“She’s coming Joseph, she coming,” Abby screamed.
In the great room, a gust of wind blew down the chimney, forcing ash and burning embers into the air. The fire roared as the cold air rushed over the logs and Abby grinned as the ash formed into the shape of an old woman with burning embers for eyes. The creature floated along the hearth and stopped at the stone circle. Abby gazed adoringly at the creature which extended an ashen hand to her. She stood and moved towards the fireplace dragging the heavy chair behind her. The stones and herbs were swept away when she walked out of the circle. Abby contorted when the creature embraced her and buried its burning embers into her eyes.
Joseph stood on the steps to the cavern floor when the wind howled and slammed the mirror shut behind him. He shined his flashlight into the dark and walked down the steps.
“No,” Joseph said.
The channel was nearly drained with only puddles of water remaining and the tarp was ripped open with black stones scattered around the floor. Behind him, sharp claws scraped on stone. He spun and saw a raven perched on the steps. His light passed through the bird illuminating the door behind it. It made a guttural sound and spread its wings until its shadow touched the walls, then closed and encircled him. His arms were pinned at his sides forcing the flashlight from his shaking hand. The creature forced him to the ground and began to peck into his chest. Joseph began to scream, its vengeance would be slow this time.
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
“We need to get the stones and the remains back to where this all started. Somewhere around the cabin they missed collecting a stone,” Donald said. “After Calvin and his men attacked the creature, they were supposed to count the stones and gather them all up. They rushed the job and missed one.”
Ima sat on a lower bunk within the keep. The fluorescent light cast a greenish glow on the metal walls.
“How are we going to find an old cabin, much less a single stone in the middle of a forest?” Ima asked.
“I have a map,” Donald said tapping the front pocket of his jacket. “A map to the cabin at least. The stones they used were black hematite which wasn’t common to the area.”
“But how do we get out of here?” Brenda asked.
“There’s a fire axe hanging on the wall there,” Donald said pointing towards the ladder. “The frame around the hatch is wood. It may take a while, but I think we can chop our way out.”
They all jumped to their feet when the trap door swung open above them.
“Joseph?” Donald called out.
Abby climbed down with only the back of her legs visible, a pair of handcuffs attached to a broken chair leg dangled from her ankle.
“Abby, thank goodness,” Brenda said.
Abby reached the floor of the keep and grabbed the axe from the wall, then turned and knocked the generator to the floor. The lights flickered as the damaged generator pulsed. She advanced toward them with burnt cavities where her eyes had been. The room went dark and they scrambled when she swung and hit the wall near Ima’s head. The lights came on and Donald and Brenda were able to run to the base of the ladder. Ima waved for them to escape then wrenched the axe from Abby’s grip and swung it into her throat. Abby collapsed forward and drove the pointed backside of the axe through Ima’s heart. Donald watched helplessly as the two woman died impaled together on the axe. Brenda and Donald climbed out of the keep and into the wind that howled through the broken windows of the lodge. The smoldering logs in the fireplace cast a dim glow on the destruction. Donald grabbed Brenda’s hand and ran towards the study and when they entered the hallway, she stopped in front of the mirror.
“What is it?” he yelled over the wind.
“I thought I heard Joseph,” Brenda answered.
He looked around and noticed the mirror door in the hallway.
“Wait here,” he said.
Donald slipped inside, crept down the stairs and found Joseph lying on his back with his arms pinned at his sides. His blood stained shirt was ripped open and a black bird stood on his chest. Donald reached into his pocket, retrieved his medallion, and then wrapped the chain around the bird. The creature let out a cry, then flew into the wall leaving only black vapor behind. Donald knelt down and helped Joseph to his feet.
“I’m alright. We need the stones and remains,” Joseph said.
Donald gathered the stones and placed them into the tarp while the wisps of black vapor reorganized into a swirling mass.
“Hurry!” Joseph shouted struggling to climb the steps.
