Reven Devil
By Jason Harris
Section Jump: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
It was raining that day in July. The flower Boutique stood in the driveway of her home and the flowers were glistening with raindrops the overcast sky had to offer that morning. She opened up the shop at 9:30 to start her day.
She's an entrepreneur following her dreams of doing what she always wanted to do. The big benefit is it's in the luxury of her own driveway at home. She goes right to work priming the roses that have arrived yesterday to fill her order for a wedding. The phone rang in the early morning hours and she answered, "Hello, Vicky's Flowers and Boutique, Vicky Stumon speaking."
"Hello Vicky Stumon?"
"Yes it is. Can I help you?"
"Well yes actually you can. I'm Ester Hodges and I'm calling on behalf of your very sick uncle Darius. You see he fears he is going to die soon and wants to hand over his estate. I'm sorry to alarm you, but he said you're the only one he trusts the most. He is appointing you heir of his estate and its belongings. We're close to Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. He was a good friend of your Dad he mentioned."
"Well I'm sorry, I'm not sure about this all at once. I'm going to decline."
"Well wait a moment. Please give it some thought and you can reach me at this number. Your poor uncle Darius has an adopted son Wayne and he has nowhere to go if Darius passes away. I'm afraid that time is near. Darius wants you to at least make an attempt to come see him and the estate before it's too late."
"Well, I'll give it some thought. I'll call you in a couple of days with my decision and thank you Ester for the information."
That was very odd thought Vicky, she paused after the call. She has never received a call from her old uncle Darius in her life. Her mother despised him, but he did have a somewhat association to her deceased father who she loved so much. She remembers her mother saying "Uncle Darius is delirious," well, she meant it. Most of the family did. Vicky forgot all about him over the years. She thinks she was 11 years old the last time she ever saw him.
Vicky Stumon and Frank Mitchell just got engaged a month ago after having a ten month relationship. They both love each other deeply. Vicky was a florist and just opened up shop at Frank's residence In the West side of the city on Rossevelt Dr. in Utica. It was a big project by Frank transforming his garage into her floral shop.
Frank was working away on a shed he was constructing for a friend on Lansing St. in the east part of the city. Frank was a jack of all trades and did it for most of his lifetime.
"Alright, all that's left to do is the wiring to the shed for some electricity," said Frank as he put up the last piece of plywood for the wall of the shed. It was a project he put together a week ago for his buddy Brandon. Brandon asked Frank if he could construct a 12 by 12 foot shed in his backyard at the end of his driveway and Frank said, "Well that's going to cost ya."
They've been friends since high school and worked together on some projects and bowl together. Vicky also went to the same high school and knew them both.
On the top of the shed was a section for Brandon's step-son to have a hideout. Frank thought he was going to wire this new shed with electrical outlets and hook a light up in the loft and one for the ground level. He would probably finish the project today. Frank knew electricity because he took courses in high school and knows black, red, white are live, and green is ground. He also knew a little about electronics and how ohms and resistors work.
He received a phone call from Vicky who was at home and he answered it.
"Hi Frank, you'll never guess what?"
"What's that Vicky?"
"I received a phone call this morning about being the heir to my old uncle's estate."
"And."
"I have a couple of days to decide if I want to come see it."
"Well, where is it Vicky?"
"Near Jersey Shore, Pennsylavania."
"That's in the next state in the Appalachian mountain range." said Frank.
"I'll think about it, but why I'm holding back is because my old Uncle was delirious back in the day."
"Oh, well just think about it honey and make a decision in the next couple of days."
"I will, Frank, I thought I'd share the odd news."
"Thanks hun, I'm just finishing the shed and will be home in an hour or so."
"Ok Frank, I'll see you then."
Frank was working away on his last electrical outlet for the shed before it was finished.
'Just a few more minutes and I can sit back and see this new shed I built for my friend Brandon' he thought.
Brandon and Frank go way back in high school days. Ya the girls, the grades, shop classes, and teachers they'll never forget. He'd love to relive the glory days again. He thought about a memory one time when Brandon just kept killing the ball over the tennis court fence. Sure enough Mr. Jenner yells in front of the class "Excuse me Brandon Merryfield! Will you finally follow instructions and hit the ball properly so it stays in the court! Any more of this and you can sit on the bench for the rest of the class!"
Brandon hated tennis and clowned around often to get on Mr. Jenner's nerves. Frank remembers laughing so hard when it happened that it made him constipated that day. Frank knew it, "Oh shit, here we go again. He'll be sitting on the bench for sure," and sure enough, Brandon served it over the fence, way over Frank's head.
"That's it, go retrieve all the balls you can find and return here to the bench Brandon." said Mr. Jenner.
Brandon grabbed his pelvis area and said "Ya, do you want to retrieve these too Mr. Jenner?" and he walked out the gate and continued back to the school. The class shared a laugh over his perverted gesture.
"You haven't finished what you started Brandon and that's an F for failing tennis and another F for Failure!" yelled Mr. Jenner.
Frank went back to work and finally finished hooking up the light downstairs. He was relieved and looked around inside. He turned on the downstairs light. He then climbed the inside ladder steps that went up to the loft above and flicked the light switch on and off. That light worked too. "Good," Frank said as he stepped outside. He looked at the shed from a distance and surveyed the triangle-framed roof that had a window in it. It was complete; marvelous he thought and smiled. He took a picture on his phone to send it to Brandon and tell him the electrical is all done and that he's finished the shed. He thought he'll grab a hot dog on the way home and have a talk with Vicky when he gets there.
When Frank got home and parked his pick up truck in the driveway, he quickly went in the front door and said,
"Hello Vicky! what's up?"
"Oh Hi Frank, I haven't made my mind up yet."
"About the trip to Jersey Shore, right?" asked Frank.
"Yes, that's the thing Frank. I don't know if I want to. My uncle Darius was delirious and all of a sudden after more than 30 years, I hear from the guy that he's close to death and he has an adopted son named Wayne who will be stuck with no one if he dies."
"Geez Louise, that's a lot on your plate to swallow. Well you know what? Just think about it more okay? Just don't make any decisions yet. When do you have to get back to the agent?"
"I have a couple of days to decide. I don't know about this Frank. I'm still trying to figure this out? Why me? It feels like a meteor just dropped on me from outer space and I have to clean up the mess it's left behind."
"If we decide to take it, there's nothing that can go wrong honey."
"How are you so sure?"
"Because he is family right?"
"Not really, is the odd thing about this Frank. He was strange and not liked by us. I was only nice to him because my dad wanted us to be, not my mother though."
"Well, if the reason is because he was delirious, that's wrong to describe one's character."
"He was Frank, the family despised him except my dad. Did my dad want me to have his estate? I don't know because he's not here. My mom would think I'm delirious too if I do and so would my sister."
"Well, maybe he needs a family member in his last days so he can pass away peacefully knowing his estate is in good hands." Concluded Frank.
Vicky was quiet and couldn't look at Frank for a moment. She wept a little and said, my dad was the only one nice to him. Now that's why he picked me because I was closer to my dad than my sister."
Vicky's dad died not too long ago due to his diabetes and it affected Vicky deeply. She was very fond of him. More so than anyone else in her family. I have to think this through Frank. I'd do it for my dad, but I don't think it's the right decision either."
"That's fine Vicky. Think things thoroughly before you make a decision. I'm behind you whatever you choose."
"Thanks." she said and smiled at Frank while approaching him and giving him a kiss. Thanks for being here with me.
Section Jump: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Frank has owned his house for nine years when he inherited it from his parents after their deaths. It's a small bungalow with a big driveway and big backyard. Vicky has prepared a nice floral garden out front and around the big huge old maple tree. They take care of the responsibilities the same and look after one another. They're very much in love with one another and are true companions. Vicky was so glad that Frank built her own floral shop on his property this year, that she loves him and doesn't want to move anywhere.
Frank took a look at the newspaper as coffee was brewing in the kitchen. Vicky went back out to the shop to do some tidying. He wondered if these mass shootings are ever going to end. It's dreadful, he thought. America is suffering greatly because of it and no one deserves to die innocently. It's terrible to even think one can fathom the idea of killing innocent people. What's going on in our country today? He wondered. The ones responsible for these mass shootings deserve the death penalty, he thought. No questions asked and a speedy one too, meanwhile, the government needs to tackle new gun laws and crack down on illegal distribution of firearms. Frank thinks if you want to shoot guns, then join the army. The killing of innocent people is wrong because you're taking away a life that deserves to live when it's a random attack. Well there's definitely no wars to fight on the street in this country so just what are they fighting anyways? What's their motive? wondered Frank. He firmly believes, don't take it out on another individual for revenge who is more than happier to lend a hand or be a friend. That's why it's a cowardly act he strongly feels.
Vicky came in the doorway and saw Frank as she took her shoes off by the door. "Is Brandon pleased about the shed?"
"He will be, I actually hooked up all the electrical outlets in the loft and hooked up two big lights too."
"Oh ya, and then there was light." Chuckled Vicky.
"Amen." said Frank.
"Well I didn't have a busy day today so I got a lot of cleaning done in the shop and in the house."
"There was another mass shooting," said Frank.
"Oh no, that's terrible. Now we have to worry about what's going on in our own neighborhoods now. We don't need American grown terrorism."
"I agree. We need more heroes than zereos. That's where these cowards should go is the army. Pay a visit to Uncle Sam. He'll put them to kill for the right reasons."
"I've thought about the estate honey and just what kind of repairs it may need."
"I don't know what to do yet, Frank. I have another couple days to decide. It may not hurt to take a look at it I guess. I thought about the boy Wayne too. I'd like to meet him. If it's true about Uncle Darius close to death, I'd like to maybe find Wayne a good place to live." said Vicky.
"Are you thinking with us?" asked Frank.
"Would you be open to adopt Frank?"
"Yes! Of course I would Vicky, then we work on one for ourselves."
"Oh, you're a good man to marry Frank."
"So, does this mean we work on one tonight and you can call Ester in the morning?" asked Frank.
"We will tonight and I'll give my decision by tomorrow."
"When you call her tomorrow, find out all the details: Location, address, a description of the place possibly, how much is it worth?" said Frank.
"Yes Frank, I'll make sure."
