. David couldn¡¯t think of anything more ridiculous than venturing into that manor and down that God-forsaken tunnel. No, he¡¯d continue with his original plan. Running away. He followed the path and arrived at a mossy ridge looking over a grouping of buildings. ¡°Perfect, a little stop off, then I can keep going.¡± It was a slippery slope down to the level ground. David found his balance and walked around the closest building. It was oddly familiar. ¡°Wait¡­¡± He began to run towards the village in the distance. ¡°No¡­¡± ¡°Captain!¡± He searched for the voice. ¡°Greg?¡± Greg was standing by a cart filled with logs. ¡°Get on the cart. I¡¯ll run you into the village proper.¡± Despair washed over David. He dropped to his knees and tried to catch his breath. Chapter 13 - Purgatory David clambered to his feet as Greg approached. ¡°David, what¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Nothing. I must have taken a wrong turn.¡± ¡°Did you follow the road?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Greg scratched his temple, ¡°Not sure how you ended up back here then. Why don¡¯t you come back to the village?¡± He stepped closer to David. David backed away, ¡°No, stay away.¡± Greg¡¯s blinked. ¡°Well, right then.¡± Climbing the ridge exhausted him, but it¡¯d be the quickest way back into the forest without passing through the village. The trees remained static. No crunch or snap came from the deep bracken that lined the path. The mist vanished, and David could see ahead. He ran as fast, as far away from the village as possible. ¡°Ah!¡± David stumbled, fell face-first into the path and tumbled into a thorny bush. The pain roiled up through his ankles. His bloodied and thorn-ridden knees stung. Determined, he gathered onto all fours and pushed himself back into a run. His lungs were aflame while every subsequent breath shortened. ¡°David.¡± He stopped, exhausted and gasping. ¡°David.¡± The whispers danced between the trees and bristled at the edges of his ears. He thought Alius was calling him again. This voice was different from the former captains. It was distant and soothing, like a mother''s call to a lost child. The path became more formed and worn in as he approached a tree line that led into some sort of clearing. Hoping to come across a new face, he picked up the pace. He crashed through the low branches of two trees. David stopped. The path he had left on took him right back to where first began his self-imposed exile. He dropped his pack and collapsed. *** ¡°David?¡± ¡°He¡¯s coming too.¡± ¡°Get him a cup of tea will you, Jim?¡± ¡°Good evening, David.¡± David shook his head and sat up in the bed. ¡°I¡¯ll fetch Elizabeth. She was most worried.¡± ¡°Elizabeth? No, it¡¯s fi¨C¡± Terry had already left. David looked around the room. He was in the manor house. He pulled aside the blankets and made to get out of the bed. ¡°Captain.¡± ¡°Elizabeth¡­¡± David looked at the pale, glassy-eyed woman as she floated into the room with deft grace. ¡°What happened?¡± Jimethy entered and placed a cup of tea on the bedside table. He nodded politely and left the two alone, closing the door behind him. Elizabeth sat on the end of the bed and tilted her head quizzically. ¡°Are you, well, Captain?¡± ¡°I am fine. I should leave.¡± She placed a hand on his knee and squeezed it. ¡°No, stay, please. You need to rest.¡± David felt his body freeze. ¡°You are under a lot of pressure, Captain. It¡¯s clearly gotten to you.¡± ¡°No, nothing has gotten to me.¡± ¡°You have been running around the perimeter of the village. Greg and several others reported you in a maddened state.¡± ¡°Others, who?¡± ¡°My gosh, David, I did not collect names. I am simply trying to help you.¡± ¡°You were at my house last night. After the trial.¡± Elizabeth shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re mistaken. I went straight back to the manor.¡± She placed a hand over her chest, ¡°The trial took its toll on me too. I had to rest.¡± David was about to inquire about Alius but remembered his advice about letting Elizabeth know nothing. ¡°I cannot be captain. I am not staying in this village.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t force you to do anything, David.¡± Elizabeth smiled. ¡°Terrence stated he is acting captain. I would say though, I think you have done a marvellous job so far.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head. ¡°Marvellous job? Since I became captain three men have died.¡± ¡°All three of them brought it upon themselves, Captain. You heard the testimonials. My statement. Did Alius not go mad and kill poor Esme and Angela? You brought justice to the village.¡± ¡°I brought everyone¡¯s dirty washing out too.¡± Elizabeth chuckled and shook her head, ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t believe the rubbish Alius was spouting, do you? It was all for effect.¡± David narrowed his eyes, ¡°Why did you bring up our affair?¡± ¡°I told the truth, David. I cannot lie. I am a Christian woman who accepts her sins.¡± She nodded sternly. ¡°He would have used it against you anyway. I thought it better from my mouth than his.¡± ¡°You risked your reputation. I imagine both of ours are in tatters now.¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Elizabeth nodded. ¡°Yet you still should be Captain. I should be the Captain''s hand.¡± ¡°You?¡± ¡°Who better? We can share this home and continue our vision. The one our families agreed upon.¡± David shook his head vigorously. ¡°You are out of line. We are not suited for this. We are both mired in sin.¡± ¡°True, as are all the folks in the village. Come, who could honestly do this job? You¡¯re the sharpest man. You uncovered Alius¡¯ crimes. You saved me. You organised a trial with a day''s notice. Everyone followed your lead, and they will continue to do so.¡± She stroked his leg. David twitched. ¡°I haven¡¯t the fortitude.¡± ¡°You need to rest. Terry will look after things for now while you catch your strength.¡± The warmth of Elizabeth''s words and the comforting embrace of the soft, downy bed lulled David into a contented state. Perhaps she was right. He could lead, enjoy this fine house and have the beautiful Elizabeth as his right-hand woman. By the lord, she was beautiful now. Her gaunt features had filled out and her lips were pouting. ¡°Alius¡¯ body was missing this morning.¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°I heard the news. Terry questioned a few folks in the village. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll have the body back. He says the branch he was hanged from snapped and someone may have dragged him away.¡± ¡°Someone or something?¡± ¡°I am not sure what you mean.¡± David half smiled. ¡°Could have been wolves.¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°You are a smart one.¡± She bit her lip and held it before it popped free. ¡°Don¡¯t try to leave again¡­this village needs you. I need you.¡± David sipped his tea and closed his eyes. ¡°I shan¡¯t make any promises.¡± He said between sips. ¡°Did you see anyone in the woods?¡± David swallowed a mouthful of tea and set the cup down to compose himself. Elizabeth seemed to have a knack for discovering his lies. David wasn¡¯t sure if he was a terrible liar or if she could read the scripture upon a man''s soul. ¡°Anyone like who?¡± ¡°Anyone like anyone. Perhaps someone who might be the perpetrator of Alius¡¯ missing body.¡± ¡°I saw nothing but my own shadow.¡± ¡°A terrible thing to run from, David.¡± ¡°It always keeps up.¡± Her eyes flashed. ¡°If you do remember anything from your jaunt, please tell me.¡± That feeling of safety and comfort had mangled into the spiny grasp he was used to. Elizabeth had a way of darkening every moment of hope or happiness that might dare to frolic in his psyche. ¡°I certainly will, Elizabeth.¡± She wobbled her head playfully, slapped his knee and rose promptly. ¡°I shall make you some eggs.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll need it.¡± She raised her finger. ¡°Also, I have commissioned Greg to make renovations to this manor. If you¡¯re going to be presiding as Captain, I think it¡¯s only right you have the proper home to do it from.¡± ¡°I still haven¡¯t agreed to that.¡± ¡°You will. You won¡¯t regret it. Terry has gone to the evening meet-up. He¡¯ll discuss your leadership there.¡± ¡°Terry? He¡¯s not exactly a word-smith.¡± ¡°He¡¯s doing a good job in your absence. Still not half the man you are.¡± She winked and left David alone. *** The evening was warm and welcoming to those surrounding Terry. He stood by the willow tree and addressed the villagers with his usual terse style. ¡°So you¡¯re captain now?¡± Asked a disgruntled and confused villager. ¡°I am acting captain just for today.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Captain Potter had a stumble. He is instructing me on finding Alius¡¯ body.¡± ¡°Who made Potter Captain anyway?¡± ¡°We did!¡± Yelled Terry. ¡°We should choose our next captain.¡± ¡°Who¡¯d like to be captain then?¡± He raised his hands in the air, ¡°Well?¡± Terry laughed. ¡°None of you are fit for this job. Potter found the killer. Potter led the trial. Potter¡¯s captain.¡± ¡°Potter is a degenerate! He¡¯s adulterous!¡± A large man had pushed his way in front, brandishing his bible. ¡°He¡¯s no leader!¡± ¡°Thirteen years ago he made a mistake. Who are you to cast stones, Simon?¡± Simon grimaced. Terry smirked, ¡°You¡¯re also a simpleton, Simon. If I were you I¡¯d keep my big mouth shut.¡± He looked over them all. ¡°You¡¯re all simpletons quite frankly, and you¡¯ll accept Potter as your captain.¡± ¡°Or else what?¡± ¡°Or else you¡¯ll end up like the last man who crossed him.¡± He gestured to the willow tree. ¡°It¡¯s market day tomorrow. The travellers will come through and we will need to trade. That should be your concern. Not who sits in the manor.¡± ¡°Piss off, Terry!¡± Simon called. ¡°If you have a problem, why don¡¯t you march your fat arse up to the manor and tell the captain yourself?¡± ¡°Maybe I will!¡± Simon looked behind him, ¡°Who¡¯s with me?¡± The villagers looked tired and they broke away. Their will had been sapped from the previous days. Simon was a simpleton at best and did not inspire the masses. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll be going alone. If you have the bollocks for it.¡± Simon spat. ¡°I¡¯ll go on my own, no problem.¡± Terry made his way back up to the manor with Simon trailing behind him. He ignored the dolts muttering. Elizabeth opened the door and welcomed them both in. Simon sat on the couch with Jim and Terry at either side of him. ¡°What is the problem, Simon?¡± ¡°I want to speak to the captain.¡± Elizabeth shook her head. ¡°He¡¯s indisposed. You can speak to me for now.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to speak to a woman, I want to speak to Captain Potter.¡± Simon looked between the men on his flanks. He tried to put up a brave front but he wasn¡¯t comfortable. ¡°What about, dear?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think he should be a leader. He¡¯s a sinner.¡± ¡°Who should be Captain, Simon?¡± Elizabeth spoke softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°So you come here with a demand and no alternative.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need to speak to some harlot about the leadership of this village!¡± He grunted. Elizabeth nodded deliberately to Jim and then to Terry. The men stood up. Simon looked at them. ¡°What?¡± Terry grabbed Simon and hauled him off the chair while Jim came up behind. Simon found himself in a standing nelson he couldn¡¯t wriggle from. Jimethy held him in place. Terry put his face close to Simon¡¯s ¡°Should have kept your mouth shut.¡± He stuffed a block of wood into his mouth and moved aside to reveal Elizabeth. ¡°Well, Simon. I¡¯m going to show you something.¡± Simon struggled and moaned as he tried to push the block out using his tongue. It had been wedged tight between behind his teeth. Elizabeth held up a finger to reveal her long talon. She placed it on his chest and ran it down Simon¡¯s shirt to the top of his crotch. Simon was shivering with terror as he watched her finger. At first, it felt like a tickle, then searing pain. From his shirt oozed blood in a vertical line following the trail she made with her finger. ¡°On his back, please.¡± Simon was laid flat on his back. Elizabeth straddled him and looked down with a wide smile. He had become pale and weak. ¡°Let¡¯s see what I can show you.¡± She reached down. Simon heard a sickening squelch. A fiery agony burned in his stomach and his eyes widened. ¡°Oh, look at this.¡± She lifted her hand, dangling a length of his intestines. ¡°It¡¯s your insides, Simon. I¡¯m showing them to you.¡± Simon tried to turn his head to look away, but Jim took him by the cheeks and held his face firmly. He closed his eyes but could still hear the visceral smacking sounds as Elizabeth emptied the contents of his stomach. She would name each organ as it was liberated. ¡°David will eat well tonight, won¡¯t he boys?¡± ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± ¡°Shall I have him disposed of?¡± ¡°No, have him reanimated. He lived with the mind of a ghoul, so he may as well become one.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Chapter 14 - Preparation Two hours of broken sleep left David feeling groggy and weak. His eyes stung and his skin had become pale. He changed into some of Alius¡¯ old clothes. They were long in the legs and arms, so he turned them up. It was dark out. The village lanterns flickered, and the streets were still busy with chattering folks. David enjoyed watching them idly from the upstairs window of the manor. The hallway was dark and all its doors were closed. Footsteps padded around downstairs which was a relief. It was nice to hear when someone was coming. David made to descend the creaky steps before he felt his shoulder clasped. ¡°David.¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Elizabeth jumped. ¡°You scared me, Elizabeth. Must you move so quietly?¡± ¡°I am dainty.¡± She winked. ¡°I have prepared supper. Join us.¡± David held touched his stomach. He was famished and could hardly refuse a meal at this point. Elizabeth had promised him food earlier but he must have passed out again before she arrived. ¡°Right.¡± Jimethy and Terrence waited at the table. ¡°I thought Jimethy and Terry could join us.¡± Said Elizabeth, ¡°They have been so helpful today.¡± David nodded and sat at the end place. ¡°Evening, boys.¡± ¡°Captain.¡± they both said in unison. David caught the scent of something meaty. It smelt delicious. Elizabeth came from the kitchen with a plate in each hand. She set the platters of food out one by one before the men. ¡°Enjoy, boys.¡± ¡°Shan¡¯t you join us?¡± Asked David. ¡°Me? No, I already ate. I wanted to treat you boys for all your hard work.¡± David looked at Terry and Jim. ¡°Thank you. What is it?¡± Elizabeth laughed. ¡°Liver and onions. I hope you like the gravy, it¡¯s my own recipe.¡± She raised her eyebrows. ¡°With chips.¡± She spun away and out of the room, humming happily as she tidied up. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we pray?¡± Asked David. Elizabeth stopped and looked at him over her shoulder, ¡°You should.¡± She returned to the table and struck the back of Terry¡¯s head. ¡°Where you about to eat without prayer?¡± ¡°Sorry, Elizabeth.¡± Terry bowed and led a simple prayer. Elizabeth nodded satisfactorily before leaving the three men alone to enjoy their meal. David poked at the slice of meat with his fork. ¡°Where did this meat come from? The kitchen was bare.¡± Jim looked up at Terry with a mouth full of meat. Terrence smiled, ¡°I picked it up from the butcher.¡± ¡°Picked what up?¡± ¡°The liver.¡± ¡°What kind of liver is it?¡± Terry frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°From what animal, Terry?¡± Terrence dropped his utensils on the plate with a clatter and linked his fingers. ¡°For crying out loud, David. It¡¯s liver, from a cow or something.¡± ¡°You got this from the butcher?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°From Argyle the butcher?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°The big lad.¡± ¡°Yes, David, the big fat bastard who lives at the butcher.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Terry shook his head and picked up his knife and fork to continue tucking in. Jim nodded to David, ¡°Are you going to eat?¡± David looked down at the plate of meat and chips, took up his cutlery and cut a slice of the tendered meat. The fork squished into it and he lifted it before his face, flapping and dripping with the rich sauce. It smelt like heaven. Jim nodded, ¡°It¡¯s good.¡± David¡¯s eyes bounced between the men. Terry was busy eating, a frustrated frown drawn on his brow. He pushed meat into his mouth and chewed slowly. It tasted as good as it smelt. ¡°Elizabeth mentioned she¡¯d be having this house cleaned up for your captaincy.¡± Said Jim. David swallowed a mouthful of liver. ¡°I doubt I¡¯ll remain as captain, Jim.¡± ¡°You shall.¡± David chuckled, ¡°Is that so, Terry?¡± ¡°It is. I just risked my neck out there for you.¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°I had to calm an angry mob, they wanted a vote.¡± Terry sniffed. Jim nodded. ¡°Good work, Terry.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°Thanks, Jim.¡± ¡°You wasted your time. That angry mob is proof enough that my time as captain shall come to a close soon.¡± Terry shook his head, ¡°They can¡¯t be trusted to pick a new captain. No way. I threw my lot in with you, Potter. So did Samuel and Jim here. We need leadership not three weeks of meandering.¡± He put a full stop to his rant by filling his mouth with a slice of meat. ¡°So you two are best friends now?¡± David watched the men. Terry looked at Jim. ¡°We are in agreeance. Elizabeth shared with us what was set out for us when the village was staked.¡± David smiled. ¡°What was set out?¡± Jim cleared his throat and stood to start collecting the plates. ¡°Are you well, David?¡± He narrowed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve been awfully out of sorts since the trial.¡± ¡°Just fine, Terry.¡± David rose and went for the door. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°To the village, it¡¯s market day.¡± ¡°Sarah organises all that. We have a body to find.¡± ¡°I shan¡¯t waste my day looking for Alius¡¯ corpse. If you and Jim want to go skulking through the woods be my guest.¡± Terry chuckled. ¡°Will you be attending market day as captain?¡± ¡°As cobbler.¡± ¡°Right, come on Jim, let¡¯s go find Alius.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll meet you in the village, Terry, I shall walk with David to see how the stalls are coming along.¡± Terry nodded. David and Jim left the manor. Jim struggled to keep up with David¡¯s pace. ¡°Slow down, David.¡± The morning sun kissed the village in a complimentary way. Everything looked fresh and clean. The tufts of grass sparkled with dew and the busying villagers made it seem like a May fair. David was hit with a burst of fresh air. ¡°Keep up.¡± ¡°Something is off, isn¡¯t it?¡± Jim asked. David slowed. ¡°Off, how?¡± ¡°You know, with Terry and Elizabeth¡­¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± ¡°Just to let you know, Captain, I¡¯ll keep an eye on them for you. I know I let you down at the trial.¡± Jim slapped The captain on the shoulder and rushed to meet Terry outside the manor house. David wandered around the village square aimlessly as the villagers laid out their wares for the coming traders. Sarah caught his eyes and approached. She was a middle-aged woman with a round, pretty face. She was the mother of four, usually surrounded by a small army of sprogs. ¡°Captain.¡± she cocked her head. ¡°Do you have wares to sell?¡± David paused and cleared his throat. ¡°I have wares, but I¡¯ll hand them out to the villagers.¡± ¡°Who will take over your cobbler business?¡± She enquired. ¡°I have not decided to remain as captain.¡± ¡°Oh, but you must make a decision.¡± David frowned and looked away. ¡°Sorry to be pushy, but boots aren¡¯t cheap and we need a cobbler.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± Sarah bowed her head and wandered off to question another trader. David caught sight of Terrence and Jim disappearing into the woods. He was half tempted to follow the pair but decided against it. He¡¯d had enough of stumbling through the sticks for now. *** The traders arrived, all dressed in red tunics. David thought it was always odd how they colour-coordinated in such a way. They meandered through the stalls and went about their trading. The village relied on the raw materials and specialist goods they brought. David had a plan. He waited for one of the traders to be free and approached. ¡°Excuse me.¡± The trader looked at him. ¡°Trading has finished for me today.¡± ¡°Fine, fine, but I¡¯d like to come with you.¡± The trader smirked. ¡°You don¡¯t come with us, you stay here.¡± ¡°I know, but I¡¯d like to travel with you. To the next town.¡± ¡°There is no next town.¡± David looked up at the manor house. The upstairs window once more flickered brightly then went black once he had noticed. ¡°Where are you going next?¡± ¡°Somewhere you cannot go.¡± David rubbed the bridge of his nose. ¡°What place is that? The moon?¡± The trader looked over to the group and whistled. They finished up their deals and gathered around him. ¡°Goodbye, Captain.¡± ¡°How do you know I¡¯m the captain?¡± The trader bowed. They ignored David after that. Villagers watched David try to communicate with them in earnest. Puzzled looks and sideways glances didn¡¯t deter him. ¡°I¡¯ll follow you.¡± The lead trader looked at him. David waited for the traders to leave and followed closely behind. They moved silently and took no notice of him. ¡°How far is it until your next stop?¡± After no response, he pushed one in the back. ¡°Why are you ignoring me?¡± The trader shrugged off the push and didn¡¯t so much as glance behind. The forest suddenly revitalised. Birds chirped, tree boughs creaked and twigs bristled. The mist returned, this time creamier and dense. The wind picked it up and swirled it around them. David couldn¡¯t see his hands before his face. ¡°Oi!¡± He stumbled forward and reached out to grab one of the traders. All that he found was air. ¡°Where are you?¡± The mist whisked away and settled back around the path. David could see clearly and there was no sign of the traders. He placed his hands on his hips and laughed. ¡°Perfect. Another little forest trick?