Rogue's Hollow

by Jan Tilley

  “I was just a little boy, Travis. I didn’t know what to do. He was my gramps and my father figure. I believed every word that he told me. He said that it was tradition to cremate the body and save the ash for the plants. It was vital for our survival and to protect our family.”

  Travis chimed in, “And he was right.”

  Malachi looked at him and shook his head. “I don’t know if he was right or not. I just did what my granddad told me to do.”

  “What did he tell you to do?”

  “He showed me how to work the kiln. We got a blazing fire going and placed Mikey’s body inside. It sizzled when the flames touched his moist skin. I sat mesmerized for hours watching the body burn. Granddad tended to the syrup while I sat on a stump hypnotized by the cremation. I watched it until there was nothing left but ashes and a few bones. Granddad scooped the ash out into a bucket and blessed them. Then he smashed the bones into smithereens and added it to the ash. He thanked Mikey for giving his life so that we might have protection from the evil that lurked in the darkness.

  “It appeared that Mikey Sampson had been running his mouth all over town about what he’d done to Maggie. Fearful that he would be caught and thrown in jail, it was rumored that he ran away that day and was never heard from again. Granddad and I never spoke another word of it.”

  Travis tried to console Malachi. “Everything happens for a reason.”

  “It’s still wrong.”

  “I guess it’s all in how you look at it. I see it as a cleansing of evil from the earth. Your granddad provided a valuable service to mankind.”

  Malachi watched Travis pace around, almost in a preaching manner. He became mesmerized by his young friend’s actions and demeanor. But then something snapped him back to reality and Malachi shook his head in confusion. “We need to go now, son. You know my little secret. It’s all out in the open, over and done with. Now, I’m tired and thirsty and ready to head on home.”

  Travis reached into his pocket and pulled out a water bottle. “Here, have a drink of water. It’s a beautiful night out. Relax for a bit. Sit with me a while and enjoy nature.”

  Malachi took a long drink from the bottle. He had no clue that it was laced with angel blessing. He wiped his mouth and then took another big swig before he handed it back to Travis. “Thanks. That hit the spot.” He rubbed his face, trying to make sense of what was going on. “I would really like to go now.”

  Travis paced back and forth. Everything was perfectly clear now. He felt like the universe had unfolded before him and he’d been told all the secrets of the world. “Malachi, they’re not happy with you. They feel that you’ve neglected their traditions and haven’t protected Rogue’s Hollow like you should have. It is your birthright and duty to serve.” He stopped and looked into Malachi’s confused eyes. “They said that the evil is trapped in the mine shaft with them and it’s very angry. It wants to be released where it can reign over us all, but Ambrose and Marcus are sacrificing themselves to stay there and keep it locked away from us. They are protecting us.”

  “This is nonsense, Travis. They’ve been dead for centuries. Are you saying that their ghosts are still in the shaft and they communicate with you?”

  Travis nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. Believe it or not, they are still here. They’re actually disappointed that you never tried to communicate with them. They are your family and only want to help you. They explained the reason why I’m here and how long they have waited for a descendant to return and restore balance to Rogue’s Hollow. They’ve prepared the way for us to continue.”

  Malachi shook his head and held his stomach. “What are you talking about?” He began to feel a bit woozy from the drink.

  Travis leaned against the rock and shoved his hands into his pockets. Nonchalantly, he continued, “It wasn’t me that killed those people after all. It was Marcus. Ambrose stayed behind to guard the entry and Marcus was the one who did it.” He extended his arms to the heavens as he spoke. “His spirit entered me and I was just his puppet. A mere actor in his grand play. He orchestrated the entire event, like the conductor of a great symphony. And it all worked out perfectly.”

  He stepped towards Malachi and smiled. “I was in training I guess. That’s why I blacked out and didn’t feel like it was me at all. Because it wasn’t. It was my great-great-great grandfather guiding my hands, teaching me how to follow their traditions and help rid the hollow of evil. It all makes sense now. I understand my purpose in the big picture.” He smiled at Malachi with a malevolent stare and said, “I’ve finally come home.”