"That's my girl, Vicky." Frank said proudly.
They kissed and watched the evening news together on TV that night before going to bed at nine o'clock.
The next day, Vicky was serving her regular customer Mrs. Andrews before closing up.
"Thanks Mrs. Andrews. That will be $21.50 for the bouquets of carnations. On your account."
"You know dear. I love how you and your future hubby treat each other and support each other. It's really nice to see that. This shop he built is a nice gift."
"Well thank you so much for your compliment Mrs. Andrews. I'm sure Frank will love to hear such kind words. I'll tell him."
Frank was sitting in his chair watching the news and having a beer. In came Vicky as she sat in her chair wondering what was on the TV.
"Anything interesting?" she asked.
"Nope."
"You know what Frank? I spoke to Ester Hodges this morning."
"And?"
"Well the estate is located in a remote spot near the town of Jersey Shore Pennsylvania. It's a big old Victorian style English house with a lot of history to it. It was originally constructed in 1892 by American British loyalists. It has 99 acres of property and a couple of low-end cottages. There's a creek that runs by it and It needs a little bit of repair to some of the outdoor limestone brick and It's listed at about $725,000 for the whole property. It runs on well water and the plumbing is old."
"Well, well, well, Vicky sounds like a possible profitable project." says Frank egotistically.
"And I've decided to take a look at it. Just me and you and Ester will sign the documents needed."
Frank was blown away from her choice, but knew it was worth a look at it all along.
"I looked up where Jersey Shore is and it's only a 4 hour drive there." said Vicky.
"Being Friday tomorrow, do you feel like going for a road tour tomorrow afternoon then?" asked Frank.
"Yes I do."
"That's it then. We'll pack some food and supplies and take your car for the trip."
"If things go wrong there, we are leaving right away and never to return. Ok Frank?"
"That's right honey, no problem."
The couple went to bed early that night awaiting their big trip tomorrow to Jersey Shore.
Section Jump: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
The next morning was sunny and humid. There was a nice warm breeze blowing in the air and it was cooler under the shade. A great day to drive and Vicky was packing the trunk of her car with all the snacks and food they needed. You never know what Uncle Darius eats Vicky thought, so she prepared themselves in case. Frank packed their luggage into the car with his fishing pole in the back seat of Vicky's sedan and tackle box. He brought his tools and a small hatchet for splitting wood if needed. His Hibachi barbeque too. Everything was set and they were ready to go. It was a little after 11 o'clock and he wanted to reach Darius's by 4:30 - 5:00. The couple got in and he drove highway 12 south of Utica to get there.
Frank asked, "So what's the real deal about your uncle Darius? Why is he really delirious like you say?"
"I don't really know that Frank, but it was drilled into me and my sister's head by my mother. She would recite, "Uncle Darius is Delirious." He was a distant uncle, my dad's brother. He barely attended any family functions. The last time I saw him I was 11 years old and he was at my fathers funeral."
"I see."
"It's ok Frank, I'm not mad at you for asking."
"If things don't go well there, don't hesitate to tell me we're leaving. If you don't like it we will leave. We don't have to take on the responsibility of acquiring it and not knowing what to do next. Don't feel pressured that you have to take it hun. It's totally up to you."
"Thanks Frank. You make me feel good." and she smiled at him.
Driving on the highway meant they had to travel through the Appalachian Terrain. It's the highest mountain terrain in the eastern part of the U.S. There's a lot of trees, rocky mountain elevations, and farms in the countryside as they drove through the character little towns and villages. Frank thought he'd better not tell Vicky about black bears or she might demand they turn around now. They finally hit a fork in the road where left was the city Williamsport, PA with Jersey Shore the next stop on highway 220 to the right. They also drove beside a big river to the West and Frank kept looking for the name of it as they drove by.
"Hey hun, ask google the name of this river we are driving next to."
"It's the Susquehanna river."
"I think I might try fishing here and you can catch some sunshine, gorgeous."
"You're flattering me Frank. Hey, want a foot stroke?"
"Sure we got about 20 minutes to Jersey Shore and then it's north from there right?"
"Ok zip them down."
"Oh boy, more than that too." said Frank reluctantly.
"You better like it…"
Frank can't complain one bit about their sex life because sometimes it's spontaneous and often. She knows how to please him. He knows how to please her, so really there's no margin of error.
They finished up they're business and now entered the little town of Jersey Shore, PA. It was interesting both thought as the little town had buildings that were colorful and some were old, and some new. It had an old feeling to it like it was an old Western town. The streets were smaller than usual and some were wide. They came to a street called Allegheny and Frank saw a restaurant called the Shore Diner. He thought about getting a bite to eat and checking out some town folk.
"Vicky, how about a pit stop at this diner coming up on the left. Dinner is on me."
"Sure, good idea. I'm hungry too."
They entered and there were quite a number of people inside. They had to wait to be seated and a hostess came over and said, "Follow me please."
The hostess led them to a table for two. "Hi my name is Mandy and welcome to Shore Diner, can I get you a drink to start?"
Frank said, "Yes, I'll have a Coors light"
Vicky said, "I'll have chocolate milk."
Mandy wrote it down on her pad and said "coming right up."
The menus were on the table already and they started to look at them.
"I think I'll have the pulled pork sandwich on a bun," said Frank.
"I'll have the steak salad," said Vicky.
Their hostess came back with the drinks and asked "Are you ready to order?" Frank said "yes and it's on my bill please. I'll have the pulled pork sandwich while my fiance will have the steak salad."
Mandy asked, "And do you want grilled onions on your sandwich?"
Frank replied "Yes."
Mandy said, "Great! Your food will be ready soon." and smiled as she walked away.
The place was large in size with about 10 people eating and more than half were trying not to be caught looking over at Frank and Vicky. It looked as if the Diner was a popular spot for Jersey Shore with pictures of American Natives, teepees, Fish being caught, and local stuffed game. Frank thought for a second, 'small town life is a small town world because once an outsider enters, They are the new attraction.' An elderly man walked beside their table, stopped and said, "Hello there, I'm Wally. Do you mind if I chat with you a bit?"
Frank said "No problem at all. I'm Frank and this is Vicky." Frank was actually glad someone broke the tension he was feeling from the other locals. Vicky cut in and said, "Hi Wally. Do you live here in Jersey Shore?"
"I've lived in this area all my life. I am a native American and we still have roots across this grassland in more remote parts outside of town. Do you mind if I ask you where you're from?"
Frank replied "We're from Utica and we're here to visit a family member of Vicky just North of here."
"I see," said Wally. His cowboy hat, beige coat and cowboy boots made him look dapper. He went on to say: "Could I interest you in a Legend that has lasted for many years in the Northern part of here?"
Vicky smiled and said, "Oh, I love hearing stories that have lasted many years so go ahead Wally feel free to tell us."
"Many centuries ago before the white man showed his face on this land, There was an Evil Deity that lurked in a dark swamp somewhere to the North. The deity had dark power; it deceived my people by believing he would give them everlasting life in return for theirs.
Some people believed the Deity and fell victim to it. As he ate more people, he gained more power and the swamp became bigger. The Deity then only chose children to be brought to him so he could make them into future warriors.
It lied again and only drank the blood of them. Women were then tricked into giving their first born child, but little did they know, after the Deity drank the blood of the children, it ate the women too. Soon enough, the tribes agreed to forbid any woman or child to enter the swamp because they were losing their child bearers fast and our tribe's populations were down.
The swamp was gaining more ground and more hideous creatures. More men came to seek the Deity as it grew stronger and bigger transforming to more of a demonic form with flesh. It spoke as if it was a ruler of the new earth. Some men started to idolize the Deity and hailed him as their new leader; the BEAST. The Beast built his new regime and began to attack the tribes. His army became new savaged warriors that were mostly castaways and deserters before. The new regime's men bore grotesque faces and skin and one bite mark would turn you into one of them. The Beast's lair was home to his throne and he spoke of prophecies that made sense to his new followers. He spoke that one day the earth would perish if they did not make haste to abolish any one that stood in their way. That they would live on the new earth for eternity under his own command and punish those who punished them previously for their crimes.
This uprising and diminishing inhabitants of us caused the wisemen to take the remaining tribes as one into the mountains in the West. They were convinced that someone one day would come to help them rid of this treacherous Beast who was the strength of 10 men and 10 feet tall with red skin. It had two horns coming out its forehead and his own anger resulted in someone's death. Treason was on the rise, Famine, and Disease.
When the remaining tribes went West, There were reports that the Sunshine had shined for many days after the 3 witches were defeated by the one Great Warrior. These three sisters bore a magical gift that even the devil himself could not resist acquiring. So they made a deal to trade the serpent's eye they conjured up to him for one sister to have keen sight. The devil agreed and the Witch's power wrecked chaos amongst the mountain foul and Western Tribes were wiped out before one stood up and evaded the witches black magic and broke their curse of rain for many days by killing them, the Great Wolf-Eye.
"Oh my gosh Wally, this is an amazing story," said captivated Vicky, "was it here where it all began?"
"Well, we don't really know, but some believe so because our ancestors have told the same story to all of us young ones over and over again through different times and generations. It's an Indian legend. Please, as I was saying." continued Wally…
"Once settled in the high altitude of the new village in the mountains, the wisemen gathered together and decided to stay put and to spread word of the Great Warrior Wolf-Eye to their people for hope during these desolate times. Men were set out to look for the one called Wolf-Eye when one day a marvelous ancient Eagle-Indian pole could be seen just over a mountain embankment high into the alps. The men blew their horns and before their eyes came a Warrior named Wolf-Eye. He was majestic, magnificent, and wise as he spoke to the tribal men and was convinced to come to their new tribe. His white wolf cape glistened in the sun's rays. He was in great strength, health, and carried his never seen before silver tipped spears holstered behind his back. His hair was black and as cunning as a great native warrior could be.