Donald tied the tarp and dragged it out the doorway behind Joseph.
“Close the door,” Donald yelled to Brenda.
Brenda closed the door just before a tremendous force struck it. The impact shattered the mirror sending shards of glass into the hallway. The wood behind the mirror was intact, but damaged, with wisps of black vapor pouring through the cracks. They all ran down the hallway and into the study.
“Make a circle, use the stones,” Joseph said pointing to the tarp.
Brenda and Donald placed the black stones around the wood floor of the study and climbed inside the circle with Joseph. The wound on his chest was fading away.
“Where is Abby and Ima?” Joseph asked.
Donald paused before answering. “They are both dead,” he said finally.
“That thing took hold of Abby and made her do terrible things,” Brenda said staring at the ground with tears in her eyes.
“We will see to them when this is over. I am sorry,” Joseph said.
“So, what now?” Brenda asked.
“We need to finish it,” Joseph answered.
The air in the study turned cold and a hard blow struck the door.
“It has found us, we must go now!” Joseph yelled. “Help me gather these up,” he said grabbing the circle of stones.
Joseph opened the closet door and pushed in the panel to the corridor behind it.
“This way,” Joseph said voice rising in fear.
They rushed through the corridor and out into the woods as the creature broke through the door and entered the study. The hail had turned into a cold pelting rain and the wind whipped through the trees. When they reached the ATV, Joseph slid across the wet vinyl seat and started the engine. Donald swung the tarp into the back then helped Brenda into the vehicle.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
The wind ripped at the ATV’s canvas top and its headlights revealed downed trees scattered like matchsticks. Joseph accelerated onto the bridge as the creature wailed behind them. The bridge collapsed as they crossed, plunging their vehicle into the surging water. The ATV remained afloat, but spun wildly as Joseph fought to regain control.
“Hold on,” Joseph shouted above the storm.
Brenda tightened her grip on the roll bar and Donald wrapped his arm around the tarp. They shot through a narrow section of the river and slammed into a downed oak, ripping the hood off the vehicle. Rushing water filled the ATV and stalled the engine, and then the headlights dimmed and went out.
They passed the tributary to the lodge which was blocked with downed trees and debris. The current slowed and they were left spinning downstream where the ruined vehicle came to a rest on a muddy bank a mile into the forest.
“We better move,” Joseph said.
Climbing out of the wreckage, Donald managed to drag the water logged tarp onto the shore. Joseph opened a watertight hatch and pulled out two jackets, a flashlight and a blanket, thankfully still dry. He handed the blanket to Brenda who was shivering violently.
“Where is that thing?” Donald asked.
“Back on the other side, I hope,” Joseph answered. “The river crossing should have slowed it, but it will find us soon enough. We need to go.”
Donald studied the wet map with a yellow flashlight.
Joseph paced nervously. “Which way?” he asked.
“Follow me,” Donald said.
Donald and Joseph each pulled a corner of the tarp and dragged the load behind them.
They walked until they reached a fork in the path.
“Left,” Donald said.
The turn led them down a narrow trail running parallel to a creek. Joseph stopped abruptly. A pair of vultures stood on the far bank.
“What’s the matter, Joseph?” Donald asked.
Joseph answered, “Nothing is wrong.” I just need to rest a moment.”
Brenda struggled to block the distractions, but the voices grew louder and images of horrible things illuminated like flashbulbs in the dark. She stared down at the ground and fought the urge to react. They reached a bridge that crossed the creek. The bridge was a rusted red skeleton overgrown with vines with its wooden planks all but gone.
“We need to cross here,” Donald said hesitantly.
Donald stepped on the bridge to test its strength. “Seems solid enough.”
Donald walked across a girder with Joseph following a few steps behind him. Brenda stepped on to the bridge, the water below her began to churn and skeletal hands emerged from the creek. She took a step forward and a spectral hand brushed her foot sending a wash of cold over it.
“Brenda, hurry!” Donald shouted.
