Story: Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love: Story One (all chapters)

[Author's notes: This story was formerly known as "Five Families of Gloom"
]

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Introduction

Well, I have not seen you around these parts before. Are you new to town?

Ahhh, I see... We do not get many travellers around Holland-Greystoke much these days. Not after the happenings.

What? You have not heard? I thought that was the reason for your travelling out to this desolate little nothing of a town. This town holds a dismal past and many a traveller used to pass by here, wanting a glimpse at the town that death settled upon all those years ago.

It is true. Death does live in this very hollowed town and I can prove it. How do I know you ask? I’m the head examiner at the old death house down the road. I’m in charge of all the more gruesome of deaths, the only one with the stomach for it. Wait! Where are you off to? Don’t you want to hear my tale? I saw you looking over at Castle Greystoke. You do have your eye on that I presume. I can see it in your eyes. My dear friend, I think you need to join me on this bench here for I have a story to tell you about that esteemed Castle. For you may not wish to continue up there once you hear what I have to tell you. It is a tale of inauspicious incidents, grave consequences and unusual love.

Chapter One - A Cold Autumns Day (Castle Greystoke)

The Greystoke castle stood ominously over the town of Holland-Greystoke. It was an impressive sight to behold. During the day it’s shadow stretching long across the town and on the night of a full moon its towering spires could be seen peeking over the tree tops, silhouetted against brightly lit skies. The town itself was a prosperous little place surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Many unique and talented figures of the late 1800's called this place their home. It was a beautiful place to live and raise a family. There were only a few roads in or out of town, which made it relatively easy for the townsfolk to keep track of everyone’s comings and goings. The town was supported by two powerful Lords that built their mansions in the hills to either side of the town. The Holland family was to the north and the Greystoke family along the watery cliffs to the west. The presence of such high nobility brought many people with full purses. Because of which the townsfolk found it easy to ignore the conflicts that resulted between the two grand households. However, you will not find any evidence of this town on any map or listed in any of the history books, for the world would rather forget the events that transpired there long ago on that cold autumn week.

The town square was busy that afternoon before the shadows befell the land. The sun was full and the winter chill had yet settled upon the land. This made for a good day to window shop and to eat at the many sidewalk cafes that were plentiful around the town square. Not a soul was aware that this would be the last day of sunshine that they would ever see. This abundance of people brought a smile to a young newspaper boy’s face as he prepared for another days work. His skin was pale against the glow of the sun. His oversized brown trousers nearly fell off his nonexistent hips. They would have surely dropped to the ground if his suspenders were to snap. Already one button had gone missing causing the large shirt to constantly come out on one side and no matter how often he tried to keep the shirt tucked in it would slip back out along his journey. This however did not bother the boy one bit. Not even the fact that the bottoms of the pants legs kept dragging upon the ground could wipe the smile off of his face. He fixed his newsboys hat upon his head and pulled his small vest tighter around himself, then raised a paper high in the air and started to shout the headlines in bold clear words.

“Extra! Extra!” He called out over the crowd in a gentle, yet clear, young voice that caused several people to stop and look at him. When he was sure he caught a few eyes he continued to call out the top news of the day, “Holland Butler Knighted by Nincompoops!!! Has the Queen lost her mind!?!” He turned around to let the crowd get a good look at the paper that he held up high. Upon the front cover was a picture of a tall gangly man of who most knew as the Butler of the Holland Mansion, Victor Burnwell. The boy’s smile broadened with delight as several of the passers by got closer, to get a better look at the paper.

“Boy, let me have one of those!” A large man in a business suit declared as he handed the boy a coin before taking the paper from his hand, “This is utter rubbish.” He remarked, looking over the paper, “How could the Queen pick such a person.” He hit the paper with a free hand in frustration.

A woman with a large hat covered in feathers atop her head also dropped some coins into the boy’s hand, “They have to be thoughtless to Knight that man.” She glanced over the paper she was just handed and was startled by what she read, “Lord Holland is planing a party to celebrate! How atrocious! I will need to buy a new gown if I am to go.” She started to search the streets to see if there were any fancy clothes on display.

People suddenly swarmed the boy, each having something to say about the news of the day. Within moments every paper the boy had carried was bought up, leaving him once again to stand alone, yet there with still a grin upon his small freckled face. He patted his pocket, beaming to himself at the sound of the coins. The boss would be proud of him today. He skipped down the street with a jingle in his step, proud of a job well down.

“I’m back, sir!” The boy called out as he approached a paper stand run by a burly man in a white apron, to keep the ink from rubbing off onto his clothes the boy suspected.

“Why Jamie!” The man smiled down at the boy, “You are finished rather quickly. How did my littlest news boy do today?” He asked politely as he stepped out from his stand and knelt down to the child’s height.

“Great!” Jamie pulled out a pocket full of coins and showed to the man her accomplishment, “I sold every last one.”

The man took off his hat and smiled down at the pile of coins, “I have no idea how you do it my boy, but you have earned the most for me since turning up here.” He stated slightly amused by the young boy, “ I’m glad you talked me into letting you work for me.” He admitted and took his hat off and presented it to the boy.

Jamie gave the man a warm smile, “I’m glad you took me in.” He dropped the coins into the man’s hat, “Thank you for trusting me, sir.”

The man took a few of the coins out of the hat and placed them back in the boy’s hands, “Here is your pay and...” He stood up and grabbed another paper; “I have a special job for you.” He handed Jamie the newspaper, “You know where to take it.” He gave the boy a sly smile and ruffled the hat upon his head causing the boy’s short hair to become even more of a mess.

“Yes sir!” Jamie stuffed the coins in one pocket and the paper in the bag, “I’ll take care of it right away, sir.” He turned on his heels and headed west, towards the edge of town.

Jamie trudged up the only road to Castle Greystoke. It was a winding, steep incline; nevertheless Jamie did not mind the trip. Soon the castle started to come into view. It walls were a dark outline against the purples and pinks of the dusk sky. Most of the townsfolk of Holland-Greystoke feared going near the estate, however Jamie was different. He never found anything to fear of the castle, which is why he was given the special job of delivering their paper. Jamie reached the tall iron gates and looked in upon the towering stone structure from afar. The first time Jamie was sent here it was a test to get the job. At the time Jamie was willing to do anything for money. Well, almost anything. He still remembered that first trek up the long mud-covered road and seeing the candlelight windows in the distance, flickering between the branched of that black forest. Instead of fear he was filled with wonderment as he became curious as to what kind of person lived beyond those high walls. Jamie was snapped out of his musing by the sound of someone calling out to him.

“Why Good Evening Jamie!” A guard said with a smile from his post at the gates, “You have the Lord’s paper, do you?” He asked, eyeing the boy’s newspaper bag.

Jamie patted the bag at his side and returned the smile, “That I do, sir.”

“Come right in then.” The guard opened a small wooden door off to the right of the gates, used only by servants and people with deliveries, like Jamie. “Knowing the Lord he will be glad to see you, as always.” The guard affirmed with a nod.

“As I am to see him.” Jamie admitted as he entered the ground. He quickly took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair in an attempt to fix it before placing the hat upon his head once again. Back when Jamie first began to bring the papers to Lord Greystoke he would simply drop the paper off with the guard and leave. Then one day he ran into the Lord himself on his way out. The Lord was so impressed with the boy’s bravery to approach his home that he started to request that the lad hand his paper over to him personally. The guard led Jamie through the garden and up to the front door to the castle. Jamie always found himself marvelling over the sheer size of the structure. Tall windows gave the boy a small glimpse into a world that he would never belong to. This would to be closest he would ever come to a place like this. They mounted a set of large stone stairs that were framed by two large pillars.

“I will see if I can find the Master.” The guard stated, pushing a pair of large red oak doors opened and gave room for the boy to enter the main hall, “You stay right here.” He commanded before he hurried across the hall and through another door, leaving the boy on his own. The hall made the boy feel even smaller then ever. No matter how many times he came to stand inside the main hall he could never take in ever sight. A large staircase rose up in the middle of the room and breached out in two directions connection with a long balcony that swept along both sides of the hall. Its banister was made of the most elaborately carved red oak and spiralled like a snake all around edge of the stairs and balcony. There were more doors than Jamie could count or imagine what could be behind them. Between the doors stood a few hand carved tables with an oval mirror above them, which Jamie figured were so they could check their hair or clothes before leaving. To either side of the tables stood coat racks, several with articles of outdoor wear already hanging upon it. An old trunk was pushed up against the wall under a window, it always caught Jamie’s curiosity but he never dared open the thing for fear he would be banished from this place and never again be able to enter such a marvellous palace.

Abruptly one of the doors at the far end of the hall opened and a medium sized, well-built man dressed in finest looking red smoker’s jacket came into the room with his arms spread out in a greeting. He held a pipe in one hand and a book in the other, “Jamie, my lad, is it that time already?” He exclaimed dropping the book into one of the large pockets of the jacket and pulling out a gold pocket watch to glace upon its face, “How have you been?” He inquired returning the watch to his pocket.

“I am fine, my lord.” Jamie replied and gave a slight bow, “Things have been hectic in the news business today and there is big news.” He pulled out the newspaper from his bag and handed it over to the man who accepted it gratefully.

“Big news you say? I was just about to sit down for a read.” The Lord admitted with a smile and patting the book in his pocket, “So you have good timing, my boy.” He turned the paper over to read the front headline and his smile quickly disappeared.

Jamie’s eyes drifted around the hall. He glanced up to see a young girl about his age standing on the balcony above him. Her long black hair shimmered in the light of the chandelier above them. A long gown as black as night flowed around the girl as she moved along the balcony. It had a high neckline, long sleeve that let only her pale face and hand to be seen. There were elegant strips of lace that ran from the shoulders down the front of the gown. The girl brushed a lock of her hair over her shoulder and smiled down at Jamie in a warm yet playful manner, then pointed to the back of the hall before disappearing into another room. Jamie watched this with amusement. The Greystoke daughter was the real reason for his returns to the castle. Young Lady Maria Greystoke was a fair, kind child with the sweetest of smiles and a set of emerald eyes that had warmed Jamie’s heart the first time they had fallen upon him. Jamie found himself lost in the memories of the girl when the Lord suddenly burst out.

“The outrage!!” The Lord shouted so loudly that Jamie jumped and spun around thinking it was he that the Lord’s angry was aimed at. When he saw the man shaking the paper, his heart slowed slightly, “How could this happen?” He roared in anger, “That man... How...” He seemed to have lost all sense of speech all of a sudden as he paced in the hall, his eyes never leaving the paper.

Jamie decided it might be best not to be around while the lord was enraged like this, “I should be on my way then, sir.” He excused himself with a quick bow.

The Lord turned to Jamie, his rage quickly replaced by his usual warming smile, “Nonsense.” The Lord stated in protest of the boy’s departure, “You look like you have not had a good meal in ages. I am betting you can find something in the kitchen for you.” The man suddenly turned to the guard that still stood by the door they had recently entered through, “I want you to take young Jamie here to find something to eat. Tell them that it is upon my order.” He added a commanding tone to his voice that made the guard stand at attention.

“Yes, my lordship.” The guard walked over to Jamie and placed a hand upon the boy’s shoulder, “Come this way.” He said with a smile as he began to steer the body towards one of the many doors out of the hall.

“Wait!” The Lord called out again causing both guard and boy to stop. He dug in his pocket and knelt by the boy, “This is for your services.” He took the boy’s hand, places a large gold coin upon his palm and closed his small fingers around it, “I hope to see you with my paper first thing tomorrow.” He winked at the boy before returning to his full height.

Jamie nodded gleefully, “Anything, my lord.” He pocketed the coin then followed the guard out of the hall. In all of Jamie’s life he could never imagine anything like this would happen to him. He ran his thumb over the coins cold surface, the feeling of which made his grin broaden and he found he needed to force back a giggle of glee. He was swiftly lead through the many hall of the castle. Even more door passed by as Jamie tried to imagine what rooms could be hidden behind them. They passed a row of paintings that Jamie suspected we of former Lords of Greystoke Castle. Their eyes followed the boy as he tread along behind the guard. He felt he did not belong in such a beautiful place. He was nothing more then a lowly paperboy. This had to be all a dream, but if it was he did not wish to awaken anytime soon. Suddenly Young Lady Maria stepped out from the shadows to block their passage. Jamie was not even aware of her presence until she was standing directly in front of them.

“I will take him from here.” Maria strictly ordered the guard.

“But, Lady Maria, your father ordered me to-“ The guard started to protest when Maria stepped forward. There was a unyieldingness in those green eyes that made the guard back down. She may have been small, but she knew she held authority in this household like everyone else.

“Should you not be watching the front gates?” Maria set her eyes sternly upon the man, “I think there would be more trouble if someone were to arrive and no one was there to let them in.” She stated with a soft smile.

The guard suddenly seemed nervous against the girl’s baring gaze, “Unquestionably, my ladyship. I will see to it now.” The guard turned and looked down at Jamie, “You follow Young Lady Greystoke and do not pester her too much, you hear.” The guard warned and waited for Jamie to nod in agreement before disappearing back down the hall.

The moment the man was gone Maria began to giggle, “That was easier then I thought.” She admitted with another snicker and bright smile.

“You had me worried there, my lady.” Jamie shook his head in dismay, “What if your parents find out?” He looked around the hall making certain that they were alone.

“You worry too much.” Maria leaned close to Jamie and whispered in his ear, “They have yet to discover you are not a boy,” She said with a sly smile and a twinkle in her eyes that made Jamie both nervous and fall more in love with the girl, “so they will not discover about us.” She continued with a twirl and leaned against the far wall.

“I guess, my lady.” Jamie mumbled rubbing the back of her head. Maria spoke the truth. In the past year or so no one had really caught onto Jamie’s little secret. Jamie was actually a young writer who was struggling to make her way until she could write a book worthy of publishing, which was turning out to take longer then she expected. When Jamie first ran away from home to Holland-Greystoke at age thirteen, she quickly found out that she could not get a job as a girl. She soon discovered that by simply cropping her hair very short and wearing baggy cloths she could conceal her gender very easily and passed as a boy for many years. Lord Greystoke was the true test. Jamie was terrified at first that the man would discover her ruse, however he did not seem to suspect a thing. Yet, Maria, on the other had been something different. She was one of the few that had seen through her disguise. Usually Jamie would simply tell the person they are mistaken, however in the case of Maria, Jamie found it hard to lie to the girl when she set those big eyes on her.

Maria took Jamie by the hand, “Come to my room.” She urged, “I’ll have my maid bring some food for you.” She pulled the girl towards a set of stairs that lead into the residential part of the house. This would not be the first time Jamie had been in the presence of Marie, yet it still made her stomach twist in knots with fear that the girl’s parents would find her with the girl.

On Maria’s thirteenth birthday her mother allowed her to select from any of the rooms in the castle. Her choice slightly startled the woman for Maria chose one of the rooms that was meant to be a guest apartment. It was in the far back end of the castle, one of the less travelled areas of the castle so Maria felt more freedom to be herself. The main room was a large lounge with a fireplace; a set of red velvet furniture was set neatly in the middle of the room around a brass table with a glass centre, which was imported from France. A silver tea set was already set out for Maria by her maid only a few moments before. Off to the right was a door that lead to a large bathroom with an ebony bathtub and porcelain washing basin. To the left of the lounge was Maria’s bedroom. In which the girl had filled with all the most illustrious dolls and teddy bears from around the world. Her collection surrounded a large white canopy bed with long draping white curtain that could to drawn closed to block out the world whenever Maria felt like it. Against the far wall from the foot of the bed stood a tall white vanity with oval mirror. A matching wardrobe and dresser took up the rest of the room, each covered with even more dolls and stuffed animals.

Upon entering the lounge Maria dragged Jamie over to one of the sofa and gestured for the girl to sit. Jamie plopped down and immediately began to admire the carvings along the wooden armrest. She traced a finger along the lines marvelling over the craftsmanship. A yesterday she would never thought she would be sitting upon such a luxurious piece of furniture and yet here she was, with a girl so beautiful it was like she stepped out of a dream. Maria crossed the room to a small corner table with a white and gold phone upon it. The phone was only connected to the Castle and could not make out going calls. Her mother claimed to have found out about the invention from one of her colleagues so no one else in town other then the Greystoke’s even had one. She picked up the receiver and waited, “This is Maria.” She spoke into the device, “Would Anita be there perchance?” She paused for a moment then glanced up at Jamie, “Jamie, what would you like to eat?” She asked with a loving tone while she twirled the phone cord around her finger.

Jamie turned around to face the girl, “Anything, my lady. I’m not picky.” She admitted sheepishly. It is hard to be picky when you rarely have enough money for a loaf of bread.

“Okay then.” Maria turned back to the phone, “Oh Hello Anita. I’d like a meal to be brought up to my room for my guest. Whatever is ready will do... Thank you.” She lightly hung up the phone, then returned to Jamie’s side and looked her over, “You know you can drop the formalities while in my room.”

“I’m sorry.” Jamie apologized, “I sometimes forget.”

“Well you do not have to worry in here. Only my personal maid ever enters.” Maria explained then took Jamie’s hand in her’s, “Why don’t you take a bath while we wait?” She invited.

Jamie blushed at the idea of using the same tub that such an elegant young lady, “I couldn’t really.” She protested profusely.

“Now there is no being modest.” Maria crawled across the sofa and over Jamie, “You do not have anything I have not seen before.” She grinned mischievously.

Jamie back into the corner of the couch, “What if your parents do show up?” She asked slightly concerned. For the most part the two of them would only meet in the back garden or out by the lake where they would not be caught together. It was not only the fact that they were both girls that worried Jamie. It was also the fact was that Maria was a noble and Jamie would always be poor failing writer, a paperboy no less. No matter how she looked at it, she could not help to think that things would end in disaster. She shook the evil thoughts from her head. She loved Maria and was not going to let her go easily.

“Now Jamie...” Maria set those deep green eyes on Jamie; “You are not going to make me take off your clothes myself, now are you?” Her grin broadened as she slipped a hand under the untucked part of Jamie’s shirt and along her side.

Jamie found she could not resist once she was entrapped by those eyes, she was even weaker when it come to the girl’s gentle touch, “N... no...” She let out a sigh of defeat and quickly got to her feet, “I’ll go wash up. You wait here, alright?”

“Awww...” Maria pouted sitting up on the couch with her arms crossed, “What fun is that?”

Jamie shook her head, “What am I going to do with you?” She leaned over and kissed the girl ever so lightly on the forehead then again upon the lips. Before she knew what she was doing Maria was unbuttoning Jamie’s shirt and pulling the girl back onto the couch with her.