After talking it over with the wisemen of the tribe, the Great Wolf-Eye agreed to seek the Beast and destroy him once and for all. Wolf-Eye went discreetly into the swamp avoiding the regime's detection. For three days and three nights, he killed many swamp creatures along the way and finally reached a deep water clearing where a heavy myst was abroad. He swam forward in towards the center and dead trees began appearing one by one out of the fog and water. They had hallucinating evil faces on them. He swam amongst them and after a while, Wolf-Eye figured out the puzzle of these trees, one tree looked like the Serpent's eye, and that clue allowed Wolf-eye to swim under the water where to his delight, he found an underwater cave. It was a tunnel that went up into the Beast's lair to ground level. He laid on a rocky platform where he rested and remained undetected.
As he regained his stamina and great strength, he went up an embankment into a small crevice that entered the BEAST'S lair. He crept quietly and stopped as he witnessed the beast laying on his bed in his sleep. The beast had one serpent's eye, one nose, and a huge mouth that had two top fangs overlapping the bottom lip. Its flesh was red, it had two horns coming out of its forehead, a golden ring between its nose, a red tail and big centaurian feet. It was something the Great Wolf-Eye had envisioned before in his dreams. He crept quietly towards the beast and in a stealth move he dashed, leaped and struck downwards with both spears into the beast's serpent's eye. A mighty-beastly roar was heard and the lair shook with its entrance blocked by falling debris of heavy rock. The Beast covered the eye with one hand and tried to stand up but the stealthy warrior began to stab profusely at both feet with his 2 spears making it very difficult for the beast to stand at all. The Beast fell awkwardly and the warrior jumped out of harm's way so he wouldn't be crushed. He has a huge advantage now as the beast was bleeding from its eye and all over its feet. The beast was able to roll over and get up quickly with one demonic hand covering its eye and the other hand by its side. Its tail was frailing side to side behind his back. The two paused while standing in front of each other, giving each other a grace period, one that was too short though for the Beast as a sudden whip of its tail between its legs proved to be costly as the Great Wolf-Eye countered by leaping and propelling himself off the tail towards it's mouth. He thrusted his spears deep into its open cage, this enraging the BEAST as it lost its footing and fell backwards once and for all. Wolf-Eye then climbed upon the Beast's rib cage and stabbed him with a great thrust into his heart for its final breath. Wolf-Eye escaped quickly out the way he came as the Beast's lair was crumbling with rocks from above. After his great and daring escape, he swam to a safe spot and noticed that the savaged warriors were burning under the sun's rays. Slowly mother nature was beginning to prosper again. She was making a comeback, beautiful as it was before the swamp as it started to subside. He saw two eagles flying above, a bear in the woods, a wolf coming to the water's edge, little birds were singing, the little creatures reappeared again, and a pasture with flowers began to bloom. The Great Wolf Eye returned to his home to the West never to be seen again and the newly formed tribe was able to return home on the Plains again."
Frank was astounded by the story too and said "Wally, that was one of the best stories I've heard in my time and you told it so well."
"Ha ha ha ha well I always knew children would believe me," said Wally.
The couple both laughed at Wally's comment.
"Your food awaits." said Mandy as she put both plates in front of Vicky and Frank.
"Wally, it was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for sharing that with us today," said Frank sincerely..
"Would you like a cup of coffee Wally? I'm sure we wouldn't mind a guest sitting with us and talking some more." invited Vicky.
"No no no, it's very kind of you, but coffee to me is like mud in a cup. I must carry on now but If you see me again. Make sure you say hello and remember my name."
"Ohhh, well goodbye Wally, I hope we do see you again. " said Vicky. "Likewise Wolf Eye," said Frank.
The people in the restaurant seemed to be less curious of Frank and Vicky after Wally left them at the table. The food was good and Vicky really enjoyed her steak salad as she finished the whole plate before Harry finished his pulled pork sandwich on a bun.
"How old did you think Wally was?" asked Vicky.
Frank said, "Maybe 65? In his early 60's for sure. He seemed like he had something to do with Wolf Eye being in his family history or something like that."
"I guess so," Vicky said, smiling at Frank.
"Ready to go?" asked Frank and Vicky replied "Yes, but I want to soak in the beauty around here getting there."
Section Jump: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
The couple headed North on a road called Rickers and were looking for a back road that led to the estate to the North West. Vicky was told it had an address number 999 to look for. It was in a very remote spot in the wilderness. There weren't any neighbors around and the forest was dense with a small river running to the right of the road. This was pure Appalachian forest. There was a mountain called Bald Eagle and it stood 2007 feet high overlooking the mountanius terrain in the distance. It was the highest peak close to Jersey Shore. The couple drove with their windows down and Frank noticed that even the oxygen was more pure than it was in the town..
They found the single lane dirt road that went to Uncle Darius's estate and Frank began to drive slowly. Frank was hoping the road wasn't too treacherous as he drove through the thick brush. Vicky didn't like it at all.
"I wish it wasn't so remote here Frank. Geez we're in bear country."
"Well Yogi was a friendly bear. I'm sure if we leave a picnic out for him, we'll get the real scoop on Uncle Darius and the neighbors." laughed Frank.
"You're so funny" mocked Vicky.
It was a bumpy ride but about 3 quarters of a mile down the road, there was an old 1958 Chevrolet pick up truck, one that needed a paint job, parked on one side and there was enough room for another vehicle to park beside it. There was a thick cabin log that went across the driveway and two short wooden cabin poles that supported it. There was a clearing in the distance as the forest began to slowly diminish on both edges of the log pole. You had to carry your luggage at this point. Frank and Vicky noticed a sign nailed to a big thick poplar that stood to the left behind the log.
It said, "Welcome to Montgomery House'' and below it was a red ribbon made of felt, tied in a loop, and nailed into the bottom of the sign.
"I wonder why it's called Montgomery House?" Said Vicky.
"I guess Darius never changed the sign." answered Frank.
"Well I guess we can get our things out of the car and carry them up to the house ahead."
"I hope there's something we can use to lug this stuff." said Vicky.
"Well I'll take the heavy stuff, you grab the light stuff." replied Frank.
The couple started taking the stuff out and they heard a motor noise in the background sounding like a small vehicle behind them. As Frank peered, he noticed a young boy and a 4 wheel-ATV coming down the hill towing a trailer.
"There's our luggage boy," said Vicky.
"I guess that would be Wayne," said Frank.
The ATV was going slow, but it surely reached the couple and the stopping point as It pulled around with a young boy driving it. He was in a brown clergy robe and got off the vehicle and said "Hi, I'm Wayne and you can put your things in the trailer."
"Why thank you Wayne." smiled Vicky. Oh you're so cute and young. How old are you?
"13"
"Oh that's a good age, you're a teenager now and look at your robe. Why do you wear it?"
"Well, my dad tells me too and I've been wearing it for a while now."
Frank began putting the luggage into the trailer listening to Vicky and Wayne's conversation.
"And what do you do around here Wayne?" asked Vicky.
Wayne replied, "Well almost everything my dad wants me to."
"Is your dad home?"
"Yep, he's inside. I'll take your things up to the house. You and your partner can come up. I'll meet you there."
"He's really nice Frank and be nice to him."
"Is that all he wears is that robe around here?"
"I don't know, just don't be mean?" said Vicky.
"Ya, I'll be nice. He seems like a well mannered young boy."
"Yes indeed he is. A young gentleman. Almost like the young handsome gentleman I know too well." and she smiled, they stopped, looked at each other and kissed.
Wayne drove in front of the large limestone Victorian style house and parked the vehicle. The front dirt laneway went up a hill in front of the house that was built at the top. It sat in the center overlooking a clearing all around on top of the hill. Some bricks were dislodged and sat in front of the house to the left on the ground and some of the roof had holes in its red shingles. There were ash gray bricks placed under the windows and the lookout tower on the left side had a black trim around it. The house was old and caked with history as you could tell. It felt like it's been through a couple of battles within its old age. Vicky and Frank stood in front looking upwards to its majestic height and in front were two yellow wooden double doors with Wayne parked to the right beside the ATV.
Frank asked Wayne "Do you know how old this house is Wayne?"
"Ahhh, a hundred years old?" he thought. "My dad would know better than me."
"That's good, by the way my name is Frank Mitchell. Nice to meet you."
"Same," said Wayne.
Vicky interrupted and said to both men, "Wow this place is really neat. I think it's been here longer than that. I love the tower. It reminds me of a castle overlooking the valley it veers upon."
Frank thought this would be quite a project for him to take on for a second but quite manageable if he could work on it.
"You can grab your things and enter through the doors. My dad is waiting for you to see him."
Vicky and Frank began to grab their things out of the trailer and began to enter through the doors as Wayne opened both doors up.
Vicky noticed a bigger red felt ribbon looped on the right door. Similar to the one on the sign. She wondered what it symbolized?
As the couple entered, the place seemed like a church inside and there were 3 pews on the right with a pedestal in front of them. To the left, the couple could walk on a red rug before a couple steps and a long cabinet with a fancy purple-velvet cabinet cloth covered it to the right. There were 2 Silvered, 3 pronged candle holders that stood at each end and a red book in the middle of them locked with a book lock.
Uncle Darius must be the Minister with his conclave held inside here, thought Vicky. To the left was another hall with a stairwell that went up into the tower and a stairwell down into the basement. They saw a Victorian style historic picture of a British loyalist wearing a white wigged hair and red suit with a brass sign on a pole below saying Jim Arturo Montgomery 1885-1918. On the right was a wooden bench to sit and above it was a midlooking lady having brown hair in a weave looking out sitting on a table chair and a brass sign below it saying Lady Montgomery 1892 - 1920. They were huge pictures and probably painted back in the early 1900's. Frank and Vicky stopped to look at each painting opposite from each other and Wayne quickly stood in front of the huge fireplace and chimney going up the middle of the tower saying.
"My dad is lying in bed and would like you to speak to him so follow me up the winding stairs to the second floor where the bedrooms are."
The couple went up the winding stairs which were also old limestone brick with window inlets and a couple of single silver candle holders as they went up to the second floor. A small window with 2 old black metal bars was half way up as they walked past it.
They reached the second floor and to the left was a big bedroom with an old oak wooden door open and Wayne walked in leading the couple inside. "This will be your quarters for your stay," said Wayne. You can leave your things here."
Vicky said "Oh this is gorgeous, look at this big canopy bed Frank."
Frank was gazing at the bed too and he admired the ambiance of the room with some old wooden cabinets, a dresser, an old comfy felt couch to sit on, a rocking chair stood in the corner and a shower and sink in a small open inlet with old shower curtains was at the end of the room.
