Host SM_Selan says:
The Year is 1899 ...

Host SM_Selan says:
A storm is brewing in and around Arkham as mysterious and terrifying happenings plague it's citizens. The Jones' family has been slaughtered by some inhuman beast or person, while the local Judge's writer son is being haunted by a mysterious visitor whose intentions remain unknown ...
 
Host SM_Selan says:
RESUME THE TALE

Elizabeth says:
::checks the windows for the fourth time in as many minutes.::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::slowly and resolutely climbs the steps to his house::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: in his office, anxiously awaiting an answer from Boston ::

Elizabeth says:
::looks back at Martha and smiles reassuringly.::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::opens the door to a darkened hall, the storm is beginning outside::

Martha_Harold says:
::looks back at her sister::

Elizabeth says:
::turns around:: Martha: Do you want to stay up here or go downstairs for some hot cocoa?

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::removes his coat and hat and hangs them on the hall tree and then places his umbrella in the stand::

Martha_Harold says:
::wants to get away from the thunder::  Elizabeth:  Let's go downstairs.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: paces back and forth, unsettled by what he'd seen at the Jones place ::

Martha_Harold says:
::grabs her favorite doll off her bed::

Elizabeth says:
::looks around once again and follows Martha down the stairs.::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::removes a match from the holder on a table next to the hall tree and then lights a lantern on the table carefully adjusting the wick and the replacing its glass chimney::

Martha_Harold says:
::hugs her doll tight as she walks down the stairs::

Martha_Harold says:
::reaches the bottom of the stairs and looks back to be sure her sister is close by::

Elizabeth says:
::places her hand reassuringly on Martha's shoulder.::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: finally decides there will be no answer from Boston today. Grabs a mackintosh and a lantern from the back room and makes for the door ::

Elizabeth says:
::lights the nearest lamp::

Martha_Harold says:
::looks up at her sister gratefully::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The sprinklets of rain turn into a steady stream. Thunder turns to bolts of light which arc across the darkening skyline ... an ominous rumble fills the area.

Martha_Harold says:
::is very frightened::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: stops... checks his revolver... and puts an extra handful of bullets in the breast pocket of the raincoat, then steps out into the gathering dark ::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he lifts the lantern and crosses to the the base of the stairs and calls:: Any one home?

Elizabeth says:
::leads Martha into the warm and inviting kitchen. As they walk into the room, she visibly relaxes as she inhales the smells of home and looks around at the bright and cheerful room.::

Martha_Harold says:
::relaxes a bit::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Sitting upstairs in his room, looking over his latest writings. Hears his father call out:: ALL: I am upstairs, father.

Elizabeth says:
::Walks over to the pump and begins to fill the kettle.::

Martha_Harold says:
::has to pee::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he cannot shake the feeling of the sight of the animals in the barn as the shadows cast on the lantern dance on the wall.  He walks up the stairs towards his son's room::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: holds the lantern up and begins a slow patrol of the town ::

Elizabeth says:
::places the kettle on the stove and gets out the cooking chocolate for the double boiler.::

Martha_Harold says:
::decides she can hold it for a while::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he opens the door to his Jeremiah’s room:: Jeremiah: Did you see Daniel Jones today?

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: A deathly quiet begins to settle upon the town between the raindrops ... the townsfolk have seemingly sensed trouble coming, and have retreated to their houses.

Elizabeth says:
::smiles at Martha::

Martha_Harold says:
::smiles weakly at her sister and fusses with her dolly::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: looks up at the bakery sign -- something about it isn't right ::

Elizabeth says:
::is praying subconsciously::

Martha_Harold says:
::jumps and lets out a little shriek::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: There a series of animal remains, a few pets, a rabbit or two, etc. tied together and hanging from the sign.

Elizabeth says:
::looks at Martha::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: What's wrong, honey?

Host Lily says:
::snakes along the deserted street dripping wet trying to stay under the awning at the general store::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: stares at the sign in disbelief -- realizes that the killer is obviously now in town ::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Something darted past the window.  ::points at the shuttered window where the dying light is filtered through::

Elizabeth says:
::turns white::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Seemingly lost in thought, then remembers what his father asked:: Judge: Actually, yes ... at the inn. Why?