The Raven Mocker, in the form of an old woman with black eyes and pallid skin, appeared behind her and closed quickly. Brenda ran along the beam trying to block out the distractions and was halfway across when she lost her balance and disappeared under the surface of the water. Donald and Joseph ran to the creek bank looking for her, while the Raven Mocker leered down from the bridge. The creek began to bubble and Brenda was lifted by misty hands to the waters edge where Donald was able to carry her out.
“Look,” Joseph said.
The Raven Mocker wrestled against an unseen force and thrashed in rage as if bound. Brenda opened her eyes and said, “What happened?”
Donald got her to her feet and wrapped his jacket around her.
“Brenda, we need to go. Are you okay to walk?” Donald asked.
“I’m okay.”
The Raven Mocker’s screams of rage filled the woods behind them.
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
“There it is,” Donald said pointing towards a triple oak.
The map indicated a trail behind the tree that led to the cabin.
“Can I see the map?” Joseph asked.
“Sure,” Donald answered handing the map to Joseph.
“We are close,” Joseph said. “We need to pass through the town of Culver.”
“Culver?” Donald asked.
“Yes. It was a settler’s town deep in the mountains. The people of Culver refused to leave when these lands were abandoned and they were never heard from again,” Joseph answered. “No one ever dared to look for them.”
“Should we find another way?” Donald asked.
“No, on the contrary,” Joseph said. “I am hoping the town of Culver can assist us.”
Donald led Joseph and Brenda into a gorge where stones slid underfoot as they climbed down the steep grade.
“Careful,” Donald said.
When they reached the bottom, they were surrounded by high stone walls and dead trees.
“This way,” Donald said.
Down the trail was an abandoned farmhouse covered in vines with a crumbling barn behind it. The property was quiet and still, unoccupied for generations. Joseph stopped walking and rubbed his lower back.
“Joseph, do you need to stop and rest a minute?” Donald asked.
“No,” Joseph said. “I am fine. We must go on.”
A bluff overlooked the town of Culver which consisted of six gray buildings surrounded by scrub land. Culver Lake was visible behind the town. Donald dragged the tarp into town then sat in the dirt road and waited for Joseph and Brenda to catch up.
“I need to rest a moment,” Donald said.
“Yes, of course,” Joseph answered.
“We need to spend a few minutes here anyway. Can you stay out here and keep watch?” Joseph asked.
“Sure, where are you going?” Donald asked.
“In there,” Joseph said pointing at the hulking ruin of a hotel.
“I better go with you, it’s not safe,” Donald said.
“No,” Joseph replied. “Please do as I ask.”
“Okay,” Donald said with a nod. He walked over to the crumbing steps of the hotel and sat down. “I will be right here.”
“Thank you,” Joseph said.
“Brenda?” Joseph gestured towards the doors of the hotel.
Brenda followed Joseph into the building and entered the lobby. The hotel was ravaged by time with moldy paintings on its walls and a rack full of tattered coats in the corner. Joseph trained his flashlight across the room, while Brenda stared at the floor and tried to handle the flood of distractions.
“We need to understand what happened here. It may show us the best way to fight the beast,” Joseph said. “I need you to open your mind to this place and tell me what you see.”
They were in a tomb, with crumbled skeletons on a rotted velvet couch and bones scattered down the staircase and across the front desk. Behind it, were the remains of the last survivors trying to reach a dozen rifles still propped against the wall.
“These people were ambushed,” Brenda whispered.
She turned to face the room and opened her mind. Dozens of images played out before her, she had never seen so many at one time.
“Ravens,” she said aloud. “Dozens of them. They killed everyone.”
She saw the monstrous birds plunge their beaks into the chests of the townspeople. Black feathers dripped in blood as they swallowed the hearts of their victims.
“What else can you see?” Joseph asked.
“It looks like they were gathered for a meeting. The entire town was here,” she answered.
Joseph walked behind the front desk.