"This was Lady Montgomery's room," said Wayne.
"I love it. She must have been one important lady." claimed Vicky.
"Ya queen of the damned." said Frank but quiet enough so Wayne could not hear him..
Vicky looked at him with a disappointed face.
Wayne said, "You can come with me now to see my dad in his room where he is."
The couple walked out into the hallway and further down to the left was a red wooden door with a red ribbon on it. A crown of weave thorns hung there also. Frank felt a sense of dread by looking at it and this majestic heavy wooden door.
Wayne said, "This is Fathers room. It was, Mr. Montgomery's room. Follow me."
>Wayne really had to pull open the door and he began to walk in where Vicky and Frank followed closely behind. They saw uncle Darius laying in a big king size bed with a purple velvet comforter laying on top of him. There was a woman servant on the far side of the bed holding a wet cloth over his head and a yellow stitched grand trine woven into the velvet comforter.
"Oh, Uncle Darius," said Vicky. We didn't know you would be feeling so bad. We are sorry to barge in on you at such a grieving time."
"Now my heir, that's quite alright." said Darius. I'm not feeling well these days but I'm looking forward to our ceremony tomorrow and you must attend it. The villagers in the cottages below will be attending too. I hope my health stays in good order tonight so I can live tomorrow and feel rejuvenated Sunday where Ester will be here that day to follow through with our plans. I want you to carefully think things over as a couple before making any decisions regarding my estate."
"He's been resting all week and preparing himself for this weekend folks!" said Wayne anxiously..
The servant appeared very homely looking and did not speak as she was very concentrated on Darius's forehead. She also was dressed in a purple robe similar to Lady Montgomery in her picture.
"Please tell me Vicky. Did your dad speak of me over the time he was alive?"
"Well he did Uncle Darius. He said you were doing well and he stopped to see you one time as he was trucking through Jersey Shore."
Vicky's dad was a trucker in his day before his tragic death in a truck accident that took his life when Vicky was 11 years old. She has mourned his death ever since.
"Ah, yes. It's true. We met in Jersey Shore one time and he spent the night here and we talked and made plans about when this time would come for me and you. I'm sorry about the sudden news, Ester broke to you."
"That's ok Darius. If my father agreed to this then I'm alright with it too."
"Your dad was a good man," said Darius.
"I know," said Vicky. She began to get teary eyed and Frank quickly embraced her by rubbing his arm up and down hers.
"It's ok Vicky. Your dad is always watching over you." said Frank with empathy.
"You're grown up now and such a devine looking young lady," said Darius. "You have your mothers looks. I saw you at the funeral years ago when you were young and much taller than your sister Alice."
"Thank you Darius. You are being very kind."
"And who may this fine young gentleman be?" asked Darius.
"I'm Frank Mitchell, Darius. I'm Vicky's fiance."
"Oh my." said Darius "We have a wedding groom and bride to be. How nice that really is." Darius shushed away his servant trying to place the cloth over his forehead.
"Well people, I'll get up and take you for a tour to tell you the history of the home now as It has been passed through generation after generation since my forefathers founded it."
As Darius got up and looked at both Frank and Vicky, she noticed that there was something odd looking about Darius's left eye. He picked up a black eye patch from the left of the bed and placed it over it. She remembers him before wearing that same black eye patch at her dads funeral.
"I hope this eye patch doesn't scare you. 32 years ago I had an accident while falling into the wooden dock that stands out back of this place into the hidden side of the creek here."
"Oh no, Uncle Darius. Were you ok, did you suffer dearly?" asked Vicky with sympathy.
"Well it was a freak accident that caused me to lose my eye completely. I shouted with excruciating pain. A doctor came and unfortunately had to remove my left eye."
"That's ok Darius. We'll get used to your left eye patch." said Frank.
"Now follow me, we have much to learn during our walk through this home. I feel good now and I can walk us through the house. Just listen and watch me is all I require. Wayne, please tell the cottagers to prepare our meal tonight and help them bring it to our eating table downstairs."
"Yes father," said Wayne.
"I'll take you to the door across from mine where the steps go up to the top of the tower. Follow me." said Darius.
Vicky and Frank followed Darius upstairs. The top of the tower had paintings stacked against the wall, a big wooden chest, a British coat of arms on the wall, black medieval handcuffs with chains to the brace on the wall, a bull-whip was also found hanging on a hook close to the metal brace. and two hollow windows facing the front and back of the house with three parallel bars fastened up and down.
"This is our tower," said Darius.
"Wow!" Vicky was astonished..
Frank went over to the window facing the back of the house and saw the two cottages with gardens of vegetables beside each one. The clearing was open with what was left of a dock next to the basin of the creek. The creek opened up into a wider river that led to a lake in the distance. The creek went to the right of the house and around the hill. The grass was cut around the property only and the forest surrounded the borders. On the right side of the creek was more of a rugged-rocky shoreline.
Darius said, "Don't worry about the whip and handcuffs. No one is getting whipped tonight." as the trio enjoyed a laugh.
"What's in the big chest?" asked Vicky.
"Well let's see," said Darius. He unlocked the lock with a key and opened the chest.
"Here's a photo of me as a boy with my father who also headed our conclave here. His name was Albert Stumon. He was tall, strong, and a narcissist in nature. He had more followers with him as well in those days. In fact, all we knew was this place; we were secluded from the outside world. He taught us that we were only safe here and that the outsiders would kill us if they saw us leave here. He was very smart and put fear into us as his tool to dominate as ruler. My father lived to the age of 99 and died before he could turn 100 like me. Coincidence maybe, but I have his blood and genes in me.
My mother was a good soul and had to obey his every command. The women were not treated as equal though and often got whipped for not obeying. Even If they didn't want sex with him or if meals were not prepared on time. These are most of the big examples. Things were quite radical then, but I do not treat my people like he did I assure you. I got a whipping one day for not listening to my mother so I really couldn't put someone through what I experienced. Young Wayne is a good boy with a soul pure as his worship and I hope he will reign as my next successor. Only if he chooses too. I've decided to give him that choice."
"Well I think you made a better choice than Albert would." said Frank.
"We'll make sure he's in good hands at all times, Darius. He is a bright young man that will make choices for himself. If he does, we will provide support and guidance." concluded Vicky.
"Also in here are more photos of people who dwelled in this house. Here is a photo from when this was a trading post between the natives and British soldiers in the area. Lady Montgomery was the first lady to teach classes to the native children. Jim Montgomery, her husband originally, built the house with his men and made it a limestone Victorian house. It was burned down once by the French colonists that ended his life and his men. Lady Montgomery fell sick to cholera where she fatally died. From there this house has seen much blood spilled over it between the natives and soldiers fighting during those founding days." explained Darius.
There was old pioneer women's clothes and a torn 1885 British infantry army suit in there too. A sword was in the bottom of the chest and it caught Frank's attention. He was in Awe over it and would love to have that to his possession. Darius closed the chest and locked it.
"Over here we have the British coat of arms in 1892 that has a flag and of course more paintings of important people who owned or fought for this place. In the spring the water level from the creek is a river here and the British would come down from the lake to this higher elevation to seek refuge and trade here."
At that moment the trio heard a loud gunshot, Bang! in the distance and a bullet grazed the top of the outside chimney making a ricochet sound as it went by.
"Oh my gosh, what was that!" screamed Vicky as they all ducked down to the floor.
"I got another one Darius you devil! This one is a silver bullet with your forehead splattered on it." said the voice and another gunshot, Bang! This time going through the window and it ricocheted off the brick wall.
"Damn, that one was even closer. Who is he Darius? Tell him to stop." Frank said desperately.
"He won't. He wants to kill me. I don't know his name but he's been by before taking shots at the ravens that sit on top of the tower. He's always giving me warnings he's coming back to get me."
"He's out of his mind then!" screamed Vicky.
"Well I will then," said Frank frantically. "Hey mister! We're just a couple of tourists here on vacation and don't deserve to be shot at. Now how about some peace around here and come sort your differences out peacefully without any weapons." said Frank.
"The only peace he'll get is Rest In Peace!"
"Ok, how about I come out and talk to you nicely.?" asked Frank.
"You and only you can come out to talk and I suggest if the other two people
up there make any daring attempts to kill or injure me, It'll be their own death wish."
"Alright, they won't, only me. I have to go through the house and out the front doors. We have a deal right that you won't shoot at me or anyone else here?"
"You got 3 minutes, mister."
"I'm coming." said Frank.
Frank flew down the steps and down the winding stairs yelling "Don't shoot!" every now and again and he finally reached the front door where he pleaded
"I'm about to come out. Do not shoot at anyone please!"
"Now slowly walk to me down the lane towards the vehicles," said the voice. Frank slowly opened the door first before he ventured out. No shots. He put his foot out the door first and nothing again. He was now fully outside the door where he couldn't see anyone or anything. He was completely vulnerable to any gunshot in his direction. He was very nervous.
"Now, come down the laneway so we can talk! " yelled the voice. "You won't get hurt."
Frank felt better at that moment and was watching straight ahead of him as he started to walk down to the vehicles. An older man stood behind the cars wearing an old sheriff's suit, hiking boots, a Winchester rifle and a knapsack.
"Listen mister, I'm going to kill that Devil worshiper once and for all."
"What business do you have with him?" asked Frank.
"What business do you have with him here?" asked the man.
"Well my fiance and I were invited to come for the weekend."
"This weekend eh… well what a gone fricken coincidence. More casualties."
"NO!" pleaded Frank.
"I'm only pulling your leg. Do you have a name?" asked the man.
"I'm Frank and my fiancee is Vicky and we're from Utica, New York."
"Now what brings you all the way out here?"
"Well we are considering taking over this estate."
"You are! I hope you're not joining his conclave."
"No, we're not like Darius."
"Well you seem like a decent man Frank. My name is Darryl and I've come because Darius is responsible for the death of a little boy named Daniel."
"Wait, wait, wait, how is he responsible?"
"Very much so, one life for another is how I play around here. There's no law except for me for miles in this wilderness. Plus they'll never find me anyways."
"Who is Daniel?" asked Frank.