Elizabeth says:
::putting the pot down, she walks over to the window and glances out::

Martha_Harold says:
::shivers and clutches her dolly::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: fishes out his whistle, and blows one long and three short blasts to summon the deputies ::

Elizabeth says:
::her hands are shaking as she tries to be brave::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he crosses and sits on the edge of the bed:: Jerimiah: Son, there's been terrible trouble at the Jones' farm today.  Daniel's folks were slaughtered as were all the animals.

Lily says:
::spots a stranger lurking near the bakery but ignores him and runs to the next overhang::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  What was it?  ::looks terrified::

Elizabeth says:
::looks at Martha:: Martha: It must have been the wind.

Martha_Harold says:
::nearly hysterical::  Elizabeth:  It wasn't the wind!  There is something out there.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: four of the six deputies come running toward the bakery .. the other two being still on guard duty at the Jones farm ::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Pauses, and recalls the Visitor's haunting words - "Hades is about to make a trip then":: Judge: ..... what?

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: The rain gets heavier ... the light fades quickly ... thunder rattles the town as lightning flashes across the sky.

Martha_Harold says:
::jumps at the sound of the thunder::

Elizabeth says:
::reaches over and grabs Martha in a tight hug.::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  I'm s..s... scared.

Lily says:
Self: This town sure does get down right spooky when there's a storm. ::hurries down the back alley behind the bakery::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Jeremiah: I know.  I was just as shocked.  I do not think Daniel had anything to do with this...it's just that we couldn't find him and well...  ::he sets the lantern on the floor at his feet and stares at the circles of light it makes::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: I know.....I know.

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Maybe we should go outside and see what it was?

Elizabeth says:
::jumps::

Lily says:
::stops and looks around:: Outloud: Who's there? ::feels an eerie presence close by::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Shock goes through him:: Judge: The last I saw of him was at the Inn, drunk as ever. Who do you think did this?

Constable_Chambers says:
:: grimly :: Deputies: Look at the sign, boys. Whatever killed the Joneses has come to town. Everyone look sharp whilst on patrol. Jack, Mort: you boys take Wilmer and Freddie's routes, as well. Keep yer guns close to hand, now!

Elizabeth says:
Martha: No, I think we're better off in here.

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: There is silence to Lily's answer.

Martha_Harold says:
::fear is giving way to curiosity::

Elizabeth says:
::relaxes slightly:: Martha: Maybe it was just Lily peaking in the window again.

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Or maybe it's that wild animal that was around earlier

Constable_Chambers says:
:: the deputies dispersed, each of them unnerved by what they've seen ::

Lily says:
::moves quickly away from the area and turns the corner::

Elizabeth says:
::smells something and runs to the stove....saving the cocoa...barely.::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Lily now hears a heavy breathing from behind her ...

Martha_Harold says:
::moves to the window and cautiously peeks out::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: starts up Main Street ::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::rousing himself from the horrors of his thought:: Jeremiah: I don't know what to think.  I cannot believe that any human being could be capable of such carnage.  I only hope that the constable is able to find him before he returns to that...that place.

Elizabeth says:
::quickly pouring it into Martha's favorite mug, she places it on the table and cautions Martha that its hot.::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::His left hand shakes, the ink on the pen having not dried yet and spritzing here and there:: Judge: Father, there is something I must tell you ...

Elizabeth says:
::pours herself a cup::

Martha_Harold says:
::moves away from the window and sits at the table in front of her mug::

Lily says:
::brushes her wet hair from her face and stops again, this time pressing her back again a wall: Out loud: Ok, who is there? I know there's someone there now show yourself! ::anger wells in her voice::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Lightning flashes once, and Lily sees a dark figure in the alley-way. Then there is darkness, the breathing gets quicker ... Lightning flashes twice, and the breathing and the figure cease to be.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he looks up at his son:: Jeremiah: Of course, son.

Elizabeth says:
::takes her place at the well-worn table and wonders where that poor child Lily was in this terrible storm.::

Lily says:
::trembles at the lightening flash and moves along the wall:: Outloud: Ok whoever you are, I'm going now so just go away.