Maria parted from the kiss and grinned up at the girl, “Are you sure you do not wish for my help?” Her hand slipped down the front of Jamie’s pants causing the girl turn crimson. Maria got to her feet and pulled Jamie to the bathroom by the pant, “I will make sure you are throughly cleaned up.” She said mischievously as she closed the bathroom door behind them.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 2

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Two - Holland Manor

On the northern side of town the Holland Manor was a bustle of activity and delight. Completely unawares of the dark mood that was forming over their quaint little town. Lord Holland, a squatish middle aged man with a thick moustache and beard upon his face, was giddy as a school boy to see his home filled with so many of his fond friends and family. For once in his life he felt as if things would be moving forward again. All the servants had arranged a long table of food and beverages in the main hall. One by one the guest who received notice of the development and came to meet the new Knight in town. Burnwell, the butler, was enjoying his new found attention as nobles from all around the area were arriving to meet and congratulate him on his newly found knighthood.

Lord Holland fixed his top hat upon his head and place a monocle to his left eye while scanning the crowd. Seeing his butler he crossed the main hall and gave Burnwell a hearty pat on the back, “Good going Burnwell!” He congratulated the butler in his deep cheerful voice and took a sip from a tall wine glass, “It’s not every day someone is Knighted around these parts.” He remarked with a smile and glimmer in his eyes.

“It is a great honour indeed, my lord.” Burnwell replied proudly as he straightened his white tie around his neck, “And thank you so much for the party, my lord.” He said with a smile as his dark eyes skimmed over the crowd at all the noble faces there to greet him.

“I should be thanking you for bringing such grand news to this house after so many dark days.” The Lord said spiritedly, “It has been way to long since these halls were filled with laughter.” In fact it had been over fifteen years since the halls heard any sound of cheer. There had been very little time for celebration or parties in the Holland Manor. The death of the Lord’s dear wife hung heavy over the mansion. The fact that she passed away while giving birth to their two adorable twins did not make matters better. Even the presence of the twins could not brighten the atmosphere surrounding their home.

“So true, my lord.” Burnwell agreed heavy heartedly, “I miss those days so dearly.” He wiped at his eye as a tear began to form, “Oh, My lord have you met Charles Langton?” He asked gesturing to a rather gangly androgynous man. The man held a martini glass between two fingers, his black hair was slicked back against his head and he wore stylish black tux upon his body that hugged his body snuggly. “He is an actor from the Westmire Playhouse in the town square.” There was almost a note of pride in the butler’s tone.

“Ahh yes!” The Lord extended a hand to shake the actors long thin fingers, “I saw your enactment of Shakespear’s Macbeth. Who did you play again?” He inquired more trying to create conversation then showing any real interest.

“Please, don’t call it that, my lordship. It is the Scottish play if you will.” Charles corrected the man in a dramatic manner, “And I was lady Macbeth.” He remarked with a sip of his drink.

“Yes yes.” The Lord noted with a nod and fixed his monocle upon his eye, “I think you did a marvellous portrayal of her madness.” He complimented with a genuine laugh.

“Why thank you, my lordship.” The actor took a deep bow.

Holland glanced around the room, his smile suddenly replaced by worry, “Burnwell, have you seen the Twins?” He asked frantically searched the crowd for his adoring little girls. “I asked them to join us, but have yet to see them.”

Burnwell stretched his long neck out to look over the crowd, “I’m sorry, my lord. I do not see hide nor tail of them about.” He too was becoming worrisome. Whenever those girls vanished, horrible things would follow and this was one night that he did not want to be ruined by those girls’ antics.

“You mean those adorable twin little girls dressed all in black, my lordship?” Charles remarked with profound interest, “I thought I saw them going out the front door a bit earlier.” He pointed towards the far doors in which more guests were still entering.

“Where is that Nanny when we need her?” Lord Holland asked in a huff. He spotted his eldest daughter over by the wine table, “I’m sorry, if you excuse my rudeness. I need to attend to a few things.” Holland stated, not letting his eyes off Lilian.

“It was a pleasure and an honour to meet you, my lordship.” Charles said with a flourish and another bow.

“The same.” The lord replied not really paying much attention to the actor as his mind was too busy fretting about his children. He ventured cross the hall in search of Lilian and found she had moved not far from where he last saw, “Lilian? Lilian, have you seen Alison and Alexandria?” He asked with a note of concern that was increasing in distress with ever passing second.

Lilian was about to put a tall glass of white wine to her lips when she stopped and lazily looked around, “I thought I saw Ansurez looking for them a moment ago. They are probably outside playing the maze or getting into trouble again, as always.” Lilian commented indifferently. Lilian had just turned twenty, but it would seem her father was more concerned with the twins then to notice her. She tried to provoke the man by wearing sensual black strapless gowns, like the satin one she wore at that moment. Dresses that showed the world how much of a beautiful woman she was growing up to be. Yet her father seemed to be oblivious to her actions and didn’t even flinch no matter how many men she was on the arm of, “You spoil those two far too much Father. Why not let them be?” She sneered then drained the entire glass and waved it at one of the servant behind the wine table in indication that she needed another refill.

The Lord ignored his daughter’s remarks, “That Nanny is too much at times. I should really try to find another, but no one seemed to understand the children the way she does.” He said still looking around the crowd for some sign of his children or the nanny.

*****

At that moment Gladys was muttering curses under her breath as she found herself venturing down the main road from Holland Manor in search of the twins. Last she had sight of the children they were heading out of the main entrance to the hall and down the road, towards those dreadful hedge mazes.

Gladys Ansurez was hired on as the nanny for the Holland twins even before their birth. Some speculate the true intentions of this woman and her connection in the death of Lady Holland on that dreadful day, however few were willing to speak up for fear of what the woman would do to them. While not inanely evil in any way that people would put their finger on. She just had this way of glaring at people that would make the bravest of men back down and then she would switch back to that loving smile that made so many of the other servants at Holland Manor shutter.

She plodded along the only one road in and out of the grounds in hopes that she would come across the children. The road lead from the main gates to a fountain outside the hall entrance where is circled around to come back towards the gates. The walls of a huge hedge maze stretched the entire length of the road. Topiaries marking the many entrances into maze, each trimmed to the likeness of some mythical creature. Gladys looked up at one of the topiaries causing her black heart to shutter. Gladys prayed that the children would not be playing somewhere within that dreaded maze, but she knew the way those two were drawn to the mysteries of the mazes.

Her mind was forced from her prays by the sound of horses trotting down the road. She turned to see a rather impressive carriage coming here way. Four beautiful white horses pranced along in front of a large white carriage with red curtains that cut out the view of anyone wanting a peek at who could be within. Gladys found she had to quickly move off the road and into the maze or she would have been run down and she had a feeling that the driver would have no animosity of doing so.

The carriage rounded the fountain to come to a stop at the front steps to Holland Manor. A servant rushed over to the carriage to open the door for its patron. A thin man dressed in a white suit, top hat and gloves stepped out of the carriage, then approached the front door. The servant rushed past the man to get the door for him. The man stepped through the foyer and came to an abrupt halt in the entrance to the hall. He turned to the servant and whispered something into the man’s ear then handed him a letter before he sent the servant off with a wave of his hand while he stood patiently at the entrance.

The servant rushed through the crowd until he found Lord Holland and swiftly moved to his side to whisper into the lord ear before handing him the letter. Lord Holland looked up at the man in white with a baffled expression upon his face, however upon opening the letter his expression paled ever so drastically. With haste the Lord searched the crowd, he anxiously bit on his knuckle as he looked for Burnwell. He found the butler standing near the drink table with his daughter and the actor, “Burnwell!!” He called out as he rushed over to the man, pushing his way through the crowd, “Bu-rn-we-ll!!!” This time he added emphasise on each and ever syllable of the man’s name. There was displeasure in the man’s eyes as he shoved a servant out of the way, knocking a tray of hors d'oeuvres and the man to the ground. The Lord paused for only a moment to make sure the man was alright before bolting after Burnwell again.

“My lord this is a marvellous party.” The butler stated with rosy cheeks as his lord appeared out of the crowd, “The best in all of Holland Manor’s years.” He gestured slightly drunkenly.

“We have a problem.” Lord Holland stated in a hushed voice that only Burnwell could hear, “Or rather YOU have a problem. Look near the front entrance. The man in white.” He nodded his head slightly as not to alert others of the man’s appearance.

Burnwell scanned the area and found the man in question, “He looks like a rather elegant gent, my lord.” He waved at the man only to not receive one in return, “How ungentlemanly of him.” Burnwell commented turning his nose up.

“You fool.” The lord spat, “Can you not tell one of the Queen’s royal messengers when you see one?” He asked bluntly, now he seemed to have caught Charles’s attention.

“Is there a problem, my lordship?” The actor asked trying to see what the two men were squabbling over.

“The Queen?” The butler slobbered up quickly and blinked at the lord in confusion, ignoring the actor’s comments entirely, “Do you think I will be knighted by the Queen herself, my lord?” He straightened up to look about, “Is she here? How do I look?” He straightened his jacket and tie in an attempt to to look his best.

Charles helped straighten the butler’s tie, “You look ravishing sir.” He said with a loving smile that made Burnwell restless and knock the actor’s hands away. He glanced over to see a rather displeased look upon his lord’s face.

The Lord grabbed Burnwell by the collar and hauled him away from the actor, “You idiot. He is not here to congratulate you. This is all a mistake.” He shoved the letter into the man’s hands, “Take a look for yourself. You are not being Knighted at all. I should have seen this coming.” Holland stated with a frustrated sigh.

“This can’t be!” Burnwell opened the letter to find only a few lines were written and they simply said this:

“We would never knight a man of such a disgraceful character...
See to it that this farce of a party ends or you will find
yourself as a guest of the tower..
Queen Victoria.”

The butler pulled on his tie as his neck became hot with worry, “This is a joke right?” The butler asked dumbfounded by this turn of events, “I deserve it as much as any other man.”

“That he does.” Charles interjected, trying desperately to defend the butler.

“You stay out of this!” The Lord snapped, “And you...” He turned his angry eyes upon to the butler, “What have you done to deserve such a thing? I cannot believe I allowed myself to be apart of this mockery. How did you come across that summons for knighthood anyway?”

The butler shrugged, “Here and there.” He remarked with a sly grin as he snatched a glass of wine off a passing drink tray and took a sip only to have to taken out of his hands by the lord.

“That is enough out of you.” The Lord demanded in disgust, “You have some explaining to do.” He then mounted the stairs so he could get a better vantage point, “Everyone could I get your attention?” He called out over the crowd. It took only a moment for the murmurs to die down so they could better hear what their Lord had to say, “Thank you...” Lord Holland felt distressed by the multitude of eyes upon him at that moment. “Ummm... I would like to thank you all for joining us on this wonderful autumn night. It has been exceedingly wonderful to see all your faces again after so long a time. It burdens me so to have to tell you all that tonights party must be cancelled.” The air filled with the sounds of moans of disappointment, “I am so very sorry. It would seem there has been a grave misunderstanding and Burnwell is not being Knighted after all.” The moans turned to the sounds of infuriate anger as one by the people started to understand the situation. The lord backed up the stairs as the crowd started to turn to an irate mob, “Burnwell, this is your problem.” The lord stated before rushing up the stairs and out of the hall.

“My lord!?!” Burnwell called out after his master. He turned to find hundreds of furious faces staring up at him, “I... I’m sorry...” Was all he could muster.

“Well, this does not look good in the least bit.” Charles muttered aloud.

“You are not helping!” Burnwell snarled at the actor.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 3

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Three - The Raven's Keep

Night had fallen quickly over Castle Greystoke. Many of the staff had begun to drift off to their rooms as Maria snuck Jamie down to one of the servants entrances, “Are you sure you cannot stay the night?” Maria asked with pleading eyes.

“I’m sorry.” Jamie apologized as she placed her hat upon her head. It was not to say she did not want to stay, she just worried profusely about the lord finding her there in the morning, “I have to work in the morning. I can’t let my boss down and your father wants his paper first thing, so I can’t just miss that or he may get suspicious, now would he not?” She gently stroked the girl’s cheek with the back of her hand, “I’ll be back tomorrow night. I promise.” She declared with a smile and a wink of her eye.

Maria’s eyes dropped to the ground, ashamed that she kept thinking of herself and not Jamie’s safety, “I’m sorry. I just feel so lonely without you.” She admitted timidly.

Jamie’s hand moved to Maria’s chin and raised her head so their eyes met, “As am I.” She admitted with a smile, “I love you.” She softly kissed the girl softly on the lips, then parted and disappeared into the night before Maria opened her eyes.

Maria let out a sigh and touched her lips as she leaned against the frame of the door, “I love you too.” She whispered lovingly into the night air. She stood there for a time taking in the crisp night air and gazing up at the stars with love in her eyes.

“Maria?” Her father’s booming voice suddenly came from behind her. She spun around to see him standing at the door across the hall, “I think we need to have a word together.”

Maria glanced at the path that Jamie had only recently disappeared down and bid the girl a silent prayer that she got out unnoticed.

Jamie slipped passed the night guard through a door in the wall further down the road that Maria showed her long ago. Jamie found if she kept close to the trees along the edge of the road the guard could not see her as she travelled back to town. She almost did not care if she was spotted. She felt like she could walk on air and her heart was with overfilled with love. Noticing that she was far enough down the road to be out of sight of the castle she quickened her pace and ran down the hill back into town. She did not stop until she arrived in the heart of town where she entered a quant little café called The Raven’s Keep. It was a place where many of the town’s artists linger after a not so fruitful day of creating. She wove her way around many tables to a bar that took up the left half of the room. Behind the bar stood a tall woman with brown hair wrapped up in a bun upon the top of her head and a long apron covering an even longer dress that was a rich burgundy colour with white lace trim. The woman looked up from the glass she cleaned to greet Jamie with a pleasant smile.

“Well, if it isn’t our esteemed playwright.” The woman boosted as she set the glass down, “Where have you been young lady.” She playfully scolded. The Raven’s Keep was the only place that Jamie let down her guard about her true self. The company of other artist made her feel more comfortable and she trusted them not to let her secret out. For many of them were the type to bend the bounds of gender like herself.

“Evening Ma’am.” Jamie greeted with an equally bright smile. She pulled out a stole and jump up to sit upon it.

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Victoria?” The woman demanded giving Jamie a stern glare, “You have lived here long enough to remember that.”

Jamie took off her hat and set it on her lap, “I’m sorry it just doesn’t feel right seeing as you are the owner of this place and all, ma’am.” She muttered in embarrassment. The Raven’s Keep served not only as a Café, it was also a home as well as a haunt. The top two floors above the café had been converted into single bedrooms and gave a place for many weary artiste a place to rest their exhaust minds. Jamie had been living here since she left home. Victoria seemed to have no quarrel with her activities or looks and gave Jamie a place to stay out of the rain and toil over her writing. She appeared to be rather keen about the idea of keeping Jamie’s secret and on occasion would playfully tease the girl.

Victoria let out a sigh, “Just because I take your rent doesn’t make me some kind of royalty.” Victoria corrected Jamie, “I told you to think of me as a concerned and overbearing big sister.” She said with a laugh and ruffled the girl’s hair.

“Oh! Which reminds me.” Jamie reached into her pocket and pulled out the gold coin, “Here is my rent, ma’am” She handed the money to Victoria who stared at it in awe.

“My lord, Jamie.” Victoria took the coin from the girl’s hand, “I knew you were mixing with some high class people, but this is unreal.” She watched the way the candle light reflected off the coin in amazement, “You know this is good for half a year’s food and lodging.”

“I guess I have simply impressed the good Lord Greystoke enough, ma’am.” Jamie said with an uncaring shrug, “He is simply a generous man is all. It is his wife you have to look out for.” Jamie stated with a shutter at the memory of the only time she ran into the woman. Lady Clara Greystoke was a tall, elegant woman that held an odd manner to her. Clara was an unusual kind of lady, an eccentric inventor of sorts, always intrigued in the workings of the mind and body as well as a keen interest in unorthodox science. Maria once told Jamie that the woman was known to labour the long nights away in a basement lab. All Jamie knew was that her eyes looked dead and felt like they could pierce her very soul. The woman’s very gaze gave Jamie nightmares from that day forward and she wished to never stumble upon that woman’s path ever again.

Victoria leaned across the counter to look Jamie in the eye, “Is newspaper delivering all you are up too?” She asked fearfully, “Tell me the truth now. They are not doing strange things with you up there, are they?” She interrogated the girl.

“I tell you. I am fine, ma’am.” Jamie stated nervous by the way Victoria stared at her, “I’m seventeen now. I have been on my own for four years now.” She stated clearly, trying hard to not let the woman’s glares affect her, “I can handle myself.”

“I really hope so.” Victoria stood up and looked at the coin again, “Castle Greystoke is not a place for a girl like you to get messed up in. I hope you know what you are doing.” She gave the girl a wry look.

“Is our little Jamie getting herself in trouble?” A rather beautiful young woman with short dark hair and a white strapless gown inquired as she approached the two. Jamie thought the woman looked like she belonged at a ball and not in a dingy café like The Raven’s Keep.

“It is nothing, Elizabeth.” Jamie protested, even more abashed by all the attention she was receiving, “Really, there is no need to worry about me.” She repeated with an irritated sigh.

Elizabeth stepped closer to Jamie and leaned close to her shoulder, “I see.” She said with a smile, “You made love tonight, didn’t you?” She inquired, her smile turning into a wicked grin.

Jamie spun around and gave Beth a wide-eyed look, “I have not!” She violently shook her head in protest.

“Then you are still a virgin?” Elizabeth interrogated, her grin widening the more Jamie squirmed in her seat, “Am I right or am I wrong?” She asked curiously.

“I...” Jamie turned a shade of crimson and buried her face in her arms on the counter.

“Jamie!?!” Victoria gave the girl an appalled look, “Is that how you got this coin?” She held the coin out before the girl’s face, “Please tell me you are not following Elizabeth’s path?” She pleaded with the girl.

Jamie quickly lifted her head, “NO, MA’AM!!!” She cried out in alarm, “It’s not like that. I would never sell myself.”

“What is wrong with being in my business?” Elizabeth asked defensively. Beth was one of the most called for courtesans in the area and she had clients from the grandest of royal courts to men, and women, of the highest social standing, “I am an artist just like the rest of you.” She added feeling rejected by her own friends.

“I would not think they were putting down your profession my sweet.” Said a man in a black suit and white scarf. Bandages covered most of his head leaving only one eye peering out at the women. He also was missing both hands, one was converted to a hook while the other was simply a stub covered in more bandages. He held a canvas tightly under one arm while his paints and pallet were tucked under the other.

“Samuel!” Elizabeth spun around and planted a kiss upon part of the man’s exposed cheek, “Jamie is in love!” She announced gleefully.

Samuel carefully placed the canvas upon the bar, “Good going young lady. Who would the young man be? One of the residence of Raven perhaps?” He inquired.

Jamie’s blush only deepened and Elizabeth responded for her, “Actually knowing our young Jamie I would presume that he would be a she, am I correct?” She said reflectively with a hand upon her chin.

“How did you...?” Jamie raised her head, stunned that Elizabeth would guess her deepest secret.