"Daniel was a poor ragged innocent boy who lived with a family in one of those cottages down there, only Darius covered the whole thing up because he said he found the boy's body washed up in the creek bed to the right of the house there."
"Well then how do you know he actually did it?"
"Because I have a hunch he did, just like the devil worshippers always had murder on their minds here. I've stayed dormant for too long, the devil pickin' varmint. He is going to pay this time, in Reven."
"Reven?" questioned Frank.
"That's what this place is called or did he even tell you?"
"No, but you really shouldn't be trying to kill the man anyway. He's close to death already."
"Well I'll put my gun down till Sunday at nightfall then.You can tell him that Darryl will be back and I won't miss again. Got that Frank?"
"Yep I will." said Frank.
"I'll be keeping a close eye on this place still so don't think you can leave right away till then either."
"That's fine," said Frank.
Darryl turned around and walked down the roadway through the trees and forest. That was the closest time Frank has ever come close to death. He negotiated it very well and his fiancee is with Darius still up in the tower. Frank ran up to the front doors again to comfort Vicky and ask Darius a few questions. When Frank found Darius and Vicky still curled up on the floor in the tower, Frank immediately helped Vicky up asking if she was okay and then asked Darius in an aggressive tone.
"Just what the hell is going on here and what are you really up to Darius?"
"Just what are you talking about Frank Mitchell?" answered Darius.
"Who's Daniel? Darius!"
Darius hesitated for a moment and said, "You see we had an accident here where a little boy fell into the creek and drowned and that's when I discovered his body a few days after he went missing."
"Are you telling me the truth Darius? or is that man lying because he told me you murdered him."
"Of course I'm telling you the truth. I'm a man of my word."
"Well you better be because he's coming back Sunday evening to pay you another visit and this time you won't be lucky again."
Everyone was fine now and up on their feet as an awkward silence fell upon them.
"Did you try to resuscitate the boy back to life Darius and what did you do with him?" asked Frank. Vicky was shaken up and quiet, but alert and pondering Darius's next answer.
"I cried aloud and screamed. Wayne heard me and came running to my side. The boy was lifeless. Drowned. We sacrificed his body in the fireplace inside and had a ceremony as an offering to our lord."
"Who's that?" asked Vicky. My lord walks in heaven.
"Ahh! Yes, the one who performed miracles and healed the sick. Well our lord can grant us everlasting life if we believe his teachings. If you care to understand, you can join our conclave here in Reven." answered Darius.
"That man thinks you're a devil worshiper. Is that true Darius?" asked Frank.
"It's typical of an outsider to think that. We are confined here in Reven because this is our garden of Eden. Everything we need and want is here. Besides, the outsiders are full of evil doers who will kill us first. I'm trying not to push our religion on you two unless you want to learn yourselves. We are gentle as sheep grazing in the green pastures per say."
"You are avoiding the questions, do you suffer from mental illness Darius?" asked Vicky.
"I'm an old man who is ill at times because of old age, but children, we should head downstairs for Wayne will be awaiting us for supper."
Frank suddenly broke lose and put his forearm against Darius's neck pinning him to the wall behind and said, "If I find out or hear anything more that you murdered a young innocent little boy, I'm going to the authorities, or helping the man with the gun end your life for murder Darius. You got that?"
Vicky yelled, "Frank let go,"
Darius placed his hands on Frank's forearm to let go as well. Frank succumbed to Vicky's plea and let Darius go.
"I assure you I'm not a murderer," said Darius. As Vicky peered at Darius, she began to think he looked younger than 99. "How does he do it?" she wondered. She suddenly felt the answer may lurk somewhere in that red book downstairs. She also wanted to make sure Wayne was okay after the gun shooting ordeal and said, "Let's go guys, Wayne is awaiting us downstairs don't forget."
As the trio were heading down the stairs Frank wondered if he should get the authorities involved here. It would be a culture shock to those who lived here and maybe a bad decision to go after Darryl. Overall it didn't seem like a good move at this point. He was going to find out more about the disappearance of Daniel first. and find out if Darius is telling the truth or is he a diabolical liar.
Wayne was waiting inside the basement having an inquisitive look to him and a big dinner table was in the middle of the room with all the food laid out on it. It was an old table that had its british history saturated from one corner to the other. The chairs were old too. A big beautiful chandelier lit the room up from the ceiling. On one of the walls an old bulls skeleton head was fastened to it and on the other wall, adjacent to it, a big felt red ribbon in a loop again. It must symbolize something, thought Frank. It's another mystery to this place of Reven.
The fruit, cabbage, squash, carrots, and mashed potatoes were all looking delicious to eat. Fresh churned butter as well and warm bread rolls freshly baked. Vicky asked Wayne if he was alright and Wayne said he was a little scared but knew his dad was right about the outsiders in this world. They'd kill them if they venture out into the world themselves. Vicky told him that's not true because there's mostly nice people in the world like her and Frank.
Darius said, "Bon appetit! This food was prepared the same over the many years I have eaten in this house. It has kept me alive ever since. I've dwelled here and It's freshness you can only find here in our garden of Eden. Make sure you have enough to eat."
In the basement was a door to the far wall that was made of gray steel and a design of some kind of monster was engraved. Even more majestic than the one upstairs that Darius sleeps behind. Looking at the door made the monster seem alive after letting your eyes stare at it for a while. Vicky asked Wayne "Who was Daniel to you?"
Wayne answered, "He was a little boy who was born by one of the villagers without dad's permission."
Frank said, "You persecuted the parents or the baby boy Darius?"
Darius replied "I did not. I am totally innocent from all your false beliefs Frank. Please the boy was wonderful, but the parents do have to have my approval first and that did not happen. They were not wed and that is a crime here according to our standards."
"What next?" asked Vicky.
Wayne spoke up and said "Daniel got a whipping when he was six for playing with a doll by my dad."
"Now I teach a little bit of hard discipline to anyone despite their gender or age if they break our religion and teachings I have put out. One of them is, let's say, boys will be boys, and girls will be girls. I'm the shepherd over my flock of sheep and that is how it goes here." explained Darius.
Frank knew Darius was a liar when he admitted before he doesn't bull-whip his people here for their wrongdoings. He wasn't convinced that Darius was innocent, but decided to do some snooping around when he had a chance to find out more clues about Daniel's death. Frank needed more evidence before calling the authorities.
"Now Frank, what was that man's name who visited you this evening?" asked Darius.
"We'll worry about that when the time comes again Darius, we'll worry about that another time." said Frank.
"I see, well I must say it was an exciting evening, but I must return to my quarters to slumber for the night. I'm very tired and need my energy for tomorrow's beginning celebrations. Feel free to roam the house if you wish, but I urge you to get a good night's sleep. Wayne to bed with you too. I'll see you two in the morning."
Vicky yawned. "That sounds good Uncle Darius. I'm hitting the bed for the night. Frank, what are you doing?" she asked provocatively.
"I just want to look at those paintings again of the Montgomery's and I will be right up after you Vicky."
Wayne walked out the front door and it sounded like he took the ATV down to the cottages. Frank thought he was also going to have a look there as well. Maybe he could turn up a few clues while he snooped around for them. He patiently waited for some minutes before venturing out to the village below as he looked at the Montgomeries' pictures first. 'I'm going to catch you in a lie and you'll have to make a confession to us of what really happened Darius.' Frank could just feel it through his veins that Darius is hiding the truth about Daniel's disappearance right here in Reven.
Section Jump: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
It was dark and all but chirping crickets could be heard as night time had dawned upon Reven. Frank stepped out of the house and saw the ATV's lights flick off by the cottages. There was an old kerosene torch flame that lit the pathway by the cottages so you could focus your eyes upon it. Beside it lay a dug up grave with a giant trine in chalk around it. It appeared as if it was the light of a magical star. It was an eerie feeling, but Frank was determined to find out what was going on down there. He's got a hunch like Darryl said to him that Darius is a diabolical liar.
Frank walked quickly down the laneway and in between the cottages. He saw the big vegetable gardens beside the dwellings. To the left were apple trees. To the right of the dwelling was a manger with goats and a dairy cow. Frank stood in between both cottages. He went around to the front doors and nothing but silence fell upon him. The red felt ribbons were fastened to the doors. Frank felt a 'flash' of the steel door in the basement as he looked at the red ribbon. He shook his head. He didn't understand why that happened. He visited the dug up grave. There was a golden cup set in the middle on top of a new coffin. In the cup was some kind of liquid. Also a red felt ribbon with a loop lay around the coffin and cup. Frank jumped in and shined his cell phone light over the liquid in the cup and discovered it was blood. "What is this about?" Frank wondered. Frank placed both items on the ground and began to open the coffin where there was a crystal ball in the center of the coffin big enough as a softball. He took it and the ball began to change mystically. He dropped it. It stopped changing. He picked it up and began to do it again. The ball changed color to a black-purplish color around the outside of the rim like it was an actual eye. Frank felt as if it was reading his soul. He decided to hold on to it and head to the broken down dock.
Frank thought it might be the serpent's eye in the story that Wally had told them earlier. The serpent's eye changed color to a baby blue and abruptly showed a little blonde boy waving his feet over the water at the end of the dock. Frank got there and used the flashlight off his phone again and noticed a doll head bobbing in the ripples of the water under the dock. A piece of baby blue lace was still fastened to the neck of the doll head. Frank went further down the right side of the creek and by the house where he still had his flashlight on. He saw footprints by an escarpment of the creek. He also saw more shoe slips in the clay in one spot and thought this was where Darius must have picked up Daniel's body and placed him on the ground to climb on top of the embarkment himself. The ball suddenly turned to a red serpent's eye and heated up. Frank dropped it because of the sudden increase in heat.
A mist appeared to be coming further down the creek. He got scared and quickly took the eye with him up the hill and through the front doors of the house. He quickly went up the stairs to the room where Vicky was sleeping.
Frank wrapped the eye with a small towel and covered it up as he placed it under the cover next to him on the outside of the bed. The Serpent's eye was dark. He wondered where it came from and how does it fit in with Darius, or the villagers? He climbed into bed where he lay next to Vicky and slowly comforted her in bed as she moved only to embrace his presence.
"Get some sleep Frank," said Vicky.