Martha_Harold says:
::picks up her mug and smells it.  Smiles at the comforting smell of chocolate::

Old_Man_Durnham says:
::wakes up in the Doctor's office to find himself alone::

Old_Man_Durnham says:
Self: Where is the Doctor?

Martha_Harold says:
::takes a sip::  Elizabeth: Oooh... it is hot.

Old_Man_Durnham says:
::gets up and walks to the window and see the terrible storm brewing outside::

Elizabeth says:
::grins:: Martha: I told you to be careful, didn't I?

Martha_Harold says:
::grins back at her sister::  Elizabeth:  It's good.  Thank you.

Lily says:
::picks up the pace of her steps:: Self: I sure wish Pa would move us into town instead of staking a claim to the old Johnson place. Lessen that way I could be home already now.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: finds himself just across the street from the Harold residence; decides to look in on the sisters ::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Something flies over Lily's head, as she feels a whoosh of air ... but if she looks, there is nothing there.

Old_Man_Durnham says:
Self: I think something is amiss here, I wonder where that travelin' fella is.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: climbs up the front porch stairs, knocks on the door ::

Lily says:
Self: What the? ::looks up:: Must be one of those dang bats again. I got to get the sheriff to shoot those beastly varmits one of these days.

Elizabeth says:
::jumps at the sound of the knock and for just a brief second poor unadulterated terror flits across her face.::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Someone is at the door?

Constable_Chambers says:
All: Miz Elizabeth? It's Constable Chambers!

Elizabeth says:
::glancing reassuringly at Lily, she places her cup down carefully and heads for the door.::

Old_Man_Durnham says:
::walks back over to the bed::

Martha_Harold says:
::gets up and follows her sister::

Elizabeth says:
::hearing the constable's voice, she breathes a deep sigh of relief and quickly unlocks and opens the door.::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Takes a breath:: Judge: I was visited today by a mysterious woman who would not give me her name. She claimed to have come in regard to ... opportunity for me. Yet, the things she said ... that she talked about ... were a lot more menacing, and held no opportunity for me.

Elizabeth says:
::smiles at the constable::

Constable_Chambers says:
Elizabeth: Hello, Miz Elizabeth. Hello, little one. Thought I'd best look in on ye, seein' as yer folks is outta town.

Elizabeth says:
Chambers: What are you doing out on this horrid night, Sir? Please come in and dry off for a bit.

Martha_Harold says:
::is so relieved to see Constable Chambers she runs up and hugs him tightly::

Elizabeth says:
::smiles::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Jeremiah: A stranger? But how would she know who you were?

Lily says:
::turns another corner and can see the end of the street and the road home::

Constable_Chambers says:
Elizabeth: Thankee, Miz Elizabeth, but I'd just drip all over yer fine rugs in there.   Martha: Why, Miz Martha... yer tremblin' like a leaf!

Martha_Harold says:
Chambers:  There was something outside the kitchen window.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: strokes Martha's hair reassuringly ::

Elizabeth says:
Chambers: I'm sure it twas nothing.......

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
Judge: I did not know. I had a few works published, but they were never widely read ...

Martha_Harold says:
::slowly relaxes her death grip on the Constable::

Constable_Chambers says:
Martha: Was there indeed, now? I tell ye what... I'll make a complete tour 'round yer house afore I goes up the street. Make sure there's nuthin in yer yard.

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  It was so something!  ::smiles gratefully at Chambers::

Elizabeth says:
::looks relieved::

Lily says:
::walks along muttering:: Self: Ya think that the old judge woulda gave a gal a lift in his buggy when a storm was a brewing. Naw, he musta had one of them there senior moments again. ::hurries to the end of the street and looks back one last time before heading down the dirt road::

Elizabeth says:
Chambers: Thank you so much for putting up with our imaginings, Constable Chambers.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Jeremiah: I think that given the strangeness of today, we should bear the storm and find the constable.  Besides not only will he want to hear your story, he will want to know that you saw Daniel safe if somewhat drunken.