“They were assembling a cache of weapons,” she said. “Planning to stop it.”
Joseph studied the walls of the room.
“Not a shot was fired,” he said.
“There was no time,” Brenda added. “They were attacked too quickly. Where did they all come from?” She asked.
“They were all the same creature split into parts,” Joseph answered.
Donald jumped to his feet when they walked out of the hotel.
“You okay?” he asked them.
Brenda nodded. She looked dazed.
“Yes,” Joseph answered. “We better get moving again.”
“I have been studying the map. We need to follow the lake for a few miles,” Donald said. The cabin should be on the eastern shore.”
They left the rotted memory of the town and walked onto a trail that circled the lake where whispers in the mist echoed across the surface of the water.
CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
The cabin stood alone with a ring of scorched earth around it, the smell in the air was foul when Joseph stepped onto the burnt soil.
“Wait,” he said, hand raised towards them.
He walked forward holding the medallion that hung from his neck, then entered the front door and disappeared into the cabin. Donald and Brenda waited anxiously as the minutes passed. Joseph finally emerged and waved them forward.
“Brenda, I need you to look for Calvin Smith,” Joseph said.
She turned in a circle and concentrated.
“Over there,” she said pointing towards the front porch. “That is where it happened.”
She approached the porch and saw men standing in front of the cabin. They were throwing stones at an old woman, only it wasn’t an old woman. Her black eyes glared at the men like a wild animal. Calvin hit the woman first. Brenda watched the scene play over again.
“I see him,” she said. “I see Calvin.”
“Brenda, watch where the stone that Calvin throws lands,” Donald said.
She watched again.
“It went under the house,” she said. “Right there,” she added pointing at a jagged gap in the stone foundation of the building.
Don
ald crawled onto his knees and shined his flashlight into the opening, a single hematite stone sat in the dirt under the cabin.
“I see it, but I can’t reach it,” Donald said.
“We need to get under there,” Joseph said.
Donald tried, but couldn’t fit into the opening.
“I’ll go,” Brenda said. “I’m the only one that will fit.”
She crawled through the jagged opening and pushed her flashlight ahead of her.
“How are you doing?” Donald asked. He stood over the opening ready to pull her out.
“Good. Almost there,” she answered.
The stench made it hard for her to breathe.
“I have it,” she said.
“Brenda, toss the stone out the opening,” Joseph said.
Brenda did and the stone skipped across the ground, Joseph grabbed it and placed it in the tarp with the others.
“I’m going to pull you out,” Donald said.
“Okay,” she answered.
She turned to grab her flashlight and was met with black eyes and the stench of rot. The Raven Mocker wrapped its claws around her hair and pulled her completely under the cabin.
“Brenda!” Donald shouted. “Help me Joseph, I’ve lost her!”
The two men reached into the opening as Brenda’s screams filled the crawl space.
“I have her,” Joseph said.
They pulled her out and turned her over, her body was limp and the front of her shirt was covered with blood. The creature crawled out through the opening and fell to the ground. The creature writhed in pain and changed becoming more bird-like, then spewed black liquid onto the ground.
In the pool of liquid was Brenda’s heart, Joseph leaped forward and grabbed the lifeless organ.
“Help me get her to the water!” Joseph shouted.
They ran to the lake as the Raven Mocker languished on the ground with black eyes rolled back in its head. When they reached the water, they placed Brenda’s body on the ground.
“Donald, go get the tarp and throw it into the water,” Joseph said.
Donald ran to the cabin and found the Raven Mocker crawling to its feet. He grabbed the tarp and dragged it to the water where Brenda kneeled over Joseph and wept. He had aged dramatically and his breathing was labored. The heart donated to Brenda two decades earlier lay lifeless at the edge of the lake. The water and Joseph’s sacrifice had returned Brenda’s own heart to her. Donald dragged the tarp into the water letting it sink to the depths of the lake and then ran to Joseph’s side.
Four Corners Dark: Horror Stories Page 10