  Malachi was sick to his stomach. He found a small rock nearby and plopped down to rest his mind and body. He held his head in his hands and said, “This is all too much, Travis. You’re confusing me.”

  Travis walked closer to him and handed him the bottle for another drink. He rubbed Malachi’s back and consoled him as he sipped from the bottle. “It all makes perfect sense now, Malachi. Don’t you understand why we were brought together?”

  Malachi wiped his mouth and shook his head. “No, I’m afraid I don’t. I thought we were just good friends.”

  “We are great friends, but this is tradition. This is our legacy. They tried to get you to do it yourself when your wife and son were killed. Horrible tragedy that was, they told me. Marcus said that the man who hit them was injured badly, but not fatally. They held back the fire to give you a chance to do the right thing. They wanted you to avenge your family’s death, but you couldn’t do it. That’s when Marcus realized that you and Ambrose were so much alike.” Travis began to shake his head and laugh. “He couldn’t kill anyone either. Marcus said that Ambrose had a weak stomach. Killing became Marcus’s job and Ambrose just did the cover up work, much like you.”

  Travis smoothed his ruffled hair. “Marcus and I are very much alike. We get the job done with no regrets.” He stood up and extended his arms to the sky. “I feel free. For the first time in my life I know where I stand and what I need to do. It’s tradition. I’m just following our families’ historical footsteps. And it’s not for me, mind you. It’s to keep us all safe. You, me, Roberta and the entire hollow. They’re all depending on us to protect them from the evil.”

  Malachi stood up quickly and the world began to spin. He grabbed Travis’s shoulder, desperately trying to stabilize himself. “Help me, son. I don’t feel well.”

  Travis rushed to his side and grabbed his arm. “I’m here for you, Malachi. I’ll always be here for you. Lean on me. It’ll be okay.”

  Malachi took deep breaths and closed his eyes. Travis was right. It felt good to have him to rely on. The cool night air felt refreshing on his warm skin. He was beginning to get his bearings again. He rubbed his face with his stumpy finger and sighed. “Thank you. I appreciate your support. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  “You can always count on me. We’re family now, Malachi. We’ve only got each other to depend on.”

  “I’m tired, son. Can we go home now?”

  “I was waiting for you to help me finish up with the syrup. I need your expertise.”

  “I wondered what happened. Did you run into a snag?”

  “Yeah, I’m almost done with all the syrup. I’ve just got one more batch to bottle up, but I had a complication at the shack. I knew that you could fix it for me. Let’s head back over there and I’ll show you what I mean.”

  Malachi leaned on Travis for most of the walk through the woods to the sugar shack. Travis had a small pocket flashlight that illuminated the path fairly well. The terrain was rough and Malachi almost fell several times. Travis was right there to catch him.

  The path opened up before them and the ridge glowed in the beautiful moonlight. The cool night air settled on the warm tin roof of the shack and produced a steamy smoky effect. It was breathtaking to look at. Malachi stopped and stood still for a moment, staring at the sight.

  Travis stayed right by his side. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  Malachi
smiled and nodded. “Stunning. It’s like a picture postcard.” He watched the steam rise from the roof and looked up at the full moon. “What a glorious night. Come on, let’s get this done and get home.” He looked over at Travis and noticed how the moonlight shone on his face, illuminating the darkness. All the rough edges were smoothed out in the beautiful glow. He looked so young.

  Travis led the way to the shack. “This batch is done, it just needs bottled. But the wagon’s full so I wasn’t sure where to put the jugs.”

  “Wow. You did a lot of work here today, son. Is there no room left on the wagon at all?”

  Travis motioned. “It’s packed full. Come look, I’ll show you.”