Constable_Chambers says:
Elizabeth: Miz Elizabeth, there's been some trouble out at the Jones place... nuthin I wants to go into right now...  :: glances significantly down at Martha ::

Martha_Harold says:
::mutters to no one in particular::  Not imaginings....

Elizabeth says:
::bites her lip and nods::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
Judge: Of course.

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: A piercing female scream is barely heard through the storm across the town.

Constable_Chambers says:
Elizabeth: But ye'd be well advised t'lock yer doors tight tonight. me an' all the deputies will be patrolling the town till sunup.

Elizabeth says:
::nods::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: starts, looks back in the direction of the scream ::

Martha_Harold says:
::wonders if that really was a scream she heard on the wind or more "imaginings"::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Lightning strikes soon after.

Martha_Harold says:
::jumps and looks terrified::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he rises:: Jeremiah: I will meet you in the hall downstairs, but first I think I should get the hurricane lamp from the kitchen...Did you hear that?

Martha_Harold says:
::grabs Elizabeth's hand::

Elizabeth says:
::grabs Martha in a death grip::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
Judge: Hear what?

Martha_Harold says:
::looks up at the Constable::

Constable_Chambers says:
Elizabeth: I'd best see what that was.      Martha: I'll be back quick as a wink to check all 'round the house, little one!

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Rifle fire is heard from a distance as well. Whether or not it's one of the Constable's deputies remains to be seen.

Elizabeth says:
::nods and quickly shuts the door, bolting it tightly::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: turns, dashes down the porch steps and into the night ::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  That didn't sound like thunder.

Lily says:
::picks the pace towards home after hearing what sounded like a scream::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: The rain pounds harder.

Elizabeth says:
::looks at Martha:: Martha: No, I'm afraid it didn't.

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  What do you think happened at the Jones farm?

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Jeremiah: I just thought...meet me in the hall.  ::takes his lantern from the floor and hurries to the servant's stairs to the kitchen::

Elizabeth says:
::tries to look unconcerned:: Martha: But the constable and his men will take care of things as they always do.

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Follows::

Lily says:
Self: No hob goblin is gettin it's hands on this gal tonight. ::starts running::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: I don't rightly know, sweetie.

Martha_Harold says:
::considers that and nods::  Elizabeth:  Our cocoa is getting cold.

Martha_Harold says:
::tries to think of a way to sneak away from her sister and find out what's going on::

Elizabeth says:
::follows her little sister back into the brightly lit kitchen.::

Elizabeth says:
::pulls the shades down and makes sure that all of the doors and windows are securley locked.::

Old_Man_Durnham says:
::walks outside and heads to Jeremiah Terry's house::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::entering the kitchen he crosses to a closet where he removes the lantern and then out into the main hall.  He sets the hall lantern back on the table and takes a match to light the lantern for outdoors::

Martha_Harold says:
::really has to pee now::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: The Constable stumbles upon what appears to be Mort's body. His legs have been wrapped around his head, and numerous other grotesque things have happened. The rifle lies nearby ... it apparently being of no use.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: makes a quick decision and heads in the direction of the scream -- the gunfire will have to wait ::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Another scream is heard nearby, closer, a man's.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: trips and falls, coming face to what's left of Mort's face ::

Constable_Chambers says:
All: Gahhhh!   :: scrambles backwards, crabwise ::

Lily says:
::falls in the mud on the road and lays there for a moment:: Self: Gall dangit! There it goes again! ::jumps up and runs faster now, mud dripping from her clothes::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he takes his hat, coat and umbrella and waits for Jeremiah to join him::

Martha_Harold says:
::wanders off to the bathroom::

Elizabeth says:
::Watches Martha closely::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Gets prepared:: Judge: I am ready, father.

Lily says:
::starts yelling as she runs:: Outloud: Pa...Pa.....

Constable_Chambers says:
:: gets up, shaking.... can barely put the whistle to his lips... his first attempt produces only a dry wheeze ::

Martha_Harold says:
::closes the bathroom door::

Lily says:
::turns up the laneway to the farm and looks for a light in the window::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::crosses to the door with the lantern in hand:: Jeremiah: Then we will brave this storm together.  ::grins:: I know, son, but I couldn't resist.