Elizabeth tapped the side of her temple, “Trust me.” She stated then leaned close to Jamie, “I can smell her on you.” She whispered. Jamie could feel herself overheating and nearly fell off of her stool, “Oops.” Beth grabbed Jamie by the arm before she fell, “Maybe I went too far. Victoria could we have a cold drink here.” She inquired.

“Coming up.” Victoria quickly filled a glass with water handed it over to Beth who took the glass and placed it under the girl’s lips.

“Come on drink up.” Beth coxed as she tipped the glass ever so slightly to get Jamie to drink. Jamie swallowed a few gulps before Beth pulled the glass away, “Are you alright?” She asked concerned for her friend’s well being.

Jamie took a deep breath then glared at Elizabeth, “Do you have to tease me so much?” Jamie snarled at the woman.

Beth stepped back from Jamie, “I am sorry.” She apologized, “You are just so adorable when you blush. I did not know you would faint like that.”

Jamie turned to Victoria, “Ma’am, Do you really think I would sell myself off?” She pleaded, “Do you not believe me?”

Victoria looked at the coin then back to Jamie, “You really got this from Lord Greystoke?” She asked again, “For the paper?” She demanded.

Jamie nodded, “I have been delivering his paper for the past year. I just never told anyone because I knew you would take things the wrong way.” She explained feeling worn out by the interrogation.

“Then who is the girl?” Victoria asked curiously, “Jamie, I need to know. Usually I’m not interested in others activities, but you are different. I worry about you and what if this girl gives your secret away.” She stated with distress in her eyes.

“Maria would never-“ Jamie cupped her hands over her mouth but it was already too late. The cat was out of the bag so to say.

“Young Lady Maria Greystoke?” Samuel asked, shock by this outcome, “I never thought that she would... I mean...” He stammered, “Were the Greystoke’s not trying to find a fiancee for the girl on her sixteenth year?” He remarked aghast.

Elizabeth blinked, also stunned by the news, “Well, I would have never thought it possible. She is such a innocent child. To think she has been sneaking around behind her father’s back like that.” She sat down heavily upon a stool next to Jamie.

Victoria shook her head in dismay, “How long has this been going on for?” She asked even more unsettled then before.

“Only nine months, ma’am.” Jamie bowed her head in shame, “We would meet out back of the castle until today when she took me up to her room.” She explained uncomfortably.

Elizabeth rubbed her face with her hand then turned to Jamie, “Listen love.” She always called Jamie ‘love’ when she was giving her on of those serious talks, “Maria is a noble and you are a newsboy. You live in two different worlds. It will never work out. She will find a man and toss you out like the trash.” She stated with a disappointed sigh, “It just won’t work out.”

Jamie jumped to her feet, “She will not!” She cried out. It was not like she had not thought about that before. Many times she found herself laying sleeplessly in bed worrying about what might become of her love, “You have no idea what Maria is like.” For some reason having Victoria point it out to her made her defensive and angry. She needed to protect Maria from these rumours and in her heart she believed that Maria would not leave her, “She loves me and we will be together. She promised me.” Jamie declared proudly.

“As one of her toy servants maybe.” Samuel stated bluntly.

Beth hit the man in the arm, “Samuel!!” She snapped, but it was already too late. Jamie had already fled up the stair to her room and locked the door behind her. Her sobs could be heard drifting through the floor boards. Elizabeth was about to head up the stairs when Victoria took hold of her arm and shook her head.

“Leave her be.” Victoria stated helplessly, “She needs her space.”

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 4

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Four - Olaf House

Deep in the gloomiest area of the souther woods lived the Olaf family. Though they were large in numbers and lived scattered throughout the land. Long ago they were a prestigious family, one that rivalled all others, now they were forced to hide amongst the trees like rats. It was none of their faults that they were crippled by creditors. A sly salesman had promised to bring them great wealth in a fool proof scheme. The man turned out to be nothing more then a rat in disguise and the Olafs turned out to be the true fools in the end. They were forced out of their homes and set to live in shacks that they could barely afford. The troubles took a large toll on many and strife soon finished the latter off. Leaving only the remaining few still living in obscurity, awaiting their return to high society.

On that solemn night Mrs. Olaf stood upon the pouch of their rickety home, a building that was even older then she and should have been condemned ages ago. She watched the skies as she prepared her plans to take back what her husband lost all those years ago. Now with him long buried she had become known as a murderous matriarch, brutal in ways of dealing with those in the family that step out of line. She was a malicious old woman with a black heart. Her hair was always pulled back in a tight bun at the back of her head and held in place by a pair of knitting needles. Her black mourning gown was cut to mid forearm showing her long wrinkled arms and hands to the world. a lace neckline hugged tightly around her thin neck, only her long withered face to be seen. Thought lines creased her brow as she squinted at the stars, reading them for some hint of the coming day. She was an old gypsy of sorts and knew a lot about the arcane arts and fortune telling. Tonight the stars seemed worrisome and their patterns intrigued the old woman.

“Auntie?” A child’s voice broke through the old woman’s musing, “Is everything alright?” A small girl of merely thirteen years looked up at the woman with curious concern in her eyes. Her hair pulled to either side in pig tails and an oversized dress covering her frail body. A large blood hound stood at the girl’s side also watching the woman.

The old dam turned her deep sunken eyes upon the child, “The stars tell me that a great evil is about to befall our lands.” She simply remarked.

The child looked up at the stars and tilted her head curiously at them, “They do? Are you going to help stop them, Auntie?” She asked with huge pleading eyes.

The old woman’s laugher filled the empty woods causing many crows to scatter to the air, “My dear Alice, your innocence is so reassuring at times.” She pointed up at the sky, “This evil is what we have been awaiting all this time. It will free us from our bounds and raise us back up to the height of nobility.” She hissed, “It just needs a little help along the way.”

“Will me and Macbeth get to play too?” Alice asked patting the dog on the head.

“We will all get to play soon enough my child.” Mrs. Olaf rung her hands together greedily as she glazed across the yard towards the twinkling lights of town then down upon the child’s curious face again, “I have just the job for you.” She touched Alice’s little button nose with one of her long nailed causing the girl to wiggle it, “Come with me.” She signalled for the girl to follow as the old dam opened the door to the house with the girl and dog following.

The door creaked in protest of being moved, its hinges long in need of repair. Inside was a single large room that served as a kitchen, dining area and den. The old woman walked across the room, her foot falls echoed upon the old floor boards, under which she had buried her old husband. A toothy smile played across her face every time she tread over the man’s shallow grave. She only wished that she had killed the man earlier. She pulled out a chair from around the old table and placed it next to the fireplace at the far wall, where a large black caldron hung over a roaring fire.

“What is that?” Alice asked plugging her nose from the smell that emitted as the woman lifted the lid off the caldron with a mittened hand. Macbeth sniffed at the air then yelped as if in pain and ran out of the room to lie upon the patio once again.

“A special something for our noble friends.” The old dam chuckled softly as she stirred her brew with a large wooden spoon, and then stood up to look upon the many jars that were set along the fireplace mantel. She grabbed jar filled with a brown powder and sprinkled a pinch into the caldron, “That should do it.” She exclaimed with hideous glee.

“That should do what?” A voice asked from the door. A rugged man with a large scruffy black beard covering his full face and a corncob pipe sticking out of his mouth stepped into the house, “I’m sorry to intrude, but your door was open.” He carefully closed the door behind him.

The woman turned to look at the man, “It is about time you arrived, Henry.” She stated coldly as she pulled an empty jar off the mantle, “The day is at hand and I have a job for you.” She spooned a large scoop of deep green goo from the caldron into the jar until it was filled to the brim and screwed the lid on tight.

“I’m sorry, ma’am.” The handyman apologized, “I was busy in town. There is a rather agitated mood to the folks today.” He explained taking off his fisherman’s hat, “Made my job rather difficult.”

“Well, the days of working for others are about to end.” Mrs. Olaf stated as she filled yet another jar of the brew, “Alice, dear?” She called the girl to her side, “I want you to do something for your Auntie.”

“What?” The girl’s eyes glimmered with excitement.

The old woman patted the girl on the head, “I love that eagerness of yours.” She said with a warm smile, “I want you to take this to the Holland Manor and break it upon the building walls. Can you do that for me?” She asked politely.

“What is it?” She asked curiously looked at the jar in the woman’s hands. She was almost certain she saw something swimming amongst the foggy green substance in the jar.

“A gift.” Mrs. Olaf explained gently, “Now I want you to be careful not to drop it.” She picked up a basket from under the table, placed both jars carefully within before handing it to the girl, “Also, could you take your low some cousin Cecil with you?” She asked politely, “He broke three of my best plates and I really do not wish to see the likes of him for a while.” She added in distaste.

Alice nodded in understanding, “I think I saw him near the bog. I’ll go find him.” She took the basket in hand and skipped out the door, “Ceeeeccciiilllll!!!!” She called out for the boy.

Henry Basset watched the girl’s peculiarity, “What was that all about just now, ma’am?” He asked feeling left out.

The old woman was filling yet another jar, “Just a concoction I’ve created to spice things up in town a little.” Mrs. Olaf stated as she placed another jars gentle into another basket, “Is Lady Greystoke still planning renovations of the castle tomorrow?” She asked and gave him a smile that set a shiver through his spine.

“Y... yes, ma’am.” Henry answered nervously, “and I joined the work crew just as you asked too.”

The old woman’s grin broadened, “Good, good.” She picked up the basket and handed it over to the man, “Tomorrow Lady Greystoke will be in for a surprise.” She stated with a light chuckle. “Come pick me up first thing in the morning. You will find your pay in the basket. Do not be late.” She demanded.

“Ah... Alright...” Henry anxiously stammered and scratched his head, “Whatever you say ma’am.” He quickly left the house. Not sure if he should ask anymore questions.

****

“Cecil, Where are you?” Alice snarled in annoyance as the branches of yet another bush tugged upon the hem of her dress. Her innocent demeanor all but faded now that she was out of the earshot of her Aunt, “What does he find so compelling about this hellish brush?” She struggled with her garment getting increasingly frustrated, “Let me go!” She hissed and with one final tug the twig broke free causing the girl to stumble backwards and nearly trip over something. She managed to hold tight onto the basket as she regained her balance.

“Hey!” A young boy of maybe fourteen years got to his feet, “Watch where you are goin’?” He snapped as he spun around to face the intruder to his domain. His eyes widened in shock as they fell upon his younger cousin, “Alice, what are you doing out here?” He asked in surprise to see the girl so deep in the forest at night.

To say the girl disliked the boy would be a large understatement. She glared menacingly at the boy, glancing at his muddy trouser and torn shirt in disgust. Alice took a deep breath to calm her, “Our aunt wants you to come to town with me.” She stated with a sigh, loathing the idea of being with her filthy cousin.

“Why?” Cecil asked, scratching his head in dismay.

Alice shook her head and tried to cover her disdain, “Why can’t you be more a gentleman for once. Are you just going to let a young lady go to town alone after dark?” She posed.

“What lady?” Cecil inquired looking around the woods.

Alice clenched her teeth, “Me, you fool!” She announced now seething with anger, “Fine, I’ll just have to explain to our Aunt why I was forced to go on my own.” She turned with a twirl and started towards town.

Cecil stood watching the girl push her way through the trees. He milled over his options weighing both outcomes. While he did not really care what happened to his cousin he feared the wrath of his Aunt even more. As Alice began to disappear into the shadows the decision became very apparent and he started after the girl, “Wait!” The boy called out after his cousin, “I’ll go with you.”

******

Not far from Holland Manor a large old cemetery stretched out across the land, where many of the towns ancestors lay. Travellers to the hall found themselves venturing closer to this hallowed land of the dead then they would normally dare. There always seemed to be a light fog drifting over the ground making it hard to see anything apart from a few headstones peeking out here and there. On that late night the Holland Twins wove their way through the many headstones. Their black clothes almost making them seem as one with the shadows. They crept sure footed through some of the less travelled areas of the graveyard. All of a sudden the eerie silence was broken by the sounds of giggles in this dead land.

“What have you found, Alison?” One of the girls queried as she jumped a small bush to come to her sister’s side.

“Nothing much Alex.” The other girl announced, “Just an old friend.” She stated pointing at a wooden cross sticking out of the ground. The cross comprised of two pieces of floorboard and had a name carved hastily upon its surface.

Alexandria smiled down at the sight of the cross, “Poor little Amanda. I wonder if she is doing well?”

“Shall we see?” Alison suggested with a wicked grin while holding out a shovel to her sister.

The twin took the tool in hand, “Yes, let’s give the girl a little hello.” She set the spade upon the dirt, placed her foot along the flat and gave a quick shove causing the blade to cut through the soil. It did not take them long before Alexandria hit something other then dirty.

“I think I hit something.” Alexandria stated pulling her shovel out of the dirt.

Alison was the first to drop to the ground to dig at the soil with her bare hands, “I found her!” She called out in excitement as she uncovered a socked foot.

“I thought for sure that we buried her deeper then this.” Alexandria uttered slightly distressed, “Good thing a wolf did not find her.”

“A wolf!” Alison’s eyes brightened with glee at the idea, “She could have been torn to shreds.” A small giggle emitted from her lips.

Alexandria shook her head at her sister, “You and your fascination with animals.” At that moment Alexandria thought she heard a sound from behind her, “Someone is coming!” She exclaimed anxiously as she ducked low to the ground, “Bloody hell this is not good. We can’t be caught here.”

Alison peeked her head out of the shallow grave, “It is perfect.” She said with a malicious glint in her eye. She caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of her vision, “To your left.” She whispered. She pulled a small dagger from the sash around her waist, then leapt out of the hole and darted between the stone with her sister moving with equal stealth right behind her. Within seconds Alison found her prey and was upon them. She sprung out of the shadows swiftly and her knife found her victim’s throat with ease. She jabbed the blade deep into the person’s neck and grinned in delight at the sight of the crimson that covered her hands. She pulled the blade free and ducked out of the way as her sister sprung from her hiding spot. Alexandria brought her shove hard across the person’s face with enough force to cause the person to fall backwards into someone else and send the lot of them tumbling to the ground.

“Cecil!?!” A voice screamed out. The twins stepped forwards to face their new prey to find Alice struggling from beneath her cousin.

“Evening Alice!” Alison merrily greeted the girl while wiping the blood off her knife with her dress.

“Alice, it has been so long!” Alexandria exclaimed in excitement, “Where have you been?” She asked, offering a helping hand to the girl.

“Hi Lady Alison, Lady Alexandria.” Alice greeted the girls in a bit of a daze then blinked at her dying cousin and let out a sigh, “Stupid boy.” She freed herself from under the boy, took Alexandria’s hand pulled herself to her feet. She took on more look at her cousin and shook her head at the sight of him.

There was a bloody smear where his nose used to be and an awful gash in the side of his neck, which was spewing blood. Alice felt it made quite an improvement to his rather ungodly face. He clenched at his throat as he choked on his own blood. He reached out his other hand towards Alice, “Agg...lic...sss” He stuttered with his dying breath.

Alison looked down at the boy and cupped her hands over her mouth “I’m sorry...Was... he someone special to you?” She inquired, slightly doubtful of her actions, but not entirely.

“No, Lady Alison.” Alice answered bluntly shaking her head, “Just my foolish cousin. I told him not to investigate those sounds. I knew it had to be the two of you.” She stated still watching the boy’s blood spill out over the ground. She then turned to the twin. “What were you up? Burying someone?” She asked as she eagerly looked over Alison’s shoulders.

“Just checking on someone.” Alexandria stated nonchalantly, “What about you? Out for a nightly killing?”

Alice let out a disappointed sigh, “No, Lady Alexandria. Unfortunately I was on an errand for my Aunt.” Alice explained, she suddenly became aware that she was no longer holding the basket, “Oh no! Where did the basket go?” She searched around her cousin to find the basket had fallen to the ground not far from his head and the jars smashed upon a headstone. The brew completely absorbed into the earthen soil, “Oh no! Auntie is going to kill me!”

Alison looked down at the shards of glass, “What was in the jar?” She asked curiously.

Alice spun around to face Alison, her face distraught with worry, “It is a potion my Aunt made for your family, Lady Alison. This is horrible.”

Alexandria stabbed the end of her shovel into the ground and set her hand upon the end, “There is nothing we can do now, however we should do something about him.” She nodded towards Cecil.

Alison clapped her hand together with glee, “We can put him with Amanda. They will not be lonely that way.” She stated with a giggle.

Alex scratched her head, “You are something else you know that.” She remarked uneasy about her sisters increasing peculiar nature, “I will never understand you. Even with you being my twin. Well, let us get a move on then.” She stepped over to the dead boy and grabbed him by a foot, “Someone willing to help me here?” She pleaded.

“I’ll dig the hole bigger!” Alison exclaimed, grabbing the shovel from where her sister’s had planted it and skipping ahead.

“I guess that leaves me.” Alice said with a sigh as she reluctantly grabbed a hold of her cousin’s leg and prepared to heave, “You know there is a better way to dispose of him then burying him here, Lady Alexandria” She commented.

“Burring him is out of the question.” Alex returned cooly, “We do not want to attract to much attention so close to my home, now do we?” She inquired giving the girl a knowing glance.

“Darn.” Alice responded dismally. She enjoyed the way the flames crawled across a human body, but she knew that Alexandria was right. Alex had been the brain of the group of little killers since they first met three years ago. Seeing as the twins were years older then Alice she respected their decisions when it came to who to kill and how to dispose of the evidence. She was just glad that they allowed her to be part of the fun. She found herself glancing over at her friend as they dragged her cousin’s body through the graveyard. A blush came across her face as she realized she was staring at the girl when Alison’s screams shattered the silence of the graveyard. Both girls dropped what they were doing to run to Alison’s side. They found the girl standing before the shallow grave that only moments before they had been digging. She was pale white and shaking violently.

“What is wrong?” Alexandria asked, distressed by the look of fear that was etched across her sister’s face, “You look as if you have seen a ghost.”

“I... h.. have...” Alison shakily said and pointed at the bottom of the hole in front of them that which now stood emptiness. Were before lay the body of Amanda were now only signs of a person clawing at the edge of the pit and muddy foot prints could be seen leaving the hole. Alexandria and Alice exchanged fear filled glances as they wondered what could have happened to the body.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 5

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Five - The Circus has Arrived

“Please tell me that is the last of them?” Burnwell requested as he closed the door behind the Queen’s massager, who made certain that the party did come to an end. The butler leaned against the door, weary from the night’s endeavours.

Charles closed another door behind himself as he reentered the main hall, “I checked everywhere. There seems to be no one left aside from us.” He proclaimed happily.

“It is about time.” Lilian remarked sipping another drink, “I am glad that man left. His stares were getting unnerving.” She stated with a shutter, and then looked at the scuff marks on the floor and garbage all around, “Father is not going to be pleased with this mess.” She proclaimed.

Burnwell dropped into a chair against the wall, “This is such a disaster. If I ever find out who told the Queen I would have their head.” He said with a shake of his fist in fury.