¡± A consideration of running away again crossed his mind, though he thought better of it. Defeated he returned to the village. He gave any villager who offered him a scrutinising look a hard stare in return. His dander was down and he was in no mood for judgemental gazes. He nodded to Argyle as he passed his stall, ¡°Lovely liver, by the way.¡± ¡°Liver?¡± ¡°Yes, you sold Terry some Liver yesterday.¡± Argyle blinked, ¡°Not me.¡± ¡°Well, there is no other bloody butcher is there?¡± Argyle was taken aback by the captain¡¯s snappy tone. David smiled at himself. ¡°Liver just appears from nowhere now,¡± he muttered to himself. With a swagger, he hopped up beside the grand willow tree in the village centre and waved. ¡°A great market day by the looks of it.¡± They stopped packing away to listen to, David speak. ¡°Since I am stuck here, in this village. With you people.¡± He sneered. ¡°I shall be your captain.¡± He looked back to the manor house. ¡°I¡¯ll be in charge, and you¡¯ll follow my lead.¡± ¡°There shall be no vote?¡± Called a man. ¡°No. There shall be no vore.¡± ¡°Then perhaps we should consider another place to make stead.¡± David¡¯s nose wrinkled. ¡°Where would you go?¡± ¡°Well..¡± ¡°Nowhere.¡± David waved his arms. ¡°I¡¯m in charge.¡± He hopped back down and went for home. His front door had been left ajar and so his home had been exposed to the elements since he had made to flee the first time. He walked through the house in a state of confusion. ¡°I¡¯m going mad. Just like Alius.¡± He pressed his head to the wall and closed his eyes. ¡°Mad, mad, mad. I can¡¯t leave here. I can¡¯t go there. I can¡¯t even be captain. Just me. Captain David Potter, here forever.¡± He kicked the kitchen table and sent it flipping over. ¡°Where did that bastard liver come from!¡± he roared. ¡°Not Argyle. That ginger bastard, Terry said Argyle. More liars. Liars everywhere.¡± David ran to his window and peered out. ¡°All of them are out to get me. I see them now. They won¡¯t get me.¡± He stormed into his bedroom and went for the dresser. The standing mirror stopped him. He looked at himself. ¡°That¡¯s me¡­¡± he pointed at the mirror. ¡°Always has been.¡± The walls in the bedroom rippled and cracked. David stepped back and looked around. What appeared to be a handle bulged from underneath the wallpaper, as if the walls were made of silk. A face, mouth agape pressed out from above the dresser. ¡°Walls, they are in the walls!¡± David rushed to fetch a hammer from his workshop. He began striking the walls where the bulges occurred. He tore at the wallpaper and pulled the splintered wood away. From within the walls poured alabaster sticks and stones. In a frantic panic, he thrashed around the bedroom, making holes from which bones poured. ¡°Bones¡­skulls.¡± David dropped the hammer and backpedalled. He stumbled over the corner of the bed and landed on his backside. The walls released aching moans and wails. He covered his ears and fell onto his side. ¡°No more, no more!¡± Chapter 15 - Prodigal son David breathed slowly as he recomposed himself. He lay on the floor beside the bed his wife died on. Bones and dust scattered the floor where he lay. He thought this to be the sickness of the mind that Alius had succumbed to. No way out. No way forward. ¡°The notes¡­¡± David remembered the instruction from Alius¡ªthe blue brick in the pantry dungeon. He scrambled out of his front door and ran to the manor house. For his own satisfaction, he looked up into the upstairs window and the light faded. It gave David a sense of power to extinguish a light with just his gaze. The manor house was chilly and dim. He knew it wasn¡¯t empty. Elizabeth stalked the halls silently, waiting to admonish or demonstrate her faux compassion. David wasn¡¯t inclined to engage with her and went straight for the pantry door and almost ripped it from the hinges. ¡°David.¡± David ignored the ghostly voice that called from the living room as he worked the back shelf away. It had been replaced perfectly by someone. ¡°David, I am speaking to you. Why do you go into the pantry?¡± ¡°None of your business.¡± ¡°This is my house, it¡¯s my business.¡± She stood in the frame of the pantry with that soft smile painted over her ruby lips. ¡°I thought I was the captain, that makes it my house,¡± David grunted as he pulled the back cupboard and let it fall flat to reveal the dungeon entrance. He looked back at the calm Elizabeth. ¡°David, you¡¯re acting strange.¡± He pushed past her to fetch a lantern from the dining room table. ¡°I¡¯m acting normal.¡± ¡°You are beginning to remind me of Alius.¡± David laughed, ¡°Alius? I can see why he lost his mind.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes flashed a fiery orange. ¡°What did he tell you when you spoke to him in the woods?¡± ¡°I spoke to no one.¡± David adjusted the lamp and made his way into the pantry. He grabbed a bag of wheat grain and poured it out onto the floor of the pantry. Elizabeth watched with narrowed eyes. ¡°You taunt me now?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you count them for me, Elizabeth?¡± She glanced down at the wheat grain and back to David. David smiled wide. ¡°Go on, aren¡¯t you dying to know how many seeds I poured out?¡± Elizabeth shuddered and glided away from the pantry. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply before descending into the darkness. The low lamp light made it difficult for David to discern the colours of the bricks, forcing him to take his time. He could hear scratching and thudding from above. Elizabeth was furious. The dungeon walls were damp as he delved deeper towards the enclosed area where Elizabeth was kept. He held the lantern at face height and looked over the bricks. He could hear his heartbeat and the dripping of the old water running through the cracks. The blue brick was nowhere. He checked and checked before losing hope. Had Alius tricked him in some act of vengeance? David squatted to take a break, keeping his backside from the pooling water below. He inspected the floor where wheat grain floated. David¡¯s eyes brightened. He set the lantern on a flat stone above the shallow pool and rolled his sleeves. ¡°He wasn¡¯t protecting himself from Elizabeth¡­he was protecting the stone,¡± he whispered. The water was warm. He pulled and wiggled at the floor stones. He slid a block out, set it aside, and retrieved a tin from the cavity. With shaky hands, he popped the tightly sealed lid off the tin. Inside was an old rolled-up bit of paper. ¡°Hardly notes,¡± he said, unravelling the scrap. The note read: Confessions of David Potter - I am a murderer. I killed Angela to fill Daniel¡¯s heart with venom for I knew his soul would yearn for vengeance. I killed my wife. I smothered her. I plotted with Elizabeth. We drove Alius mad. I delivered to him books regarding vampires and mythical creatures. I pricked holes in the necks of my victims using cobbler tacks. I framed Alius. I gave Daniel a gun and counselled him on how Jarrod would survive the trial. I poisoned his mind with lies to drive him into a murderous lust. I hid him behind the curtain and instructed him. I am the captain now. Elizabeth is mine. The manor is mine. The village is mine. We came to this place through the walls, we return through the walls. With our veins emptied of blood. With our souls drained of love. We return to him. David dropped the note into the water and fell back into the wall, shaking his head. ¡°No, no, I did not, that confession is a lie!¡± His voice echoed through the tunnel. ¡°The walls¡­¡± ¡°David!¡± A booming voice rattled down the tunnel and chased him till his back was pressed to the damp walls. David fell silent. He didn¡¯t recognise the voice chasing him. A shadow loomed and a large brute of a man followed. He held his lantern before him to see who it might be. ¡°Who goes there?¡± Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. The man approached. ¡°Simon?¡± The brutish man grabbed David¡¯s ankles and dragged him through the puddle and out of the tunnel. He tried to struggle free but couldn¡¯t loosen the iron grip. The man''s stench was nauseating and washed over his senses in vomitous waves. His head dropped and he let Simon drag him out of the tunnel. His head struck the steps leading up to the pantry and dazed him. ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°There you are,¡± said Elizabeth. She was sitting on the couch, watching the sodden David as he was dragged before her. David coughed and wretched. ¡°Leave, Simon.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°David, what were you doing down there?¡± The reek lingered for a few minutes and left David unwilling to speak in case what came out was vomit instead of words. He clambered to his feet and breathed through his nose. Elizabeth sat cross-legged, waiting patiently. She sipped her tea and placed it on the saucer. Her head was cocked quizzically. The kind smile she normally wore had faded and her mouth was flat. ¡°Well?¡± ¡°I was looking for something.¡± Elizabeth nodded, ¡°did you find it?¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± She sipped her tea and nodded. ¡°David, I fear for you.¡± ¡°Why is Simon in this house?¡± ¡°He¡¯s here to protect me.¡± ¡°From what?¡± Elizabeth blinked, ¡°From you, David. You give me the chills.¡± ¡°You were begging me to captain the village, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Begging? I do not beg. Simon is on board with our leadership, David. It¡¯s time you were.¡± David sat with his back to the wall, looking up at the elegant woman as she sipped her tea. ¡°What is this place?¡± ¡°It¡¯s our village, David. We live here. Everyone lives here and we love our simple lives.¡± ¡°How did we get here?¡± Elizabeth chuckled. ¡°Oh my, David. Are you forgetting? Do you not remember being pressed between my legs? Your mouth over my breasts? Your words of desire for a future with me by your side? Captain Potter.¡± ¡°I remember a regrettable night after too much wine. You spread yourself for me and begged.¡± ¡°I never beg, David.¡± She finished her tea and set the sauce down. ¡°I never agreed to any of this?¡± ¡°No?¡± Elizabeth smiled. ¡°Do you know where Alius¡¯ body is?¡± ¡°No, out in the woods it is assumed.¡± Elizabeth shook her head. ¡°Come with me.¡± David hesitated as he watched Elizabeth glide out of the back door into the garden. Unable to resist the satiation of his curiosity, he followed her out. Elizabeth led David to a mossy tombstone. ¡°See.¡± David knelt before it and rubbed away the dirt to read the inscription. Here lies Captain Alius Van Der Haus. 25th October 1799 - 21st June 1835 Aged 36 Husband to Elizabeth Van Der Haus. Captain to Village Gehanna. Leader. Driven mad by duty. Hanged for unspeakable sins. Forgiveness and mercy be granted by the almighty. ¡°That¡¯s thirteen years ago, Alius died two days ago, this isn¡¯t his grave!¡± Elizabeth shook her head, ¡°David, you¡¯re clearly unwell. You have been speaking of Alius and this trial all week.¡± ¡°So have you.¡± He pointed. ¡°No, David.¡± ¡°What is my name?¡± ¡°Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Elizabeth what?¡± ¡°Elizabeth Van Der Haus!¡± David struck Alius¡¯ tombstone. ¡°My name is Elizabeth Potter.¡± He shook his head, ¡°No.¡± ¡°Yes, we have been married and much in love for twelve years.¡± ¡°Liar!¡± He pointed. ¡°Come.¡± Elizabeth led David to another tombstone. It read: Here lies Esmeralda Potter. 10th June 1809 - 19th June 1835 Aged 26 Loving wife to David Potter Soon to be mother of lost child, named Thomas. Taken from us too soon, in a time of great sadness. ¡°No.¡± David curled up as he did at the foot of her bed. ¡°I went to the house today. The cobblers house is¨C¡± ¡°The cobbler house is occupied by Gregory and his family. He has been the cobbler here for a long time. He was not happy with your break-ins. Fortunately, we were able to placate him. It wasn¡¯t cheap.¡± Elizabeth crossed her arms. ¡°I know what we did. Our affair weighs upon you still. Perhaps you feel guilt and it burns an old wound. You need to get through this, I cannot continue to clean up the mess you leave behind.¡± David was left alone amongst the graves in the garden. He tried to replay every moment he had since the day his wife died. It was so real and close. He felt as if he could step into each memory and touch the world while they replayed. He grasped clumps of dirt and squeezed it tightly until it pressed between his fingers. ¡°I won¡¯t let them do it to me,¡± he said to Esme¡¯s grave. ¡°They are trying to take me with them. I shan¡¯t allow it.¡± David pushed himself to his feet and lifted the shovel that leaned against the oak tree. He dug. He dug into the grave of Alius. His arms ached and his face dripped with sweat. Darkness had closed in and the rain fell hard. It made the mud heavy and difficult to shift. After an hour of digging the tip of his spade struck the coffin. He cleared away as much mud to reveal the casket. It was rotten and packed with dirt. He tossed his spade out of the hole and took hold of the weakened wood to tear it up. ¡°Stop, David.¡± David turned and looked up at the shadowy figure that loomed over him. ¡°Out of the grave, David.¡± ¡°Piss off, Terry.¡± ¡°No need to speak like that.¡± The unmistakable sound of the flintlock jaw clicked. ¡°Are you going to shoot me, Terry?¡± ¡°If I have to.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°You¡¯re scaring Elizabeth. I don¡¯t like that.¡± ¡°She¡¯s my wife, I¡¯ll scare her if I like.¡± ¡°You¡¯re digging up the past, David. Nothing good can come of this.¡± David laughed. ¡°How long have you been working for Elizabeth?¡± ¡°Come back in, David. The rain is coming down hard, you¡¯ll catch the death.¡± David turned away from Terry and ripped the top of the coffin away. The bones of a man lay neatly. Terry looked over and held up his lantern. ¡°Satisfied, David? You dug up a corpse. Elizabeth will be furious with the mess.¡± David rubbed his dirt-covered face, he was certain he would find an answer beneath the earth. ¡°Come on David, I¡¯ll make you a cup of tea. Let¡¯s get you warmed up.¡± ¡°An odd offering from a man threatening to shoot me a moment ago.¡± ¡°One needs to keep his wits about him around you, David. This isn¡¯t the first time you¡¯ve done this.¡± ¡°I have motivated a bullet have I?¡± Terry chuckled, ¡°Elizabeth would love for me to find a reason to end you, David. You¡¯ve become a source of great sadness for her. She is frail with your sickness.¡± ¡°My heart breaks.¡± He climbed out of the hole with the help of Terry. ¡°Come on.¡± David nodded and lifted the spade, clenching it tightly as he followed behind Terry. Chapter 16 - Clean thy heart Prang! The spade struck the back of Terry¡¯s head and sent a shock wave through the handle. Terry stumbled into the house and landed on his face. ¡°Sorry, Terry!¡± David leapt over the momentarily stunned Terrence and scooped up the flintlock from the ground. ¡°I¡¯ll need this.¡± ¡°Captain!¡± David glanced back at Terry who had pulled himself to all fours. ¡°David!¡± Elizabeth glided into the living to block his path. ¡°Stay away from me demon.¡± He raised his flintlock and pointed it at Elizabeth while moving into the room so he could keep an eye on Terry. ¡°Captain.¡± Terry approached slowly. ¡°Don¡¯t do it, you can get through this.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes filled with tears that streamed down her cheeks, ¡°David, I love you. Don¡¯t do this.¡± ¡°Nobody loves me in this village. You¡¯re all against me.¡± Jimethy entered came through the front door and let out an audible gasp. ¡°Oh, what¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Shut up, Jim. All of you in the room.¡± Terry, Jim and Elizabeth stood before David in the living room with their hands by their sides. ¡°Sit.¡± They obeyed the captain''s orders and sat down on the couch. ¡°I want answers.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll answer all your questions, David.¡± Elizabeth bowed her head. ¡°Please don¡¯t shoot.¡± Terry placed his hand over Elizabeth¡¯s. ¡°Did you find, Alius¡¯ body?¡± David barked. Jim looked up from the couch with a quizzical frown. ¡°Alius? He¡¯s been dead for years, Captain.¡± ¡°He was hanged but two days ago, Jim. Don¡¯t play silly with me, boy.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± ¡°You two were sent into the woods to fetch his body back, where did you go?¡± Jim looked at Terry like a lost puppy, ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, we¡¯ve been doing our village rounds.¡± David walked backwards and sat on the chair, gun still pointed at the three. He looked around in amazement. ¡°What happened to this place?¡± Elizabeth followed his eyes, ¡°What do you mean, David?¡± The house was beautiful. No longer the dishevelled mess Alius had left it in. The woodwork was fresh. The seats were new, a gorgeous rug lay before the crackling fireplace. ¡°It¡¯s lovely in here.¡± David gawked at the brightly coloured wallpaper with its intricate embossed patterns. ¡°How did you do this?¡± ¡°Do what, David? This is your house. We had it renovated after Alius was relieved of his duty.¡± ¡°You mean after we murdered him!¡± ¡°There was a trial, he was guilty of murder.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes flashed. ¡°Please, David.¡± ¡°I found a note in the pantry,¡± David said softly, lowering his gun. ¡°The pantry?¡± Elizabeth tilted her head, watching the gun. ¡°Yes, the dungeon in the pantry.¡± ¡°David, that old tunnel was blocked up years ago.¡± David stood and thrust the gun back at them, ¡°No, it¡¯s open and I found the note. We are guilty Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Guilty of what?¡± David leapt off his chair and dashed to the pantry door. He swung it open and gasped. It was filled with food and tinned goods. The old cupboard at the end had been replaced with a beautiful cabinet. ¡°Where is it?¡± David heard a mechanical click then a loud crack. Blackness. Terry inspected the Captain''s body which lay in a pool of blood outside the pantry door. ¡°He¡¯s dead, Elizabeth.¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°Excellent shooting, Jim. ¡°Thank you,¡± said Jim. He placed the smoking flintlock back on the side table where it lay. ¡°What do we do with him now?¡± Elizabeth smiled, ¡°We shall soon be free. He has lost his mind. He must repent.¡± she said sadly. She looked at Jim and Terry, smile widening to show her rows of sharp teeth. ¡°Our hunger grows.¡± Terry nodded. ¡°Alius haunts the woods still, he will seek to end disrupt our plans.¡± Elizabeth smirked. ¡°Leave him to me.¡± She approached David and knelt beside him. ¡°Open his mouth.¡± Terry held David¡¯s mouth agape. Elizabeth ran her fingernail across her wrist in one smooth motion. The seam opened and her black blood ran free. She held her arm over David¡¯s mouth and let the blood drip in. ¡°This will make him stronger, Elizabeth. Can you be sure he¡¯ll comply?¡± ¡°David¡¯s lust for power was the downfall of this village and will be his downfall. We have shown him terror and madness. Now we shall save and cherish him into compliance.¡± Terry frowned at Elizabeth. ¡°I hope you are right about this. I cannot bear this hunger any longer. I am set to tear this village limb from limb.¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°The hunger is taking hold of me too,¡± said Jim. ¡°Enough of your chatter.¡± Elizabeth clicked her fingers. ¡°Clean up the mess. I want David¡¯s revival to be without suspicion.¡± Jim wiped up the blood and Terry prepared a pot of tea. They lay David on the couch and sat at the dining room table to wait for his return to the living world. ¡°What will you do about Alius?¡± Terry cocked his head. Elizabeth sipped her tea. ¡°I do not know.¡± ¡°Because you cannot stop him.¡± ¡°I do not need to stop him. I¡¯d like for Alius to speak to him,¡± ¡°Are you mad?¡± Terry¡¯s eyes were wild and maddened. ¡°No.¡± Elizabeth shook her head. ¡°Alius has been blinded by his vengeance. He doesn¡¯t even consider our plans worth his acknowledgement.¡± ¡°Alius has become jaded by his hubris.¡± Terry nodded solemnly. ¡°His tenacity cannot be disregarded,¡± Jim added. ¡°How he drives the Captain mad is commendable, from a purely mechanical perspective.¡± Elizabeth frowned, ¡°What Alius does is nothing short of striking an ant with a hammer. David¡¯s mind is his playground.¡± She looked over at David who was still. ¡°Drop him in the forest, allow him to awaken there.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Alius will find him.¡± She sneered. ¡°By the Lord, I hate these men. Sometimes I think we should perpetuate this torture.¡± ¡°You sympathise with Alius?¡± Terry smirked. ¡°Out. Both of you.¡± *** David woke, gasping for breath. The ground was hard and uneven. A pool of mist surrounded him. The warm wind whistled through the trees and the familiar sounds of the forest chirped around him. ¡°Ah.¡± He rubbed his tender chest. ¡°Good morning, David.¡± David looked around. His vision was sharp and the clarity was unlike anything he had known. The colours of the forest were vibrant and numerous. He could hear the rustle of small animals in the foliage, smell their blood and hear their heartbeat. ¡°Where are you, Alius?¡± ¡°Right here.¡± David followed the voice that came from above. Alius waved as he swung from a rope around his neck. The tree branch creaked. ¡°Why are you hanging?¡± ¡°Because you hanged me, David. Don¡¯t you remember?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not real.¡± David sat up and covered his face. ¡°Did you find your notes?¡± ¡°You put that letter there to trick me!¡± ¡°Oh, David.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Your denial of your past is disappointing.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just tell me?¡± David picked up a rock and hurled it at the swinging corpse. He struck his limp leg. Alius laughed, ¡°That would spoil the fun, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°You think this is a game?¡± ¡°It¡¯s become a sad play, Captain. Remember when I said the demon watches?¡± ¡°No.¡± David looked for another rock to chuck at Alius. ¡°That demon is you, David. You¡¯re the curse. You¡¯re a murderer.¡± ¡°I did not kill my Esme.¡± He found another stone and pelted the corpse once more. Alius shook his head, ¡°Good arm, David. You were always good at dishing out violence.¡± ¡°I wish to leave this village, I am tired.¡± He dropped to his knees. ¡°Good! You brought this on yourself, David. You must kill them all now.¡± ¡°Kill them all?¡± ¡°Elizabeth, Terry, Jimethy.¡± He smiled. ¡°Punish them for what they have done to you.¡± David shook his head, ¡°No. I won¡¯t play your game.