Martha_Harold says:
::does her business::

Old_Man_Durnham says:
::arrives at Terry's house and knocks on the door::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Smiles. Then pauses at the knock::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: closes his eyes, puts the whistle to his lips again, and manages a respectable one long-three short signal ::

Martha_Harold says:
::looks at the bathroom window wondering if she could fit through it::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: More screams are heard in the distance as Old Man Durnham arrives at the Terry household.

Martha_Harold says:
::decides Elizabeth would hear the glass breaking and besides, the screams are a bit off putting::

Lily says:
::reaches the porch of the farmhouse and pauses to catch her breath::

Martha_Harold says:
::returns to the kitchen::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Opens the door:: Hello?

Old_Man_Durnham says:
Jeremiah: Jeremiah, I know

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::sees Durnham standing on the step:: Durnham: Mr Durnham.  What on earth brings you out on a night like this.

Elizabeth says:
::looks up at Martha with a smile::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: only Jack arrives ::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  There's noises outside.  ::takes her seat and picks up her cocoa::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Looks at his father, then at Durnham:: Durnham: Know what?

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Durnham: Please step inside.

Old_Man_Durnham says:
Jeremiah: Thank you.

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Something bursts through a window in a backroom at the Harold household.

Constable_Chambers says:
Jack: Mort's dead, Jack. Where are Ben and Carl?

Martha_Harold says:
::hears glass shattering and screams::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Windows are heard shattering just down the street from the Constable and his assistant.

Elizabeth says:
::nods:: Martha: I know. I'm sure everything will...be....fine.

Elizabeth says:
::hears the window go::

Lily says:
::notices that there are no lights on:: Self: That be strange, Ma ain't lit no lanterns in the parlor. Must have run out of the kerosene again. Dang that Pa. He ain't never gonna amount to a hill of beans. Why he can't even keep the lamps lit anymore. ::moves to the front door and places her hand on the knob::

Constable_Chambers says:
<Jack> Chambers: Dunno, boss.   :: hears glass shattering :: What was that?

Martha_Harold says:
::spills her cocoa all over herself::

Elizabeth says:
::jumps up and grabs Martha, knocking the cups flying as she drags her sister towards the front door.::

Constable_Chambers says:
Jack: It came from the direction of the Harold place. C'mon!   :: runs back toward the Harold house ::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Steps in as Durnham comes in::

Martha_Harold says:
::is terrified as her sister drags her through the house::

Elizabeth says:
::reaches the door and is struggling to unlock it::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Something is heard shifting through the house ... toward Elizabeth and Martha.

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  What if it's that wild animal!

Lily says:
::slowly pushes the door open, hearing the hinges creak loudly:: Outloud: Ma? Pa? ::steps inside::

Elizabeth says:
::pulls at the door desperately::

Old_Man_Durnham says:
Jeremiah: I know about the nightmares

Elizabeth says:
::the door opens with a screech::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Looks surprised:: Durnham: ... what are you talking about? ::Almost unconvincingly::

Martha_Harold says:
::looks back::

Elizabeth says:
::pulls Martha out into the pouring rain.::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: Lily's household is a wreck ... things are overturned, the lights are out.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: sees the front door of the Harold house burst open suddenly ::

Martha_Harold says:
::continues looking back as her sister drags her outside::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: arrives at the door just as Elizabeth and Martha run outside ::

Lily says:
::peers into the darkened room:: Outloud: Pa, you there? ::steps farther into the room tripping over an overturned chair::

Martha_Harold says:
::sees the Constable and starts screaming hysterically::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::looks at his son and then Durnham.  He has no idea what to say::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: As Lily hits the floor, she sees her father's body before her ... and on top of it is a shrouded figure which has a pointed snout and a long grouping of vicious looking teeth, dark red demonic eyes peer out from its hood ... and an inhuman hiss is heard ...

Lily says:
Self: What in blue blazes........:;screams::

Elizabeth says:
::looks at the constable and turns and looks back towards the house.::

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
ACTION: At the Harold household, something erupts from one of the windows, flying at Elizabeth ...

Host Jeremiah_Terry says:
PAUSE THE TALE