  He led Malachi around back to where the tractor and trailer were parked. “See what I mean? It’s completely packed.”

  Malachi stood with his hands on his hips looking at the overflowing cart. “I can see that. Maybe we can fit a few more on here under this tarp.” Malachi took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed as he flung back the blue plastic. It took him a moment to focus. When he did, he jumped backwards, stumbling over a log and falling hard onto his backside. Convinced that he was seeing things, he rubbed his eyes and shook his head before he looked over again. As Malachi lay on his back on the cold ground, he took deep breaths; finally realizing that it was no mistake...There was a body on the trailer.

  Travis stood calmly beside the wagon, staring at the body, which lay discarded in a twisted heap.

  Malachi sat up slowly and looked at him with wide eyes. “Who is that?”

  Travis glared at him with no emotion. He cocked his head to one side. “Sorry, Malachi, I guess it’s time to stoke up the kiln.”

  “Who is that, Travis?”

  “It’s that asshole, Doug. He came at me out here. I had no choice, Malachi. He attacked me. But, it’s okay because Holly’s death is avenged now. I did it. I found the strength all by myself. Marcus told me that he’s very proud of me.”

  Malachi gasped, sucking in the evening air, trying desperately to comprehend what was happening. He looked at Travis with tears in his eyes and softly said, “You killed your own father?”

  Travis shrugged. “You said it yourself. He wasn’t much of a father. What did you want me to do? He attacked me out here, I was unarmed and all alone. He screamed at me and called me a coward. I yelled back. For the first time ever I stood up to the son of a bitch and it felt great!” He looked into Malachi’s eyes searching for reassurance. “Don’t be mad at me.”

  Malachi wiped a tear from his cheek and whispered, “Travis, this can’t be happening.”

  “It’s already happened. I just need you to help me clean it up. I’ll grab some logs so we can fire up the family kiln.”

  Malachi stood up in shock and slowly rocked back and forth, trying to get his balance. He couldn’t wrap his mind around what was happening. Travis was so nonchalant about the whole thing. He’d just killed his own father and it didn’t seem to mean anything to him.

  Travis placed the logs in the fire pit under the kiln and yelled, “Malachi, come show me how to stack this to make it burn really hot. We need to get this done.”

  Malachi grabbed the tarp and walked over to look at the body. It was mutilated, just as the others were. He was barely able to make out the face and tell who it was, the body was a bloody tortured mess. He carried the tarp over to the kiln and dropped it on the ground. “He was in the store today. I was afraid that he was looking for you.”

  “Well, he found me.” Travis said, almost joyfully.

  “I’m sorry, son. I should have followed him but I didn’t even recognize him until after he was gone. I thought that he’d left. He listened to me talking about making the syrup right here on the grounds. He must have put the pieces together and come searching for you. I’m sorry I didn’t look out for you, Travis.”

  “It’s all good, Malachi. He didn’t hurt me. And like your granddad said, he got what he deserved. It was a long time coming. Now, we just have to turn his evil into precious ash to help protect us.”

  Malachi bent down and began to build the fire. Travis kept bringing him a constant supply of wood and before he knew it, the fire was blazing. Malachi stood up and tested the kiln with a green branch. It sizzled and moaned as the flames licked it. Travis handed him the water bottle and he took a chug. He nodded at Travis and said, “I do believe that we’re ready.”

  Travis backed the tractor up as close to the kiln as he could get. He wrapped the tarp back around the body and slung it up over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. The fire was so hot that it was difficult for Travis to get very close. He came as near as he could stand and tossed the body into the chamber. The smell was horrendous, but it didn’t last for long. The strong night wind dissipated the stench quickly. The flames danced and flared up alongside the body, as though they were somehow drawn to the flesh.

  It took several hours for the remnants to burn down. Travis and Malachi stared at the cremation and watched the body morph into nothing but dust and bones which were brittle and easily crushed. After a short while, there was nothing left but pure precious ash.