Charles approached the man and stepped up to his side, “Everything will find a way to work out. He said as he started to massage the back of the man’s neck, “You will see.”

Burnwell batted the actor’s hand away, “Will you quit that?” He demanded sternly.

“Yes, please.” Lilian added while filling another drink, “I do not need to see you two being love dovey around me.” She remarked then emptied her glass, “What would father think if he knew about the two of you?” She asked pointing the glass at the two men.

“He will not know about us.” Burnwell announced, “Because there is no ‘us’.” He stated in an irritated tone

“What do you mean?” Charles inquired startled by the butler’s sudden outburst, “You promised me that we would be together forever.”

Burnwell stood to his feet and turned his angry eyes on the actor, “That was before you stepped out of line. What was that you were doing with the Lord? I thought I told you not to speak unless I told you too?” He declared angrily.

“I was just trying to help.” Charles explained sheepishly, “I did not think you would mind.”

“You have helped too much.” Burnwell vented in frustration, “Get out and I do not want to see you around here again.” He announced and pointed at the door.

“Now Burnwell.” Lilian cooed as she crossed the room, “Is that any way to treat an respected actor?” She asked calmly.

“I do not care any more.” The butler announced angrily, “I do not want to see his face ever again.”

“But...” Charles protested.

“No buts! OUT!” Burnwell stomped his foot upon the ground with such force that even a few of the servants jumped.

Charles lowered his head and dragged his feet as he did as he was ordered. He only stopped for one last moment to get another look at the man he loved before opening the door and vanishing into the night.

Lilian shook her head in distaste, “Did you really need to do that?” She asked, feeling sorry for Charles, “It is not like he did anything wrong. He was only trying to be there for you.”

Burnwell let out a distressed sigh, “I know, my lady. I know. I just cannot deal with him right now.” He rubbed his temple.

“Then why don’t you go out for a breath of air while the other servants clean up this mess.” Lilian suggested, giving the man a pat on the shoulder

“You are a kind young lady, my lady.” Burnwell touched Lilian’s hand and took a deep breath, “Maybe I will get some air.” He turned to one of the maids, “I want to see this room clean by the time I return, is that clear?” He commanded.

“Yes Sir!” The maid ran off to fetch some help.

Burnwell nodded in satisfaction, he did enjoy being the head butler. When he was sure the other servants were busy cleaning up he headed to the back of the hall and through the doors to the main dinning area. At the back of the room he found a pair of doors and stepped out into the garden. He took another deep breath, allowing the night air to fill his lungs and released it.

He looked around and he decided that a walk down by the lake was a suitable venture. He walked the many garden paths until he came across a wide sprawling lake. The pale moonlight glimmered off ripples on the water like stars upon its black surface. A smile played across the old butler’s face as he realized how right Lilian was. The crisp air seemed to clear his mind and he was beginning to regret sending Charles away so quickly. It would have been nice to sit upon one of the benches along the lake and watch the stars with him.

Burnwell drifted over thoughts and memories when something on the lake caught his eye. It was a tiny boat with a small round man with no neck in a suit and rather tall top hat standing near the stern. As the boat grew closer Burnwell noticed that the man was rather well dressed in his french cuffs, wing tipped collar and white gloves. He even has a long black cane with a crystal ball on the end gripped between his hands. The end of the can was planted firmly planted between his feet and he did not seem to move as the boat drifted along. Peculiarly the butler watched as the man stood still as a statue, a bright smile upon his face and his eyes never leaving Burnwell.

“Good evening my fellow man.” The man suddenly came to life and called out across the lake at Burnwell, “Would you perchance be able to give me a hand?” He asked politely.

“What are you doing out there, sir?” Burnwell inquired taking in account that the man truly was alone on the boat.

“I was setting up camp for my circus when I got caught a drift.” The man explained as he knelt over and picked up a bit of rope, “Could you be so kind as to catch this and pull me ashore?”

“Ummm... sure... one moment, sir...” Burnwell ran down the embankment to the water’s edge and prepared himself, “Alright then!” He called out.

“There you go!” The little man tossed the rope high into the air causing the butler to have to stretch a bit to catch it. If it were not for his long arms, he might have fallen into the lake with the rope. Quickly, Burnwell pulled the tiny boat to shore and tied the rope to a tree, “Thank you my good man.” The mysterious man said with a hint of amusement in his tone.

Burnwell rushed to the side of the craft and helped the man to dry land, “How long have you been adrift out there, sir?” He asked taking a look in the boat to see it was empty, “You seem to have no oars or anything.”

“Not long.” The man admitted stepping onto the shore, “The current seems rather strong. I drifted right across the lake in no time.” He gave a short chuckle, “You can see my circus tent over there.” He pointed with his cane across the waters at a set of bright lights that the butler was almost certain was not there a moment before, “The name is Morbius Mobray, I am the ringmaster of the Morbray’s Circus of Morbid Curiosities.” He took a swift bow, then magically produced a pair of tickets and handed them to the butler, “A gift for your services. Two free entrance to my circus if you wish. Mister...ummm... what was your name?” He inquired pulling the tickets back just as Burnwell was about them.

“Burnwell, sir.” The butler stated, “Victor Burnwell.” He took his eyes off the tickets for a moment to look at the circus lights across the way again. He seemed to be in a daze and it felt as if the lights were calling out to him.

“Well, Mr. Burnwell.” Mobray gave the man another smile, “Why don’t you accompany me to the other side and I can show you all the wonders my world can offer.” He held the tickets out to the butler once again who took them in his hand. The moment Burnwell had the tickets Mobray’s face contorted into something sinister. The butler did not seem to notice this as he followed the ringmaster back into the boat and the two of them drifted back across the river.

******

Maria and her father tread along cliffs, high above the lake. They had been walking many of the winding paths through the forest, not saying so much as a word to each other. Each was awaiting the other to speak first. Slowly they approached a small peninsula that jutted out over the cliff and they stepped out to the edge to get a better look at the scenery below them. This was Maria’s favourite spot to visit when the night skis where clear, like that very one that night. There were no trees anywhere near the cliffs edge so one could see all across the land. She ran out to the edge to look up upon the moon overhead wishing that Jamie could be by her side at that moment. Abruptly Lord Greystoke broke the silence.

He took a deep unsettling breath and let it out, “Maria, my child.” He said while looking up at the night sky with his hand crossed behind his back. His voice held a tone of disappointment that made Maria’s spirits dwindle, “I have been told of some rather unsettling news.”

“What, father?” Maria tried to hide the nervousness that had been building up inside of her since her father asked for her to come with him.

“I do not like to listen to rumours from servants, however this information was rather upsetting to me.” He stated with yet another sigh and a shake of his head as he closed his eyes and lowered his head.

Maria’s eyes darted about. Could it be that he had found out about Jamie’s secret? Was he there when she bid Maria a good night? She was uncertain, “You know the maids... They tend to make things up to keep themselves entertained.” She declared finding it increasingly difficult to hide her anxiety. Her maid has not looked to please when she found the two of them making out on the couch. Could Anita have told on her? The maid was just an experiment when she was younger. She never thought the girl would become so vindictive. She nibbled on the inside of her lip trying hard to think of a way to explain things away if that was what he brought her out to talk about.

“Is that all it is?” The Lord mused, “They are saying you are seeing someone, a commoner boy. Is this true?” He turned to set his old tired eyes on the girl. There was intense sadness in those eyes. Maria could tell that her father did not want to believe what he had heard, however it was understandable why he would be worried. She had turned down every noble’s invite to date her and the idea of her falling for a commoner would be rather distressing. He at the very least did not know about Jamie and she hoped that he never suspected her either

Maria let out a slight sigh of relief, “Father, don’t be silly.” She gave the man a sincere smile, “You know I’m waiting for until the right noble to come along. Would you believe some servants over me?” She asked, frightened of the answer that might follow.

The Lord also let out a sigh of relief, “I am glad to hear that. I trust your words. I just wanted to hear it from your lips was all.” He stated with a hearty laugh, “I was told you were sleeping with the paperboy, Jamie. I figured it for just a simple rumour, however one of the maids was rather insistent about you taking the lad up to your room.” He laughter echoed off the hills, “To think, you and Jamie. That would be something else.”

Maria forced herself to smile, “The paperboy? He is so scrawny and dirty. Why would I spend time with him?” She fibbed. Maria planned to have a word with Anita the moment she returned. The sound of rustling from the bushes startled her out of her thoughts, “Who is there?” She called out as she spun around to face her stalker.

Greystoke turned around to see what had attracted his daughters attention, “Is something the matter my dear?” He asked searching the woods. Suddenly a pair of small shadows darted out from their hiding place. They both drove hard into the Lord and Young Lady causing the two of them to topple over the edge of the cliff and fall to the rocks below. With a giggle the shadows quickly faded into the woods without leaving a sign that they ever existed.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 6

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Six - Death is among us

News of Lord Greystoke and Young Lady Maria’s death swept across town like a wild fire. Fishermen early in the morning had discovered the bodies caught up in their nets. Before Jamie arose the word of their death had already crossed the lips of almost everyone in town. Jamie, however, walked down the street unaware of the tragic end to her lover’s life. She skipped along the edge of the cobblestone road, oblivious to the whispers of passers by. Her night was filled with dreams of Maria and plans to take the girl down to the lake later in the day for a picnic by the water’s edge.

“Why Jamie have you heard the news?” Her boss called out as the girl as she hopped up to the news stand.

“What news, sir?” She asked tilting her head in curiosity.

“Lord Greystoke and his daughter were killed late last night.” He stated handing the girl a new paper off the pile.

Jamie shakily took the paper and glanced upon the headline that read, “Great Lord and Young Lady Mourned.” Her skin paled more then usual as she skimmed the article in disbelief, “H... how... how is this possible?” She felt dizzy and faint, “I just... saw them last night...” She explained licking her lips nervously.

“Are you Jamie Eadwolf?” A voice demanded from behind the girl.

Jamie turned around to find two police officers standing before her, “Y...yes... sir...” She answered in a thin small voice.

“Will you come with us?” One of the officers offered a hand to the girl.

Jamie looked at the hand. Her mind was muddled and having trouble comprehending what was going on. Her boss stepped forward, “Now see here. Jamie is just a young lad. What is this about?”

“This lad was the last to see the Greystoke family alive.” One of the officers explained, “We just want a word with him to see if he knows who could have wanted to kill them.” He assured the shopkeeper.

Jamie knees suddenly gave way and she clenched at her stomach as she felt like she was about to throw up, “This can’t be happening.” Tears over filled her eyes, “They can’t be dead. She can’t...” She let out a deep sob as grief set in.

At the other side of the stand old woman Olaf gleefully read the headline, then looked up at the dark clouds that were forming overhead. Things were going just as she perceived.

*****

Unbeknownst to Jamie, Professor Clara Greystoke also had Maria on her mind that gloomy morning. Clara paced apprehensively in the main hall of the castle. She was almost certain that it must have been one of the servants that had taken her family from her in such a grim manner. She had fired all but a very few of the servants, leaving only those chosen few that she trusted. The rest were told to leave and never come back again. The silence of the empty castle was beginning to get to her when she heard a knocking at the door. She rushed to the door and opened it quickly.

“Evening Professor Greystoke.” A tired old man said as he took a flat brown off his head and bowed.

“Ah! Mr. Coch, you are just on time.” Clara opened the door fully and ushered the man into out of the cold air, “Come right in.”

“Why thank you ma’am.” Ernest said with an appreciative smile, “I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Your letter did say it was urgent so I rushed right on over.” He anxiously crumbled up his hat in his hands as he spoke and his eyes wandered the illustrious main hall. Ernest F. Coch was a caretaker for the town’s cemeteries. He had come across rough times in the grave digging business, as such he put his services up for bid and for the right place he was willing to do just about anything. As long as it had to do with cemeteries, that is.

“Yes, I did.” Clara nodded in appreciation of the gravediggers hasty arrival, “I have contracted some men to help me build a new extension to the west wing.” She began to say.

“I’m sorry, ma’am.” Ernest interrupted and scratching the back of his head, “I ain’t no good with tools other then a shovel.” He explained modestly

“Which is why I called for you.” Clara stated trying hard not to get irritated with the man, “I have a job for you and will pay you dearly for it. You have keys to the dead house, do you not?” She inquired eagerly.

“Yes ma’am.” Ernest gave the woman a peculiar look. The dead house was where they kept the dead before they were to be buried. One of Ernest’s jobs was attending to the dead burial, sizing them up so the plot was large enough to hold the body, “What would you want with that place?” He asked with much interest.

*****

It was midafternoon before Jamie was release from the police house. She felt exhausted from all the interrogation. Again she glanced down at the paper to read the headline, as she had several times before during the interview. She already memorized every word of the article and glancing at it made tears brim in the corners of her eyes once again. She wiped at the tears in a vain attempt to conceal the pain she was feeling inside.

Mournfully she turned away from the police house too start the long trek back to The Raven’s Keep and her bed. She stuffed the newspaper into her bag and jammed her hands into her pockets, keeping her head low as so no one could get a look at her red swollen eyes. She could feel the eyes of every person on the street crawling over her. Several people tried to give Jamie their condolence as she passed on by. It would seem that rumours of her involvement with Lady Marie had spread quickly and several of the aristocrats turned their noses up at the girl while friends bid her a kind word. She ignored all of this as she travelled the winding streets of town. Not so much as giving a sideways glance until she across a little book shop. She had been inside the store many a time over the years in search of inspiration in the books that lined the wall, however this time it felt as if there was something behind the window display that was calling her. Her eyes fell upon a small red book with no title upon its cover. Something about the book intrigued her curiosity and she entered the shop to learn more.

An old store keeper smiled upon setting his eyes on Jamie. He looked around to see that the store was empty before he spoke, “Why hello, young lady. Been some time since I last saw the likes of you around here.” The shop keeper greeted the girl with a gleeful smile and a nod, “What can I do for you on this gloomy day?” He asked, noticing the way the girl kept her eyes on the front display.

“That book, sir?” Jamie pointed to the red book, “Could I please see it?” She asked cautiously. For some reason merely asking for the book made her feel restless. Now that she was inside of the shop she was certain that it was calling to her.

“Of course.” The shopkeeper slowly got to his feet. He was as old as many of the book and it showed. He leaned heavily upon his cane as he picked up a ring of keys off the wall with his free hand, “I think that book just came in this morning. I have no clear idea of what it is, but I must say that even I am curious.” He found the key to the front display, opened it and pulled out the book for Jamie, “I cannot even recall why I put the thing in the display like that.” He stated as he handed the book over to the girl.

“Thank you, sir.” She greedily took the book in her hands, it felt warm to the touch. The book was bound with cracked and worn red leather that had aged to the point that bits of cardboard could be seen fraying at the edges. It had no title on the spin or cover and the pages were yellow with the passage of time making the words within hard to read, however Jamie could feel there was something special upon the pages within, “How much is it?” She asked anxiously. For some reason she suddenly felt a need to own the book. What ever its secret were she wanted them for herself.

“I’m not sure.” The store keeper said, scratching the back of his head, “There is no title on the cover and the words have nearly vanished from its pages. I have no idea what it would be worth.” He muttered.

Jamie pulled out all the coins she had from the other days pay, “Will this do, sir?” She held out her hand.

“Now now.” The old man eyed Jamie carefully, “You want that book that badly, do you?” He asked wryly.

Jamie turned the book over in her hands. As she did, she could feel the warmth move through her fingertips. She then looked up at the man and nodded her head vigorously, “Sir, please sell it to me.” She asked holding the coins out before him.

The shop keeper laughed and pushed her hand away, “You are a cute kid.” He declared, “You can keep it. No charge.” She said with a chuckle.

“I could not do that, sir.” Jamie protested, “Here take this at the very least.” She took the largest coin from her hand and gave it to the man.

“If you insist.” He stated taking the coin from the girl, “Enjoy your book.” He said as he watched Jamie happily turn on her heels and leave the store with not so much as a goodbye. She stuffed the book in her back pocket and started on her way towards home once again.

By the time she arrived at The Raven’s Keep the sky was filled with menacing black clouds that made is seem more like dusk then mid afternoon. The sight of home made her forget the book as she ran towards the safety of its walls. Jamie entered the café.. Her head never rose to return those that greeted her as she crossed the hard wood floor and plopped heavily upon a bench at a table in the far corner. She rested her head upon her hands and stared at the flicking candle in its red glass jar. Charles spotted the girl and walked over to the table with a sounder in his stride and martini glass between two fingers.

“Well hello there, Jamie my boy.” He said slickly as he sat down across from the girl, “I could not help to notice the long look upon that beautiful face of yours.” He said taking a sip of his drink.

“Oh hi Charles.” Jamie rolled her head in her arms, “Will you stop calling me boy in here? You know how much it bothers me.” She half heartedly snapped.

“I’m sorry dear lady.” Charles corrected himself, “Something must really be bothering you. For you usually take my head off for calling you boy in this place. The writing biz got you down that much has it?” He asked concerned for his artiste friend.

“It would appear I have not suffered enough for my art.” Jamie said with a sorrow filled sigh as she took off her hat and set it upon the table beside her.

“Oh Jamie!!” Elizabeth called out from across the café, she approached the table and stopped the moment her eyes adjusted to the gloomy lighting, “My Jamie you seem like despair has taken a toll on your heart. I heard the bad news. Are you going to be alright?” She asked, her face long with concern for the girl.

“I wish I could just die.” Jamie declared sadly and buried her face in her sleeve, “You were right. It could never be...” She mumbled, “I shall never set my eyes on that beautiful face again. My poor sweet Maria...”

“Oh Jamie...” Elizabeth sat down next to the girl, causing Jamie to scut over on the semi-circular bench that surrounded the table, to give her room. Elizabeth wrapped an arm around Jamie’s shoulders, “I’m so sorry.” She gave the girl a tight hug.

“You don’t mean you had a thing for that child spoiled by nobility?” Charles stated dryly.

“Charles!” Elizabeth shot a glare at the man.

“She loved me.” Jamie said with a heavy sigh, “And now...” Her lip quivered at the image of her love being lowered into a shallow grave entered her mind, “I will forever be alone.”

“Oh dear Jamie.” Beth gave the girl a tight squeeze, “You are the most handsome girl in all of Raven’s Keep.” She remarked waving her arm gesturing at the small crowd of artists that had come to drink that mid afternoon, “It should be easy to find new love around here.”

“I don’t want new love. I want Maria.” Jamie sobbed heavily, “And now I can never see her again.”

“I know how you feel.” Charles stated solemnly, “That boyfriend of mine left me too... and he claimed that he could help my acting career.” He said turning his nose up at the idea.

“Oh, don’t tell me you went out with that butler from the Holland Mansion after all?” Elizabeth inquired in distaste.

Charles finished off his drink and slammed the glass upon the table, “How dare he!” He burst out, “He used me and threw me away like a used feather duster.” He pulled out a handkerchief from his front pocket with a whirl and dabbed at his eyes, “I hear even our dear Hazel was badly betrothed to some noble this past week. He is such a wretched man. It is all so sad.”