¡± ¡°You are already playing it, David. It¡¯s not my game. It¡¯s yours.¡± ¡°The note spoke of walls. What is in the walls?¡± Alius grinned wide. ¡°Your evil waits in the walls. Your mountain of corpses. Go, make more.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Alius¡¯ eyes closed and he swung silently. ¡°What do you mean?¡± David roared so loud that a flock of birds evacuated a nearby tree. David kicked the dirt. ¡°You miserable horse saddle!¡± He bent down to pick up a hefty rock so he might toss it at Alius once more. When he looked up at the tree, Alius was gone. David sobbed into his hands. ¡°Captain!¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± David shouted back. ¡°It¡¯s Jim, where are you?¡± David clambered to his feet, wiped his eyes and dusted himself down. Jim came from behind the tree and waved. ¡°Captain, there you are! We were worried.¡± He narrowed his eyes, ¡°Worried?¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± ¡°Somehow I doubt that.¡± ¡°Your wife is beside herself.¡± David bit his lip. ¡°Who is my wife?¡± Jim blinked. ¡°Elizabeth is, are you feeling alright?¡± ¡°Yes, I think I hit my head.¡± David could smell Jim¡¯s apprehension. His heightened senses gave him a powerful feeling. All his pain had flushed and the feeling of tiredness was clearing up. For the first time in a long time, he felt well. Feeling well made him happy. ¡°Take me back home.¡± ¡°Right you are, Captain.¡± David walked briskly. He moved so quickly with such little effort. It felt good. They walked through the village and people nodded at him and offered great respect. He smiled wide at them all. ¡°Morning,¡± he waved. Villagers waved and called back in return. ¡°They like me.¡± ¡°Of course they do, Captain. You have led us well for a long time.¡± Jim patted his back. He marched up to his extravagant manor house and walked through the door. Elizabeth was waiting in the living room. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± ¡°I am.¡± David, smiled. ¡°I was so worried!¡± David moved before Elizabeth and took her by the waist, pulling her in for a deep kiss. Elizabeth half kissed back. ¡°I see clearly now.¡± Elizabeth nodded. Her fizzled with a fiery gaze. ¡°I am glad.¡± ¡°Life is good.¡± David nodded. His new vitality had taken hold. His psyche reverted to the original ambitious desires, the same ones that drove him into action. ¡°It most certainly is, David. I shall head into the village and fetch us lunch.¡± David smiled broadly. ¡°Excellent.¡± He floated upstairs to explore the rest of his wonderful home. He touched the lacquered bannister, ran his hands over the golden door knobs and bounced on the fine carpet. The door to the storage room that looked out onto the village eeked open. David remembered how this room frightened him so. Now he feared nothing. He pushed into the dark room and lit a few candles. Alius¡¯ study desk had been cleaned and sat neatly in the corner. A single leaf of paper rested there, begging David to read it. He glided to the desk and turned it over. The note read: She will betray you. He emitted a low growl and approached the window. He drew a curtain to one side and looked out. Elizabeth was walking towards the village, accompanied by Jim, with a basket over her arm. She stopped dead and looked back over her shoulder. Her bright eyes flashed. David smiled and blew her a kiss. The candles went out and he let the curtains close. ¡°Everything well, Elizabeth?¡± She nodded and continued to the village. ¡°Yes. The monster has returned.¡± Jim sighed, ¡°He always returns. Are you sure we overcome him?¡± Elizabeth shook her head, ¡°I am sure of nothing but this torture and the hunger this curse causes.¡± ¡°Alius surely spoke to him in the woods.¡± ¡°Of course he did. David is Alius¡¯ monster and he will try to keep it that way.¡± Jim scratched the back of his head nervously, ¡°Can he kill us?¡± Elizabeth smiled, ¡°He can do anything he wants. He is the Captain. This is his village. We have simply changed the rules. He returns on our terms now.¡± The villagers offered Elizabeth free food and other gifts as she meandered through the stalls. She spoke quietly to Jim now. ¡°We must be patient. Do not allow him to lose his temper.¡± ¡°Sometimes I wish to try and flee.¡± ¡°We can never run, Jim. The Captain allows no one to leave. Not even himself.¡± Chapter 17 - Redundancies Elizabeth returned with a basket of food and prepared it for dinner. She made a pie for the boys. She was not hungry for food. She hadn¡¯t been for a long time. Another delicacy would tempt her, though she knew succumbing was out of the question. Her plan was too close to completion. ¡°Boys, dinner!¡± Jim, Terry and David sat around the table. Simon stood in the living room and watched. ¡°Why is the Simon the simpleton here?¡± David sneered. Elizabeth smiled, ¡°As I said, protection from you.¡± ¡°You made me like this, did you not?¡± ¡°I did.¡± She set the plates out in front of the men gently. ¡°Why?¡± David smiled. ¡°It was time.¡± Jim cleared his throat. David looked at him and narrowed his eyes, ¡°Something you wish to say?¡± ¡°Shall we pray, Captain?¡± ¡°No.¡± David looked at Elizabeth. ¡°I want that ghoul out of here.¡± ¡°You¡¯d have to throw him out yourself,¡± Elizabeth smirked. He looked Simon over and grunted. He was endowed with new knowledge, perhaps wisdom once hidden from him. David¡¯s instincts told him a ghoul was a dangerous being. ¡°What have you made for dinner?¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes flashed. She had been used to David¡¯s more passive, malleable state. She needed to remain calm, the old David had returned, the ambitious one that could kill without emotion. ¡°Pie.¡± David frowned as a slice was placed on his plate. Elizabeth had done a wonderful job. She had always been quite the cook. ¡°What¡¯s in it?¡± ¡°Kidney.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s kidney?¡± Terry looked at Jim and bowed his head low as Elizabeth set the pie out. ¡°Thank you.¡± David banged the table and everyone jumped to attention. ¡°Who¡¯s?¡± ¡°It¡¯s from a cow, David.¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat a cow.¡± He looked at Terry. ¡°I want to eat a person.¡± Elizabeth shuddered. ¡°David, once you break the seal the thirst begins to consume us. We need to secure a food source. This village could not maintain four of us.¡± David looked at Jim. ¡°Why was he turned?¡± Jim looked at Elizabeth with wide eyes. Terry interjected, ¡°I needed help, so I turned him.¡± ¡°So you think you¡¯d share out my pantry?¡± David gestured toward the village with his hand. ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that, David.¡± Terry nodded. ¡°One of you will have to go.¡± Jim and Terry looked at each other. ¡°W-what do you mean?¡± Elizabeth blinked. ¡°I told you it was not a good idea to sire a man, Terry.¡± Terry went pale. ¡°I, you didn¡¯t seem mad¡­I¡­¡± She shrugged. ¡°I was furious. Perhaps we could make it work, David?¡± David licked his lips. ¡°What¡¯s the name of that girl you like, Terry? Hannah?¡± Jim ate his pie quietly. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°The first to bring her to me get to live.¡± Terry dropped his fork. ¡°I thought after we secure a sustainable food source, I might sire her.¡± ¡°Another?¡± David laughed and shoved the plate of the pie away from him. ¡°No, Terry. I suspect you cannot do it, so Jim, this will be up to you.¡± Terry glared at Jim who wouldn¡¯t pry his eyes from his pie. Furiously he stood and stormed away from the table. ¡°Well Jimethy, looks like you¡¯re hunting tonight.¡± Elizabeth frowned. ¡°Remember David, if you break the seal we won¡¯t have the food to feed you. You¡¯ll become a beast of the night.¡± David rose and walked upstairs. Jim remained seated. Elizabeth left through the front door where Terry was pacing up and down the garden path. ¡°He can¡¯t do this. I was to make a future with her.¡± ¡°There is no future in this village, Terry.¡± ¡°What do you mean? You told me we could be free.¡± Elizabeth sighed. ¡°We can be free of this curse.¡± Terry stopped and looked at Elizabeth with fury burning behind his pupils. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°It means we die.¡± ¡°Lying, Jezebel!¡± Terry was frothing at the mouth. He stormed up to Elizabeth and made to strike her face with his clawed hand. His talons passed through. Her outline dissipated into mist and slipped under the door. Furious, Terry pulled the door open to be confronted by Simon. The ghoul was in servitude to Elizabeth. He grabbed him by the throat. The vicious strikes Terry brought down upon it were ineffective. Terry was tossed down the garden path and the door slammed shut. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Elizabeth¡¯s mist slipped under the study door where David was brooding. She solidified and placed her hands on her hips. ¡°You have caused a problem, David.¡± David let the curtain drop and he looked over his shoulder at her. ¡°You caused the problem. This was to be just us two. I am generous. I let you keep a pet.¡± ¡°Terry may be on his way to start enjoying the feeding ground without you.¡± David glared, glided toward Elizabeth and took her waist in his hands. ¡°Our hunting grounds.¡± She pressed her head to his chest. ¡°I missed you, David.¡± her tongue crawled at the lies, but lying was a sin she could not escape. No matter how honest she tried to be, she¡¯d find herself spinning a deeper web. ¡°Fix the problem.¡± He whispered in her ear and pushed her back. Elizabeth nodded and glided downstairs to where Jimethy was finishing his pie. ¡°Fetch Hannah.¡± Jimethy blinked. ¡°No way around this?¡± ¡°Lest you want to be dashed against the wall by, David.¡± Jim nodded and stood. ¡°Thank you for the pie.¡± Elizabeth shrugged. ¡°What will you do?¡± Jim blinked. ¡°That is no business of yours.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Jim made his way outside and down the garden path. He¡¯d have to fetch Hannah back and do so in a conspicuous way. He hummed to himself as he descended the path toward the village. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Terry¡¯s voice crackled. He was leaning against a tree. Jim stook out his bottom lip. ¡°A walk.¡± ¡°If you think you¡¯re bringing Hannah to that creature¡ª¡± ¡°The Captain, you mean?¡± Jim smiled. Terry walked towards Jim. ¡°Even if you bring Hannah to him, you¡¯ll be in for much worse.¡± Jim sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t want to die.¡± ¡°Neither do I!¡± ¡°You heard, the Captain.¡± ¡°Why should we follow him?¡± Jim continued walking to the village as he listened to Terry¡¯s ideas of independence. *** Elizabeth¡¯s mist crawled through the woods to a clearing before reforming. ¡°Alius!¡± she wandered about the woods, turning to check all directions. ¡°Alius!¡± ¡°You''re disturbing my peace.¡± Elizabeth growled and turned to look at her dead Husband. He was lying on a felled tree with his head propped up on his hand. ¡°It¡¯s time to end this.¡± ¡°End?¡± Alius shook his head. ¡°It never ends.¡± ¡°I have done the unthinkable.¡± ¡°I believe so. I think it¡¯s quaint that you seek to solve your surplus of sin by adding more to the well. Then again. You were never the type to think things through.¡± Alius climbed off the log. He was dressed in the clothes he was trialled in. ¡°Do you seek to try and capture me again?¡± Elizabeth shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°To apologise, again?¡± ¡°I have apologised too many times to know it will not bring about your forgiveness.¡± ¡°You¡¯re learning then.¡± ¡°I am eager to learn more.¡± ¡°From me?¡± Alius chuckled. ¡°Perhaps you can tell me what I could do for your forgiveness.¡± Alius shook his head and tutted, ¡°Elizabeth, my forgiveness has no value here. Tis Gods you seek.¡± ¡°Then how can I seek his.¡± ¡°Not possible. You rejected God, you demanded he leave you be and so he has. Welcome to a world without his mercy.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard this speech.¡± Elizabeth looked crestfallen. Alius tilted his head, ¡°I remember when you would look like this. I would rush to your side and do anything I could to make you smile.¡± he rubbed his chin. ¡°Little did I know the only way to make you smile was to die.¡± ¡°That isn¡¯t true, Alius.¡± ¡°There you go, lying through your back teeth once again.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had this speech, Alius.¡± ¡°Yet here you are drawing it from me again.¡± Elizabeth began to fade into mist. ¡°All I want is this to end.¡± Alius recited the bible, ¡°Matthew 25:41- Then he will say to those on his left, ¡®Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.¡± He laughed as he watched Elizabeth pour away into the trees. *** Evening came and the stars twinkled in the clear sky. The air smelt fresh. Jim had shaken Terrence off for now. The glowing hearth of the inn beckoned. Hannah tended to the bar and tables of hungry villagers with a kind smile and a busty bounce. Jim looked around the patrons. They were rowdy in a happy way. The patrons were clapping and singing songs to Peter''s fiddle. Jim sat down on a bench by a small table and caught Hannah¡¯s eye. Hannah approached and bent over the table. ¡°Jimethy! Hullo. Where¡¯s Terry?¡± She looked to the door to see if he was following behind. Jim smiled at her. ¡°He¡¯s not feeling himself this evening. He¡¯s decided to take the night off.¡± ¡°Oh? That¡¯s not like him.¡± She frowned. ¡°I do hope he¡¯s well.¡± ¡°Oh, he¡¯s fine.¡± He smirked. ¡°He¡¯s got Catherine in his stead. She makes a fine broth.¡± Hannah blinked. ¡°Catherine? In his home?¡± Jim nodded. ¡°Yes. She goes often. Has been visiting for the past few weeks.¡± She narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you eating?¡± her friendly tone was bludgeoned by the revelations of Terry¡¯s new female friend. Her smile was lost and her shoulders had slumped. ¡°No, not me.¡± Jim smiled. ¡°You seem down, Hannah.¡± Hannah¡¯s eyes had turned glossy. ¡°I am well.¡± ¡°Sit.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t, I am working.¡± Jim waved away her protests, ¡°I am one of the Captain''s hands, Tim will not mind you sitting by my side.¡± He patted the bench beside him and called Tim behind the bar. ¡°I wish to speak with your lovely, Hannah.¡± Tim raised a glass he cleaning and nodded. Hannah lowered her curvy frame and slid onto the bench beside, Jim. ¡°Terry and I.¡± ¡°You were planning a future?¡± Hannah nodded. ¡°Oh, my dear, I am so sorry. I did not wish for you to find out in such a way. Terrence is not the type of man who indulges a single woman.¡± Hannah closed her eyes, tears escaped from the corners and trickled down her cheeks. Jim continued. ¡°If I had a lady like yourself, why, I¡¯d propose before the sun came down.¡± ¡°Truly?¡± Hannah dabbed her eyes with a hanky Jim offered. ¡°Truly, Hannah. You¡¯d make a fine wife, and you deserve a husband who is well on his way up.¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be so silly, Jimethy.¡± ¡°Call me Jim.¡± He smiled at her warmly. *** Jim watched and chatted with Hannah as she worked into the night. She finished her shift and he offered to walk her home. ¡°You should visit the manor house.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Jimethy nodded. ¡°Terrence said he could never take me. Captain Potter might not be pleased to have a barmaid visiting.¡± ¡°Captain Potter is a kind man, he¡¯d welcome you with open arms.¡± Terry stepped in front of the pair as they made their way to Hannah¡¯s home. ¡°Where are you going, Hannah?¡± She stopped dead. ¡°Home, Jimethy kindly offered to walk me. Shouldn¡¯t be home, with Catherine?¡± Terry growled low and his top lips quivered. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Jim cleared his throat, ¡°I think Hannah means she¡¯d prefer that you remain in Catherine''s company.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you.¡± ¡°Calm down, Terry.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not angry.¡± Jim stepped in front of Hannah, ¡°It¡¯s clear you are, my old friend.¡± Terry unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves. ¡°I shall show you what an angry man resembles.¡± Jimethy blinked. He knew Terry was a more complete pugilist than he was. Terry was willing to shoot and kill. It¡¯s how he gained the favour of Captain Potter in the first place. ¡°Let¡¯s not be ridiculous here.¡± Terry smirked, ¡°Do you believe what Jim has been whispering in your ear?¡± Hannah backed away. ¡°You boys are scaring me.¡± ¡°Come with me, Hannah.¡± Terry reached out. ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to.¡± Terry¡¯s eyes flashed. ¡°Don¡¯t make me ask again, I don¡¯t want to hurt Jim on account of your poor judgement.¡± Chapter 18 - Hunger鈥檚 reign Terry approached Jim. ¡°So you have chosen this path?¡± ¡°Terry¨C¡± Jim hadn¡¯t the chance to finish what he was about to say before he felt Terry¡¯s claw cleave his face. He stumbled backwards and was caught by Hannah. Hannah looked down as Jim looked up at her. She screamed and released him, stumbling away in terror. Jim clambered to his feet. His nose hung loose, his right eye was closed and puffy. Blood cascaded down his face and reddened his shirt. ¡°Terry¡­¡± he coughed and shook his head. Pain seared from his cheek where the brutal gash had reached the bone. Hannah¡¯s screams brought the attention of the villagers who folded out of their houses and looked around for the source. Terry snarled. ¡°Even with this curse you can¡¯t defend yourself, Jim. You¡¯re not worthy. Elizabeth was right, you were a mistake.¡± Jim roared and leapt at Terrence like a tiger pouncing. His fangs bore and claws extended. Terry fell backwards and was surprised by the savage rakes Jim unleashed on his face and chest. He grabbed Jim by the throat and shoved him off, hopping up quickly. ¡°Lads, enough!¡± A villager tried to grab Terry from behind to restrain him but was shrugged off like a loose cape. Terry looked down with maddened eyes. They were red with hatred. Chunks of his mauled face dangled from his skull tentatively. The man who attempted to stop Terry gasped and crawled away. Jim seized the opportunity and tackled Terrence with blinding speed, slamming him onto his back and cracking the back of his skull open on the rocky path. ¡°You think I not worthy?¡± Jim drove his clawed fingers into Terry¡¯s neck which sent a fountain of blood spurting into the air. He raised his free hand to deliver a finishing blow but was stopped. ¡°Enough.¡± The Captain¡¯s eyes flared in dismay. Jim gulped as he looked up at David who had his wrist. He was lifted off the brutalised Terrence like a scorned child and pulled off to one side. ¡°Back to the house, both of you.¡± Terry nodded as he got up. He marched back to the manor with Jim. Both feel a tad silly at their antics. They had risked a lot and now feared the admonishment of Elizabeth and the Captain. Captain Potter addressed the crowd. ¡°Go back home, I will deal with this.¡± ¡°Jim and Terry fight like monsters! What possesses them?¡± ¡°The eye of a woman, I imagine. Youngblood burns hotly.¡± He looked at Hannah and smiled. Hannah was shivering and sobbing. Another young lady was comforting her. ¡°My dear.¡± David approached Hannah and lowered his head closer to hers, his icy breath permeated around her skin and turned it prickly with goosebumps. ¡°I am sorry that you have seen such, unbecoming behaviour. Tomorrow you will dine with us. At the manor.¡± Elizabeth blinked. ¡°Perhaps, captain, she would like to rest a few days before venturing into the hospitality of others.¡± ¡°Perhaps, but I insist. Noon, Hannah.¡± Hannah was too much in shock to respond with words and simply nodded. Elizabeth went to speak but David took her by the arm and followed Jim and Terry back into the house. David closed the door behind gently and looked over the two bloodied men who sat at the table. They held cloths to their faces but it did little to stop the flow. The rends were particularly deep. He smiled at the two injured men and burst into laughter. They looked at each other and then Elizabeth who was similarly confused. ¡°Well, that was certainly a show.¡± Terry glared at him. ¡°I wasn¡¯t doing it for your entertainment, David.¡± ¡°Captain.¡± ¡°You¡¯re no captain of mine.¡± David nodded softly. ¡°I invited Hannah for dinner tomorrow. Thought I¡¯d make it up to her.¡± Jim massaged his jaw and looked at Terry. Terry leapt over the table at David but was caught in mid-air and slammed onto his back. David was considerably stronger and found it a simple task to put him down. ¡°As for you. I think it¡¯s time to put you out of commission.¡± He kept Terry down with his boot and looked at Elizabeth. Elizabeth nodded. ¡°We cannot kill him.¡± ¡°Fetch me the axe, Jim.¡± Jimethy stood up and went to retrieve the tool. ¡°What are you planning to do with him?¡± Elizabeth watched Terry writhe under David¡¯s boot. She breathed deeply, realising David was becoming stronger by the hour and would soon take his seat at the top of the food chain. ¡°I thought perhaps I¡¯d send Alius a gift, like the one he sent me.¡± He winked at Elizabeth. Jim returned with the axe and handed it to the Captain. ¡°Thank you, Jimethy.¡± David released Terrence who was in the fits of beastial rage. ¡°Bastard!¡± Terry hopped up but was soon back down in a heap on the floor. His head rolled away though his lips moved in an attempt to talk. Still, he had no vocal cords and no source of air pass through them. The only sound he could make was the chattering of his daggered teeth and the slap of his flailing tongue. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Bury his body with Alius.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± David picked Terry¡¯s head by a tuft of its hair and strolled through the garden and into the woods. Elizabeth followed but stopped beside Jim who was filling the hole. ¡°You are lucky, Jim.¡± ¡°Lucky?¡± He looked back at her. ¡°How am I lucky?¡± ¡°Eternity as a chattering head is a punishment fit for no man.¡± ¡°Perhaps for, David.¡± Elizabeth chuckled. ¡°You will heal soon. Try to keep up appearances.¡± Jimethy looked out to the woods where David¡¯s shadow vanished into the thicket. ¡°Hannah will be his first, tomorrow it begins.¡± ¡°Not if I can help it,¡± Elizabeth said. ¡°How will you stop him?¡± ¡°I need to stop, Hannah.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°Well, you do.¡± Jimethy scratched his head. ¡°How can I stop her?¡± ¡°Kill her.