She took his arm and placed it around her. Frank could only think too much as he lay in bed. What did the serpent's red Serpent eye mean? Frank had a feeling that maybe danger was near when it displayed the Serpents eye? He had to find out more and decided to check out the podium, then the basement. His adrenaline wouldn't allow him to sleep so he took the eye and headed out the door and down the stairs. He went to the podium where the eye began to show the red serpent's eye as he passed the red book. He thought Darius must possess it when giving his teachings. Quickly he went to the basement and to the metal door.
The metal door stood shut and Frank looked at it. He wondered how it opened up? no noise was coming from anywhere but suddenly the monster face on the door started to come alive. It started to grow out of the door and Frank could not believe it. He shrieked in terror as the head slowly grew bigger and bigger. Frank looked at the eye and the eye showed an image of a gray headed cyclops. He saw a brick dislodged in the wall and quickly went for it. He pushed it. The head started to shriek in agony saying "NNNOOO!!!" and it slowly started to subside back into the door. It lunged at Frank desperately, but came up short. Finally after the door sucked the cyclops back into the door, everything was suddenly back to normal for some seconds then the steel door opened. There was a thick gray myst in the room behind it. Frank could not see anything. It was pitch dark. The eye showed the red serpent's eye again. "No I better not," thought Frank and he decided to retreat. The red Serpent's eye was a fearful thing to see because it was as if a Serpent itself was coming for Frank. He pushed the brick and the door began to close. Up the stairs he went to the bed beside Vicky. He also thought he would keep this a secret from Vicky as well. Vicky woke up around 5 am and noticed Frank was awake too.
"Frank. Did you get any sleep last night?"
"No, I had a nightmare."
"This place is a mystery, do you believe Darius has something to honestly do with Daniel?"
"I have a hunch hun, that's all. No proof yet."
"Well, don't make yourself look obvious. We have till tomorrow to adopt Wayne and turn him into a normal functioning little boy." said Vicky. I feel safe around you Frank and I'm not that scared of Uncle Darius.
"You know this place is a whole mystery itself. I think Wally's story has something to do with it too." said Frank.
"You do, well that's just a legend Frank. Don't take things to seriously. You're paranoid. Why?"
"Just the Nightmare honey. Just the nightmare affected me."
"Well, I'm going downstairs to look for Wayne and maybe get some breakfast around here too. Are you coming?"
"No, I'm going to rest in bed right now. Just come back up when you find out what's for breakfast honey." said Frank.
"Frank, are you sure you're okay? You're acting like a ghost came and chased you."
"No, I'm fine. Just a nightmare that seemed real. You know one of those ones."
"Okay then," she chuckled, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek before going downstairs to find Wayne. It was 5:47 in the morning and the light from the rising sun was shining through the windows of the house.
She looked around and to her surprise she found Wayne in the front area on the left of the pews staring at her. She looked at him and said, "Wayne? Are you alright?"
Wayne replied "No."
To her surprise with Wayne's answer she asked, "how come?" with empathy.
Wayne replied "The serpent's eye has disappeared? Do you know where it is?" Vicky answered "Serpent's eye? No I don't know nor did I see one either."
Wayne looked worried and said "Well father will be angry and you will hear my cries in the tower when he'll punish me for my sin." seeming scared and a little upset.
"What sin did you commit Wayne?"
"Trusting the outsiders. I shouldn't have."
"Now wait a minute, you can do so and I and Frank do not have this eye you're speaking about. I assure you Wayne. I won't let your father punish you either."
"Can you tell me why this eye is important Wayne? I promise I won't tell anyone."
"It has mystical powers that can change colors to show clues of a person's fate or future. Father uses it here in our congregation. He is the only one to use it. We must find it before his slumber in the grave today at noon. He has a connection with it."
"Well let's ask Frank together about the eye and see if he knows something about it ok?
Wayne nodded his head yes and they began to go to the living quarters when suddenly the red book opened with a gust of wind and a screaming witches voice was heard in the forum. It was more like a banshee's shriek. Vicky decided to check the book out with Wayne breaking free and out the front door he went. "Wayne don't go, but too little too late was Vicky's plea. Alright I'm going to check this book out first she thought. She noticed the name Darius was written in blood. She saw in bold black letters 'Live' and 'Lived' were also backwards spelling 'Evil' and 'Devil' then the last page had Satan's name in bold as well. She knew at this point they were devil worshippers here and wanted to get Frank's attention to what she had just discovered when she heard a little boy's voice say "Help me, I'm down here. Help!"
"Who are you?" replied Vicky.
"Help me!"
"I'm coming, hold on, I'm coming." and she went downstairs to investigate. Vicky went over to the metal door and asked "Are you in there?"
The voice said, "Yes I'm scared."
"Ok, I want to know, is your name Daniel?" there was no response. "I'm going to open this door and look for you. If you're in there, come to the door."
Vicky looked around to open the door. She began to touch numerous bricks on the wall and sure enough, she found the dislodged brick and pushed it in. The door made a big noise and echoed. It began to open slowly sliding to the left on rollers.
Nothing but darkness and a gray myst. As she slowly began to enter the chamber she said, "Hello! Are you here?"
She heard. "In here!, In here!" in a little boy's voice. She began to look around and cautiously walked to the back of the room through the dark and myst. She saw a wooden crate, an old wine barrel and incognito with the dark, a crawl space in the ground behind it. A latch and a metal screen covered it. The room smelt like a horrible fishy smell. There was just dirt and straw that lay on the ground. She wondered if she should go any further. Again the weeping boy voice said, "Please, I'm hurt. Help me." from the crawl space."
Vicky said, "Ok, tell me where you are, I'm coming. Can you tell me who you are? Please I have to know?"
'Silence'
"Well, I guess I got this far and Mother Theresa wouldn't turn her back on any poor child that needed help either so I figure I'm going." she said for a little faith as she battled the poor vision aspect being complete darkness in the crawl space.
She bravely crawled her way forward. She came to an opening. There was a drop to some rocky surroundings. She dropped forward, landing on her hands and head. "Ouch!" She said, after a brief minute, Vicky picked herself up and brushed herself off. Nothing but a nice bump and a little blood on her head. She began to work her way through what appeared to be a cave. As she walked through the tunnel to the center of the cave, gray mist was above her and a small dark figure was present. It stood absolutely still. "Are you Daniel?" she asked puzzled to what exactly was this thing in front of her 8 feet away. The dark figure spoke and said, "I am…and I haven't eaten for three days now. Let's eat first." In a devilish tone this time.
"Well why don't you come with me and we'll get something to eat." She was starting to feel fearful.
"Before I tear your flesh apart and eat you.'
Vicky then cried for "Help!" hysterically, but it was too late. She pleaded "If I make you a deal, will you let me go free and you will have food I assure you. No! Please don't eat me…" and she was poignant with tears and screams.
The dark figure stood still and stared. Vicky was tremendously petrified and upset. She asked "Just how did you get stuck in here? How about we make our way through to the house where Darius is and I will serve you whatever you wish?" as she was clinging to the back of the rocks in the cave. The figure began to move closer to Vicky.
"You see our plan is in place and you will be mine. Your husband will come looking and I will find him."
"No, it'll never happen. He's too clever and will be coming here to rescue me as we speak."
"I should hurry, my taste buds are tingling for blood." and the figure ran at Vicky gouging at her with his big teeth at her arms and legs and everywhere else. She screamed "NNNOOO!!!" and needed help fast…
Section Jump: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Frank awoke later around eight o'clock. He didn't realize that Vicky had been gone since 6 that morning. He must have fallen asleep. He was thinking she might have gone for breakfast downstairs.
He left the eye and went downstairs saying "Vicky?" No answer.
Darius had his door shut. As Frank entered the ground level through the stairs, he walked to the center of the room by the cabinet and podium. The candles were lit and the book was open. Frank thought he'd take a quick look. He read the first line: those who defy him must be punished. He was surprised at it, so he decided to read more and picked up on some clues. He saw the word lived time and time again and live. He stopped but picked up some clues to the mystery. The words swamp and Satan were there and written in blood "Darius". A lot of gibberish he couldn't pick up on was in the book too, but In blood at the end of the book was Lived and live. Beside them in blood were Evil and Devil. It hit Frank right there, 'Devil' and 'evil' spelled backwards are 'Lived' and 'Live'.
"They were devil worshippers indeed. Darryl was right." knew Frank. He felt exhilarated more or less.
He looked around for Vicky. No trace or sign of her. He yelled her name "Vicky!" Just an echo lurked. He thought he'd have a look outside. He saw the villagers gathered in a circle around the trine below chanting "Da-ri-us! Da-ri-us!," and Wayne was wearing a red robe kneeling in front of Darius. Darius was speaking. He was too far to be heard. The chanting stopped. About 6 people were in brown and purple robes. Frank thought he'd get a little closer but not too close as he walked to the left side of the house where the tower was and stayed put.
"Today is the day our father gives me my gift. My birthday for the 100th time will prove my existence again. And he will bless you as I do. He will show his face tonight. Do not be scared my sheep for I am brave and will return to you after my slumber in the grave till tomorrow. Graze in our garden of Reven. This has been home to our ancestors for more than time has come. It is rich with the earth itself. The eye has shown me all. It has shown me great things for us. Do not be afraid. The witches made a deal with our master himself. Since then, the eye has lasted generations here in the swamp for it was the warrior who left it here to never be found again. Our forefounders, Mr. Montgomery did. He died saving it. The serpent showed him his death. The same happened to Ms Montgomery as she took her last breath in bed. So it will happen to our 2 guests. I know one is in grave danger as we speak. I can feel the eye's power."
Out of nowhere Darius declares, "Do not be afraid Frank Mitchell, for you're free to roam the premises. I know you are lurking around us as I speak. I feel the eyes power. I will deal with Frank and his friends tomorrow if he survives the night. For I was told by our master and saw the eye time and time again, upon my fate tonight, there will be a new Darius tomorrow, and I will lead us out of our garden to roam this world and show who's lord granted everlasting life to me only in Reven. Believe me my children. I've waited a century for this. Wayne you are to be casted away. Casted away before I rest because you are the one responsible for the eyes' disappearance. Lock yourself up in the tower and I will return to you tonight. Pray to him. Drink the cup before us my son. A sip."