“I was wondering what happened to our nudist model.” Elizabeth mused, “I think you both should come with me.” Elizabeth coxed with a sly smile, “I can find you both the finest of men, and women, that will make you forget your worries.” She opened her purse and pulled out a little black book. Many rumours had spread about who could be in that little book of her’s, yet Elizabeth kept every clients name a deep secret that she would go to the grave with.

Jamie put her hand over the book, “Thank you Beth, but I don’t want a one night stand. I want my love.” She said heartbrokenly.

Charles on the other hand was leaning across the table in curiosity, “You wouldn’t know a man that is the strong and controlling type, now would you?” He inquired, gently pulling Jamie’s hand away from the book.

Elizabeth grinned and flipped through the pages, “I think I know just the man for you. He is as noble as they get so you will have to make sure you are not seen, but I do know he is into that kind of thing so...”

Jamie grabbed her hat as she got up from the table and slid past Elizabeth, “I can’t be a part of this.” She said shaking her head in dismay.

“Jamie, where are you going?” Elizabeth asked with a note of concern.

Jamie hung her head low and placed the hat atop her head, again pulling it low over her eyes, “To my room. I need sometime alone.” She stated miserably, then crossed the room to a set of stairs in the far corner.

Jamie mounted the stairs to the second floor where her room was, however, she had no plans to sleep at that moment. She unlocked her room and stumbled through the dimly lite room and found a small oil lamp on a desk and lit it. The room only fit a small mattress and a wee desk. The desk took up the head of the room between the bed and the wall in front of the only window in the room. The bed had seen one to many days of rest which Jamie did not mind for she was more in titled too spend most of her long night tolling over her writting at the desk. Jamie sat upon the small wooden chair that stood before the desk causing it to creek and whin in protest even against even her thin frame. She pulled out the small book from her the back pocket of her trousers and gazed upon its cover.

As she turned it over in her hands, feeling the cover, she trying to find a trace of the title that was once there. It did not take long for her to give up on the title and she opened the book to a segment in the middle. Although the words were faded, she understood what they meant. It was a spell book and right now the passage before her spoke clearly to her heart. Excitedly she ran to her door and made sure that the bolt was locked tight. She overturned her bed to give herself more room and began to recite the passages as if she had read them a hundred times over. Her love would return to her and they would live happily ever after.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 7

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Seven - A Dark Calling

Maria stared at her dead reflection in her vanity mirror as she sat upon the matching plush bench before it. She was paler then she remembered being and her eyes had a glassy quality to them. She picked at a few flaks of mud from her damp dress, “Mother, what happened to me?” She inquired staring at her refection and turning her head to get a better look at the two blots that protruded from the side of her neck. She reached up and poked at one.

“Now Maria...” Clara said with a frustrated sigh. She dropped a new black gown upon the bed, a gown she personally bought for the girl only that morning, “I thought I told you not to play with those.” She crossed the room to stand behind the girl She pulled locks of the girl’s matted hair off her shoulders and stroked her damp head. It had only been hours since Ernest had retrieved the body of her beloved daughter for her. She had given him a large sum of money and a note explaining that she wanted to bury her loved ones in the family mausoleum herself, so the mortician would have no concerns about the girl’s whereabouts. She had been toying with reanimating the dead for a year now, however had only tested it on animals until now. Today she had a reason to test her theories on a living being. Some may have thought operating on her own daughter would be maddening. However, for her, the pain of being alone would have been more then she could bare. Still everything worked out perfectly and her daughter was back in her arms.

“But they feel funny.” Maria complained as she once again turned her head to look at them in the mirror, “And they look ugly. All the boys will tease me.” Her mind turned to Jamie. What will her love think? Does Jamie even know she is alive? She placed a hand upon her heart as her eyes filled with sadness

Sensing her daughter’s pain Clara grabbed a black lace scarf from its place draped over the corner of the mirror. She swiftly wrapped it around the girl’s neck, covering the bolts, and tied it loosely to the side letting the scarf fall over the girl’s shoulder, “There now, is that better?” She asked brightly as she pulled the girl’s hair out from under the scarf. She knelt down beside her daughter and look over the girl’s shoulder at her reflection in the mirror, “You look beautiful, my sweet child. Absolutely beautiful.” Clara kissed the girl on the cheek then picked up a gold brush and started to remove some of the mud from her daughter’s hair. The brush became immediately snagged on a large clump of what Clara at first assumed was more dirt. She leaned close to get a better inspection and picked at it with one of her long nails to find that it was in fact a massive blood clot on the back of the girl’s head. She righted herself quickly and tapped the back of the brush upon her shoulder while thinking, “I think I shall ask Anita to draw some water for you so you can have a bath.” She set the brush down and started to leave the room then turned around to look at her daughter one last time.

Maria looked up at her mother with her cold dead eyes, “What is it mother?” She touched the scarf around her neck, “Is something the matter? Can you see them?” She asked warily, nibbling her bottom lip.

Clara shook her head, “No, no. I’m just glad to have you home.” She gave the girl a quick smile before she left the room and headed down the hall. Along her way she stumbled upon Anita, Maria’s personal Maid, one of the few maids that she had not dismissed. Anita was young girl, about the same again as Maria, that she entrusted to her daughter a few years back and knew that she could still trust. She asked the girl if she could help her daughter with her bath, noting to be careful of the clot and the stitches on her daughter’s head. If the girl made any sign of being disturbed by the notion then Clara was oblivious to it. When the maid agreed, Clara continued her way to the main hall.

Anita stood silently in the middle of the hall watching the head mistress disappear down one of the corridors. Anxiously she turned to look upon the door to Lady Maria’s room. The rumour amongst the other servants was that Lady Greystoke brought the girl back from the dead and now Maria was a hideous monster to behold. This thought made the girl’s heart ache. She was feeling regret for telling the Lord of her Mistresses activities. She had seen Jamie and Maria the other night and was filled with jealousy for the boy. Lady Greystoke had given her to Maria when she was merely thirteen and the maid had grown rather fond of the young mistress.

Thoughts rushed through the young maids head as she cautiously approached the door. She flushed at the memories of the first time she made love to her mistress. She had been nervous about the idea, however Lady Maria was beautiful and rather instant. The young lady and noted on a few occasions about the way Anita would blush when helping her change or bathe, playfully teasing the maid from time to time. It was on one of those days, right after a bath, that Lady Maria first seduced the girl. Lady Maria told the maid that it was just a test. To see if she real loved women over men in every way.

Anita looked up at her mistress’ door and swallowed hard at the thought of Lady Maria’s soft fingers running across her body. She had never felt anything so wonderful in her entire life. She licked her lips nervously and lightly knocked upon the door, “It is Anita, Lady Maria,” The maid’s blush deepened at her own words, Lady Maria insisted from the time they first meet, before Anita was even assigned to her, that Anita refer to her by her first name only. Then a frown crossed her face. She truly thought she was Lady Maria’s until that newspaper boy came along, however now he probably thought Lady Maria was dead and would not be around any longer. Her smile returned at that thought, “I am here to draw your bath.” She called out again and awaited Lady Maria’s call.

“Come in.” Maria’s voice drifted from beyond the door causing the maids heart to flutter.

Anita carefully opened the door and peered into the large shadowy livingroom, the only light was a soft glow caused by the fireplace. All the curtains were drawn tightly closed to not allow a single bit of daylight to enter. It took a moment for the maid’s eyes to adjust to the dimness as she searched the room for her mistress. Finally her eyes fell upon the silhouette of a person standing near the fireplace. The flickering light created a slight radiance around the person, “Lady Maria?” Anita probed as she stepped into the room a slight bit more to see that the person’s back was to her.

“Anita, my sweet, sweet, Anita.” Maria voice drifted across the room. Anita felt herself smile as she heard the recognizable sound of her mistress’s voice. The silhouette bowed its head and placed a hand upon the fireplace mantel, “Anita, what am I to do with you.” Maria shook her head slowly.

Anita stepped back slightly, “I’m not sure what you mean, My Lady?” She was beginning to feel nervous.

“Don’t lie to me!!” Maria snapped, “Father told me that one of the maids were spreading rumours about me and Jamie.” She growled.

“I...” Anita stammered and stumbled backwards until she bumped into the door causing it to close, “I didn’t mean...”

“What?” Maria spun around and set her dead eyes on the girl, “You didn’t mean for me to be killed?” Maria asked, her anger mixed with a mild inquisitiveness, “What did you think would happen if Father found out I was sleeping with a commoner? What? Do you think that he would simply forbid it and that would be the end of that? Did you think that we would live happily ever after?” She asked bluntly causing Anita to cringe against the door.

“I...” Anita tried to think, but her mind was middled, she finally blurted out the first thing that came to mind, “Lady Maria! I love you!” She exclaimed.

The anger in Maria’s eyes washed away and was replaced by confusion, “H... how... you can’t love me... look at me.” She turned up a lamp that stoop upon one of the end tables and was bathed in soft light. Anita’s eyes darted over her mistresses. Maria still wore her damp dress, her hair was clinging around her pale face. There were spots of blood spatter upon her cheeks and deep dark stretches across her brow and her eyes no longer held the bold green they used too, “I’m not even alive anymore. How could you possibly love me?” She crumbled to the ground and curled her knees up close, “I’m a monster.” She muttered.

Anita cautiously crossed the room taking in Maria’s new looks. She tilted her head to the side and smiled, “You are not all that, My Lady.” She expressed with a new smile and knelt down beside the girl, “You just need a warm bath and everything will be alright.” She explained lightly, trying to not allow herself to show her unease over the rather gruesome scars upon her mistresses face.

Maria looked into the young maid’s eyes, “You really don’t think I’m ugly?” She asked warily, not sure if she really wanted to hear the answer.

Anita brushed a strain of hair from the girl’s face, “We’ll get the blood washed up and maybe cut your bangs so those stitches don’t show as much and you will be good as new. I promise you, My Lady.” She gave the girl a reassuring smile then began to stand, “I’ll go start your bath then, My lady.” She turned to leave when Maria grabbed her by the hand. Anita looked down at her Mistress however Maria did not return her gaze.

“Thank you.” Maria muttered, “And I’m sorry.”

Anita patted the girl’s hand, “I’ll always love you, My Lady.” She said in a whisper, “Always.”

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 8

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Eight - Problems Amongst Artists

The clouds began to gather in intercity, drifted into town and spiral above the rooftops as the patrons of The Raven’s Keep murmured to each other over there drinks. The winds outside began to pick up to a furious pace, rattling the window shutters and causing the awning to flutter about wildly.

Charles cautiously approached one of the windows and peered outside, “What a tremendous day this is turning out to be.” He nervously took a sip of his new martini, “I wonder if Samuel is still out there trying to paint the trees?” He muttered dryly, “How that man can paint with a stub for hands is beyond me.” He stated turning his back to the window.

“That is not very nice.” Elizabeth gave the actor a hostile scowl, “Samuel is a very good painter. You should not put him down for his...” She paused trying to find a polite way to describe their friends uniqueness.

“Disfigured appearance?” Charles concluded her statement, yet again sipping his drink, “I was not putting the man down. I was just stating how amazing well that man can work. I would have quiet after losing the right eye, but not our Samuel. Nor did he when that circus tiger took both his hands. Knowing the man he probably will not come in until the rain start to run his colours again.” He shook his head in stupefied amazement.

The air abruptly filled with the sounds of barking dogs and the door hastily burst open. Samuel rushing into the café, slammed the door shut behind him and pushed a chair up against it. He had a wild look to his eyes and was panting heavily as he stared at the door in fearfulness.

“Why Samuel! we were just talking about you!” Elizabeth chimed, getting up to give the man a hug when she noticed the tattered condition of his clothes and stopped in mid step, “What happened to you?” She asked aghast at the sight of her friend as she rushed to the man’s side, “Your back... it is all cut up.” She noted walking around the man in stunned bewilderment.

The sound of the barking grew ever so louder and the door began to rattle as the sounds of claws could be heard scratching against the wooden surface, “Poodles.” Samuel mumbled as he backed away from the door with fear filling his one good eye, “Tens of circus poodles... all trying to eat me...” His eye widened as something banged at the door at deafening rate and with such force that it shook at it’s hinges.

“Poodles?” Charles said with a chuckle, “You have to be joking dear man.” He turned to look out the window to see what he could see, “Why would poodles want to eat y-“ The window was suddenly smashed open as a large furry arm reached in and grabbed Charles around the neck. His terrified screams filled the room as a ferocious black bear started to pull Charles through the window.

“No — You – Do — Not!” Elizabeth grabbed the actor by the legs and begun a vicious game of tug-a-war with the bear over a broken window. Shards of glass gauging large slash marks across Charles’s chest and poured blood down the wall. Many of the patrons screamed in panic and tried to flee to the back of the café when a swirling green light appeared on the ceiling creating a large vortex of green light and darkness. One by one the people found themselves becoming mesmerized by the patterns of light and drew closer to it.

*****

Jamie cowered in the corner of her room. She realized too late that something had gone horribly wrong. She had not cast a spell to return her lover, she had opened a door to death itself. A pit of light and darkness had appeared twisting in the centre of her room. A long dark green tentacle arose from the edge of the hole and slithered towards her, followed by several others. She was too frightened to scream so just curled up in her corner where she was trembling in dread as the tendrils of terror came closer. One touched her foot and she pulled it back, trying hard to pull herself into the cracks in her bedroom walls.

Quickly, a tentacle took her by the ankle, pulled her off the ground and hung her upside down. The others rose up on all sides of the girl and eyeballs floated to it surface to stare upon her, almost as if they were looking her over with strange curiosity. Jamie gave one of the tentacles a wry smile and wave. The creature seemed provoked by this movement and attacked the girl, tickling her relentlessly under the arms pits, causing her to squeal out in laughter.

*****

“I said let. Him! Go!!!” Elizabeth growled in rage. She gave one final mighty heave and pulled Charles free of the bear’s grasp causing the two of them to tumble to the ground. The bear was about to continue after it’s prey when it noticed the vortex on the ceiling and started to back away. It turned and ran off down the road with the poodles close behind it. Elizabeth rolled out from under the actors body, “Charles? Charles are you alright?” She turned the man over to find his chest had been horribly mauled by the bear’s claws and glass fragments from of the window. She choked on her own vomit as she looked at the inch long slash marks that covered her friend’s upper torso exposing his ribs, even his throat had been torn open, “It is not fair.” Elizabeth cried collapsing next to the actor pounding at the floor in frustration, “It is just not fair.”

Samuel tentatively approached the woman, “Beth, we need to get out of here.” He said anxiously, while he trying to avert his eyes from the corpse of his friend, “We must flee before we join Charles.”

“How could you just leave him?” Elizabeth wailed as she reached out to touch Charles’s pale blood splattered cheeks, “He was a good man. Probably the only man that I really loved, for he was family and you just want to leave him here?” She turned her angry eyes on the painter.

“That is not what I mean.” Samuel nervously looked over his shoulder at the spiralling hole above them, then to the growing number of people being drawn in by the light, “I’m just terrified of what might come through that thing if we don’t hurry.” He gingerly looped his hook hand around her arm and cautiously started to pull her to her feet.

“Well, I’m not leaving.” Beth stubbornly stated as she tore her arm out of Samuel and plopping lifelessly back down to the floor, “Besides, we can’t leave without Jamie. She went to her room a moment ago. She will be even more alone then she already is if we just run off without her.”

“Fine then.” Samuel uttered, shaking his head in doubt that the young lady was still alive, “We will first find Jamie and then we can get out of here.” He helped Beth to her feet again and the two started to skirt around the edge of the café, trying hard to avert their eyes from the swirling lights. Samuel made the mistake of looking into the vortex just as a mass of a green tar-like substance began to emerge forming a massive blob hanging from the ceiling that took up a large portion of the room. Many glowing eyes filled the blob and floated to its surface. A couple of eyes caught Samuel’s gaze and they all rushed to one side to stare down upon the man with intense interest. He became petrified with fear as he found himself staring into the eyes of such a terrifying creature. Finding Samuel’s fear filled eyes of no interest the creature turned all hundred or so of it’s eyes to look upon Charles’s corpse. It reached out one of it’s tentacles and touched the man’s forehead. Slowly, Charles’s eyes began to open and he sat upright.

“Oh my... what happened to me?” He asked in a daze rubbing his head, “I have got to stay away from those martinis” He muttered shaking the fog from his head then looking down at his blood soaked body, “What happened to my tux!?! This was the most expensive suit I could find in all of Paris.” He exclaimed trying to wipe some of the blood of the front of the suit, not seeming to notices his ribs where showing through the ribbons of cloth, then he reached up to touch his neck and his fingers sunk into the opening, “Where is my tie!?!” He exclaimed in shock. Quickly he started to search the ground for his tie, oblivious to the monstrous creature that hovered behind him.

“Charles!!!” Beth cried out, delighted to see your friend moving again, “Charles, your alive!!!” She left Samuel’s side in an attempt to reach her friend. The creatures eye’s suddenly reeled around to face the woman, yet she seemed ignorant of the fact that the creature was paying any attention to her. Samuel suddenly snapped free of his terror and sprung towards the woman. He planted the stub of his hand against Beth’s back push her to the ground. At that very moment a large tentacle, the thickness of a tree trunk, shot out from the middle of the monster’s body, it hit the patchwork artist squarely in the chest and crushing him against the shelving behind the café bar sending bottles of alcohol crashing down from their spots on the shelf. Crimson spat forth from his open mouth as ever one of his ribs was simultaneously broken, puncturing both of his lungs, instantly killing the man. Victoria watched in horror from her hiding spot under the bar as the creature released Samuel, letting his lifeless body fall to the glass covered ground in a heap. It then swung the grotesquely large limb covered with glowing eyes at the other frightened patrons knocking them around like a kitten playing with defenceless mice.

****

Jamie grabbed one of the tentacles in her hand sinking her teeth into the fowl thing. It let out a ear piercingly shrill wail and released it’s grasp on the girl. Freed from the terrible wrath of the tentacles she fell to the ground in a heap. She quickly sprung to her feet, fumbled with the latch on the door, flung it open the door and fled down the hall. The tentacles swiftly noticed their pry has escaped and regained their composure to make chase. Jamie took a quick peek behind her to see that they were indeed gaining on her. She quickened her pace in hopes to avoid another round of tickling. She turned to face forwards again to found herself at the end of the hall and about to crash into a very large window. She had no time to stop herself as she collided with the window, sending shards of glass twinkling to the street below followed closely by her own body. She hit the ground with a sickening thud.