¡± Jim¡¯s eyes flared a bright white. He didn¡¯t like the instruction, but it made sense. He tried to protest, ¡°Won¡¯t he just feast on someone else? I¡¯d have to kill the entire village at this rate.¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°We must hold on for a few more days, until the right moment.¡± ¡°What right moment?¡± Elizabeth sighed, ¡°By the time I have explained it to you, you¡¯d already have forgotten. Just know, in a few days all our hard work will revert to a moment in time within this village. We will do this again in one form or another.¡± She bit her lower lip, ¡°Perhaps you live, perhaps you die next time. It matters not lest we turn this curse on itself.¡± Jim thought Elizabeth was perhaps turning mad like her late husband and David. He shrugged and filled in the grave that Alius and Terrence now shared before heading to clean up. Elizabeth sat on the tombstone and waited in the night for David¡¯s return. ¡°Turn the curse on itself?¡± Elizabeth looked across the garden to Alius. He was reading one of the tombstones. ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°How do you plan on doing that?¡± ¡°Why would I tell, you?¡± ¡°Ah, so I can prevent it.¡± Elizabeth rolled her eyes. ¡°Perhaps.¡± Alius smiled. ¡°David is out there placing Terry¡¯s head for me. He says it¡¯ll keep me company.¡± ¡°Do you not get lonely?¡± ¡°It is crippling, Elizabeth. You wouldn¡¯t know about loneliness, except how to inflict it on others.¡± Elizabeth shook her head, ¡°I seek atonement.¡± ¡°You seek freedom from your punishment. It is to be expected.¡± ¡°What about the rest of the village, why should they be punished?¡± Alius smiled, ¡°They were all part of this charade. At least they enjoy the bliss of ignorance.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t make it any less cruel.¡± Alius strolled through the garden and laughed, ¡°Cruel? Since when did you care for the victims of cruelty, Elizabeth?¡± ¡°I am not without feeling and care.¡± ¡°So you say. Yet you¡¯ve only done what is in your best interest since this curse took you.¡± ¡°What else am I to do?¡± Elizabeth pulled her hair back and tied it in a ribbon to stop it blowing in her face. The wind had picked up quickly since Alius had arrived. ¡°You are to accept this fate. Why can¡¯t you do that? Do you think you¡¯re undeserving?¡± ¡°Yes, yes I am. Who are you to cast judgment in such a way?¡± ¡°Pray that my judgment is folly and be released then.¡± Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, ¡°I have, every night for a thousand years.¡± ¡°Then there is your answer. Accept it.¡± ¡°I am tired of your advice, Alius.¡± ¡°Do not think you can find a way out of this. This little experiment of yours is quite frankly laughable.¡± Elizabeth huffed and turned away to enter the house. She slammed the door shut and glided to the couch. ¡°I wondered where Alius had gotten to.¡± Elizabeth looked up but hid her shock as she saw David sitting across from her. ¡°He haunts this village.¡± David crossed his legs. ¡°Tell me about this plan of yours.¡± ¡°I seek to free us, David.¡± ¡°Free us from what?¡± ¡°From this curse that strangles us every day.¡± David laughed, ¡°Curse? I have never felt more alive.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a risk I had to take.¡± ¡°To allow me to live?¡± ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡± Elizabeth shook her head, ¡°We are monsters, David. Not because of the thirst that consumes us, but for what we did.¡± ¡°You¡¯re starting to sound like your ex-husband. Perhaps you should fetch the bible and hold a sermon.¡± Elizabeth stood and glided to the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯d implore you not to eat her tomorrow.¡± She placed her hands on the counter and closed her eyes, she knew it would be futile. ¡°I am hungry, Elizabeth, why aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Because your hunger and ambition have always burned the brightest and most violently, David. I desired a life away from Alius and in your arms. You delivered that but it came at a cost I didn¡¯t realise I was willing to pay.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t take it back.¡± ¡°We can try.¡± David hovered behind Elizabeth and took her by the shoulders. ¡°I can hear their heartbeats. I can feel their blood running through their veins. It¡¯s mine, Elizabeth, and I shall have it.¡± ¡°Then what?¡± ¡°Then we will conquer the world.¡± ¡°This is our world.¡± ¡°When we have gorged on the village we will have the power to free ourselves from this cursed place. It will not contain us.¡± Elizabeth shrugged David¡¯s hands off. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, David. You have left me no choice. I must keep you under control until it is time, or we are lost once again. I can¡¯t let Alius win.¡± David tilted his head, ¡°Control me? You have no¡ªah!¡± Simon bear-hugged David from behind and lifted him from the floor. He kicked his feet and roared, ¡°Off me you wretched beast!¡± Simon was too strong and resistant to David¡¯s strength. ¡°Take him into the pantry.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He carried the screeching David through the pantry dungeon to the end where the clearing lay. Elizabeth followed behind with a sack of grain in each hand. Carefully and without looking to the floor she poured out the grain to make a trail. Simon slammed David down and kicked his head, dazing him. Elizabeth dumped the second bag in a heap at his feet to create an island in the shallow water. ¡°Something for you to count before you leave.¡± David made the grave error of looking down at the pile of grain. A compulsion washed over him. He had to know how many grains lay before him. It was imperative to everything. Without hesitation, he began to pick the grain up and count. ¡°One, two, three¡­¡± Elizabeth left the dungeon and out back through the pantry. ¡°You stay here Simon, do not move. If he tries to get out, stop him.¡± Simon nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± Elizabeth closed the pantry door and locked it before dragging the dining room table in front of it. She dusted her hands and breathed deeply. ¡°That should hold him for a few days.¡± Alius was poking the fire, chuckling. ¡°Locking someone in the dungeon, Elizabeth? Stealing my ideas.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare help him.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of it. I am honestly enjoying this show, it¡¯s so much different than the last.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to bed.¡± ¡°Sleep tight, Elizabeth. I hope that furious Captain of yours doesn¡¯t escape, I can only imagine what he¡¯ll do to you.¡± Chapter 19 - From the walls Hannah tossed in her bed. Her dreams were plagued by the dreadful scenes of Jim and Terry slashing each other to bits. She fretted for them both, especially Terrence. Though her heart ached from the news of his alleged betrayal, she was very much fond of him. Feeling the need to drench herself in the crisp night air, she clambered from her bed and slipped out of her room. She would open a window, but the wind would shudder the house and slam the doors. She didn¡¯t want to raise the ire of her mother and father by waking them. The house was dark and the loose floorboards made it treacherous for bare toes. With a low creak, she eased the back door open and smiled as the fresh night air washed over her sweaty face. ¡°Ahh.¡± Hannah looked out into the darkness. Her garden backed onto the woods. Walking through the woods to collect mushrooms was one of her favourite things to do, but ever since the murders she developed a fear. It happened over a decade ago, but the dread Alius had spread through the village with his crazed theories never left her. She was only about fifteen when the hanging of Alius occurred. Hannah recalled the stories of brave Terry, dealing with the crazed Daniel. She never saw the trial happen. For nearly eight years he courted her affections but never did propose. Terry always had an excuse. He had promised that this would be the year. The pieces were falling into place though. He was always a secretive type. Hannah sighed. She thought about telling her father, he¡¯d be furious she wasted all her time. Her birthing years were running short and if Terry didn¡¯t propose this year her father said she¡¯d be married off to George. He wasn¡¯t the man she wanted. The comforting breeze became a chill and she opened the door to return inside. From the kitchen came a scratching sound and then a skitter. ¡°Ugh, Tadpole¡­¡± she crept into the kitchen, ¡°Mother and Father will be upset if they find you kipping in the kitchen,¡± she whispered. Hannah used the kitchen oil lamp to light a candle on the stand so she could explore. ¡°Here puss. Pss pss.¡± she crouched to search for him. ¡°Tadpole, pss pss.¡± The scratching continued and she followed the noise. It led out of the kitchen and into the dining room. The scratching grew louder. ¡°Oh, tadpole. You¡¯re going to get me into trouble.¡± Hannah was led to the half-sized door at the back of the dining room. It was a crawl-in room to store dried food. ¡°You better not have gotten into the food, you scamp.¡± The half-door was wedged tightly and it took some effort on the part of Hannah to open it. This left her a tad confused as to how the cat got in there and for how long. ¡°Mother must have caught you in here. Poor thing.¡± She set the candle down to one side and crawled in. ¡°Pss pss.¡± The scratching continued but there was no sign of her cat. ¡°Tadpole?¡± ¡°Ah!¡± The little crawl space rocked. Hannah rubbed the top of her head where she had caught it on the small shelf. ¡°Blasted hole.¡± She clambered back out of the hole and tied her hair up with a ribbon. ¡°Can¡¯t see a darn thing in there.¡± she took up the candle in its tin holder and went inside once more. No cat. The scratching remained. Now though, she was sure she could hear a faint voice. ¡°Hello?¡± she hissed. Hannah crawled to the end of the small room, careful not to catch the sacks of food on the naked flame. The end was bare brick. ¡°Odd.¡± The scratching turned to long scrapes. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hello.¡± A voice called back. Hannah gasped and blew out her candle. The door to the crawl-in pantry closed behind her and slapped the soles of her feet. ¡°Ngh!¡± she wriggled in the dark space. The shelves wobbled and a bag of grain fell on her back. ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°Hello?¡± The voice called again. It was soft and raspy. She daren¡¯t speak back. Eyes wide and heart throbbing she attempted to calm herself. Thud. Hannah kicked at the door with as much power as she could leverage from the prone position she was stuck in. The door didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Wind must have caught the door.¡± she shook her head, trying to calm herself with rational explanations. ¡°Don¡¯t want to have to sleep here tonight, Mother would have questions¡­¡± ¡°She would.¡± Hannah gasped. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± ¡°One thousand eight hundred and nine¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± Hannah wriggled and tried to kick the door again.¡± ¡°Why not go forward.¡± Hannah blinked at the ridiculous suggestion. ¡°I can¡¯t, there¡¯s a wall¡­who is this?¡± ¡°One thousand eight hundred and ten.¡± ¡°Why are you saying large numbers?¡± ¡°Come.¡± The voice whispered. Hannah reached out to slap the wall, ¡°I told you, there is a wall¨C¡± as she slapped the brick with her palm and felt it give way. ¡°Hm.¡± Curiosity overtook her better judgement and she shoved the wall. It fell through and crumbled away down a dark incline. She heard the bricks tumble before landing, plop, in a body of shallow water. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Hello.¡± The voice was still like a whisper in the wind, but she could hear it clearly. Hannah crawled forward and held the edge before the incline. ¡°What is this place?¡± ¡°One thousand eight hundred and thirty.¡± That voice rolled up from the darkness and caught Hannah¡¯s, raising it. ¡°Why are you counting?¡± ¡°It¡¯s good to know?¡± ¡°Good to know, what?¡± ¡°One thousand eight hundred and thirty-one.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Hannah had no choice but to move forward lest she wanted to wait for her mother to open the pantry door in the morning. She dragged herself over the lip and down the incline. She felt her nighty get torn when she caught a jagged rock on the hem. ¡°Bugger.¡± ¡°Come.¡± The voice made her shudder. She slipped down some and turned around to crawl back into the room. This time she¡¯d try to open the door with her hand. With her feet dangling over the incline she began to push. Grunting. She tried to work her nail into the seam of the door but it was to no avail. ¡°One thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.¡± ¡°Oh shush!¡± she called back. At that moment Hannah felt an icy clasp wrap around her ankles. She kicked to try and shake the sensation, thinking perhaps it was a breeze or worse, a filthy rat crawling over her. It did not waver and instead tightened. ¡°Ah!¡± She screamed as she was pulled down the incline. Her face scraped against the stony ramp until she lay at the bottom in a cold puddle. The grip around her ankle dissipated and she kicked her legs frantically in an effort to strike her assailant. ¡°Help!¡± she screamed. ¡°No need to shout.¡± The voice crept from the darkness calmly. Hannah closed her eyes and cried. ¡°Hush, baby. No need to cry. Up, up. Your mother and father will forget you if you lay there.¡± Hannah sniffed and got to her knees. She was shaking and sobbing loudly. ¡°You make an ugly sound for such a pretty woman, Hannah.¡± ¡°Leave me alone.¡± she clambered up the stony ramp to where she had made the hole. As she reached out she cried with horror. Her hands slapped against the bricks which had now, somehow, replaced themselves. She struck the bricks with the inside of her fists and screamed. ¡°Mother! Father!¡± ¡°They can¡¯t hear you from behind the wall.¡± She scratched at the wall furiously, her nails bending back. The adrenaline coursing through her body nullified any pain. ¡°Help!¡± ¡°Do you like to count?¡± Hannah battered at the wall till she collapsed in exhaustion. ¡°Ah, tired now. Come back down, there is a way out.¡± She sat up and sniffed. ¡°You lie.¡± ¡°I never lie, the Bible teaches us not to lest we burn in hell.¡± She rubbed her nose to clear away the snot and gingerly slid down the incline. ¡°That¡¯s it, Hannah, come.¡± ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Come.¡± She landed in the puddle and stood shakily. Her knees quivered. Two candles that were held in sconces ignited beside an entryway. Hannah wiped her eyes and tried to peer into the darkness. ¡°Come.¡± the air wooshed out and caused her to stumble. ¡°I¡¯ll help you out. Evil waits in these walls. Come, I will help you.¡± ¡°Who are you?¡± Hannah walked into the darkness where more sconces lit up to lead the way. ¡°One thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.¡± Hannah frowned. The counting was so out of place that it made her stomach turn over every time she heard the number. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°I am Hannah.¡± ¡°Come.¡± Hannah stepped through the tunnel slowly until she was met with a wall. She placed her hands on it and shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s a dead end.¡± ¡°No, push harder, girl.¡± The voice came from behind her, she turned to catch the shadow of something that may approach. ¡°Meow.¡± ¡°Tadpole!¡± ¡°No cats!¡± The voice snapped. Tadpole hissed and dashed away. ¡°Tadpole, come back!¡± Hannah went to follow a little but he had vanished into the darkness. ¡°Come back, Hannah.¡± Hannah bit her lip and returned to the dead end. She shoved the wall. Just like the one in the crawl-in pantry, it fell through. The stones crumbled and splashed into another body of water. It was deeper than the first she had come to and went to her ankles. ¡°Ugh.¡± The water stank of waste and had lumpy gunge that caught between her toes. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± The voice was much clearer as if she was beside its source. She recognised it. ¡°I know that voice.¡± She wracked her mind while trying to dispel her confusion and focus on the sound. ¡°One thousand eight hundred and thirty-four.¡± ¡°Captain, is that you?¡± ¡°Yes. I am trapped down here. Is that you, Hannah?¡± Hannah felt the fear drain from her. ¡°Yes, yes it¡¯s me! I got trapped down here!¡± ¡°Me too, I know the way out. Come.¡± She shook away the pain and a spring danced in her step. ¡°Come!¡± Hannah found herself before another wall at the end of a tunnel. She didn¡¯t need prompting and shoved it with her shoulder. It fell through and she stepped into a circular clearing. Sitting across from her was a man. Beside him was a flickering candle and a pile of grain. ¡°Captain?¡± Captain Potter looked up from his counting pile. The dim light from the candle caressed his face made jagged by the shadows. ¡°Hello, Hannah.¡± ¡°What are you doing down here, Captain?¡± She approached. ¡°I was taken down here, against my will.¡± ¡°Me too.¡± ¡°They made me count this grain.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°One thousand eight hundred and thirty-five. Now that number reminds me of something.¡± He cocked his head. ¡°Of what?¡± ¡°It matters no, Hannah.¡± He rose and kicked away the grain. ¡°It¡¯s time to leave this place.¡± ¡°Lead the way.¡± ¡°We shall go the way you came from, the other way is unsafe.¡± Hannah closed her eyes and started to cry. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s ok.¡± The captain embraced her. ¡°You¡¯re safe now.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Captain.¡± ¡°Call me, David.¡± He said stroking her hair softly. ¡°Come now, let¡¯s go back.¡± ¡°The way is sealed, I had to come this way.¡± ¡°I shall unseal it.¡± Hannah¡¯s watery eyes brightened. She felt safe with the Captain and led him back to the incline where she was pulled down. ¡°Up there. The way was sealed behind me, I don¡¯t know how.¡± ¡°How odd.¡± David mused. He crawled up and stopped at the top. Hannah watched with bated breath. ¡°Well?¡± ¡°There is a way into the pantry, a hole in the wall.¡± ¡°No, it was sealed.¡± David slid back down and pointed her up. ¡°See for yourself.¡± She scurried up the incline and to her shock the way was open. ¡°Oh, my, I feel so silly!¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, in you go!¡± Hannah made to go through the crawl space. ¡°Wait.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hannah hissed. ¡°Do you have garlic?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think so, why?¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯m allergic, makes me awfully scratchy.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re safe, it¡¯s all in sacks.¡± She clambered into her pantry. The door was open and she crawled out into the dining room. Her body was scratched and her nighty was ruined. She¡¯d have quite the story for Mother and Father. ¡°Hannah.¡± Hannah looked down at the little door where David¡¯s shadowy head waited. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°May I come in?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± She chuckled. Chapter 20 - This curse revealed David crawled out of the pantry into the dining room and brushed the dust from his hair. Hannah was happy to escape that nightmarish tunnel and enjoyed the respite. She sat on a chair and adjusted her auburn hair in the ribbon. After a minute or so, she recollected the strange goings on with a ponderous furrow knitted into her brow. ¡°Captain.¡± ¡°Yes, dear?¡± David had taken a seat at the dining table next to her. ¡°What were you doing down there?¡± She cocked her head. David placed his hand on her bare thigh that the tears in her nighty had exposed. Her skin was soft and warm. He felt the thirst return. Hannah was a nice lady, David remembered her being as such. In his moments of madness, he had declared himself famished and threatened to devour the village. Now faced with the meal, he was pressed into a quandary. ¡°I was¡­counting.¡± ¡°That was you?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Why? What were you counting?¡± ¡°Grain.¡± ¡°I do not understand Captain.¡± Her blue eyes seemed to vibrate. The morning was creeping on them and the early sun had brightened the dining room and the birds began to recite their compositions. ¡°Mother and father will be up soon, perhaps you should leave?¡± A rumble from the other room signified the awakening of a parent. ¡°That will be father. He¡¯d be most set aside if he caught us talking and me looking like this. I shouldn¡¯t like to explain it to him.¡± Captain raised a hand and offered a calm smile, ¡°And so you shouldn¡¯t, I will speak to your parents and let them know. You are a hero, Hannah. You saved me.¡± Her nose wrinkled. ¡°I don¡¯t see how.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just say, not everyone thinks I should be captain.¡± ¡°So¡­you were imprisoned down there.¡± David nodded. ¡°Now, you go to your room. Make yourself decent.¡± Hannah looked over the ribbons that made her nighty. ¡°Yes, thank you, Captain.¡± Hannah left David with a candle in the dining room, prepared a small bowl of water with a cloth and brought it to her room. She cleaned her legs dutifully and listened for her father. She didn¡¯t want to come out of her room until instructed. Quietness took the house for the better part of ten minutes. Hannah had changed into her day dress and sat on her bed, brushing her hair. Then came the low voices. It was her father and Captain David talking. She couldn¡¯t make out the words but it all sounded pleasant. The light padding of footsteps came next and her mother''s voice could be heard. She was a little louder than Father and seemed excitable. Hannah hoped everything would be fine and she wouldn¡¯t be in trouble. Curiously, she pressed her ear to her door and listened. There was some laughter then a silence. Hannah thought perhaps she would be safe to emerge. A loud thud rattled the walls, then a man''s cry then another thud. The sound of furniture scraping across groaned out. Hannah pulled her ear from the door and held her chest. She backed up and sat on the bed, breathing quickly. She realised something was not right with Captain Potter and thought silly of herself for affording him so much trust. ¡°Meow.¡± ¡°Gosh,¡± Hannah hissed as she turned to see Tadpole at the foot of her bed. ¡°You made me jump.