Wayne lowered himself into the grave and took a sip of the cup. "Father, I'm scared."
"Do not be afraid. Be strong for my son and abide my command. You know everything I have taught our congregation. You practice the book of the antichrist here in the church of Reven, you are my successor. A born leader for the village. They will die without you so you must be strong in front of their eyes. Now my children we must follow to the house where the thief has the Serpent's eye and the eye's power is so strong, I can feel it wanting to come to my possession."
Frank stood there and noticed the villagers and Darius were now facing him from below. He dashed toward the house and through the doors where he barred them with a bar going across. He ran upstairs to get the eye. He grabbed it and went up the stairs to the tower. He noticed they came to the front door where Darius instructed them to halt. He claimed, "Frank Mitchell! You are in danger! You possess a personal item of mine that must be delivered to me. If not, you will suffer the consequences severely for you have committed the sin of thou shall not steal. One my master condones those who do greatly."
Frank held the eye and saw Darius in the eye with his people around him.
"Ha, imbecile. You don't understand do you. It is mine and it will be here in Reven forever!"
"The villagers chanted Da-ri-us! Da-ri-us! And Wayne began working on opening the door.
"I will let you enter when you tell me what you've done to Vicky, Darius. She was your last hope."
"She's not anymore. I've moved on to better things now Mr. Mitchell."
"What do you mean Darius!" screamed Frank.
Wayne asked, "Father, I can lift the bar to the door with my hook inside the trailer?"
"Do so my son."
Frank said "you'll never open those doors and I have the eye."
Darius said, "You know Frank Mitchell. I'll make you a deal. I'll tell you where Vicky is if you hand back the eye and you two can leave Reven banished from our garden of eden for good. With no strings attached."
Wayne tried the hook and it was beginning to lift the bar but he was too weak to do it himself. The Villagers took turns. Slowly the bar was coming off.
"Ok Darius, I'll take your deal and I'll open the doors."
The whereabouts of Vicky was Frank's soft spot that Darius struck right on.
Darius gave a grin wearing his eye patch and said "Aww, I thought you would consider. Now let us finish our ceremony and you can observe outside Frank."
Frank went to the doors and lifted the bar. He opened them. The villagers and Wayne stood behind Darius as he was in front of them. "I persuaded you, Frank Mitchell and you listened. You must hand over the eye."
Frank said, "Here you go Darius. He handed it to him. Now where's Vicky?" Darius began to laugh sinisterly, "You must have not looked in the basement for her. Awww yes, the eye has shown me that."
The eye showed Darius Vicky's fate as it turned into blood splattering within its crystal ball confinement. "You will be quite surprised." with a sinister smile and his sinister dark eye patch on his face.
"If I find she has been harmed, I'm coming back for you."
"Oh you won't be back Frank. You won't be back."
"I'll be back with a vengeance Darius, looking for you only and I'll be taking Wayne with me. After you're done."
Frank began to run downstairs to the basement frantically knowing Vicky was probably behind the large metal-monster door.
Darius said, "Now my black sheep, I'm your shepherd and we must return to the grave. I now possess the eye again."
The Clan went to the grave where Wayne led them back down the hill and awaited for his fathers instructions.
"Now my children, I will sleep until midnight when the moon is full and I will awaken to lead us out of Reven!"
"Da-ri-us! Da-ri-us! Live Evil, Devil Lived," they yelled louder than before.
Section Jump: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Frank pushed the brick to open it. He ventured inside and it was dark like Vicky's encounter. The only light was from the open doorway, as he walked through. The door made a loud noise to close itself. It was a loud echo once fastened. He suddenly heard a different noise in the dark room. He stopped and looked in the direction of it. He was curious to what it was but he abruptly sensed he wasn't the only thing in the room. He started to tremble in his legs. He spoke and said "Who goes there? What is your name?" It replied, "It's Vicky, Frank," in Vicky's voice. Frank said "Where are you Vicky?"
The voice said, "At the back of this room Frank, I'm stuck."
Frank's eyes were starting to get used to the dark.
"You're Daniel, the little boy I saw in the eye right? The one I was seeking by the river bed."
The voice said, in a devilish tone, "And now you are mine!" and suddenly Frank felt a creature of some sort attach itself to his head and began to pluck at his face. He screamed in horror but fought the creature off by punching it with his hands profusely till it let go. He could barely see as his eyes were flooded in tears and blood.
"Now I'm going to get you before you get me. You are Daniel. You were dead once and I believe it wasn't your fault, but your leader's fault."
A loud shriek let off and the creature slashed a sharp claw at Frank's leg through his pajamas making a deep gash on Frank's flesh. Frank yelled in agony. He could see the room now and a dark incognito figure on the other side in front of him stood still.
"Now It's my turn you little bastard. Darius was right about you, you shouldn't have been playing with dolls Daniel."
He desperately looked for a weapon of some sort and found a brick against the wine barrel he could use. He made a dash for it. He grabbed the brick before the demon lunged and missed him. Frank then got up on his feet and said "Come get me you little shit." and the devilish figure shrieked and came towards him fast. Frank hit it with a brick and a good one. The figure couldn't regain consciousness for a few seconds, it then yelped and backed off. Frank threw the brick hitting the figure and it yelped again. He picked the brick up and began to look around the room for the little Demon. It was hard to pick him up in the darkness because it moved fast.
The dark figure dashed at Frank from behind and grabbed on to his head again where he used his nails to dig at Frank's eyes. Frank closed them and pounded the figure with the brick till it let go. It was a tremendous fight for their lives. Frank lunged at the Demon for it was hurt and moving slowly. Frank jumped on it and wrestled it simultaneously with the brick in his hand while choking it with his left arm across its neck. It grunted and moaned when suddenly, it felt lifeless. Frank let go of the lifeless body and a little boys voice was heard saying,
"Thank you mister, You have finally put me to rest where I do not have to do anyone any more harm. You saved me and please don't offer me to the swamp thing again."
Frank couldn't believe he defeated the little devil, nor what he just heard, "The swamp thing? What are you talking about Daniel?"
"Goodbye mister, you will find him if you go there," the demon morphed into Daniel like it was a miracle in front of Frank's eyes, as he went out into the crawlspace at the back of the room.
Frank yelled, "Daniel, just wait! We can escape together, you me and Vicky, but before Frank could fathom what he just witnessed, Daniel was gone and Frank decided to crawl quickly through the crawl space as well. He fell like Vicky did only landing not on his head but his hands caught his fall and he got up from his hands and into the cave Where he veered to the center of the cave, He finally found what was left of Vicky. She died a horrible death. Her body mutilated.
He knelt and screamed "Darius, I'm going to kill you!" in vain as he began to cry poignantly.
"Oh Vicky, I love you so much. It was true. This is a Devil's clan of devil worshippers. Your spirit was pure and good. You fell victim because you were helpless and innocent. I just defeated that creature that got you and I'm coming for the rest. I will burn Reven to the ground once and for all and end its terror forever. I promise you."
Frank looked for a way out and noticed a beam of daylight in the cave and he began to peel at the clay and mud enough to force himself by applying his own bodyweight busting through to the other side of the muddy wall. Above him was an overcast sky with the escarpment above where he dropped the Serpent's eye once before. He walked down the creek where the myst was thick and he could not see where to climb out. He followed the creek as the only way to walk. Frank began to follow it, as he was getting soaked in some spots. He crossed logs to the other side, back and forth, to the other side again and forward down the winding wet, soggy, path. He finally came to the entrance of a clearing where the water deepened. There was a wooden canoe tied to the mouth of it. As he paddled, the swamp became larger and deeper and all of a sudden a dead eerie looking tree appeared and had an evil looking face on it. Frank recited Psalm 23 to himself over and over again from the Holy bible as best as he could remember it staring at the dead tree.
"The lord is my shepherd; He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the lord forever. Amen." As he recited the verse again and again, there wasn't another dead tree for awhile then all of a sudden, 3 dead trees appeared in a row out of nowhere blended in with the thick fog, with the Beasts face on the middle one so he jumped out of the canoe and swam under it and through a small tunnel below it. To his amazement a desolate island lay in the distance. Once getting there, there was a big dead oak tree in the middle and a mound of dead organic matter with methane gas fuming over it. There was a bad smell of sulfur as well. On this little island was dead wood and dark black mud he'd never seen before as it was very oily and slippery to walk on. Dead fish bones and a human skeleton lay half buried in the mud and exposed. The island's mound of dead organic matter sat there and Frank decided to poke and kick it. Shaking and rumbling started and the dead matter started to grow submerging from the swampy water. It was 3 times the size of Frank and pudgy it stood still looking at Frank. It had no eyeballs, just huge dark hollowed eyes and a hollowed droopy mouth similar to that of the tree on the island. It paused as did Frank for a moment. Frank said "I'm here to seek answers for the demon Daniel and the human Darius."
The Dead organic matter spoke in a low old voice, "I am the evil guardian you seek for I have dwelled here for eterntity. I've reigned evil here since the beginning of mankind. I am immortal and slumber in this place. My forever dark garden on earth."
"Why did the demon turn back into a human Daniel after I defeated him?" asked Frank.
"That is because you transformed him from everlasting life to life again breaking the demonic evil I set for him. You see Darius approached me to beg for an eternal life for Daniel, but did not know what kind of life I can grant humans. Once they are defeated, the evil is demolished."
"What is the dark side of nature you just said?"
"It is the balance of evil on earth. The dark side must be kept in balance with good on earth. If not, Chaos and destruction will exist.
"I am the guardian of the Serpent's Eye," said the Eye Keeper. My master will be looking for it again if you can bring it back to me. I will spare you your life.
"Why me?" asked Frank.
"You see if I roam this earth, there will be a shift in the balance of evil over good and pure Chaos will reign as it did once before centuries ago. The Eye's power can easily influence one to sin and I am the beginning of Sins. Those who have defied God greatly seek me.
"You drank the little boy's blood and let Darius go?"
"Darius's interest was the Eye from the beginning and he now has an obsession for it, like most humans when they have its power. They will commit the greatest sin for it. Now I must have it back for my master tonight at midnight for even he cannot resist its power to utilize fortune or fate."