She tried to move only to find that her right arm was twisted in an unnatural position, one of her legs was broken in several places and the other badly sprained at the very least. Just then there was a crash as the blob creature tossed yet another body through the front door. She turned her head to see a carriage coming down the road. The driver madly steered the horses to avoided the flying body only to come trampling towards our poor writer. She didn’t even have time to conceive what was about to happen to her as the driver unknowingly rolled over the girl, the wheels of the carriage severing her head from her body at the neck ending the tragic writer’s life of suffering.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 9

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Nine - The Fun of the Circus

Burnwell found himself lost amongst the wonders of life at the circus. Admittedly some of the attractions were far from interesting. Like the illustrated woman, who was so shy that she refused to show any of her tattoos off to the point of wearing a long dress veil to cover her body, and the bearded man that was covered in so much hair that it sent chills through Burnwell’s spine. All the same Burnwell spend the entire night under the big top watching the many performers do their thing. Before long he had completely forgotten about his problems on the other side of the lake. He soon found himself exhausted so sat down at water’s edge to watch some passing ducklings. Soon he found himself drifting off to sleep only to be rudely awoken by something prickling his side.

“HEY!!!” The butler sat up straight to find a porcupine had brushed up against his side. Double quick he back peddled a fair distance from the creature before it felt like impaling him with those long quills. Burnwell clenched at his chest trying to will his heart to slow down as he watched the porcupine waddle off into some bushes.

“Are you alright there my friend?” The Ring Master seemed to have appeared out of thin air and offered his hand to the butler.

“I just startled me is all, sir.” Burnwell took Morbius’s hand all the same and got to his feet, “I didn’t realize I’d fallen asleep.” He mutter in embarrassment.

“That is quite alright.” Morbius assured with a grin, “Did you enjoy the show?” His grin was broadening.

“That I did, sir.” Burnwell admitted, “Is it alright if I look around some more?” He inquired eagerly.

“Go right ahead.” Morbius patted the man on the back, “You can roam around all you like. You are my personal guest after all. Do you like clowns?” The ring master suddenly asked curiously.

“Actually I do, sir.” Burnwell confessed, once again he allowed himself to be lured back to the ring of tents.

“Well then you just have to meet Mister Titter.” The ring master boosted as they wove their way through the tents, “He is the most interesting of clown around and I’ve seen a quite a few in my years.”

“Oh I see.” Burnwell remarked intrigue to meet the man.

“I’ll introduce you to him myself. He should be finished with his act by now.” Morbius explain as they walked around another tent to find the bearded man running at them with a rather distressed look upon his face.

“Mobray sir, there is a problem.” The man stated panting heavily.

“Not now Jacob.” The ringmaster snapped, “Can’t you see I’m escorting a guest. We are on our way to see Mister Titter. Is he finished with his act yet?”

“That is the problem, sir.” Jacob replied taking a deep breath, “He has been attacked by his circus mice. He tired to get them to jump through the hoop and they turned on him. Then the mice freed the tigers and well... He is cut up rather badly.”

“I knew training mice was a worthless endeavour.” Morbius stated letting out a disappointed sigh, “Hopefully Mister Titter is not to harmed to badly to perform. It is so hard to find a good clown these days.” The three of them rushed to the big top back entrance. Morbius pushed his way through the crowd of circus performers to find a man laying on a stretcher. Minnie, a rather oversized diminutive diva the width of three men, was hovering over the man while holding his hand. There were tears in her eyes.

“How is he?” Morbius asked Minnie.

“He is hurt, Mr, Mobray.” Minnie stated with a mighty sob, “Those mice were cruel. They didn’t have to free the tigers.” She blew her nose with a tiny handkerchief.

Burnwell shoved his way to Morbius’s side and gasped in horror. The clown was dressed in a colourful red and orange baggy clown outfit that hurt Charles’s eyes when he first caught a glimpse of it. Parts of the outfit has been torn apart and there was a small pool of blood forming under the stretcher. However the most frightening things was his face. Most of the clowns skin was missing leaving rather skeletal feature, “My lord what happened to his face?” He asked in shook.

“Oh he always looked like that.” Morbius admitted nonchalantly, “Mister Titter, are you alright?” She asked in distress.

“I’ll be fine once Minnie stops sitting on my arm!” The clown announced through a haze of pain.

“Oh!” Minnie stood to her full height, which towered over the tallest of men nearly touching the roof of the tent, “I’m so sorry Titter.” She apologized with a blush.

The clown sat upright and brushed some of the blood off of his shirt, “I just got this cleaned too.” He muttered as he fixed his colourful clown wig upon his skull.

Burnwell staggered backwards, “Wait... you should be dead...” He could not take his eyes off the clown’s hideous face.

“You didn’t notice?” Morbius turned his eyes on Burnwell, “Do you think Circuses just appear out of thin air?” His eyes shifted to a sinister red glow.

Burnwell turned to find himself surrounded by the circus performers. What he first saw as every day people had been replace with corpses pinned to poles. Several had their eyes gouged out or intestines hanging at their feet. The only people who were not pinned up were Morbius, Mr. Titter, Minnie and Jacob, who now looked like a werewolf, “T...his can... not be happening.” He stammered as he stumbled backwards bumping into a hanging foot and batting it away.

Minnie stepped forwards, “You should have thought of that before joining us.” She giggles.

The butler fled from the tent and for the first time he noticed that all the tents were in tatters and there were several dead bodies laying about. One of them had his head in the peanut machine that Burnwell had only recently ordered from. The sight made his stomach turn, “What is going on around here?” His eyes turned to the sky above as they turned an awful shade of red and the clouds were circling above town.

“It is almost time.” Morbius announced with glee, “Soon we shall no longer be bound by this annoying circus.” His laughter filled the air causing bird to scatter to the winds.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 10

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Ten - Eyeball Soup

Anita carefully soaked Maria’s head to soften the blood clots, so she could free them with ease. It was a tedious task, however it was one that Anita took extreme care in. She wanted her mistress to be happy and look as beautiful as before. She found herself on more the one occasion needing to centre herself in and keep her mind on the task at hand in order to keep herself from throwing up. Maria remained silent through the entire process, somewhat lost in her own thoughts.

“There that is better, my lady.” Anita stated, running her fingers through the girl’s wet hair. She was proud of herself. She had managed to clean out ever last speck of blood and dirt out of the girl’s hair while only pulling a few hairs out of Maria’s head during the process. She was not certain if she would have to cut some of the clots out and in doing so would have left large bold patches that would not look very pleasing, “Now for your bangs.” Anita declared as she moved around the large ebony tub. The scar stood out rather boldly now that Anita had cleaned all the blood off Maria’s face. She force a shutter away as she combed her mistresses hair over her eyes and prepared to trim her bangs. “There you are, my lady.” She announced, picking up a mirror to show Maria her accomplishment., “You look as beautiful as ever.” She exclaimed watching Maria slowly turn her head to gaze upon her face.

“I do not know...” Maria was still not convinced that she could ever be beautiful again. Her skin was still very pale and her eyes no longer held their colour, but all in all it was better then when she first woke up that day but still. She let out a sigh of despair and set the mirror on the side of the tube.

“Do not fret, my lady.” Anita stated getting to her feet, “Let us try on your new gown before you give up hope.” She ran out of the room to retrieved the gown off of Maria’s bed.

Maria splashed water upon her face before she rose from the tub. She stepped out of the tub onto the cold tile floor and looked upon her self in the giant oval mirror over the sink. Her hair hung limply across her forehead and back. There were more scars over her arms and chest, her mind turned to Jamie again. Would Jamie still find her beautiful? She did not know if she would ever hear the answer to that question. She turned to find Anita watching her from the door, the new gown in her hands, she blushed as her realized that she was staring at her mistress and bowed her head, “You really find me beautiful?” She inquired of the maid.

Anita looked up at Maria in shook that she would even ask such a question, “More lovely then any princess in the world.” She replied with a sigh of affection and leaning against the door frame as if she has been entrapped by her mistresses perfection. She shook her dazed head and presented the gown, “Now let us get this on you before you catch a cold.” She demanded.

“Thank you Anita.” Maria said looking up at her maid and giving her a warm smile.

Anita returned the smile, “It was my pleasure, my lady.” Anita admitted as she helped Maria get dressed, “It is always a pleasure.” She set a hand upon Maria’s shoulder and leaned close to her ear, “I will always be yours.” She whispered into her mistresses ear.

Stunned Maria spun around to face her maid, “I...” She stammered trying to think of what to say.

At that moment another maid entered the room, “Young Lady Greystoke, Your mother would like to see you in the dinning hall.

Maria got to her feet, not letting her eyes off of Anita, “All... Alright...” Quickly Anita helped Maria into the gown and wrapped the scarf gently around her neck. The entire time Maria’s mind a jumble of thoughts. When she was finally dressed she moved around the maid and began to leave, “I’ll talk to you later, Anita.” She stated, then quickly turned and rushed out of the room.

Maria swiftly moved through the castle hall. Her mind rushing over the past days events. She noticed several of the servants were watching her agas. A few even stepped to the far end of the hall or disappeared through a nearby door. She was sure they viewed her as something inhuman. Would Jamie be the same? Would she find Maria hideous? A monster? Maria could not bear the thought of such a thing happening. She stopped abruptly and turned to look down the hall she had just travelled. Her mind turned to Anita. It is true that she found the girl sweet and cute. She did feel a slight bit guilty for experimenting with the girl and now wondered if maybe things would not be too bad with Anita around. Turning back down the hall she doubled her pace.

“Mother?” Maria curiously entered the dinning quarter. The hall was a sweeping room with a set of double doors located at the far ends of the room, one of which Maria had just came in from. To her left a grand fireplace took up the middle of wall. A roaring fire was ablaze in the pit of the hearth giving the room a flicking yellow glow. A large portrait of her father took up a considerable portion of the wall above the mantel. His dark eyes flickered with the firelight. Two doors book ended the fireplace, one lead to the servants areas and the other lead into the main hall. The wall to the right was a long line of towering windows made of hundreds of panes of glass that reached from floor to ceiling. Maria smiled as memories of hiding from the maids behind the long dark red curtain when she was little. She used to adore games of hide and seek.

In the centre of the room stood a colossal long red oak table atop a large matching rug with gold trim. It was surrounded by many hand-carved high backed chairs furbished from the same grand oak. The table could seat well over thirty people and it had, Maria remembered her sixteen and last birthday. The daughters and sons of all the lands highest nobility attended. Even the towns rivalling lord’s twin daughters appeared, uninvited of course. No one knew how Lord Holland’s children got their hands on an invitation, but the servants had let them in and Maria tried to be polite. She let out a sigh at her displeasure at the memory of the two psychotic girls. No one at Castle Greystoke really liked the Hollands and the twins were no exception.

Maria shook the veil memory from her mind and looked around once again. Something about the hall was different from how she remembered it. At the far end of the table, in the spot her father usually occupied during dinner, was a large rectangular box draped with an even widespread white sheet. It stood about the size of a very large man and took of the entire head of the table. Maria cocked her head as she cautiously stepped around the table and approached the object. Excitement entered the girl’s heart as she recalled all the presents from her birthday. Maybe this was why her mother sent her down to the dinning hall. She had a present for her loving daughter and wanted it to be a surprise. The notion of such a large gift made the girl’s eyes widen in wonderment as she drew ever so much closer to the box as her imagination marvelled over what must have been inside. She looked around to see that no one was in the room, then reached out, grabbed the sheet and gave it a good tug. The sheet came down with a little effort and landed on the girl’s head, essentially burying her. She fought with the infernal thing wanting desperately to see what it was her mother could have bought for her. Could it be yet another gown? Maybe it was a whole line of designer gowns from Paris or London. A large smile played across the girl’s face as she shoved the sheet to the side and looked up in astonishment to find a enormous glass aquarium towering over her and, floating amongst a yellowish liquid was a brain with wired poking out of it. Maria fell to the ground and backed away quickly.

“MOTHER!!!” She cried out not being able to take her eyes off the ghastly sight.

“Maria?” A voice came from a speaker near the bottom of the aquarium, “Is that my little Maria?” The voice said again.

“F.. Father...?” Maria gave the box a puzzled look, “It that you?” She inquired still not sure if she wanted to get any closer.

“Maria?” Lord Greystoke called out in distress, “Why can I not see you, dear?”

Clara entered the room at that moment, “That would be because I could not recover your eyes.” She said with a displeased huff, “The fish had eaten them before you we recovered from the lake. I am so sorry dear. I am trying to dig up some newer ones for you.” She walked across the room and ran a hand along the arching tops of the chairs as she passed them, “You have no idea how hard good eyes are to come by these days. People have this thing about sewing the eyes shut and in doing so they pop an eyeball here or there. It is just ghastly. Makes it rather hard to find a matching pair.” She explained in frustration.

Maria quickly got to her feet and brushed the dust off her gown, “Mother, is that really Father in there?” She asked, nervously eyeing the brain.

“It is my dear Daughter.” Clara approached the aquarium and ran a finger along the cold steal rivets that held the edges together, “Most of his body was horribly disfigured after the fall off the cliffs, so I only had so much to work with.” She let out a sorrowful sigh then turned to her daughter, “At the very least his body did do some good. It cushioned your fall so I could keep you in your original body.” She knelt down to take the girl in her arms and gave her a tight hug.

“So we are really dead?” Maria questioned her mother suspiciously, not returning the hug.

“Not really dead.” Clara held the girl by the shoulders at arms length and looked her directly in the eyes, “Only HALF dead.” She assured the girl with a smile that made Maria shutter.

Suddenly a servant entered the room, “I’m sorry to disturb you, my lady.” He nervously glanced at Maria, then the brain and back to Clara. “Ummm... your guests have arrived.” The man announced then quickly left the room.

“Oh good.” Clara stated with excitement then turned to her daughter, “I have things to attend to.” She said getting to her feet with a hand still on her daughters shoulder, “I have such the surprise for you. Now, no peeking in the west wing alright?” Maria nodded to her mother and the woman patted the girl’s shoulder then rushed out of the room and closed the door behind her.

*****

Henry Basset steered his horse drawn wagon along the winding roads to Castle Greystoke. Mrs. Olaf sat across from him, a large black cloak wrapped around the woman’s shoulders and the basket of brew upon her lap.

As the Castle came into the sight the old woman began to speak, “Now I’ll distract Lady Greystoke while you slip by with the basket and pour my brew upon the floor of a second floor room, is that understood?” She inquired as she again relayed her plan.

Henry swallowed hard and nodded, “I got it, ma’am.” He replied. His eyes turned to the swirling clouds overhead. Something in the air did not feel good and he wished he had not agreed to help the old dam. If only he was not so afraid of the old women then he would have turned the wagon around long before venturing so far from town, but now it was too late and he was committed to finishing the job, “Here we are, Ma’am.” He announced as the came around the final bend in the road and came across several other wagons parked outside of the castle.

Mrs. Olaf handed the basket to the man, “Don’t fail me, understood?” She commanded, then grabbed the hood of her cloak and pulled it over her head. In an instant she vanished from sight. Leaving Henry to face the dreaded castle alone.

*****

“Oh good you are here.” Clara clapped her hands in rejoiced as she a group of burly men in overalls entered the castle, “I want you to get to work as quickly as possible. Money is no object.” She declared with a grin.

“Evening to you, malady.” A man with small round wire framed glassed said. He pulled out a large roll of paper from under his arm and tapped it, “Are you sure this is what you want, Madam?” The contractor asked concerned as he looking around the main hall, “I mean this is a rather gorgeous place and your requests would have us knocking holes in more then a few of these lovely walls.” He knocked on one of the walls and listened to the sound it made, “Kind of solid foundation you have too. Lime stone I’m thinking. It is not going to be easy.” The rest of the men nodded and mumbled their agreements, “I would feel better if we could talk to the Lord before beginning.”

“Lord Greystoke died last night. Or are you not able to read?” Clara stated as she let out a sigh of displeasure, “So until my daughter finds an heir I am in charge here. Now, I am well aware of the damages and am willing to do whatever it costs to get the renovations completed. Now do we have a deal or do I have to find some new mindless apes to do my bidding for me?” She asked with a slight snarl and a glare. A few of the men took a step back when that gaze fell upon them. Later that night there would be stories told over dinner that a demon burned in the heart of Clara’s eyes., “Now if I could please see those plans to double check them?” She reached out a hand greedily towards the contractor.

“Okay, we will do it, malady.” The Contractor agreed half-heartedly, reluctantly handing the blueprints to the woman, “Come on, fellas.” He signalled the men back outside to gather their tools.

As the men passed thought the door an old woman in tattered rags and hunched over a gnarled wooden cane entered the castle doors without any of them paying so much as a glance her way, “A curse upon you!” The woman muttered to Clara as she crossed the grand hall.

Clara was going over the plans when she heard the voice, “Huh?” She lifted her head to find the ancient woman was drawing nearer with every moment, “Now listen here. Who brought their grandmother with them to my home?” She demanded fearfully backing up against the wall. Clara never feared death in her entire life, however, the old was something she was dreadfully terrified of and the sight of this haggard woman reaching out toward her was worse then being places in a pit of the most poisons of snakes. Clara squirmed as she tried to get out of reach of the hag.

“A Curse upon you!!” The woman hissed again, “You have opened the gates to hell, that you have.” The old woman’s eyes glanced around from under her hood. She noticed Henry crossing the hall with the basket in hand. A smile crossed her face as the man quickly head up stairs, “You have cursed yourself and everyone living in this town.” She continued in her crackle voice. “Death is coming and it is your head he has come to take.”

Clara regained her ground, “Now listen here you bloody godforsaken wrinkly old hag.” Clara spat, she was a woman of science and could not be bothered with curses and magical nonsense, even from an old woman like this, “I will not be intimidated by your faults hocus-pocus. Curse me all you like it will not stop me. You cannot take my family away from me ever again you hear. Not get out of my house.” She demanded pointing towards the door with a stomp of her foot.

“Death will find you.” The hag cackled, “He will come for what is rightfully his and you will have no power to stop him.” Her maniacally laughter filled the halls of the castle, “You will see. You will all see.” She continued to laugh. Clara quickly took a hammer from a passing workers tool box and brought a down hard upon the woman’s head in an attempt to stop the infernal laughter. The woman disappear in a puff of smoke leaving behind only her tattered rags and fading laughter.

Clara fixed a strain of her hair that had free itself and handed the hammer back to a rather stunned construction worker, “Back to work everyone.” She commanded, then quickly left the room.

A few of the works looked at each other then the rags on the ground, “You heard her ladyship.” The contractor stated swallowing hard, “She is paying good money so let’s get this done quickly and be out of here.” The crew muttered their agreement and rushed off to work.

Meanwhile, Henry pushed through one of the many doors along the upper balcony and closed it silently behind him. Hastily he pulled out one of the jars and fumbled with the lid. He stared at the jar as green steam rolled over the lip of the container, almost as if it wanted to be freed. Not wanting to stick around to long Henry tossed the fowl liquid across the floor and did the same with the second and third jar until the floor was glowing with the green goo. Nodding with satisfaction he turned and prepared to leave the room. Just as his hand touched the door knob a rustling noise came from behind the man. He slowly turned around and his eyes grew wide at what stood before him. He opened his mouth to let out a scream only to have it cut short as something violently shoved itself through his open mouth and ripped off his head, leaving only the jaw still attached.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 11

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Eleven - Unwelcome Guests

Maria slowly walked through the garden behind the castle. Her mind crashing against itself. Finally she stopped at a granite bench near a small white marble pool filled with many manner of fish and ducks. Usually watching the fish swimming around calmed her mind, however now all she could think of was that last time she brought Jamie here. She let out a sorrow filled sigh.