¡± Hannah¡¯s attention was pulled back to the door by a putrid slosh that smacked the outside of her bedroom wall, followed by a scream that devolved into a guttural choke. The house fell still, even the usual wind whistling through and creaks of old wood had retreated into silence. Hannah crept to the door, desperate to hear her mother or father''s voices. She held her ear against it again. Something cooled her feet. It was wet. She peeled her head from the door and looked down. Hannah frowned and lifted her leg. The morning light caught the wash of crimson on the inner part of her sole. She squealed and fell back on her behind. A growl and that all too familiar whisper slipped into her room, she heard the words clearly. ¡°Come, Hannah.¡± She crawled back until her head hit the bead. The doorknob turned slowly. Hannah looked around frantically. The window. She lifted it and pushed herself through the tight hole. The flower bed took the brunt of her weight as she fell from the window and crawled through the garden towards the gate. ¡°Hannah.¡± The voice curled from behind and drew her head to crane and look at the window she had fled from. The room was dark, and the unmistakable outline of a man watched with two fiery eyes. Hannah cried and pulled herself upright to charge through the garden gate. She pressed into it with her waist but the rusty grill didn¡¯t budge. In a fit of curses, she rattled the latch, only giving a moment to glance behind her. The ground was laden with a thick mist that rose to her waist. The old latch gave way and she shoved the rattling gate out of the way to dash out through the paddock that led to the forest''s tree line. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. The mist had enveloped her completely and felt like she was running with a pillowcase over her head. The thick roots and shrubs grasped her ankles while the thorny bracken clawed at her dress. A tremendous pain coursed through her face. Hannah went dizzy, stumbled and then collapsed. Everything went grey and her head spun. She shook her head and rolled onto her stomach to prop herself on her hands and knees. Her nose was pulsing and blood collected under her chin. ¡°Ahh..¡± she winced when she tried to sniff at the moisture gathering in her nostrils. Hannah looked to her side and saw the old Oak she had collided with. The mist had thinned and the gloom of the forest encircled her. The branches looked black and bitter. ¡°Nngh..¡± she used the tree to help herself back up, leaning against it to gather her wits. Hannah hadn¡¯t a clue how far she had run but it must have been enough to lose her assailant. She held her head which was tender and had a large bump on it. Her nose clicked and the pain made her eyes water. She wanted to cry for help but was afraid that would lead him to her. She continued, this time walking as she hadn¡¯t the energy to run since having the wind knocked from her. *** The manor door rattled and banged. Elizabeth looked at Jim and nodded for him to answer. ¡°Aye?¡± Jim cocked his head at Damion, a grey-faced villager who made neither peep nor shout. ¡°H-hullo, is the Captain home?¡± ¡°He¡¯s unwell. What do want?¡± He frowned, ¡°A few folks, includin¡¯ me¡¯sel heard some strange noises from the Garland house.¡± ¡°Ramsey and Elenore?¡± ¡°Aye, sir.¡± ¡°Hannah¡¯s house.¡± ¡°The daughter, aye.¡± ¡°What kind of noises?¡± ¡°Screams, horrible one I heard.¡± Jim scratched his chin. ¡°Go about your business.¡± ¡°W¨C¡± Jimethy slammed the door in his face and looked back at Elizabeth. ¡°David¡­¡± Her eyes flashed. She spun, pulled the table away from the pantry door and threw it open. ¡°Hello.¡± Elizabeth looked at Simon. ¡°Did David go by you, Simon?¡± ¡°No, Potter, Elizabeth.¡± She looked back at Jim before quickly descending the stairs into the tunnel. Jimethy followed closely. Jim looked around. The last he had been here was when he had found Elizabeth all those years ago. He thought that Alius had not been completely mad. He and Elizabeth shared this blackness within. It felt good, strong and powerful but the thirst was scratching the back of his throat and no drink or food satiated it. They reached the damp clearing where the pile of grain lay. Jim was desperate to know how many might be in that pile. He knelt closer but was wrenched up by Elizabeth. ¡°Do not count them.¡± Jim shook his head. ¡°How was Captain able to pull himself away from this pile?¡± Elizabeth looked at him. Jim looked back, ¡°He could not have counted them all by the night''s end.¡± ¡°Perhaps he was never ensnared by the allure of the count.¡± ¡°He tricked up.¡± ¡°He is powerful.¡± ¡°How did he get past Simon?¡± Elizabeth pointed at the hole in the wall. Jim peered into the darkness. ¡°Did you know about this?¡± ¡°No. This curse moves through the walls. They take them where it pleases.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°It means we cannot contain, David, he must do that himself.¡± ¡°What should we do?¡± Jim whispered. ¡°Let¡¯s visit Hannah¡¯s house.¡± The pair left the manor house and strode down to the Garland residence. A few villagers had gathered around and a man, George, was banging on the door. ¡°Anyone in there? Hannah!¡± Jim approached with his flintlock in one hand. Elizabeth glided behind elegantly. ¡°Clear away folks,¡± said Jim. The small group made a hole and let them through. George looked behind him and nodded to Jim. ¡°Something¡¯s happened in there, Jim, I swears it.¡± Jim nodded back. ¡°I will check see.¡± He wrapped lightly on the door. ¡°Hullo, Mr Garland.¡± He lifted his hand to shush the nattering villagers. They quietened. The house was silent. ¡°Maybe¡ª¡± ¡°Hush, George. I shall deal with this.¡± Jim looked at everyone and cleared his throat. ¡°Right then.¡± He tucked the flintlock into his belt and then proceeded to barge the door with his shoulder. A few short shunts broke the door open and he moved inside. The villagers gathered around to enter but Jim turned to stop them. ¡°They don¡¯t need the whole village snooping about the place.¡± George frowned, ¡°I¡¯d much like to come in, I am a welcomed guest to this house.¡± ¡°Not right now you aren¡¯t.¡± Elizabeth moved towards the door and eased past George. She turned to face him and offered a warm smile. ¡°Jim and I will have a look, please George, if you would, calm this crowd.¡± George frowned. Elizabeth tilted her head. ¡°It would be a great favour to me.¡± George nodded, ¡°Of course, my lady.¡± Jim held the door for Elizabeth and let it close behind them. The Garland house was kempt. The hearth in the kitchen crackled. ¡°Do you smell that?¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°I do. He has left them here for us.¡± ¡°Left who?¡± Elizabeth led Jim to the source of the sweet scent. Upon the table lay Hannah¡¯s parents. Ramsey¡¯s belly had been gashed open while Elenore was lying on her front, arm hanging off the edge of the table. ¡°These two.¡± ¡°Why would he leave them here for us?¡± ¡°To drink from.¡± Jim licked his lips. He was mightily urged to feast. His throat became dry and his pupils shrank to pin holes. ¡°Jim, control yourself.¡± ¡°A small taste would not be a miss?¡± He looked at Elizabeth, his teeth and stretched out into a jagged mess. Elizabeths¡¯teeth were much the same now. Both of them yearned for the nectar. ¡°If we were to eat, we would lose ourselves.¡± Jim narrowed his eyes. ¡°Have I noted earned a bite?¡± he hissed angrily with fire in his eyes. ¡°I had to fight off the wounds inflicted by Terrence.¡± ¡°You brought them upon yourself.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Do not tempt my wrath, you¡¯re sired under me. Jim snarled and looked at the fresh corpses sprawled over the table. Elizabeth glided into Hannah¡¯s room where the wind blew the curtains around. ¡°Hannah fled, I do not smell her corpse. There may be time to stop David¡¯s turn yet,¡± she called back into the dining room. ¡°Jim, let us go.¡± She turned back to leave into the dining room and stopped. Jim was sat astride Ramsey''s body, tearing into his neck and gurgling the blood like a drunk might quaff ale after a salt rind. ¡°Jim, you fool!¡± Jim looked at Elizabeth and snarled. His face was twisted into evil and his blackened eyes vibrated with intensity. Chapter 21 - Hunters ritual Hannah was lost. The mist had whirled around her and pulled her in all directions. She tried to use the moss on the trees to guide her way home but it kept changing as if the forest sat upon a carousel. Her nose pulsed a dull ache and the warm air sapped at her energy. ¡°Seems you caught the vampire''s gaze, dear.¡± Hannah turned around on the spot. She could not find where the voice came from. ¡°Who said that?¡± ¡°A voyeur so to speak.¡± She pressed her back to the tree and heaved, doing her best to hold back tears. ¡°Are you to help me?¡± ¡°I have no reason to intervene.¡± ¡°Then why do you speak to me?¡± ¡°I get lonely.¡± ¡°I can see why.¡± Hannah slid down the tree to sit down. ¡°If you mock people who need help, perhaps it¡¯s better that you¡¯re alone!¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t help you if I wanted.¡± ¡°Perhaps you could tell me the way back to the village.¡± Hannah looked around again, trying to find who was speaking. ¡°I doubt you¡¯d want to return there.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better than being out here.¡± ¡°You will be hunted and he will have his prey. Once a vampire has someone in its gaze, only their blood can satisfy the hunger. Oh and how they love to play with their food.¡± ¡°Vampires. A man once spoke of those many years ago.¡± Hannah looked behind the tree. Wary of her pursuer. ¡°Yes, and your village hanged him.¡± Hannah stumbled around the tree and continued walking, hoping to create more distance between her and David. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in such creatures, it¡¯s a myth.¡± ¡°A vampire is a cursed creature. It¡¯s born from within a man, from his greed and ambition. A vampire must suck the life of others to live. That perfectly describes your Captain.¡± ¡°Who are you?¡± She cried. Hannah trudged on through the dense thicket. She looked up in the trees and called again: ¡°Well?¡± The forest was still once more and Hannah was alone with her hunter. *** Elizabeth caught the leaping Jim in mid-air and threw him into Hannah¡¯s bedroom. ¡°You were truly a mistake!¡± She drew her claws and slashed the rabid vampire. ¡°Look at you!¡± she slashed again, forcing him to try and crawl away. ¡°One feed and you¡¯re lost!¡± Jim scrambled up and jumped on the bed. ¡°You held me back for too long.¡± Elizabeth knelt elegantly and lifted the flintlock that fell from Jim¡¯s belt. ¡°You are not made for this curse, Jim. You¡¯re a good man at heart.¡± she pointed the gun at him. Jimethy narrowed his blackened eyes. ¡°We¡ª¡± Before he could finish his thought, Elizabeth pulled the trigger. 0 Jim howled and fell back out of the window. Villagers poured into the house led by George. ¡°What on earth has happened here!¡± Elizabeth came back through into the dining room to meet the transfixed gathering. The gruesome servings on the dining room table harken to the dark days of the past. She tossed the smoking pistol on the table and cleared her throat. ¡°Everyone return to your homes. Do not allow anyone to enter. Scatter grain about your doors.¡± George scoffed, ¡°Madness, what happened here?¡± ¡°I shall not lie. Jimethy has been stricken with a dark curse as has Captain Potter. They are vampiric.¡± ¡°Two people are murdered! Why are you dredging up the fears Alius sewed?¡± ¡°They are not lies.¡± Elizabeth sighed. ¡°Gather any arms you have.¡± She closed her eyes. ¡°It will soon begin.¡± George ran his hand through the thick mat of hair atop his head. ¡°Where is Terry?¡± Elizabeth tossed George the flintlock. ¡°Do you know how to use this?¡± George caught it and then inspected it slowly. ¡°I do.¡± ¡°We must hold until midnight tomorrow.¡± ¡°Hold what?¡± ¡°Everything. Get the village indoors.¡± Elizabeth''s eyes flashed hypnotically. ¡°Now George.¡± George bowed his head quickly and pushed out the stunned villagers behind him. Elizabeth dashed into Hannah¡¯s bedroom and looked out the window. A trail of blood led through the garden. She closed her eyes and summoned a deep red mist to blind her vampiric kin. The woods beckoned her in. She could sense the disturbance amongst the solace of the dying forest. Then came the taunting voice of Alius. ¡°Elizabeth, I see your plan.¡± ¡°What do you make of it?¡± She said, trudging through the woods in search of David¡¯s prey. ¡°Naive. David will feed and you will lose control of him.¡± Elizabeth stopped. ¡°I only need to guide him.¡± ¡°Guide him into the walls?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Stolen story; please report. ¡°How will you do that? By midnight tomorrow, you will wake up right back in that dungeon. Waiting for that fool to stumble upon you.¡± ¡°I can only try.¡± Alius laughed. ¡°I do enjoy the show.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a sad, bitter ghost, Alius.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget insane.¡± Elizabeth disengaged with Alius and focused on her quarry. She had to save Hannah from David¡¯s grasp and keep his true nature at bay until she could lead him back to the walls. She became the mist itself and weaved herself through the forest floor. She could sense David, Hannah and Jimethy. Hannah had given up. She was sitting against a felled tree slipping in and out of consciousness. Her legs had given way and the dimming of her senses offered much-needed relief from the pain. She could hear the dark laughter of her hunter, soon it would be over. Her eyes drifted closed but were quickly reignited by a new voice, a kind one. ¡°Hannah.¡± She blinked to clear away the haze. The mist around her had reddened. ¡°Hannah.¡± Hannah thought about responding as perhaps it may be another trick. She wondered why he hadn¡¯t killed her already. ¡°Hannah.¡± ¡°What?¡± She croaked. ¡°Follow my voice, I shall help you.¡± Hannah tried to stand but could not. Her legs trembled and she slumped once more. With tears in her eyes, she rolled onto her side and curled up. ¡°I cannot.¡± Elizabeth could navigate the woods with ease. She knew where Hannah lay and made her way in that direction, shifting in and out of her misty form. Jim dived at Elizabeth from a tree, but she was all too aware of his presence and paltry attempt at an ambush. Elizabeth glided to one side and slashed with her claws down his side. Jim roiled in agony as his insides spilt over the muddy ground. She offered him no quarter before beheading him and tossing his chattering head high into a tree. ¡°You are released of duty.¡± Jim¡¯s body spasmed and tried to right itself, but the loss of innards and catastrophic damage left him as nothing more than a wriggling worm in the soil. Elizabeth felt David¡¯s presence. He moved not with the mist but like a bird through the trees, fliting and warping in and out of reality. It made her dizzy trying to keep up with his movements. Hannah managed to get to her feet and was wandering. Her bare feet stung with the cuts and scrapes sustained. ¡°Help¡­¡± her voice was picked up by the wind and carried through the mist. ¡°To me!¡± Elizabeth¡¯s voice echoed. Hannah moved toward the kind voice. From behind a tree stepped the monstrous David. His eyes were blackened and his face was like a snarling wolf primed to defend her cubs. ¡°I enjoyed watching you flee.¡± Hannah backed up slowly with her hands raised. ¡°Please. I don¡¯t know what you want from me.¡± ¡°I think you do.¡± David snarled and made to charge, but was knocked over by a gust of powerful wind. Elizabeth materialised and stepped between them. ¡°David, you must resist this curse. If you feed, you will be lost and I cannot save us.¡± ¡°Save us?¡± David laughed. ¡°Save yourself, Elizabeth. You were a traitor to your ex-husband and now a traitor to me.¡± Elizabeth glanced back at the fearful Hannah and nodded softly. ¡°Indeed, and I indulged Alius¡¯ mental torture of you. I had to break your mind and reveal the truth of your evil. But I resurrected you instead of leaving you to the earth. Tell me, is that the action of a traitor?¡± David pondered a moment. ¡°Why would you bring me back?¡± ¡°I have tried to guide you and Alius out of this village, out of purgatory. Each time I lead you astray. For that I am sorry. This time, if you hold on perhaps we can save ourselves.¡± He shook his head and bared his powerful fangs. ¡°Your curse differs from mine.¡± Elizabeth nodded as she continued to weave a mist around Hannah, guiding her back to the village with the echoes of her mind as she spoke with David. ¡°It manifests through our sins, David. I am a liar. I hide the truth. I move as smoke.¡± David¡¯s nose twitched. ¡°Sins. Thump your bible more like your husband.¡± Elizabeth continued, ¡°You are violent and ambitious. Fast and vicious.¡± ¡°What of Alius?¡± ¡°He is bitter and unforgiving. Apathetic.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s mist enveloped them both with a swirl. David looked around and growled, ¡°Jezebel!¡± he launched at Elizabeth. Elizabeth dissipated upon contact and reappeared behind him. Though she had evaded direct contact, David¡¯s power and speed had opened a wound above her hip. She held it and winced. ¡°Resist, David.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have time for your lies!¡± He dashed through the reddened mist. Elizabeth clawed at him with biting winds and turned him around to slow his chase. David was gaining on Hannah and she had no choice but to reappear and use her physical body to block him. David crashed into her and sent her through the air into a tree. ¡°Aah!¡± Elizabeth¡¯s wail resonated through the entire village. ¡°Why do you try to stop me, Elizabeth?¡± David growled as he looked down at Elizabeth''s broken body. Her back twisted and her mouth filled with blood. ¡°Look what you made me do.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes fluttered. She would heal from this but it would take weeks. There would be no way for her to regenerate in time to stop David from having his way. She tried to speak but only a splutter of crimson escaped her lips. ¡°Goodbye, Elizabeth.¡± David continued towards the fleeing Hannah. Hannah stumbled as he used every ounce of her remaining strength to escape the forest. The village came into sight. The protective mists that shielded her had faded. She had heard a great cry from the woods but hadn¡¯t stopped to find out what it could be. Her house was there, not twenty paces away now. She considered returning to her home but couldn¡¯t bear what she might find. Instead, she weaved between the houses and onto the village''s main causeway. ¡°Help!¡± She cried. From around the corner, a man came and scooped her up in his arms. She screamed, kicked and bit. ¡°Help!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± The man cried and released her. ¡°Hannah!¡± She tripped over once released and landed on her knees. ¡°Hannah, it¡¯s me, George.¡± Hannah blinked and scrambled away from him. ¡°Help me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to help, come with me, quickly now.¡± George reached out to help her up. A wretched, bestial cry spiralled from the woods and put a shudder in their hearts. ¡°Quickly, Hannah. Take my hand.¡± She looked at it, hesitating before grabbing it and allowing him to heave her up. ¡°With me now.¡± Hannah followed George through the village, past the main square where the large willow stood. The village was barren of life. Usually, there would be people working and chatting. ¡°We shall hide in my father''s old home,¡± George said, pulling her along faster than she could keep up. Hannah almost fell but remained upright after a stumble. ¡°Quickly now, Hannah.¡± ¡°Where is everyone?¡± ¡°Inside.¡± George and Hannah were breathing heavily. He led her to an old cottage with an unkept garden beside it. ¡°In here.¡± George opened the door and ushered her in. ¡°Something grave is happening, Hannah.¡± She nodded and looked around the dusty house. ¡°This is old man Graveson¡¯s house.¡± George looked back at Hannah from the window and nodded. ¡°Yep, my father.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was your father.¡± ¡°Not many people did.¡± ¡°You¡¯re George Ashworth.¡± He nodded. ¡°He never wanted me, so I wanted nothing from him.¡± George pushed a chair in front of the door and sat on it. Hannah rubbed her arm and sat down. ¡°I am scared, George.¡± ¡°We all are. I believe we are dealing with¨C¡± ¡°Vampires.¡± Hannah nodded. George frowned, ¡°You have seen them?¡± ¡°I was run out of my house and into the woods. Elizabeth saved me.¡± ¡°Is Elizabeth well?¡± ¡°I do not know.¡± Hannah glanced at his flintlock. ¡°You carry a gun now?¡± ¡°I have been tasked to ensure everyone remains indoors by Elizabeth.¡± Hannah nodded and rubbed her face. ¡°I will need to go back out soon.¡± ¡°No, you shouldn¡¯t, it¡¯s too dangerous.¡± George nodded, ¡°I will keep you safe, don¡¯t worry.¡± Chapter 22 - Loyal snake Alius sat beside Elizabeth¡¯s shattered body and shook his head. ¡°Was this part of your plan?¡± Elizabeth chuckled and let forth a high-pitched whistle. The birds scattered and the forest mist cleared completely. Alius cocked his head and shuffled on the ground. ¡°It would be better if you accepted this fate. Would be a lot less pain for you.¡± She looked at Alius and offered a sad smile. ¡°Can you forgive him?¡± Alius scoffed, ¡°David? No.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s voice strained as more blood gurgled up her throat, she sucked it back down and coughed. ¡°M-Matthew six¡ª¡± ¡°Six: Fourteen, do not quote the book to me, Elizabeth. You are in no position.¡± Alius crossed his legs. He was dressed in his long coat that he wore when he was captain. ¡°David will soon be at the village, I imagine Hannah will be drained.¡± She sobbed softly. Alius stroked Elizabeth¡¯s hair lovingly. ¡°Come now, no need to cry. Soon it will be over.¡± ¡°I do not cry for my pain, Alius.¡± He stopped stroking her hair and narrowed his eyes. Elizabeth¡¯s head lulled to look Alius in the eye, ¡°I cry for you.¡± ¡°For me?¡± ¡°You have been wronged at every turn. Now you share a hell with us. You deserve better.¡± ¡°I deserve everything I get. I shan¡¯t question divine judgement.¡± ¡°You call it judgment. Perhaps it is a lesson. You have lost your faith, I feel it.¡± Alius nodded. ¡°You still have a sharp mind, despite your naivety. I admire that. You were a worthy wife, for a while.