  Twenty-Four

  The morning light peeked into Malachi’s room and caught him dreaming again about Mera and Lukas. His eyes slowly creaked open. For a moment it seemed like any other day, like nothing had happened. Maybe last night was all just a bad dream. But, then reality began creeping into his memory and he recalled every detail of the previous night. No, it most definitely was not a dream…

  Malachi was sitting at the table drinking a mug of steaming orange pekoe tea when Travis finally awoke. Sleepily, he meandered into the kitchen. “Morning, Malachi. I’m starving.” He acted nonchalant, as though nothing had happened.

  “Want some scrambled eggs?”

  “Sounds fantastic! What a weekend.”

  Malachi stood up slowly and prepared the egg and milk combination to pour into the hot pan. He looked at Travis, searching for some sign of remorse. There was none. Carefully analyzing him, he asked, “How are you feeling today?”

  Travis happily smiled and replied, “Grand and dandy. It really is perfect out here all alone like this.”

  As Malachi cooked, Travis placed a few drops of angel blessing into his juice glass. Then he put some in Malachi’s tea as well. Marcus had told him that Malachi was too uptight and he needed to relax a bit.

  Travis seemed to inhale the food. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. “Thanks, that was tasty. I’m gonna run into town and pick up some supplies. Do you need anything?”

  “Can’t think of anything off the top of my head. Maybe get another gallon of milk, we’re getting low.”

  “Will do. Be back in a bit.”

  Malachi stood at the door, sipping his tea while he watched Travis drive off in Rosie. He stepped outside into the morning sunshine and glanced around. There was no extra car left behind lingering in the parking lot. He wondered how Doug had gotten there. He must have walked or hitch-hiked.

  The angel blessing began to kick in. Taking a deep breath, all his worries began to drift away and he felt relaxed and carefree. Like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Without hesitation, he began to whistle an old church hymn.

  A beautiful Cardinal in a nearby tree caught his attention. Sipping his tea, he stood quietly and watched the graceful bird. His trance-like state was interrupted when he heard the phone ringing from inside the mill. He rushed back inside to answer it.

  “Hello.”

  “Malachi?”

  “Yes, who’s calling please?”

  “It’s Officer Fischer at the Canal Fulton PD. I had a message to call you. Is everything okay?”

  “Ah, Officer Fischer. Hello!” Malachi paused for a moment deep in thought and then replied. “Yes, officer. Everything is fine. I had a bit of a problem with a shoplifter yesterday, but it all worked out in the end.”

  There was a momentary pause and then Fischer replied, “So everything’s fi
ne now?”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you so much for returning my call.”

  “Well, just let me know if you need anything else, Malachi.”

  “Will do. Have a good day now, Officer Fischer.”

  “You too.”

  Malachi hung up the phone and smiled.

  He turned around as he heard the cowbell on the front door chime. With a warm, friendly voice, he greeted the visitors. “Mornin’ folks. Welcome to the Old Mill General Store, where strangers are just friends we’ve yet to meet...”

  Ode to Rogue’s Hollow

  Take me on down to Rogue’s Hollow

  I’ll meet you at Cry Baby Bridge

  There’s a feeling that’s hard to describe there

  The presence of those who once lived

  A still in the air that will haunt you

  As you stand in the fog on that bridge

  A cry in the night will torment you

  On a full moon, that baby still lives

  Take me on down to Rogue’s Hollow

  The full moon is calling my name

  Candlelight glows at the old witch’s house

  And beckons me on down the lane

  To this hideaway down in the hollow

  So hidden away from the world

  The legends live on ‘til the still light of dawn

  In this strange little part of the world

  The house that drips blood is still standing

  As a monument to the insane

  And on cold nights you still hear the whistle

  Of a never arriving ghost train

  So take me on down to Rogue’s Hollow

  The place where these old legends dwell

  The ghost train is leaving at midnight