“What beautiful fish.” An awe-filled voice exclaimed from behind Maria slightly starting the girl.

Maria spun around throughly frustrated by the rudeness of this intruder in her private thinking grounds. What she saw before her made every curse she was about to sputter forth fall from her lips aghast. Kneeling next to the pond was a the most loveliest girl Maria had ever set her eyes upon about. She was about her same age, also deathly pale yet had a look of elegance and loveliness that made even Maria’s pale cheeks flush. She wore an exquisite white gown that would only be seen at the finest of balls. Her long white gloves were caked in dirt, as were her clothes. Her long blonde hair was braided and hung limply over her shoulder, Maria suspected at one time it was pinned up in a tight bun probably secured by an bejewelled tiara. A few strains of hair fell before the girl’s eyes as if she had just endured some kind of a struggle. The only thing detracting from her looks, and the main reason for Maria’s sudden lack of speech, was the wooden handle of an ice pick violently jutting out of the girl’s left eye socket. Maria swallowed hard as she tried to stop herself from staring.

The girl lifted her head and smiled at Maria, “Are they yours?” Amanda asked with sincere curiosity.

Maria licked her lips and turned her eyes back to the pond, “Yes, Father had it made for my twelfth birthday.” She admitted shyly. Something about this new girl made Maria lose all control of her thoughts. She had never set her eyes on someone so enchanting “Ummm... Who... who are you?” Maria finally inquired.

“Amanda Dalant.” She replied, “And yourself?”

“Maria Greystoke.” Maria returned, “Dalant? They are nobles too, are they not?”

“Yes,” Amanda replied proudly, “We live a few hours east of here.”

“What are you doing here?” Maria inquired, curious what a noble girl would be doing in her back garden, “I mean it is not easy to get to the top of this cliff.” She admitted.

The girl sat upon the opposite end of the bench, still watching the fish, “I cannot really remember. My father sent me to the Greystoke party out here and then...” She drifted off into her thoughts.

“Party?” Maria blinked at the girl, forgetting the fact that she was talking to a ghost, or what she presumed was a ghost, “Do you mean my sixteenth birthday?” She asked curiously, that being the last party that Maria could remember being held in Castle Greystoke.

Amanda eyed Maria, “Maybe it was your birthday.” She mused not letting her eyes off of the girl, “My father told me it would be a good idea to meet some of the other nobles in the area.” The ghost admitted shyly, “I’m not very good with crowds, but it looks like I missed the party all the same.” She let out a sad sigh.

“Ummm...” Maria placed a finger to the bottom of her lips, “That party was months ago. Where have you been?” She asked looking over the girl’s clothes. Part of her was excited with the idea that such an elegantly dressed girl was invited to her party and other part disappointed that she never got to meet the girl until after her death.

“I cannot remember.” The girl admitted ashamed of the lack of her memories, she leaned back on the bench and wrapped her arms behind her head, “I remember father taking me to the Greystoke Castle in the carriage. He let me out at the gate and told me that he would return later in the night to pick me up and ordered the driver to move along. I was nervous so stood by the gates playing at the idea of walking back home, alone, when a pair of the most adorable twin girls came walking along. They were dressed in the dreariest black gowns that I’d ever seen, but had the most beautiful pale white skin and sleek black hair. They said they would accompany me to the party... ” She rubbed her head, “I cannot remember more.”

“The Holland Twins.” Maria muttered, “They must have taken your invite. I knew they were up to no good and yet father insisted we be nice to them. They are the daughters of a Lord after all.” She slouched against the bench, “I hate them and their bloody family. I wish we could repay them for ruining everything they touch. How dare they do this to a friend of mine.”

“You think of me as a friend?” The ghost asked cautiously.

Maria nodded enthusiastically, “Of course. You were invited to my party, and came, so you must be a friend, right?” She questioned her own logic.

“Right!” Amanda agreed with a warm smile, “I’m so glad I stumbled upon you. I was so lonely and scared. Thanks you for being my friend.”

*****

“Madam... I need to have a word with you.” The head contractor said as he came down the stairs of the main hall.

“Yes? What is it?” Clara asked as she entered the hall in hopes to learn of their progress

The contractor looked up from a clip board with a frown on his face, “Well you see there would appear to be something living in your library, madam” He said tapping a pen on the clipboard, “and well... it is putting a delay on removal of the furniture up there. We don’t want a bookshelf or something falling on one of my men now do we, madam?” He gave the woman a questioning look, unsure how she would answer.

“A tenant?” Clara seemed baffled by the idea, “And they are not paying rent!?!” Her eyes burned with fury as she looked up at the second floor balcony, “They are about to get a very upsetting eviction notice.” She snarled angrily.

“Ummm... It might not be that easy, madam....” The Contractor stated uneasily.

“Why is that?” Clara turned her angry eyes on the man who hide behind his clipboard defensively. The air suddenly filled with the sounds of screams as Henry’s body flew over the second floor railing to come tumbling down and land on the remains of his head, right at Clara’s feet. The sound of the man’s neck breaking upon impact did not phase the Professor in the least, however the contractor shuttered at the sight of the man’s twisted neck and missing upper portion of his head. The contractor found it hard to pull his eyes away from the horrific sight.

“That is what I was trying to warn you about, madam.” The Contractor said nodding to the second floor as a group of large jet-black tentacles crept along the balcony railing.

“Oh for heaven sakes.” Clara stared with frustration at the creature, “Can’t you just remove it?” She asked the man while violently shaking a finger at the creature, “You are all strong brave men. That thing should be no problem for the lot of you.” She demanded.

The contractor, along with several workers, were backing slowly out of the door while keeping a close eye on the creature above them, “Well, you see, Madam. We don’t deal with that kind of clean up. I think what you need is a good priest to bless this place. Until then we will be saying good day, madam.” He turned on his heels and fled from the house. The works dropped their tools where they were and were close on the Contractor’s tail, not even caring about leaving their equipment behind.

Clara picked up a bottle of brandy off a small table the construction crew had been using for their plans and filled a tall brandy snifter then drained it entirely. This entire situation was trying her nerves, if something didn’t go right soon she was about to kill someone. Clara refilled the shifter and held in gingerly as she crossed to the middle of the hall, where Henry’s dead body still lay. She brought back her foot and gave the man a good hard kick to the stomach, then repeated it, give the dead man a series of additions kicks to the remains of his head until she finally knocked his jaw off and had to wipe the blood off her shoe.

“I’m sorry. Am I interrupting, ma’am?” Ernest cautiously asked from the open door, “I saw the workers running off the grounds. Is there a problem?” He asked politely as he stepped into the hall.

Clara brushed a stray lock of her, usually well, kept hair out of her face and took another swallow of brandy, “Nothing a gallon of salt would not fix.” She beamed up at the tentacles, “Enjoy your little victory while you can.” She raised her glass to the monster then took another swallow of brandy.

Ernest inched around the pool of blood that had formed around Henry’s body, “It would seem he had seen better days.” He half joked, his eyes fluttering to the dead body ever now and then, not wanting to look at to closely. He was used to dealing with people who has been dead a while and seeing the blood still oozing out of the hole where the man’s head used to be was making his stomach turn in ways he didn’t like. He licked his lips nervously, wishing he could have some of that brandy the lady was drinking to save him from vomiting up his last meal.

“Please tell me you are here for reasons aside from cracking bad jokes.” Clara snapped at he man as she finished the last drop of her drink and walked over to the table to get a refill.

“Yes, ma’am, I do.” The gravedigger proudly placed his leather tool bag on the table knocking bits of dirt and mud onto Clara’s blueprints.

“Ernest!” Clara pulled her plans out from under the bag and brushed them off, “Watch were you are setting that atrocious thing.” She eyed the bag with profound regard, “What could you have in there that would be an interest to me?.”

“I could not find you a body, however...” The gravedigger snapped the latch, opened the bag with his dirty covered hands and retrieved Jamie’s head from within, still dripping blood from the neck.

Clara nearly dropped her snifter at the sight, “It is... so young.... and beautiful...” She said in awe as she reached out to take the head from the man, “Such a handsome young lad. He is perfect and so very fresh.” Her eye twitched as some blood dripped on the floor, “Such beautiful blue eyes too.”

“Only died moments ago, ma’am” Ernest stated proudly putting his thumbs under the straps of his suspenders, “I happened upon it just as he died, I did.” He added with a smug grin.

Clara eyed the man suspiciously, “Tell me the truth. Did you kill this man? Not that it matters it would just be difficult if the police came looking for him.”

“No, ma’am.” Ernest protested profusely, “I’d never dirty my hands in such a manner. It is as I said, he fell out of the window of that there fancy café with all the artist types living in it and was run down by a carriage. All legal like.”

A sinister grin formed across Clara’s face, “I could just kiss you, if you weren’t covered in a layer of filth.”

“Why thank you, ma’am.” Ernest said with a blush, “The money will do just fine.”

“Follow me.” Clara said still looking the head over in her hands. She turned and opened the door to the west wing, “I still don’t know if I can use this seeing as it is only a head and I need a complete body but I have your mone-“ She jumped as a cat came tearing passed her with a dog following closely behind it, down the corridor to the kitchen. She eyed the direction the beasts had fled and gave a smile that made the blood in Ernest’s body run cold, “Yes, I think this will work perfectly.”

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 12

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Twelve - Ghastly Discovery

“Wooww!!” Amanda was in awe over Maria’s room. She moved from one of the china dolls to another admiring every small detail of each doll before moving to the next. Meanwhile Maria lay upon her bed watching the girl attentively. Maria had never met a girl quite like Amanda before. The girl was graceful in every one of her movements, from the way she swept the bottom of her gown under her knees as she knelt and peer into the face of a china doll to the way she moved to pick up teddy bear on her dresser and held it like a child. This Maria also found was interesting. She recalled all the ghost stories that the butler used to tell her late at night, when she should have been sleeping. She thought she knew everything about ghosts and yet here was Amanda not only interacting with her surrounds, but also able to pick things up and hold them. Part of Maria was disappointed. She always thought the idea of a ghost passing through the walls would be so nostalgic.

Maria dangled her feet off the edge of the of the bed while crossing her arms behind her head and looked up at the top of the canopy. She could not understand why she held such a sudden profound regard for this ghost girl. She tried to think if she ever felt this way before. Even with Jamie it took a few encounters before she started to find an interest in the girl. Was it Amanda that she was interested in or the fact that she was a ghost, well something undead that was for certain. She was suddenly startled out of her musing as Amanda sat upon the bed and landed down next to her. Maria turned her head to look upon the girl’s face.

“You room is so wondrous.” Amanda exclaimed with a broad grin, “I wish I could have a room like this back at home.”

Maria shuttered as her eyes once again fell upon the ice pick, “It is not so great.” She stated with a shrug and sat up.

Amanda watched the girl cautiously, “Is there something wrong?” She asked restlessly, reaching out the touch Maria’s arm, she has long since removed her muddy gloves so only her soft fingers brushed against Maria’s flesh.

Maria pulled back from the girl, a perplexed look upon her face. Amanda’s touch was warm and not cold like the stories told, “Your... your not a ghost?” She raised out of confusion.

“No.” Amanda shook her head, “What made you think that I was?” She inquired, even more bewildered by this line of questioning.

“Its just...” Maria found herself staring at the ice pick, then turning away.

“What is it?” Amanda became even more uneasy, “You keep looking away from me. Do I have something on my face?” She asked rather shyly while touching her face in search of what could be causing her friend to be ashamed to look at her.

Maria turned to face Amanda, a shocked look upon her face, “You...” She tried to think of how to word things then looked over at the vanity and noticed that she could see both of them in the mirror. She took Amanda by the hand, “Come with me.” She brought the girl over to the vanity and signalled for her to sit on the small bench while Maria stood in front of her, blocking Amanda from seeing her own image, “Have you... seen yourself in a mirror since... since the party?” She asked cautiously.

“I thought it was still the day of the party until you said otherwise.” Amanda admitted confused by her friends line of questioning.

Maria nervously looked down at her friend. She bit her lip as she eyed the pick, “You do know you are dead, right?” She asked anxiously.

“Huh?” Amanda was even more puzzled by Maria’s actions then before, “How can I be dead if I’m talking to you?” She inquired even more puzzled, “What are you going on about?”

Maria took a deep breath and closed her eyes, “Take a look and see for yourself.” She tentatively stepped out of the way of the mirror not bearing to open her eyes to see her friend shocked expression.

“Wha... what happened to me...?” Amanda stared at her face in a daze and brought a hand up to touch the handle of the pick, “H...how...?” She stammered, stunned by the paleness of her skin and the dried blood upon her cheek.

Maria cautiously opened an eye to see a tear brim in her friend unharmed eye. Maria opened both eyes, dropped down to bench beside her friend and wrapped her arms around the girl, “It is alright.” She murmured softly.

“How?” Amanda repeated warily, “Why would someone do this to me?” She asked even more disconcerted then before, “What did I ever do to deserve this?” She mumbled.

Maria released the girl and looked her in the eye, “You did nothing.” She remarked bluntly, “It was those psychotic twins. They are evil and have no place in this world. They keep killing everything beautiful.” She snarled with a clenched fist.

Amanda looked at her reflection again, winced at the image, “How can you even look at me?” She turned back to face Maria, “I’m frightful...” She sniffled.

Maria let out a soft sigh, “Because we are much alike.” She said weakly, she pulled up the sleeve of her gown and pushed her bangs up to show Amanda her scars, “I’m not entirely alive myself.” She said with a fragile smile.

Amanda stared in awe at the scars, “Do they hurt?” She asked with morbid curiosity.

“I do not feel a thing.” Maria said with a shrug as she rolled her sleeve back down, “It probably hurt at first but I do not feel anything now.”

Amanda attentively reached out a hand to touch Maria’s cheek, “You don’t feel cold.” She noted.

“Neither do you.” Maria stated, “I don’t know how this came to be, but I do feel it was more then a coincidence that we stumbled upon each other on this day.”

“Maybe...” Amanda looked at the mirror again and sighed, “At least you can cover yours up...” She stated, depressed with her situation.

“Maybe...” Maria drifted into deep thought.

“What?” Amanda faced her friend with excitement and a glimmer of hope, “Anything!” She exclaimed.

Maria gave the girl a nervous smile, “Maybe we can try and pull it out. At least that would be better then it sticking out like that.” A part of her was queasy about the idea, nevertheless a little queasiness was better then her stomach doing flips when ever she looked at the thing.

“Do it!” Amanda nodded in affirmation of the idea, a look of determination drawn across her face.

“Alright...” Maria was unsure about this idea, but it was to help her friend, probably the only friend that will fully understand her. Maria swallowed hard and stood to her feet. Setting one foot on the bench as she reached out and took hold of the infernal ice pick. She could feel herself getting ill just holding the thing in her hand. Amanda squeezed her eye tightly closed and gripped the sides of the bench solidly in preparation for the sudden movement that would free her of the ugly device that took her life. Taking a deep breath Maria wrapped her other hand around her first, “Ready?” She asked.

“Do it!” Amanda replied.

Maria kicked off of the bench, wrenching the pick from the girl’s eye and falling to the ground on her back. Maria opened her eyes to find the blood stained tool still in her hands, “It worked!” She smiled at it then looked up to see her mother standing at the door to her room.

“Maria, it is not very ladylike to lay on the floor like that.” Clara said displease with her daughter’s unrefined manners.

“Mother!?!” Maria got to her feet quickly and straightened her gown with the pick still in hand, “I was trying to help my friend.” She gestured to Amanda, whom was staring at herself in the mirror, “Mother, this is Amanda. She was going to come to my party until...” she stared at the tool in her hand and let it drop to the ground in loathing.

“Yes, I know Lady Dalant from when her father attended one of my lectures.” Clara remarked as she stepped around her daughter, knelt down next to Amanda and place a hand upon the girl’s cheek forcing Amanda to look at her, “That is quite a wound you have there.” She stated bluntly, eyeing the gaping hole where the girl’s eye used to be, “Interesting.” She stood to her feet, “I might have an spare eye that would suit you nicely.” She said with a smile, “It may not be a matching colour but we can’t have such a beautiful face marred like this, now can we?”

“Really!?!” Amanda exclaimed excitedly, “Oh, thank you!!!”

“I will not be able to fix your eye lid but we’ll think of something. Will you be staying long?” Clara asked politely, “We do have other guest rooms if you so desire. I would not want to send one of my dear child’s friends out into the cold if she had no place to stay.”

“She can really stay here!!!” Maria jumped with joy and hugged her friend, “Isn’t that great.”

“I don’t think her father would take things to well if his daughter suddenly turned up from the grave, would you?” Clara stated with a smile, “So of course she can stay.”

“Thank you!” Amanda thanked the woman profusely, “You have no idea how good that makes me feel.”

“By the way, Maria.” Clara turned to her daughter, “I have a surprise for you. Come with me.” She lead the two girls into the lounge.

****

Jamie groggily stirred. She felt as if she had been asleep for weeks. She was certain that she must have died and yet she didn’t feel any different. She yawned and rubbed at her eyes when she heard the sounds of voices. At first the sounds were muffled and unclear. She opened her eyes to find them to be blind. She was frightened at first, however she quickly discovered that it merely took a few moments till they came into focus. When they did she found herself staring up into the face of Clara Greystoke. Her mind froze up in pure terror at the smile upon the woman’s face.

“Oh look! He is waking up.” Clara exclaimed with a bright grin, “Just in time.” She picked Jamie up and turned her around to face Maria.

Jamie was overwhelmed to see her lover was still alive. She opened her mouth and yet no words came forth. She could not understand what was wrong with her. It was like she was part of a strange dream.

“I would like you to meet, Tegoth.” Clara continued, “Your fiancee.” She declared.

‘Her what?’ Jamie again tried to speak but still found her voice was not working.

“Mother!!!” Maria sat down on one of the sofas in a huff, “I don’t want a fiancee. I told you that already.” She looked at Jamie and wrinkled up her nose, “And he is so... weird...”

Clara swung Jamie around and set her upon the fireplace mantle in front of a large mirror so she could fix the bow tie she has put around Jamie’s neck, “He is so cute and will never cheat on you. It will take a bit before his vocal cord work again, but I’m telling you it will be prefect.”

Jamie stared at herself in bewilderment. What she saw before her stunned her so much that even her mental voice stalled. Sitting on the mantle staring back at her was a big brown teddy bear with a small green vest and black bow tie around its neck. She could see her own blue eyes started out from beneath the furry eyelids. When Jamie blinked the bear blinked. When Jamie moved her arm the bear moved its arms. She tried to scream, yet only a crackling sound emitted.