¡± Elizabeth sputtered as she laughed, ¡°A compliment. I¡¯ll accept it for what it¡¯s worth.¡± They sat there in silence for twenty minutes. Alius would stroke her hair when she let out small cries of pain. ¡°I miss this.¡± ¡°What?¡± She breathed. ¡°Caring for you.¡± Elizabeth closed her eyes, ¡°Hardly caring.¡± ¡°Remember when you were taken by that awful ailment? You were laid up in bed for three weeks.¡± ¡°I do.¡± ¡°You were so thankful for my nursing. You strengthened each day and it filled me with so much happiness. I was truly terrified of losing you.¡± ¡°You were a good husband¡­for a while.¡± Alius laughed, ¡°Paying the compliment back. You were never one to be left in social debt.¡± Elizabeth closed her eyes. Alius rose slowly and placed his hands on his hips. ¡°I shall leave you be then, Elizabeth. Until next time.¡± A crackle came from the trees followed by a call, ¡°Elizabeth!¡± ¡°Here.¡± She groaned. Alius looked into the distance where two figures emerged from the trees. ¡°Who is this then?¡± ¡°My faithful.¡± ¡°Elizabeth!¡± Sylvester dashed towards her and Alius. He stopped when he realised who it was. ¡°Alius.¡± ¡°Sylvester.¡± Simon grunted as he pulled behind him a large board on ropes. ¡°You are here to help your queen?¡± Alius looked down at her and chuckled. ¡°Tis expected that she surrounds herself with the vilest examples of men.¡± Elizabeth moaned in pain. ¡°I thought you were leaving, Alius.¡± ¡°Indeed. Good luck to you, Sylvester.¡± Sylvester frowned. He had aged poorly. He had taken the hermit''s life to its most extreme. He only came to his door to accept a body, then dropped it off by the grave by cover of night. ¡°Simon, quickly now!¡± he knelt beside Elizabeth. ¡°What happened to you?¡± ¡°Do not pester me with questions.¡± She groaned, ¡°You can fix me, yes?¡± ¡°I can adjust you.¡± His smile curled under that crooked nose. Simon dropped the board beside Elizabeth and grunted. ¡°Get her on the board, Simon. Be gentle¡­¡± Simon lifted Elizabeth onto the wood. She screamed and sobbed. ¡°I have never seen you so fragile, my lady,¡± Sylvester smirked, running his hand through his thin grey hair. ¡°Do not underestimate me.¡± ¡°I would never. It¡¯s why I came.¡± The ghoul dragged the board with Elizabeth towards the mortuary. The mortuary had fallen into ruin, the old stone pillars were overgrown with weeds and the heavy door was hanging askew. Sylvester pushed it open and hurried Simon in. Elizabeth howled and moaned as she bumped down each step. Simon lifted her on the slab with little care and backed away into the shadowy recesses. ¡°Now, Elizabeth. This won¡¯t be pleasant.¡± ¡°I am aware of that.¡± She said through gritted teeth. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°I am glad I was not sired on that day. I feel you saved me from a great torment.¡± Sylvester spoke calmly as he arranged his tools on a wooden trolley. ¡°Yet you stay loyal to me.¡± ¡°I gave you my word. Whistle and I will come.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s smile turned around when Sylvester began inspecting his long saw. She cleared her throat of the flem and blood. ¡°Why did you remain loyal?¡± ¡°What gives a man cause if not his word to a woman he loves.¡± Elizabeth''s eyes lulled, ¡°You love me?¡± ¡°Not in the way you¡¯d expect.¡± He placed the saw on the trolley and looked over her. ¡°I shall remake you with what I have available.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t make me a ghoul.¡± ¡°Not possible, Elizabeth. You¡¯re much too evil for that.¡± He cackled playfully. *** George made his way through the centre of the village. He stopped when he saw David standing by the old Willow tree. ¡°Captain!¡± The captain turned around to face him and smiled grimly. ¡°Hello, George.¡± George cocked his head and pulled back the jaw of his flintlock when he caught sight of his bestial face. David looked down at the gun and pushed out his bottom lip. ¡°They gave you a gun? That didn¡¯t cross my desk.¡± He stepped towards George. George backed away slowly. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Captain.¡± ¡°Where is Hannah?¡± He raised his gun, ¡°You were chasing her.¡± David smiled, revealing his rows of spiney alabaster fangs. ¡°I was.¡± He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Where is she?¡± George looked around the village, he was alone. ¡°Ah, she¡¯s at old man Gravesons house.¡± ¡°I shan¡¯t let you near her.¡± ¡°Oh, no.¡± David held up his hands, still walking towards him. ¡°Put the gun down, George.¡± ¡°I will shoot you, Captain. Do not cross me.¡± His hand was shaking. David moved like a ray of light and grabbed the gun from his hand before shoving him back. ¡°Thank you, George.¡± He fired the gun. George roared and grabbed the side of his leg. ¡°Animal!¡± David discarded the smoking flintlock and dusted his hands. ¡°I think you¡¯ll find you¡¯re the animal. I shall save you for later. I¡¯d much like you to watch.¡± Several villages stood at their doors and watched with confusion. One man ran over to George bravely and began tending to his wounds. David paid them no mind, for he only had one person in his gaze. George tried to tell the folks moving to aid to follow David and stop him, but none dared. Darkness permeated from the vampire that cast fear into regular hearts. He had grown as powerful as he could without a meal. *** Hannah sat in the living room of the dilapidated homestead. Graveson never much cared for possessions or things of comfort. The home was bare and dusty except for the old chairs and small table. The table had a small mug that was filled with mould. Hannah thought this must have been the last drink he had before dying. An odd thought to see a man''s home frozen in time, and even more peculiar that George did not attempt to tidy the house. She couldn¡¯t even remember anyone mentioning his passing, everyone had forgotten about him. Her attention was pulled from the old mug to the window, a light tap rattling the glass. She half stood and leaned over to see who it might be. No one there. ¡°Bloomin trees¡­¡± she said. The door rattled. ¡°Open up, quickly.¡± Hannah¡¯s eyes brightened, she recognised that as Georges''s voice. She dashed to the door and pulled it open, only to fall back aghast. ¡°No!¡± David stood at the door with a polite smile and his hands behind his back. ¡°May I come in?¡± Hannah remembered the old rules Alius would speak of. The formal de-invitations her parents had to make by way of letter to everyone in the village. ¡°No! You¡¯re not to come in, you¡¯re not invited!¡± The vampire smiled and nodded. ¡°Ah, please Hannah. I shan¡¯t move from this spot. You will have to come out or let me in at some point. Poor George would not do well if I were here when he returned.¡± Hannah flushed. ¡°You know of George, y-you must have caught him already!¡± David¡¯s eyes widened and glinted a bright red. ¡°Ah, astute. Then you now know you¡¯re alone. No one will help you. Embrace this.¡± ¡°I shall die in here before I come out to you! I¡¯ll take my own life!¡± She clambered to her feet and slammed the door in his face. ¡°Let us put that to the test,¡± said David through the window. He tapped it with his fingers and vanished from her sight. Elizabeth''s eyes watered with each suture Sylvester pulled through her neck. ¡°Easy now, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Are you sure this will work?¡± ¡°My dear, I have never done this. I could not be certain of anything.¡± ¡°Whose body have you put me on?¡± Elizabeth had asked so many times she had lost count. Sylvester had denied her an answer thus far. ¡°It¡¯s best we just get you moving, it¡¯s your body now. Does it matter who owned it previously?¡± ¡°I wish to know. Tell me, Sylvester.¡± Sylvester lifted his head to inspect his work, nodding happily. ¡°I need to put your heart in this body. According to the tomes.¡± ¡°Which tomes?¡± ¡°The ones referencing this curse.¡± Elizabeth tried to move her body but could only feel her head. Though the body she was attached to seemed quite alive, the chest rose and lowered as if it was taking in oxygen. ¡°I thought David burned them all.¡± ¡°Not even close, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Why was this hidden from me?¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t hidden from you. You never cared to ask.¡± Elizabeth growled. ¡°I remember why I rarely visit you.¡± ¡°Indeed. Anyhow. The heart is the key.¡± ¡°Does it speak of the origins?¡± ¡°Origins?¡± ¡°The curse, how it came about.¡± Sylvester smiled. ¡°It does. Well, it did.¡± ¡°It did?¡± ¡°Alius was shrewd enough to remove articles that he felt I should not know. Privileged details.¡± ¡°Well. That makes sense.¡± ¡°I never thought Alius was one of you.¡± ¡°He isn¡¯t one of me.¡± ¡°He certainly is.¡± Sylvester clicked his fingers at Simon and ordered him to pin Elizabeth¡¯s body down. Although broken, a stray clawing hand would cause grievous wounds. ¡°This curse takes its victims in different ways.¡± ¡°I always wondered what it would do to me.¡± ¡°You wanted to be loved. Perhaps it would have given you the face of a darling.¡± ¡°The only miracle worker in here is me.¡± Sylvester winked before cutting into Elizabeth¡¯s body. Elizabeth watched from the slab. It was odd seeing her form being handled while her head sat on another''s body. Fortunately, she wasn¡¯t squeamish. She even took some form of pleasure from it, feeling a slight comfort that her sins were being met with a worthy punishment. She was beyond salvation in her own mind, that was a distant memory. Now she wanted to save the village. She felt the weight of responsibility more than any pain. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get your heart in this body.¡± Elizabeth closed her eyes. She heard the squelching and slopping of viscera. Sylvester began to sew the heart in and the chest closed. Once he had finished he placed a hand on her chest and smiled. ¡°It is done.¡± ¡°I still cannot feel anything.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°So it has failed? I am stuck?¡± ¡°No, I do not think so. I consulted the book. You must feed.¡± ¡°I vowed to not feed.¡± ¡°Then your vow leaves you here. This wouldn¡¯t be the first time you broke your vows.¡± Elizabeth gritted her teeth. ¡°Then do you have a source?¡± ¡°Me.¡± ¡°I shan¡¯t sire you, Sylvester.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t wish to be sired. Drain me till death.¡± ¡°Why would you do this?¡± ¡°I understand this curse, Elizabeth. I¡¯d rather be dead than live alongside it a moment longer.¡± ¡°Before I do. Tell me whose body I am attached to.¡± Sylvester smiled and nodded. ¡°Very well. Esmeralda¡¯s.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°I kept her body preserved.¡± ¡°For this moment?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not go into details.¡± Elizabeth pursed her lips. ¡°Right then.¡± ¡°I suppose I¡¯ve made an honest woman out of you, Elizabeth.¡± ¡°Do not give me reason to prolong this feed, mortician.¡± ¡°Of course, my lady.¡± Chapter 23 Honest woman Hannah dashed into the kitchen and pulled a drawer open. The rotten box flew out and broke on the stone floor, scattering rusty cutlery. She dropped to her knees and searched for anything mildly offensive. Nothing. She continued to rummage through cabinets and crates. ¡°Ah!¡± A rat skittered between her legs, squeaking angrily as it scurried behind an old water pale. Hannah held her chest and caught her breath. The kitchen window darkened and drew her gaze. ¡°You won¡¯t come in, I shan¡¯t invite you¡­vampire!¡± Scratching noises from the walls taunted her. David¡¯s voice called her to obey and leave the house. She covered her ears and stumbled through the dining room¨Cif one could call it that. The worn table was covered with cobwebs and a layer of dust so thick that walking by was enough to kick up clouds of grey. In the corner, sprouting from an old barrel was a green handle that looked like the hilt of a blade. She raced towards it, bumping the table with her hip, and drew the blade from the barrel. ¡°Hannah.¡± The voice echoed through the house. Hannah inspected the sword, a cavalry sword, turning it over. She didn¡¯t quite know if it was of decent quality. It was simple and half-length with a squared hand guard. It reminded her of an old painting in her house of a dragoon, he held this type of blade aloft as if signifying a charge. Ironic, she thought, perhaps she¡¯d need to make such a stand. She whipped the sword around a few times and made a thrusting motion. ¡°I shall show this demon where I stand, should he like to come in.¡± ¡°I should like to!¡± The voice replied. Hannah looked around and held the sword up threateningly, ¡°I¡¯ll run you through!¡± Her dander was up. She had resigned herself to a fight she¡¯d probably lose. Now too tired to cry or panic all she had left was herself and the fabled rules of the vampire, prohibiting him from entry. ¡°Your courage is impressive.¡± ¡°Why do you hunt me? What did I do to you?¡± ¡°You are pure. The purest. Too pure for this place. The sweetest feed should always break the seal.¡± She moved through the house, keeping the sword raised. Hannah had thought delaying the beast with conversation might buy her time for a rescue. ¡°What seal?¡± ¡°None of your concern. I shall sprout wings of glory when you die in my arms!¡± ¡°You cannot enter this house!¡± ¡°Then, if you ask nicely, I shall find another to prey upon.¡± Hannah paused. ¡°If I beg, you would pick another?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Another victim?¡± ¡°I speak clearly, girl.¡± She licked her lower lip. A chance to escape. Though he might be lying. ¡°Well? What would you have me do?¡± ¡°I do not believe I command you!¡± ¡°You do so by your actions.¡± Hannah closed her eyes and spoke softly. ¡°I choose¡­I choose to remain your prey. I could not live with the knowledge that I set you upon another like an attack dog!¡± her eyes filled with tears. ¡°As I said, Hannah. You are the purest. All the other whores in this village would have tossed you to my feet to save themselves. The purest is always the sweetest.¡± ¡°I still will not open the door for you, beast!¡± *** Elizabeth released Sylvester¡¯s throat and let his limp body fall away, it folded up like an old sheet and thudded against the mortuary ground. Simon picked up Sylvester and carried him away. The fulfilling feed filled Elizabeth with pleasure and energy, though she could still not use it. Her body did not respond to her commands and she cursed Sylvester. ¡°That rat,¡± she growled. Simon returned and looked over her. ¡°Can move?¡± Elizabeth shook her head with an irritated grimace. ¡°No can move?¡± ¡°No, I cannot you halfwit!¡± ¡°Boss said put you in hole if no can move.¡± ¡°Wait, no! I might¨C¡± Simon lifted her and carried her through the back room. It was wide with large stoned pillars running down the centre. The walls were lined with shelves that contained numerous jars and tubes. ¡°Let me go!¡± Elizabeth tried to wriggle but could only thrash her head from left to right. ¡°Unhand me!¡± ¡°No, you go hole, Sylvester said.¡± ¡°I am in charge here, not Sylvester!¡± Simon plodded on. His bare feet slapped against the cold floor of the mortuary until he reached a huge wooden door. ¡°Ugh!¡± he kicked the open and walked inside, clonking Elizabeth''s skull against the door frame as he passed through. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Ow! Fool!¡± ¡°Here hole.¡± Simon tilted Elizabeth enough to see where she¡¯d be going. It was a well-sized hole built into the floor of the room. It was impossible to see how deep it ran, but the stench that wafted from its bowels was enough to tell Elizabeth it wasn¡¯t for storing anything savoury. ¡°No!¡± Elizabeth kicked her legs. The ghoul stopped. ¡°Do not put me in that hole, I command you!¡± Simon tipped her upright and placed her down. Elizabeth hadn¡¯t noticed she was standing and slapped the Ghoul about the face several times until it dawned on her. ¡°Ah, oh¡­the body is working!¡± She patted herself in disbelief and looked at Simon. The ghoul nodded, ¡°Sylvester said persuasion make body move.¡± Elizabeth clenched her fists and considered shoving the ghoul down the hole. She thought better of it as he may have some use yet. ¡°I¡¯m sure he did,¡± she spoke through a clenched jaw. How she wished she had kept Sylvester alive long enough to punish him for his devious trick. ¡°Go to the Manor house, Simon.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Simon stopped. ¡°Tear the walls down.¡± ¡°Break walls.¡± ¡°Yes. It will soon be time.¡± Simon plodded out slowly. Elizabeth attempted to follow but she found walking somewhat trickier than standing still. Her steps were wobbly and she clung to the pillars for balance. ¡°I must not give up,¡± she said to herself softly. Esmeralda¡¯s body had been revitalised by the blood she drank and she could feel the strength returning. She felt like an imposter. Fitting. Elizabeth staggered out into the room where the bare slab stood, covered in blood and bits of bone. The stairs posed a challenge she wasn¡¯t prepared for and instead opted to crawl on her hands and feet. Her arm skin was a deep bluey-green hue and sagged off the bone. Her wet palms and feet slapped against the steps as she hauled herself up, finally reaching the door. Elizabeth fell through it and onto the grass. The cold mid-morning air stung her freshly awakened lungs and she coughed violently. ¡°If you fail, which you will¡­¡± Alius said, leaning against a tree as he watched Elizabeth struggle, ¡°Would you go through this again?¡± Elizabeth looked at Alius who was becoming more of a pest as judgement closed in on this village of sin. ¡°Would you?¡± Alius laughed, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You would see the hurt befall upon your beloved wife for eternity? Perhaps I should torture myself before you in the woods.¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you dangle from your tree? It¡¯s what you do best.¡± ¡°How exactly is this ghoulish machination of yours going to stop a well-fed, David?¡± Elizabeth looked over her body and back at Alius. ¡°You always did prefer Esmeralda over me, didn¡¯t you?¡± Alius smirked, ¡°Even if that were true, I never would have acted upon it.¡± Elizabeth sneered and wobbled over to the mortuary gates that led onto the old path. She had started to find her footing now and her strength returned by the minute. ¡°Well,¡± she said, pushing the gate aside and leaving, ¡°we can¡¯t all be perfect like you, Alius.¡± ¡°That¡¯s sarcasm. I hate that.¡± ¡°Indeed, don¡¯t try to stop me.¡± ¡°For me to consider such action, you¡¯d need to convince me you were worth the effort.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Elizabeth waved her arms and stumbled down the path toward the village. *** Hannah had enjoyed peace for some time, she thought the vampire had given up. Something smelt off though. She sniffed at the air. It was deep, a little choking. Fire! She raced from the living room into the kitchen and gasped. From outside the window arose flames, licking at the glass. ¡°No, no!¡± There was no water in the home. Smoke slipped through the cracks and started to fill the kitchen. A rock crashed through the glass and Hannah screamed, dropping the sword. She ran back to the living room. David was waving at her through the window with a dark smile. ¡°I assure you. Burning hurts more than I do. Come out.¡± ¡°No!¡± Hannah looked back at the kitchen where smoke now billowed through. She ran back to pick up the cavalry sword and held it tightly in both hands. ¡°I shan¡¯t leave!¡± David disappeared from the window and scratched at the walls. Hannah waved her sword around. The smoke caught her throat and she coughed, her eyes stung and the heat began to build. The fire had spread to the side of the small house and would soon envelop it completely. She tossed the table at the living room window to let air in and suck out the heat. ¡°Monster!¡± she cried. Hannah struggled to stay conscious from the smoke, her throat burned and the heat became unbearable. She gave in and broke out of the front door before the entire home was engulfed in flame. David grabbed her by the wrist and twisted her arm. ¡°Ahhh!¡± Hannah raised her other arm and stabbed David through the chest with her sword. David tossed her to the ground and growled. ¡°Still fight in you!¡± Hannah crawled away, coughing and retching. ¡°Ngh!¡± David took the hilt of the blade and slowly eased it from his chest. He inspected the edge and nodded. ¡°Very nice.¡± he tossed it to the side and marched over to Hannah. ¡°Leave me alone!¡± she looked back at David. ¡°Up we go.¡± he grabbed her by the hair and forced her up before throwing her over his shoulder. ¡°What you doing?¡± She kicked her legs frantically and slapped at his back. ¡°I am going to demonstrate. I shall call upon the gifter of this curse to witness his new future.¡± ¡°Please¡­captain, think about what you¡¯re doing!¡± ¡°You cannot comprehend what I think, girl.¡± Hannah battered the vampire''s back as he carried her back to the village. She screamed for help, looking around as villagers came out and stood at their doors to watch. ¡°Help me! Don¡¯t stand there, help!¡± David dropped her down at the foot of the willow tree and held her by the hair. ¡°See these putrid sinners, Hannah. You are too good for them. You¡¯re above them. Each man and woman in this village will stand by and watch me do as I please.¡± ¡°Help!¡± Hannah¡¯s scream turned into a cry. ¡°Ask them for help again, look at their faces.¡± ¡°Heeelp!¡± Hannah sobbed and looked at them through bleary eyes. They were all too scared to step forward. ¡°Let¡­her¡­go!¡± George cried. He crawled stumbled from a small house and limped toward them on a crutch. ¡°Don¡¯t you hurt her, vampire.¡± David raised his eyebrows and offered a crooked, toothy smile. ¡°I shall tell you what if you can reach me before I drain her¡­she can live.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do it George, it¡¯s a trick!¡± Hannah said. ¡°Ah, she cares for you, George.¡± George pushed himself out of the door and hobbled slowly on the crutch. The fresh wound was poorly bound in a bloodied cloth. He could barely stand. A misstep had George tumbling over and struggling to stand. ¡°Well, you can¡¯t blame a man for trying, can you, Hannah?¡± David smiled down at her. ¡°Why do you do this?¡± David lifted her from the ground and brought his arms around her tightly. ¡°Your time starts now!