And just as the deathly looking pile of organic matter finished what it was saying, it grew an arm and by twisting its side, it took a swipe at Frank knocking him over. It proceeded to leap out of the water before Frank rolled to his side, barely escaping the leaping attack by the creature.
"Okay!, Okay! Okay! You have yourself a deal, I'll bring back the eye and you can watch it for eternity if you'd like if you spare my life." pleaded Frank.
"In my early days the witches harnessed their power here as the native people died trying to valiantly overthrow them. The women gave me their young children and their own lives too because they knew I can end their shame and pity they may have for something they are in vain over emotionally. I am the existence of sorrow, dead spirits, and destruction to list a few of the dark powers.
I am the opposite of goodness on earth.
Frank understood and grabbed the stick the canoe offered as it drifted by and began to paddle in the direction he came in. He didn't waste anymore time with the Eye Keeper. Dead trees suddenly became visible as he was paddling and steering out of the way in the swamp. Frank was feeling heavily delusional and had to puke over the side of the canoe. His stomach fluid turned to acid as it hit the swamp water. He could barely paddle as he stumbled over himself over and over again till he finally broke free of the treacherous swamps gasses. Now he could breathe better and come to his normal state realizing that he was delusional back there talking to nobody but himself.
Frank was out of the deep swamp and followed the creek back to where his adventure began. The setting sun appeared over the horizon at dusk and ahead was the house in the distance. Frank began to climb out from the creekside and on to the embarkment of land.
Frank then ran to the front of the house and noticed the villagers and Wayne were chanting, "Da-ri-us! Da-ri-us!" around the grave site. This time the grave was covered with freshly grounded earth. They didn't seem to notice Frank as he entered the front doors. The red book was gone and he began to go upstairs to his quarters. Frank wept as he thought about Vicky.
"She's gone, she's gone, Oh lord, please give me her salvation. Allow me to avenge her death for her and take Darius's life away. Bring her to Heaven. She was an angel. This place was the wrong idea to come for us."
Frank layed back on the canopy bed wondering just what he can do to get back at Darius and retrieve the Eye. If only Darryl was around like he said or Wally. He was deeply mourning her and was poignant with tears. He ended up crying himself to sleep. When he finally awoke, it was just before midnight and he decided to observe what was happening down in the village from the tower.
There was quietness and the Villagers weren't chanting anymore. Wayne stood in front of the kerosene torch and began to read from the red book. Frank had to listen very closely…
"Only virgin blood can be consumed to preserve everlasting life. Today, Darius will rise from the grave as our immortal soul. We will drink REDRUM and the new king will arise! We are strong and mighty now as the night and full moon's light resides above and all around us. Master Satan, please show yourself to grant the wish of the Great Darius! As he will reign as ruler of this planet, forever!!! And the Villagers yelled, "Da-ri-us, Live Evil! Da-ri-us, Devil Lived!"
The moon started to turn blood red. The white stars formed a circular portal where many angels began to shoot out and fight the angels of the red moon. There was a great fog overcoming the land around the house. And an earthquake in the direction of the swamp where a great beastly noise streaked across the thick mist. Frank could barely hold his balance as the tremor rippled through the house damaging the bricks outside and knocking everything that hung on the walls. Frank was terrified, and barely kept his balance to watch the great ceremony.
"Arise Darius, Arise!" shouted Wayne and the ground before the grave started to unveil a man's big arm clawing his way out of the dirt, followed by the other, then a head came out, a body with lastly the legs. It was the Great Darius transformed into the Beast. Much like the one described by Wally's tale.
He bore the Serpent's eye in his only eye socket and stood about 9 stories tall with red coloured skin and a whipping tail in the back that flickered while standing on his 18 foot demonic feet. It was the immortal Darius as he then began to grab the villagers one by one, biting their heads off and drinking their blood. Wayne quickly ran away to this horror to seek somewhere to hide. The stars formed a circular portal where the trine from the ground magically shot from the ground and sealed it and the red moon formed a blood moon with a serpent's eye in the middle. Darius turned his head towards the moon. The serpent moon said "Well done Darius! Well done. Under my rule you will conquer this earth and let our garden flourish starting from the bastard in the swamp. Kill him before he kills you. Immortal to fight immortal. One successor in this challenge."
The fog and mist was thick and covered the land where many living trees were shrieking from the dead ones in the swamp. Bubbles of sulfur and dead decaying matter began to thrash down the creek and make its way towards the lake. Darius spoke In a big deep voice. "I will prevail, master. This earth will be ours. The eye keeper will not defeat me."
The eye keeper let out another ghastly shrieking noise as it slowly approached the land and stood in front of the house dripping dead organic matter all around. Its figure was 3 storey's high and large in width and roundness. The natural trees, wildlife, and rock were being crushed by the evil swamps tide and the mist filled the air all around. Only a red dot appeared in the sky. Frank could not believe his eyes. This is hell. Hell on earth. We're all doomed, he thought. Mankind will be crushed once and for all.
The immortal Titans stood at each end of the house and Frank heard the front doors open. Footsteps came through the door, a pair of footsteps. Frank was so terrified as he gazed upon both Titans who just stood there eyeing one another. There was Darryl and an invisible figure that Frank saw. It dawned on Frank because only an invisible figure could be seen on the transparent brick background.
"Hold on Frank, let me get beside you on Darius's side. I need to put my Winchester rifle in a precise spot for a precise shot." Darryl did just that.
"I hope you know what you're doing," said Frank.
"Yep." said Darryl. "Wally's instructions were very keen. With a silver bullet I have to aim for his eye."
When the humans viewed Darius's face, A bulls head was formed and on the left was the Serpent's eye. The Titans began to walk towards each other with only the house in the way. Both monster shrieks were let go and soon they began to faceoff to the left side of the house. Darryl had to reposition the gun to a 66 degree angle slant to get a proper shot up at Darius as he hung out halfway of the window and told Frank to hold on to him. He sat with his behind on the brick and was able to aim upwards. He held his position between the metal bars of the back window.
Once around the house, Darius took the first swipe and took the Eye keeper right off like a knife cutting through a cake. The rest of the eye keeper blew a sulfuric acid at Darius that made him shriek.
Darryl quickly got to the other side of the window tower and repositioned himself again. He couldn't get a clear shot so he stood peering at the monsters at the side of the tower. Frank could not tell where the invisible figure had gone now.
Darius whipped his tail and the eye keeper absorbed it with its disfigured shape and poured enzymes on it. More sulfuric acid poured out and another roar from Darius came out. He then began to pound away at the eye keeper's dead organic matter with his fists. The dead organic matter was starting to splash and quickly smear without letting go of the tail till finally it did.
The Serpent's eye began to shine blue and Darius's mouth sprayed fresh, clean, blue water all over the dead organic matter, flushing it all away. The dead organic matter was clean organic matter and it flowed into the earth where it stood resulting, the creek being unveiled again, trees were replenished, nature's sweet flowers, and the sweet beauty of Reven you could taste came back again. The swamp subsided back to where it lay with the evil dead trees and Darius stood victorious in the death match between the two immortal souls. It was after midnight and the moon was blood red with a trine hovering in the sky that was from the ground below.
Suddenly, a human figure could be seen outside of the front doors in the dark. It spoke, "Well done my son, well done. You are the victor and the sole reigner of all this land and world. We will finally have revenge on mankind and cleanse this pitiful planet of its roots and beauty. It will be a modern day hell to reign my liege. Now do what must be done. You make a father so proud. You will now have an everlasting life."
The eye showed forest green with rainbow colors in it before changing back to a serpent's eye as Darius gazed at the pair in the tower.
The human figure was a red skinned gentleman wearing black leather buckled boots, black hair gelled back and fangs coming out of its mouth. It was Satan himself in disguise.
"Now roam this earth freely creating all hell on earth. Head to the pyramids that point to the sky and you shall find her… The Sphinx. Yes, the time has come for us to reign in this universe for all eternity."
Darryl finally spoke aloud and said "Now hold it right there mister. I'm going to end your wishes right now and no one is going to rule but mankind alone! and BANG! The bullet hit the Serpent's eye straight up the middle and a loud beastly noise was ruptured. Darius roared and walked awkwardly at first but he fell backward onto his back and laid right on the left side of the tower looking straight into the sky. Direct hit and instant death. Satan said, "You were very lucky this time, but you won't be the next." Before Darryl loaded another bullet, Satan turned invisible again. He then ran towards the swamp and vanished without a trace.
Reven was back to its beautiful place again with the moon now shining bright on the Victorian Style house and the beast's corpse began to sizzle and fry under the moon's rays. A figure of a man's bottom lip with a beard appeared in the moon and a bright beaming white light shone on the house and a voice spoke, "You brave souls have defied earth from its deathly fate, but for now you must live your lives as mortal human beings and protect the young one Daniel for he now has psychic powers. You will have good fortune in years to come soon and may nature's rewards offer you the best it has to offer." The figure disappeared from the moon and beautiful grass, and insects came to life too. The church and village houses began to crumble and burn. "Hurry Darryl! Let's get out of here, look there's Wally!" said Frank hastily and below Wally, Wayne, and Daniel pulled up in a land rover to pick up the two bravest men the world can be thankful for.
The two men rushed down the hill and stopped at the carport where they looked behind and saw the church crumble to the ground like a pile of rocks. Peace and harmony has found Reven for eternity as they smiled and they now decided to head to Wally's for a safe retreat for the time being. They also talked about who's going home within the next two days ahead. Frank will take on the responsibility of Daniel, while Wally will take on the responsibility of Wayne. Darryl, well Darryl will talk to Ester about possibly building his own cottage right on the property of the old Reven. For now, the 4 men and Daniel solemnly swear to never tell anyone what happened in Reven ever again because the truth to the matter also lies to the sixth person, which is you (the reader). You must also swear that Reven… N______ L______ from now on.
*Hint: the first 2 words of the title backwards*
The End
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This content is original content by Jason Harris. Please do not use this content in any way, shape, or form, without explicit permission from him. Hope you enjoyed 'Take a Chance'. Questions, comments, or feedback about the story are welcomed via email. Be sure to come back soon for more stories by Jason at Writing for Change.