¡± At that, David sank his teeth into her sutty neck and began to drink. Hannah cried out. The pain was deep and burning, far worse than any fire set by a man. She reached out her arm towards George who wobbled to his feet using the shaking crutch. ¡°G-George¡­¡± her voice faltered. Chapter 24 - Full circle Elizabeth noticed the smoke rising from the distance as she hobbled towards the village. She reached the manor house and could hear Simon busy inside crashing about and groaning. She hadn¡¯t considered what the villagers would think of her new look, though their lives would be forfeit for eternity if she failed. David now knew what she and Alius knew. Alius had moved with her, watching. He appeared before her on the path. ¡°Elizabeth. I will tell you, I shan¡¯t intervene.¡± ¡°Good.¡± ¡°If he feeds he will know everything. He will commit us to a worse fate than I gave you.¡± ¡°Then we shall be even, no?¡± Alius smiled. ¡°Very well.¡± Elizabeth bumbled on and towards the growing smoke stack. A crowd had formed around the central point where the old dark Willow stood, wilting. The villagers barely noticed Elizabeth, for they were transfixed by the demonstration David had subjected them to. She pushed through to see. There was David, draining the life essence of poor Hannah as George lamely approached. ¡°George!¡± Hannah had her arm outstretched. George was so close to her now. ¡°I shall reach you!¡± he strained. David caught the eye of Elizabeth and winked at her. The crowd gasped as a most dreadful scene unfolded. David¡¯s back bubbled and rippled before bursting twice, spraying the onlookers with blackened blood, from the lacerations unfurled two purple wings. They arched like bats and had murderous barbs sprouting from the roots. He roared. George was just about to reach Hannah, he made one final effort by lunging towards her. David had played a most cruel trick on George and launched himself into the sky like a firework. No beautiful lights followed and the only sound was a resounding cry. Hannah let forth her final cry before silence struck the terrified people. David and Hannah were high in the air, a black dot to the onlookers. They watched. Their hearts in their mouths. From the sky, she fell, limp and spinning in the air before crashing into the pillow and becoming impaled on one of the pointed branches. The village erupted into screams of panic. They scrabbled to find their houses. They shoved past each other. Some fallen villagers were mauled by trampling feet, their faces mashed into the soil and their bones snapped by the careless hoard. The black angel descended from the cloudy sky. His powerful wings sent gusts of wind that picked up all manner of debris and sent them flying about the village square. His cheekbones threatened to pierce his skin and his black eyes swirled into beady yellow dots. His voice boomed, ¡°A curse could not be so perfect.¡± George pushed himself away from David, unable to stand back up as his crutch had been blown away. ¡°Admiration for your efforts, George.¡± David strode towards the fallen man and punched his knee, pushing a finger into the wound. George writhed and screamed. ¡°I shall reunite you with your fallen love.¡± He pulled George towards him and lifted him high with a hand under each arm. ¡°See what your benevolence brings you. Or in this case, your festering desire to submit to the flesh.¡± George¡¯s head rolled around as he lost consciousness. ¡°Enough, David¡± David looked at the newly constructed Elizabeth and narrowed his bright yellow orbs. ¡°You should remain silent, harlot.¡± Elizabeth stepped towards him. David raised George''s limp body above his head and impaled him on a gnarled branch of the Willow. He slid down it slowly. His eyes fluttered open as he grabbed at the branch that passed through him. Mouth agape he gurgled a silent scream. Blood spluttered up from his mouth and his legs kicked wildly before he died. ¡°There is no turning back now, David.¡± Elizabeth croaked. David sniffed the air around Elizabeth and growled. ¡°What have you done to yourself?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t recognise this body?¡± He sneered, ¡°You¡¯re a ghoul.¡± Elizabeth turned away. ¡°Do not turn your back on me. You¡¯re mine. You¡¯re my property.¡± Elizabeth stopped and placed her hands on her hips. ¡°What is your plan?¡± ¡°Where is Alius?¡± ¡°I do not know.¡± ¡°I know what he did. I know how he laid this curse upon me and this village like the vengeful ghoul he is.¡± Elizabeth turned and looked at him sternly, ¡°Do not think you hadn¡¯t a part to play.¡± ¡°I know my part now.¡± David grinned and flew into the air and away toward the forest. Elizabeth held her chest and looked down. She hadn¡¯t expected him to seek out Alius after realising the truth. Some villagers moved out of their hiding places. One was Greg. He approached Elizabeth slowly. ¡°Elizabeth, what is happening?¡± She looked at him, her eyes were blackened and her face was rigid and monstrous, though it retained her humanity. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Greg backed away when he saw her. ¡°Do not fear me, Greg.¡± ¡°Alius was right, wasn¡¯t he?¡± She closed her eyes. ¡°Alius made himself right and foisted it upon us.¡± ¡°I do not understand.¡± ¡°You shall never. You¡¯re a lost soul swimming in circles.¡± ¡°And what are you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Elizabeth looked out to the forest and then to the manor house. ¡°He will return.¡± ¡°I guessed as much.¡± More villages approached, they were disgusted by Elizabeth but remained hushed to listen to her speak. ¡°When he returns he will wish to feed upon you all. He will not stop until every last drop is spilt.¡± ¡°What can we do?¡± One villager asked. Greg looked behind him. ¡°We should flee, leave this place.¡± ¡°There is no leaving this place. Even in death, you shall all reawaken to replay this hell.¡± She lowered her eyes shamefully. ¡°I wish for us to seek redemption.¡± ¡°Us?¡± Greg snarled, ¡°What did we do?¡± ¡°We all have things to hide.¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°I wish for you to fight back.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°It does not matter, you will lose anyway.¡± Greg laughed, ¡°What is the point then?¡± ¡°I know the secrets to this curse. I haven¡¯t the time to educate you all. If he catches you; forgive him.¡± ¡°Forgive him?¡± A woman cried. Another man stepped forward but kept his voice calm and respectful for Elizabeth did strike fear into his heart, ¡°Elizabeth, if that is who you are, why should we forgive this monster?¡± ¡°Because we cannot protect our flesh but we may save our souls¡­¡± Greg said. Elizabeth looked at him and smiled. ¡°How do you know this?¡± ¡°Alius told me. Before he lost his mind.¡± He paused and sighed, ¡°I never forgot it. Twas like it was burned into my mind.¡± ¡°Very good, then spread the word. Fetch your pikes, your sticks your forks¡­your hammers and fire. Make every kill of David¡¯s a chore.¡± ¡°What will this do?¡± ¡°It will give me time.¡± ¡°For what?¡± Greg tilted his head. ¡°To open the walls.¡± Greg looked at the villagers who were not convinced of the instructions. He realised this was the only way, for he had tried to venture out many times and found himself lost in the woods and inexplicably returned to the village. Something in those woods frightened him into silence. He knew speaking of such haunting evil would lead to a label of madness. *** David landed in the woods and called Alius¡¯ name. ¡°Enough of your shouting, David.¡± The vampire turned on the spot, ¡°Come out, you fettered corpse.¡± ¡°I never hid from you.¡± Alius appeared to him in a clearing and waved gently. ¡°Why do you call my name.¡± ¡°I call to brag.¡± He smirked. ¡°I see all your curses. I see the roots. I see all versions of this village living through the hell you tried to commit me to.¡± ¡°Being trapped within this purgatory is something you wish to brag about, David?¡± Alius laughed. ¡°No. Leaving this place with you and the corpses I make is what I shall brag about. I want to see your face when it dawns on you.¡± ¡°Just how do you think you¡¯ll leave?¡± He smiled coyly at Alius. ¡°I¡¯ll leave through the walls.¡± Alius¡¯ smile dropped. ¡°The walls?¡± He knew Elizabeth meant to lead him there. It had dawned on him that perhaps Elizabeth was trying to free David. ¡°How?¡± David chuckled, ¡°Ah, I have piqued your interest. Elizabeth thinks she is so very clever. As do you.¡± He approached Alius and allowed him into his mind with widened yellow eyes. Alius looked into them. He saw the blood-soaked future of a curse unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. A million years of blackness. A foulness that would rise only in the absence of God. David had found a way there. Through the walls. Through time. His face sank and Alius felt a galactic fear press down on his eternal body. ¡°There it is.¡± David smiled. ¡°That¡¯s the look I wished to savour. A man so confident in his divine judgement that he chaste himself to be powerless before his own creation. Maker of curses. Man of conviction. Your reign ends.¡± David launched back into the air, bristling the trees and sending birds scattering into the sky. Alius covered his mouth and thought a moment. He knew not if he could trust Elizabeth, but she had become his only hope. She would either doom everyone and everything or perhaps she had become the honest woman she had emulated all this time. *** Elizabeth was in the manor house when Alius appeared. She blinked and raised her chin. His aura was dark and filled with fret. ¡°What is your plan, Elizabeth? Are you true? Or do you join with David?¡± Elizabeth watched Simon as he ripped into the walls, pulling wood away and tossing it into the centre of the living room. ¡°I am true.¡± ¡°He knows a way out.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°You have allowed this to happen. You could make a fate far worse than the one I have created.¡± ¡°Your repetition is tiring, Alius. I must admit it, is nice to speak to you with that smugness wiped clear.¡± Alius gritted his teeth. ¡°I cannot break this curse.¡± ¡°You can.¡± ¡°I must forgive him.¡± ¡°Just forgive him then!¡± ¡°I cannot in this form, Elizabeth. My living form must.¡± Alius ran his hands through his hair. ¡°The circle was made to complete itself. You broke it and imparted upon him a knowledge he should not have. Why would you let him into your mind to see?¡± ¡°I want this to end. We fail here or we succeed.¡± Alius nodded. ¡°I shall try. I will move into the next cycle. I will lay the clues for my living self.¡± ¡°Can you not tell him?¡± Alius shook his head. ¡°I cannot be seen by anyone until I die. Then it is too late.¡± Elizabeth nodded and smiled. ¡°You knew, didn¡¯t you?¡± Alius narrowed his eyes, ¡°You know this would happen and that you had to rely on my help.¡± ¡°I did.¡± ¡°You tempt to leave us to this hell.¡± ¡°I¡¯d expect no less than a bitter fool. Perhaps you should preach what you desire your old self to practice and forgive, David.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t insult me further.¡± Elizabeth winked, ¡°I¡¯m smarter than you ever gave me credit for.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too smart. It¡¯s why I loved you.¡± ¡°Loved.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not loveable. You¡¯re no woman. You never were. I am bitter for my shortcomings. But it is you who made me a fool.¡± Elizabeth nodded. ¡°The walls are opening. I am sure you can pass through.¡± Alius nodded. I shall try to succeed. I cannot promise anything, and if I fail we will all regret this.¡± ¡°Then do not fail, Alius.¡± *** David landed in the centre of the village and looked over the lush feasts that awaited. ¡°Come to me! Let me gift you by allowing you to join in my veins! I shall show you a finality that is beyond any mercy your God can offer!¡± Greg had managed to rally thirty or so villagers. They carried spears, forks and fisherman''s nets. They surrounded David with weapons lifted. ¡°This is not your time, David.¡± David laughed. ¡°A rallying defence.¡± He tore away his shirt to reveal his spiny body. His muscular physique was that of an Adonis. He looked like a warrior sent from Hell. A couple of villagers dropped their weapons and fled back to their homes. David pointed at Greg. ¡°Come then. Let me enjoy the bird that struggles." Chapter 25 - Memento Alius slipped into the walls. Darkness enveloped and ensnared his senses. The feeling of oblivion always struck fear in him. This time the walls might not return and he¡¯d never step into reality again. They always did. Like rainwater through a hole in a roof, he dripped into the past. Another version of reality in which he got to watch the torture of David and his old wife Elizabeth. This eternal corridor of suffering was his wish, a gift in the form of a curse that could only be cured by an old version of himself that could never forgive. He formed in the study of the manor house. It was filled with junk and old furniture. The house was in its run-down state. Quickly, he retrieved a slice of torn paper and a drying vial of ink. He carefully wrote a note. Loud growls and sharp screeches came from downstairs. Alius knew what this moment was. He blew on the ink, rolled the note up and pushed it into his jacket pocket. He then crept down and peered around the corner. His old, living, barely sane self was brandishing a cluster of garlic, waving it before his furious wife. Elizabeth was backed into the pantry and down into the old dungeon. Elizabeth was the first to contract the blackness of the curse. It seeped through the walls of the manor and took her by night. She changed into a cold demoness. Alius sneaked out of the house and out into the front garden. He closed the gate behind him and breathed deeply. ¡°I pray that Elizabeth knows what she is doing.¡± ¡°Ah, Captain.¡± Jarrod waved, already on his way to the manor house for official business. Alius nodded and smiled, remaining natural. He had already broken the one rule he had set for himself which was not to be seen. However, he had little choice in this case. ¡°Jarrod, how can I help you?¡± He looked somewhat confused, ¡°You asked me to be here by the eighth hour. Did I go mad?¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± Alius smirked. ¡°Come back in thirty minutes.¡± Jarrod nodded and looked around. ¡°Very well, sir.¡± He watched the man waddle away then headed off the path towards the village under the cover of trees. He couldn¡¯t move like he could in the other ring of this grim circle of hell. The curse had not taken hold fully and the walls still resisted the creeping evil that would soon twist within them. Mr Potter¡¯s house was dark from the outside. He tested the door. Locked. Normally folks left their front doors open, but the fear-mongering his past self engaged in had riddled the villagers with a deep-seated mistrust. He looked through the window and shocked himself, his reflection stared back at him, eyes glowing. Shamed by his fall from grace, if he was ever in grace, he looked away and moved around the back of the Potter¡¯s home. The back door was the weak point, he was able to use an old metal rod to flick the latch and ease himself into the house. The kitchen was still warm from whatever Esmeralda had been cooking, it smelt great too. The house was sleeping. Mr Potter slept on an armchair in the living room. He knew this for he told stories of his pregnant wife being disturbed by his snoring. The loud snorts proved that. He moved into the bedroom where Esmeralda was to be killed by her evil husband. Evil. That was what Alius thought of him, beyond forgiveness. Potter¡¯s evil was so powerful that it motivated such a desire for hell even the server laid on the flames alongside him. God forbid the curse, he thought. Esmeralda was sound asleep in the bedroom. The corner held the standing mirror and the bedside table had a melty candle flickering with a fading flame. What an angel she was. He approached and kissed her on the head while retrieving the note from his pocket. She smiled softly. Alius tugged on the blue ribbon that kept her hair up and inspected it, he wanted to keep it as a memento so very much. He sighed, placed the note in a drawer and tied the blue ribbon around the handle. Esmeralda grunted and rolled over. Alius stood dead still. He looked around at the dim walls and shuddered. He approached the mirror in the corner of the room and adjusted it. He was captivated by the man who stared back. He had let this woman with child die so many times. He had failed good people eternally for his own bitter revenge. Now here he was, standing in the darkness of a murderer''s room, looking at himself, praying that just one time he could break the pathetic ceaseless predictability he had come to rely on for so long. Alius shook his head and lifted the mirror, turning it around so the wood faced him. He used his claw to scrape: ¡°Matthew 25:41¡±. He left the house and closed the door behind him. Soon Mr Potter would awaken from his slumber and commit a foul act. *** David tore through Greg like paper in the wind. He sent the man flying with a lacerated chest. Another villager attempted to run him through with a spear but it was caught in David¡¯s cruel claw. He yanked the spear and dragged the man into his embrace then ripped the flesh of his neck away to drink heartily. Greg was trying to stand but his wounds were too grave. He was able to sit up for just a moment and reach out. ¡°I forgive you!¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. David threw the drained husk to the ground and glared at Greg darkly. The other villagers dare not attack now after seeing his power. ¡°What did you say?¡± he raised his eyebrows. Greg was taken aback by the power of his words, they had stopped David mid-feed. ¡°I said¡­¡± he groaned, ¡°I forgive you.¡± The vampire smirked, ¡°You?¡± He growled, ¡°You have no right to forgive me, for I did nothing wrong.¡± He walked to Greg and scooped him up like a child. ¡°You will bear witness to righteousness, for it comes in the form of great power.¡± He buried his bladed teeth in Greg¡¯s chest wound and drank freely. Once done, he let his body drop and turned to look at the cowering villagers who had not the will to attempt even the slightest jab. ¡°W-what are you?¡± David wiped his mouth, ¡°I am everything. You are a fraction of an existence that ceased to be a million times over.¡± His wings rose and he let forth a piercing howl that shook the village. The villagers tried to flee but he pulled them apart as if they were nothing. He fed repeatedly, discarding the carcasses of the villagers. None of them offered forgiveness. They were paralyzed with fear and pain. The remaining villagers hid in their homes and cowered while some fled into the forest to seek shelter under the trees, none were safe from the hunter''s gaze. He set the village ablaze and smoked out the people. Some he fed upon, others he killed for the joy. His veiny belly shook with gluttonous revel, filled with the blood that he had taken so callously. He decorated the black willow with the corpses he made. The bodies swung in the wind. Once he had gorged on the villagers within the inferno he took to the skies and swooping like a bird of prey to snatch up men and women who were running or hiding in the forest. He could smell and taste them. Each person he killed was carried back to the village centre and dropped from a great height. The cadavers splatted against the ground or were caught upon the unyielding branches of the willow. The final man was caught just by the edge of the forest. David knew he was the last for he smelt no other life nearby. This was to be his final meal in this reality. ¡°Please, whatever you are, I beg you¡­mercy!¡± ¡°Mercy? God desires mercy, not sacrifice.¡± The man was backed up into a tree, he raised his hands. ¡°Please.¡± ¡°I am not God, for I demand sacrifice.¡± David¡¯s voice had lost all humanity. It was powerful and gravelly. ¡°You are the last. Are you not proud of your cowardice? You managed to cling to your miserable existence for a moment longer than the rest.¡± ¡°I have seen your evil, it brought me no pleasure.¡± He quivered. ¡°Then you truly are damned.¡± *** ¡°Enough, Simon. The walls are broken. The curse will call him.¡± Simon nodded. ¡°Go and fetch him.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Simon dashed out of the smashed manor house and left Elizabeth alone. Elizabeth stood at the window and watched. Smoke rose from the village in great plumes. She waited. Twenty went by until she saw something. It was closing in at speed. Simon. He spun through the air toward the Manor house. Elizabeth managed to move from the window into time as he came crashing through. She dusted herself down and sighed. ¡°Fine.¡± She had gotten more adept at using Esmeralda''s body, able to stroll down towards the village. When Elizabeth reached the village she stopped, mouth agape, eyes wide. The village was doused in blood and flame. The willow had become a wretched effigy to David¡¯s new cult of eternal death. David stood by the willow with hands on hips and wings spread wide. ¡°You had some nerve sending that ghoul to fetch me. Offensive. Odious. Elizabeth.¡± Elizabeth cleared her throat. ¡°You broke my body.¡± ¡°Now you¡¯re attached to another¡¯s.¡± David turned to face her. His dark eyes glinted and his monstrous visage was difficult for Elizabeth to remain fixed on. ¡°Yes.¡± She bowed her head. ¡°Do you know who¡¯s?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Esmeraldas.¡± David snorted out two gusts of bloody mist from his huge nostrils, ¡°Esmeralda.¡± ¡°Yes, your wife. She was¡­you killed her.¡± He looked at his hands. ¡°I did, didn¡¯t I?¡± Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, ¡°You have forgotten?¡± ¡°Why did I kill her?¡± ¡°You killed her for me?¡± ¡°For you? I killed for you? Before I became immaculate?¡± Elizabeth nodded sadly, ¡°We both played a part in this story, David. I am so sorry to have put you up to great evil. Do you forgive me?¡± ¡°Forgive you? What should I forgive you for, my dear?¡± He swooped up and landed before her. ¡°My dear.¡± He took her hands, ¡°You have made me greater than I could possibly imagine.¡± Elizabeth looked down. ¡°We are forsaken, trapped to relive this nightmare for eternity.¡± David shook his head. ¡°No, I know a way out. Both of us can leave.¡± Elizabeth did her best to shroud her thoughts and the smile that had crept on her lips. ¡°You do? I only know of the walls. I have had Simon bring them down.¡± ¡°Yes, the walls. The walls are the answer. We came from the walls and so we shall return to them. That fool, Alius, he thinks to trap us there.¡± Elizabeth tried to respond. David gripped her by the chin tightly with his blood-soaked claw, ¡°Alius.¡± he looked directly into her fiery eyes. ¡°Where is Alius.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± she struggled to speak, ¡°I do not know.¡± David¡¯s thin, blue lips twitched, ¡°You are lying.¡± he squeezed her face tighter. Elizabeth grabbed David¡¯s wrist. His strength was nothing like she had experienced before, not an inch of his fibre gave way. ¡°Please, I do not know¡­he went through the walls I believe.¡± David lifted her from the ground, legs kicking. ¡°You disappoint me, Elizabeth. In my blood haze, you thought to play a trick on me.¡± ¡°I am sorry, my love.¡± Elizabeth choked out, ¡°A-Alius told me to keep you away from the walls, he ventured into them to prevent you from entering.¡± David growled, ¡°You sought to hide this information from me. You lied.¡± ¡°It¡¯s what I am best at, David.¡± ¡°You do not deserve to worship me.¡± ¡°You cannot kill me, David. I am already dead.¡± David laughed, ¡°Right you are. I have a special place for you though.¡± He flew beside the great willow and impaled Elizabeth on the topmost branch. ¡°Here you will rest. Think about your betrayal, it¡¯s all you have left.¡± Elizabeth reached out weakly towards David as he flew toward the manor house. Chapter 26 Self-reflection Elizabeth lay atop the the bloody willow tree. The clouds moved over and blackened like the night sky. The rain came fast and heavy to begin the cleansing. The fires gave way and the smoke faded. It was supposed to end now. She thought about how long it may take before she knew. If Alius had failed then impaled on this Willow is where she will spend the rest of eternity. The birds stopped singing and the wind no longer blew. The forest shrank beneath a thick layer of mist. She began to sob. Her tears were lost in the rain and her cries rang silent. The remains of the fire-damaged buildings began to decay. Time dragged them through eternity and melted them down like gold. The grass died and retreated into the mud. Mist surrounded Elizabeth until she could not see her hand before her face. The sound of her breath faded. She spoke but could not hear the words. All sensations left her body. She thought of how many times Alius had led the village to this moment. Now she resided in the ultimate nothingness, waiting for the man she had betrayed to save her or fail. There was no greater sorrow, and never had she felt so powerless. *** Mr Potter roused from the armchair. A noise from the kitchen had awoken him. He pushed himself up and cleared his chest before lighting a candle to explore. The kitchen was clear but the back door was knocking. ¡°Bloody thing.¡± he pushed an old crate in front of it. He went into the cobbler workshop and found his hammer and a tack. ¡°If you want a vampire, I¡¯ll give you one, Alius.¡± A knocking at the workshop door gave him a small fright. It didn¡¯t help he was already on edge. ¡°By the lord.¡± He set his hammer down and opened the door. ¡°Jimethy.¡± ¡°Hello, Mr Potter.¡± He said shakily. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Daniel is here.¡± ¡°Where?¡± Jimethy waved Daniel towards him. The man came round the corner. ¡°Get in, you might get caught.¡± ¡°Aye, had to be careful, Alius is out on the prowl. He¡¯s got his fat friend with him as usual.¡± Mr Potter tutted. ¡°How did you know I was in here?¡± ¡°Candlelight, Mr Potter.¡± Daniel nodded and closed the workshop door behind him. ¡°So what¡¯s this theory you have about my wife?¡± ¡°Tell him.¡± Jimethy nodded. Mr Potter looked between the two men and kept his voice low. ¡°I shall tell you. Tis Alius and Jarrod.¡± ¡°What is?¡± He hushed Daniel, ¡°My wife is asleep, she¡¯ll get grumpy if you wake her.¡± Daniel frowned and apologised. ¡°Elizabeth was the first to die. By his hand no doubt.¡± ¡°Jarrod said she died naturally.¡± ¡°Of course he did, Daniel,¡± Mr Potter shook his head and grumbled, ¡°They''re both in on it.¡± ¡°In on what?¡± ¡°Killing our women folk.¡± Daniel crossed his arms. ¡°Awfully strong levy against them. I vowed to kill the man who did this to my Angela.¡± ¡°Yes, well, I¡¯ve seen Alius sneaking about my house a few times.¡± Said Potter, ¡°I confronted him once and he said he was just patrolling.¡± ¡°Sure. Makes sense.¡± Daniel nodded. ¡°Ain¡¯t proof they did something like this though.¡± ¡°Well, keep your eye out for them at least.¡± Mr Potter nodded at Jimethy. ¡°Lest you believe his nonsense vampire story.¡± Daniel gritted his teeth, ¡°If he makes me do one more stupid thing I shall tell him what for.¡± ¡°Indeed, Daniel. Now. The pair of you. Piss off. I need to sleep.¡± Jim chuckled. ¡°Still sleeping on the chair?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Daniel cocked his head inquisitively. Mr Potter smiled at Daniel, ¡°My snoring keeps her awake.¡± ¡°Right you are.¡± Daniel chuckled. The men left. Mr Potter gently closed the door behind them and pressed his head to the wood. He was glad of the small intrusion. It would delay what he must do. No, this wasn¡¯t a must. It was a want. If he desired Elizabeth and the captaincy then Esmeralda had to be removed from the picture. It saddened him that she had his child in her belly. He wished Elizabeth was the mother. He wished he could save it but there would be time to make another with Elizabeth. Sacrifice. That¡¯s what ambition requires. He hoped that he had sewn enough seeds in people''s minds. For the past month or so he had been planting the idea in the heads of the villagers that Alius had become mad. Alius had helped this along with his stories of vampires and the outlandish instructions. Mr Potter would make his final play. ¡°I wait for you.¡± Mr Potter looked at the workshop wall where the voice came from. It was Elizabeth. He pressed his ear to it and spoke back. ¡°I¡¯m coming.¡± ¡°Kill her tonight.¡± Her voice was haunting and beautiful. ¡°I shall.¡± ¡°We shall be together.¡± ¡°We shall.¡± ¡°I am in the walls. Free me in the morrow.¡± ¡°I shall, I shall.¡± Mr Potter closed his eyes and ran his hand over the wall slowly. The voice of the woman he loved had been the instructor of his actions. She let him murder Angela. It felt good when she praised him for his work. He kissed the wall. ¡°Soon.¡± ¡°In the morrow.¡± ¡°In the morrow my love.¡± Mr Potter took up his hammer and the tack. He stalked through the dark house quietly and entered the room of Esmeralda. There she slept so peacefully, laying perfectly on her back for him. He set the hammer and tack on the bedside table. ¡°She offers me a better future than you can, Esmeralda.¡± He said to her. She groaned a little and wiggled in the bed. He stroked her hair softly and nodded. He ripped the pillow from under Esmeralda¡¯s head. Her eyes shot open in surprise but all she saw was the fabric pressed over her. She writhed, kicking and releasing a muffled moan. Mr Potter had straddled her and kept her pressed flat to the mattress. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Shhh.¡± ¡°Yes, yes kill her!¡± The walls moaned in pleasure as he did its will. ¡°I shall kill her for you!¡± Esmeralda¡¯s fear was churned with sadness when she learned her husband was her killer. She struck at his arms and dug her nails in. She pulled his shirt, but it was no use. Her consciousness slipped away. Her struggle became feeble and she went limp. Mr Potter held the pillow there for another minute or so before peeling it away. His suffocated wife lay still. ¡°I have done it.¡± ¡°You are my beloved. You do great things.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Mr Potter almost felt guilty, but the voice in the walls soothed him and ironed out the creases in his conscience. He proceeded to make wounds in her neck using the hammer and tack. He nailed two small holes in her neck. ¡°Alius¡¯ madness will be ignited by this.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± The walls cooed back. He returned the pillow under her head and neatened her hair. ¡°This was the only way,¡± he whispered and kissed his dead wife on her forehead. He made a cup of tea and paced about the halls to release the pent-up stress from his most recent kill. The act invigorated him. Finally, he sat on the chair and did his best to sleep. In the morning he would call for the Captain. Morning came slowly for he did not sleep. The sun rose and he considered when best to fetch the captain. He asked himself when would be a natural time for him to realise. He settled on seven. Before leaving the house he prepared himself, he wanted to look most surprised and worried. He took a deep breath and opened his door before charging out towards the manor. Villagers looked at him most perplexed. He called out: ¡°Captain! Captain!¡± When he reached the manor house, Alius had already come outside due to the racket he had caused. ¡°What is the matter, Mr Potter?¡± Alius closed his door behind him and went out to meet him in the garden. ¡°It¡¯s my wife, Captain. She¡¯s¡­she¡¯s dead!¡± Alius nodded. ¡°I shall come by right away, let me fetch Jarrod.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Alius arrived shortly after with Jarrod. ¡°Show me the body.¡± Mr Potter let them both in. ¡°I was sleeping on the chair, an account of my snoring.¡± Jarrod nodded. ¡°I checked her room to see if she wanted a cup of tea, and, well¡­¡± he pointed them to the bedroom door. Jarrod moved up in front and opened the door, looking back. ¡°This one?¡± Mr Potter nodded and headed towards him, holding the door open to let Jarrod in. The portly man looked over her and called through to Alius who was checking not far behind in the hall. ¡°Captain!¡± He leaned in. ¡°She¡¯s been proper¡¯ killed.¡± Alius eased by the grieving Husband and went to inspect the woman. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the blue ribbon. He noted that Esmeralda often wore her hair up in blue or red ribbons. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Captain?¡± ¡°Nothing¡­would you give me a moment with her please?¡± Mr Potter folded his arms, wary that Alius might see through his ruse. ¡°What for?¡± ¡°Jarrod, make Mr Potter and I a cup of tea.¡± ¡°Aye, sir.¡± He led Mr Potter out of the room and closed the door behind him. Alius ran his fingers over the wounds in Esmeralda¡¯s neck and frowned. He tried to remain focused on her but was pulled away by the oddness of the ribbon tied around the handle of the bedside dresser drawer. He submitted to temptation and slid it open. A note inside. He opened and it read: Forgiveness is something we offer ourselves through the glory of God. It is what we offer to those who fall from his glory too. Forgiveness is all we have. Mr David Potter must see himself in the mirror and you must forgive him, lest the curse take hold and we be led away from His gift. Mr Potter owns hands that kill. Those hands are not his. Forgive. He closed placed the note down and frowned. ¡°Mirror?¡± he looked over at the standing mirror in the corner. It was the wrong way and something was etched into it. Curious, he walked over and read the inscription. Matthew 25:41. He mouthed the verse to himself. ¡°Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.¡± The door rattled. ¡°What¡¯s going on in there?¡± Mr Potter called through. Alius thought about asking Jarrod to restrain him, instead he invited him in. Mr Potter entered and looked around. ¡°What¡¯s going on, why are you looking at the mirror?¡± ¡°Why is this mirror turned away?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Mr Potter shrugged, finding it odd himself. ¡°Matthew 25:41¡­what is that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a bible verse.¡± ¡°I know that Captain, but what is the verse?¡± Alius ignored the question and lifted the mirror to turn it around. *** The vampire crashed through the roof and the upper floor of the manor house, landing in the living room. The abyss had threatened to freeze him in time, but Simon''s hard work had revealed the pathway into the walls. The bleak emptiness of eternity would chase him through the walls, but he would break out into another realm. One outside of this forsaken village. There he could reign supreme. He slipped into the blackness and was caught off guard by the vastness of the dark space. The walls held infinite possibilities, all of which were his to explore. A light in the distance attracted it. It glinted with a subtle attraction that drew him in. His yellow gaze narrowed and he cautiously approached. He looked through the square pain and saw before him two men. Alius and himself, his old self, staring back. He bore his fangs and licked his lips. ¡°I shall enjoy killing you Alius.¡± He backed off and prepared to charge. Alius narrowed his eyes and peered deeply into the mirror. Mr Potter was standing behind him and looking quite out of sorts. ¡°I forgive you, Mr Potter.¡± Mr Potter looked into Alius¡¯ eyes through the mirror, standing off and to the left. ¡°Forgive me for what?¡± ¡°For murdering her.¡± ¡°Excuse me!¡± ¡°For having an affair with Elizabeth.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You killed Angela too didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°And you are a liar.¡± Alius closed his eyes and listened. He stepped to one side just in time. The vampire that was once David crashed through the glass and tackled Mr Potter. In a feracious and thirsty frenzy, he gorged, draining Mr Potter until his skin went porcelain white. He pulled his fangs out and raised his head. In the heat of the moment, he had feasted upon himself. Furious he turned to Alius. ¡°Time for you to die, Alius.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± He leapt on Alius and bore his fangs deep. Alius placed his hand on the back of the vampire''s head. ¡°I forgive you, David.¡± The vampire''s jaw weakened. His claws retracted. He fell back. He had reverted to his old self. ¡°It¡¯s over, David.¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening to me?¡± ¡°You are being set free.¡± A great mist descended and Alius passed out in the bedroom. Alius awoke in the middle of the forest. He clambered to his feet and looked around. The birds sang, the breeze blew warmly and the trees bristled happily. He looked down over himself to see he was dressed in a plain white robe. Before him was a precession of people who walked towards him in a line, all dressed in plain white robes like himself. Each one was a villager. They smiled at him and kissed his cheek as they walked past. Alius looked behind him and saw they passed through a great iron gate that left the forest. The faces of the folks nodded softly, smiled, kiss him. Jimethy, Terrence, Daniel, Hannah, Jarrod, Greg, Sylvester, Esmeralda. Then David. He was not smiling. He approached and placed his hands on Alius¡¯ shoulders. ¡°I am sorry.¡± Alius held back tears of joy. ¡°We all are.¡± ¡°It took me.¡± ¡°It took us all.¡± Alius placed his hands on David¡¯s side. ¡°I let it through the walls.¡± ¡°I did unspeakable things.¡± ¡°Then do not speak them. Go.¡± David looked past Alius and then back into his eyes, ¡°Thank you for your forgiveness.¡± ¡°Forgive me.¡± ¡°I do.¡± He walked through the gates. The last person approached. Elizabeth. ¡°Alius.¡± ¡°Say nothing, my wife.¡± He embraced her and kissed her softly. Elizabeth took him the hand to lead him away, but he didn¡¯t move. She looked back at Alius. ¡°It¡¯s time for us to leave, Alius.¡± Alius shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s time for you to leave.¡± ¡°You must come.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°You are forgiven.¡± ¡°I do not forgive myself. I failed you.¡± Elizabeth tried to pull. Alius reluctantly let her hand go. ¡°You cannot stay here.¡± ¡°I shall. Go, before the gates close.¡± Elizabeth¡¯s eyes watered, ¡°Please.¡± Mist began to cover the forest. ¡°Go, Elizabeth.¡± She kissed him once more and walked through the gates, looking back once before passing through. Alius disappeared in the mist. Alone. The gates closed behind the precession. Epilogue - Opportunity ¡°Yeah, this place looks brilliant¡­I said¨C¡± He looked at his phone, ¡°Crap signal though.¡± He pushed a few buttons and shoved it in his pocket, shaking his head and looking around the land. ¡°Mr David!¡± A man in a suit called, walking over. ¡°Call me Dave,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Dave it is, call me Al.¡± ¡°Al, short for Albert?¡± ¡°Sure!¡± He laughed. ¡°So you have had a look around, yes?¡± ¡°Well just this bit so far. Not sure about that tree.¡± ¡°Oh, the willow?¡± ¡°Yeah, looks a bit ominous.¡± Al nodded, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a pretty old thing, I think your guests would love it though. You could decorate it for Christmas and Halloween. Put a swing on it.¡± Dave stroked his chin and nodded, ¡°Yeah I could picture people swinging from the tree!¡± ¡°Alright, then! This place is about features Dave.¡± Dave looked out at the overgrown grassy area, there was evidence of old buildings in the way of wooden panels and stone walls. ¡°What used to be here anyway?¡± Al turned around and opened his arms, ¡°Was a little village I believe, eighteen hundred or something. There is a manor house up there¡­it¡¯s a wreck. Also, there¡¯s some old stone ruins further up.¡± ¡°How has no one built on this place? It¡¯s a steal.¡± ¡°Green belt, they only just gave us planning permissions you see. No point selling it ¡®till people can do something on it.¡± ¡°Yeah, makes sense, bloody red tape innit? Pisses me off.¡± Al laughed, ¡°Oh tell me about it!¡± ¡°Here she is.¡± Dave held out his arm and waved at the woman heading towards them. She joined him and nodded, ¡°Heya.¡± ¡°This is Liz, my business partner.¡± She winked and cuddled up to Dave a bit. ¡°Sure.¡± Al smiled, ¡°So, you were thinking of a holiday camp right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! People don¡¯t go abroad as much, let¡¯s take advantage of the beautiful British countryside eh?¡± ¡°It needs a lot of work though, Dave.¡± ¡°Anything worthwhile needs work!¡± ¡°Well said, Dave.¡± Al chuckled and looked around. ¡° ¡°I imagine I¡¯ll be protested as well. You know they always attack me for building these places. Wankers the lot of ¡®em.¡± Al nodded, ¡°Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Dave shook his head and laughed, ¡°What is that, some biblical stuff?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Al nodded. Liz raised an eyebrow. ¡°I don¡¯t read any of that shit.¡± Al shrugged, ¡°It¡¯s never too late to start.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you show me this manor house?¡± Al nodded and waved the two up the grassy hill. ¡°Jesus Christ, imagine having to walk up ¡®ere every time you wanted to go home, didn¡¯t they have steps in the eighteen hundreds?¡± Al glanced back at Dave. ¡°I¡¯m sure they had a path. I¡¯d prefer you didn¡¯t blaspheme in my presence.¡± Dave looked back at Liz and gave a sideways smirk, whispering: ¡°We got a real bible basher ¡®ere.¡± Liz whispered back, ¡°Don¡¯t piss him off, he might not sell to us.¡± Dave nodded, ¡°Sorry about that, Al. Don¡¯t want to offend, eh?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± He stepped over the gate which had all its bars cut away. ¡°What happened to the fence?¡± ¡°Two world wars, Dave. They needed iron wherever they could get it.¡± ¡°Ah right, yeah¡­forgot about that.¡± ¡°Lest we forget.¡± The Manor house was still intact, almost pristine. The interior had been well-kept, and the furniture wasn¡¯t modern but looked new. ¡°Bloody hell, this is alright!¡± Dave clapped his hands. ¡°We can move in now, eh Liz?¡± ¡°It looks like a funeral home, who decorated this place.¡± Al turned and stood before the pantry door. ¡°I did. I actually have lived here for some time.¡± Dave nudged Liz with his elbow, ¡°Who pissing people off now, eh?¡± Al narrowed his eyes. ¡°This village has quite a bit of history. It would be a good tourist point.¡± ¡°Oh, yeah? What kind of history?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s said to have a great trial, intrigue, murders. It had everything¡­even vampires.¡± ¡°Vampires?¡± Liz snerked. ¡°What like count Dracula-type stuff?¡± ¡°I vant to suck your blood!¡± Dave playfully bit into Liz¡¯s neck and she giggled, padding at his shoulder. ¡°Quite like that, yeah. Perfect for Halloween and such.¡± ¡°Hey yeah! We could hang people from the tree. Like stuffed people, not real ones.¡± Liz rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, this place is going to need an ambitious man to be successful.¡± ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± Dave pointed at himself with his thumb. ¡°I¡¯ve set up four of these holiday camps, all a smash.¡± Liz nodded along with him. ¡°Now all you need to do is sort out our wedding¡­¡± ¡°In time, love.¡± Dave winked and ran his finger over his neck playfully in Al¡¯s direction. Al chuckled. ¡°Well, I¡¯m certain you¡¯re the man for the job.¡± ¡°Can we have a look upstairs?¡± Al scratched his chin. ¡°That¡¯s where I sleep and such, I don¡¯t think you¡¯d want to see it.¡± ¡°Ah come on, we¡¯d like a look around.¡± Al nodded, ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Wait, what¡¯s in there?¡± Liz pointed at the door behind Al. ¡°Oh?¡± Ali turned around. He opened the door to let them look inside. ¡°Just an old pantry.¡± Liz nodded, ¡°Cute. Never had a pantry.¡± ¡°You never cook.¡± Liz smacked Dave on the arm, ¡°Cheeky, I made that risotto last night.¡± ¡°That came from a packet, Liz.¡± She huffed. ¡°Can we have a look upstairs then?¡± ¡°Come with me.¡± Al led the way and waved them up the old creaky steps. He flicked the landing light on and showed them down the hall. ¡°What¡¯s in here?¡± Dave rudely opened a door and peeked in. ¡°That¡¯s just my study.¡± Al closed the door before he could let himself into the room. ¡°Right, can I go in?¡± Al sighed, ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll wait here.¡± Said Liz. Dave opened the door and went into the old study. He was drawn to the big bay window that looked over the land and surrounding forest. He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Hey! There are people down there!¡± He moved his head a bit. ¡°There¡¯s a little village, what the bloody hell!¡± He left the room quickly and came into the candle-lit hallway. ¡°Liz?¡± He turned around a few times in confusion and walked down the steps and into the living room. ¡°Liz?¡± he called, ¡°Al!¡± The door flung open. It was Al. ¡°Captain! There¡¯s been another murder!¡±