“I think he is trying to communicate.” Clara said joyously grabbing the bear and setting it back down on a chair, “I’ll leave him here so you two can get acquainted.” She quickly crossed the room and stopped at the door, “Remember no funny stuff until after the marriage.” She said with a maniacal laugh.

The room fell quiet as the two girls stared at the teddy bear unsure what to say. Amanda was the first to open her mouth, “Well, he does looks cute and cuddly.” She stated trying to give light to the situation.

“I hate this.” Maria crossed her arms and glared intensely at the bear, “I don’t want to ever get married.”

“What about the boys at your party?” Amanda inquired wanting to know more about the party she missed.

Maria let out a terrible sigh, “That is why mom made that thing. I didn’t get along with any of them. They were all rude and dirty. I hated them all.” She stated kicking her legs in a small tantrum, “Now she thinks I will marry that thing. Even if it is a teddy it is still a boy.”

Amanda smiled, “You don’t like boys either, hmmm?” She seemed very pleased by this notion. She saw a silver tea set on the coffee table before them, “You want some tea?” She inquired politely.

Maria merely nodded, not taking her eyes off the bear.

Amanda knelt in front of the coffee table and took the kettle off its stand above a small candle, which kept it warm, and poured out two cups, “Sugar?” She inquired.

“Did your parent try arrange a marriage for you as well?” Maria finally turning to her friend, “Two please and a bit of cream too.”

Amanda nodded at both statements, “I never really found them very interesting. I think that is why Daddy sent me to your party. To met a boy...” She let out a sigh of dispair as she added two spoons of sugar to one cup and three to her own then reached for the creamer.

Maria suddenly got to her feet, walked over to the bear and picked it up by one arm, “What am I supposed to do with this?” She asked repulsed by the object. She turned to look at the fireplace and grinned, “Mother can’t make me marry him if she can’t find him.” She stated, her eyes flicking with firelight.

Amanda stopped pouring the cream and turned to see what her friend was thinking, “You do not intend to burn him, do you?” She asked slightly aghast with the idea.

Maria held the bear at arms length, “Why not? I have no need for a husband and he is creepy.” She walked over to the fireplace and held the teddy above the flames, “This will make sure that I never have to see the thing again.”

“W... WAIT!!!” The teddy called out in a very panicked voice.

Maria held the bear between both hand and looked at it, “You finally spoke. I was wondering what it would take to get you to talk. Where you just going to sit there staring at us like that all day?” She said coldly.

“I... I was... trying too.” Jamie stammered still having difficulties speaking, “It is... hard to... speak. It... feels weird. What happened... to me... Maria?” She asked bewildered.

Maria tiled her head at the bear curiously, “Your voice...?” She inquired cautiously.

Jamie’s lips quivered in an attempt to smile, “Hi love. It’s me, Jamie...”

“Jamie!?!” Maria shook her head in disbelief, “No... you can’t be...”

“I thought you said you didn’t like boys?” Amanda asked slightly confused by the situation.

Maria nodded, “I don’t...” She admitted, “Jamie is the girl I love. A girl who’s face made my heart flutter and touch made me want to cry out.” She walked around the couch and flopped down upon it with the bear upon her lap, “H... how do I know you are my Jamie?” Maria nervously inquired, “Tell me something that only Jamie and I would know.”

Jamie bit her lip in thought then looked Maria in the eye, “Something personal, my lady?” Her eyes shifted to Amanda and back to Maria, “Are you sure? What about her, my lady?” Jamie nodded towards Amanda.

Maria nodded, “I need to know you are really Jamie. Don’t worry about her. There is nothing you can say that I would be embarrassed about.”

Jamie again thought then smiled, “We first made love under the cherry tree near the lake and last night, during our bath, you showed me an interesting trick you can do with your ton-.” Maria clapped her hand over Jamie’s mouth.

“That is enough.” Maria said with a nervous laugh. Her face was bright crimson, “You didn’t need to bring that up.” She blurted.

“Sorry, my lady,” Jamie apologized guiltily, “It was the only thing I could think of to prove I am who I am.” She admitted sheepishly.

“Your mind was always on that...” Maria was startled by what she was saying. She looked the stuffed animal over, then she noticed that the teddies eyes were indeed those of her lover, “How can this be?” Tears filled her eyes.

“I could ask you the same.” Jamie remarked, “I heard you were dead, my lady.”

Maria gave a timid smile and pushed her bangs back to show Jamie her wounds, “I was...” She stated then let her bangs drop back in place again, “Mother brought me back and it would seem she turned you into this... thing...” She could not find words to described how she felt, “Did mother... find out... and k...kill you...?” She asked anxiously, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.

“No...” Jamie replied, “I fell out a window and was run over by a carriage.” she admitted regretfully. “I was trying to bring you back to life with a spell and it... well... went wrong somehow...” She thought to herself for a moment, “Now I think I understand why. You were never truly dead to be brought back.”

Maria suddenly hugged Jamie tightly, “Still I am so glad that you are here.” She sobbed happily, “I was afraid I’d never speak to you again. Afraid you may not want anything to do with me now that I am...”

“I would never leave you, my lady.” Jamie closed her eyes and tried to keep herself from crying, “I never thought I’d lay my eyes on you again.” She said dismally, a tear welled up in her eyes. She breathed in Maria’s hair and enjoyed the scent, then blinked, “Hey, I can smell!” She suddenly became aware that she could feel Maria’s embrace and felt her tongue in her mouth. She pulled out of Maria’s embrace and stared into the girl’s eyes, “How can this be? Am I alive or not?” She inquired troubled by the situation.

“It is the same with all of us.” Amanda explained, finally feeling she was not intruding upon an intimate moment, “I never thought that I would be hungry or thirsty or be able to touch things after I died.” She touched her wounded eye, “Other then there being no pain in my eye I feel like I normally did.” She explained.

Jamie shakily turned in Maria’s lap, she was still having troubles working her new body, “I’m sorry. Who are you?” She inquired with extreme interest in how such a beautiful girl was connection to her lover.

“Oh, Jamie, this is Amanda Dalant.” Maria introduced her new friend, “She is a noble from far east that came to be at my sixteenth birthday party, however she had a slight accident along the way here.” Maria explained politely. “Amanda, this is Jamie... my lover...” She explained with a blush hugging Jamie again.

“So you are dead as well, Lady Dalant?” Jamie inquired with a mix of confusion and jealousy that this girl lived so intact while she was stuck in some kind of teddy bear’s body.

“We all are it would seem.” Amanda remarked slightly amused by the events that had transpired, “You can just call me Amanda. It is turning out to be quick an unusual day, I should say.” She lifted her cup to her mouth and took a small sip.

Jamie licked her lips at the sight of the tea, “Could I have some, Lady Amanda?” She asked thirstily, “My throat feels so dry.” She explained rubbing her neck with a paw.

“Can a teddy bear drink tea?” Amanda inquired curiously looking at Jamie.

Maria shrugged, “Knowing my mother. More then likely.” She remarked slightly disconcerted by the idea, “You can try mine if you like.” She picked up her cup and brought it closer to Jamie.

Jamie took the cup in both paws and pulled it closer, with Maria helping to keep the cup stead, “Thanks you, my lady.” Jamie said before bringing the hot drink to her furry lips and taking a long swallow of the warm liquid. She could feel the tea wash through her mouth and down her throat into her stomach. It felt a little unusual but other then that it was alright.

“How was it?” Maria asked increasing concern in her lovers new form.

“Needs more sugar.” Jamie stated licking her lips and smiling, “I think I have fangs too.” She stated running her tongue along her teeth, “What did she make me out of? I thought I was just a stuffed bear or something.”

“I don’t know.” Maria stated running her fingers through Jamie’s fur, “Your fur feels real to me and you are warm. Almost as if you are made of a living thing.”

Amanda pet Jamie’s head as well, “Wow, it is very soft.” She exclaimed excitedly, “Like some kind of animal.” She expressed.

Jamie closed her eyes and enjoyed the two girl’s petting her head, “That actually feels good.” She admitted then felt herself blush and she shook her head.

At that moment there was a knock at the door and it opened slightly, “Lady Maria?” Anita entered pushing a tray filled with food, “I’m sorry to intrude, however Lady Clara told me to bring up a snack for Lord Tegoth and Lady Dalant?” She announced slightly perplexed by the order.

“Great!” Jamie exclaimed rubbing her paws together, “I’m starving.”

Anita stopped in the middle of the room and looked at Jamie, “My Lady? Did that teddy bear just talk?” She inquired clearly mystified by the creature that sat upon her mistresses lap.

“Yes... it did.” Maria replied nervously, “Anita, I’d like you to meet Jamie or Tegoth as mother calls her, and Amanda Dalant.” She uneasily introduced her friends to her maid, “This is my personal maid, Anita.” She explained to her friend.

“Greetings.” Jamie waved a small paw to the maid.

“Pleaser.” Amanda nodded to the maid.

Anita looked from the bear too Amanda and back to her mistress, “Pleaser to meet you Lord Tegoth, Lady Amanda.” She said with a twitchy smile as she set took the tray off the down trolley and placed it upon the coffee table.

“Please do not call me Tegoth.” Jamie stated in disgust of the name, “That woman could have asked my name before giving me such a ridiculous name.” She remarked then muttered under her breath so only Maria could hear, “How come she thinks I’m a boy to begin with?”

“Sorry about mother sweetie.” Maria apologized, “She can be a tad eccentric at times.

Jamie carefully took cookie between her paws and clumsily dunked it in the tea that Maria was still holding, “She is a little more then eccentric if you ask me, my lady.” She stated bluntly then took a bit of cookie and smiled at the sweet taste, glad that her tastebuds still worked.

Anita blinked at the sight and covered her mouth in shock, “My lord...” She whispered.

“What is wrong, Anita?” Maria watched as the maid stumbled backwards, “I know she looks kind of odd at first but you get used to it after a bit.”

“I’m... sorry, my lady.” Anita sunk into a chair and took a deep breath, “It is just... I think that... that... used to be my... dog...” She swallowed hard as she started to notice the resemblance.

Maria and Amanda looked from Anita to Jamie, who stopped eating and dropped her cookie, “You don’t think mother...?” Maria could not bring herself to finishing the sentence.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 13

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Thirteen - Heads or Tails

Victoria got out from her hiding spot behind the bar and surveyed the mess that had become of her café. There were several bodies laying on the ground. The tables where scattered here and there and the front wall was totally destroyed by the creature as it left the building. She tip toed through the rubble til she came across Elizabeth buried partly under a table.

“Elizabeth, are you alright?” Victoria whispered, not sure she wanted to know if the woman was alive or undead for that matter. She had already watched Charles walk out of the café not that long ago and she was not sure she could handle if another of her friends came back from the dead.

Elizabeth lifted her head slightly, “Alright as I will ever be, considering.” She remarked as she pushed the table off her legs, “How is Samuel? Is he alright?” She inquired anxiously.

Victoria shook her head, “He... is dead...” She answered taking a glimpse back at the bar where she spent the past few hours with the dead painter, “I do not think he will be getting up either.” She tried to shake the horrible image from her mind.

“Where is Charles?” Elizabeth asked as she got to her feet and scanned the café in search of her friend.

“He walked off muttering something about needing a new suit and tie.” Victoria stated as she stepped towards the large hole that used to be the front door, “How am I going to repair this?” She asked herself, still baffled by all that had happened.

Elizabeth stepped through the opening to get a better look when she spotted Jamie’s headless body laying on the road, “Oh, no... Jamie love...” She started to stagger towards the girl when Victoria grabbed her and pulled the sobbing woman into her arms.

“Don’t look.” Victoria commanded, “Just hope that she didn’t suffer.”

Elizabeth looked into the landladies eyes in horror, “How could this happen?” She demanded frantically, “Don’t you even care?” She punched at Victoria’s chest and let out another sob, “First, Charles, then Samuel and now Jamie too. I can’t stand it anymore.”

Victoria held the woman tightly and let her cry upon her shoulder, “Just let it out.” She said soothingly while rubbing the woman’s back, “Don’t think of her as she is, but how she was.” She looked up at Jamie’s dead body one more time. She decided she would use that gold coin Jamie gave her the other day to give the girl a proper burial. As her mind rushed over what she should do she noticed Jamie’s hand begin to twitch, “Oh no... Jamie...” She put a hand to her mouth as she watched the body begin to push itself out of the pool of blood it lay in and into a seated position.

“What is happening?” Elizabeth demanded. She tried to turn around, however Victoria had a strong hold on her and forced her face into her shoulder.

“You don’t want to see.” Victoria explained horrified by the sight. She, herself, could not take her eyes off Jamie’s body as it tried to get to it’s feet then fell over for its leg was slightly twisted, “It will only make you cry.” The body grabbed hold of the deformed leg and snapped it back in place, then did the same to it’s arm and popped it back into the shoulder socket. Victoria cringe, closing her eyes at the sound of snapping bones and grinding cartilage. When she opened an eye again she saw the body was getting to its feet. It had found it’s hat and placed it upon the stump of its neck then faced left then right, almost as if it was looking for something. As if it had made up its mind the body plunged its hands into its pocket and started down the road.

Elizabeth finally freed herself from Victoria’s embrace in time to watch the corpse walk off into the distance. Her eyes grew wide and she shook her head violently, “No no no no no NOOOOO!!!!” Her screams could be hear through out the quiet street that dark afternoon, however very few seemed to care.

*****

Alex looked upon her wrist watch and frowned, “Odd, it says that it is only four o’clock and yet.” She glanced up at the sky which was pitch black, making it feel more like night then mid day.

“I think it is neat, Lady Alexandria.” Alice exclaimed excitedly, “All spooky and grim. The perfect kind of day for a killing.”

“She is right on that account, dear sister.” Alison chimed with a swift nod, “It is a perfect night indeed.”

“Do either of you not find this a little unusual?” Alex inquired scanning their surroundings. Alex was usually the one to notice things that were out of place before the others, hence her being the leader of their little group, “I mean yesterday Amanda’s body walks off and today the sky is black as night. Plus we have not ran into a soul in hours.”

“Well there is someone, Lady Alexandria.” Alice pointed across the road at Jamie’s body trudging along the sidewalk. It stopped for a moment and fixed its hat revealing the stub of a neck then started on its way again, “Now that is a sight. I’ve never seen a headless person before.”

Alex was slightly startled by the sight, “Maybe we should try to get some answers. This is beyond anything I have ever encountered before.”

“No really. We see headless people walking around everyday.” Alison stated sarcastically, “So genius, who do plan to get answers from? Our dim-witted father, or perhaps our half brained sister, or did you plan to ask that nitwit of a butler? Hmmm?” She inquire with a smug grin.

Alex ignored her sister and turned to Alice, “What about your Aunt? She studies witchcraft and the like, does she not?”

Alice nervously ran her toe in a circle on the ground and looked down, “Well, the problem is she does not like you noble types.” She was embarrassed to say, “She seems to think you are the reason for us living in the woods.”

Alex let out a frustrated sigh, “Then I guess we talk to our dim-witted father.” She looked up to see Charles in front of a clothing shop trying to get the owners to open the door, “Or at the very least get indoor for it might be safer then staying out here.” She admitted.

The two other girls nodded in agreement as they got a look at the man’s torn up chest and followed Alex towards Holland Manor.

*****

Clara throw salt at the tentacle as it crawled further along the balcony, “It cannot be too much to ask for you to be related to a slug, now can it?” She pleaded as she tossed another handful of salt at the beast only to have the creature shake the salt off, “I guess that would be a no then...”

“Ummm... Mother?” Maria walked towards her mother, Jamie in her arms and Amanda close behind her. Maria eyed the tentacle strangely, “A new pet, mother?” She inquired amused by the prospect.

Clara kicked at the creature then poured a line of salt across the balcony, “Just an unwelcome guest.” She explained as she emptied the last of the salt onto the floor, “Hopefully that will slow you down. Now stay put.” She demanded and clapped the salt off her hands then turned to her daughter and smiled at the teddy in her daughter’s arms, “I see you are taking to Lord Tegoth.”

Jamie rolled her eyes, “My nam-“ Maria cupped her hand over Jamie’s mouth.

“Mother... I... was curious.” Maria said cautiously.

“That is good.” Her mother stated as she passed by her daughter, “Come with me and we can talk. What is it you were curious about?”

She followed her mother down the stairs to the main hall, “It is... Tegoth.” She explained, trying hard to sort her questions out, “I thought he was just a teddy bear but realized that he is much more. How did you make him?” She knew that her mother was always willing to explain her experiments to her daughter. Ever since Maria was young her mother would try to get her daughter interested in science.

Clara stopped in mid step causing Maria and Amanda to stumble to catch their step. Clara turned to look at her creation, “It is very interesting that you ask. It was not an easy task I can tell you.”

“What have you done to me?” Jamie spouted out flustrated by all the stalling.

Clara took Jamie from her daughter and held her high, “So you can finally speak. This is wonderful. I was not sure considering I had to graft your vocal cords with that mutts throat.”

“So you did use Anita’s dog?!?” Amanda exclaimed aghast.

Carla seemed startled by the girls out burst, “Well you see, I only had the boy’s head to work with so I needed to find some internal organs and other important things.”

“That would explain why you didn’t realize I am a girl.” Jamie muttered under her breath.

“What was that?” Clara inquired, “I will be your mother-in-law soon so I want you to treat me with respect and speak clearly when talking to me.” She demanded. “And refer to me as Lady Greystoke or my lady from now on is that clear?”

Jamie’s eyes widened, “Are you really serious about this marriage thing?” She interjected. “Uhhh.. Lady Greystoke...”

“Why do you think I brought you back to life?” Clara announced, “You are to wed my daughter here.” She turned Jamie around the face Maria who gave the bear a timid smile.

Jamie found the idea of being wed to such a lovely girl was more then she could dream possible, then her mind turned to the night before. How was she to be intimate to Maria in this form, “What about my body, my lady?” She inquired once again, “I am a bloody teddy bear!!!” She exclaimed frantically.

Clara handed Jamie back to Maria, “I’m sorry Tegoth.” She started to apologize when Jamie cut the woman off.

“My name is Jamie, my lady.” She snarled in frustration, if she was going to living this new life she, at the very least, would prefer to be referred to by her real name.

“James...” Clara thought for a moment a muddled the name over in her mind, “What a noble sounding name.” She turned and started down the stairs again, “Well, Young Lord James. You see we could only recover your head. I needed to work fast or I would never be able to restore you. You will find you can eat, drink and even bathe, I used the dogs internal organs, muscles and hide. Even improved things a little giving you a small thumb and even managed to hook up your nervous system properly. You should be able to do all the things you used to when alive.”

“Accept make love.” Jamie muttered under her breath, quieter this time so Clara would not hear, however Maria did and her face went flush.

Suddenly there was a heavy knocking at the door. Clara looked upon the clock hanging on the wall, “Strange. I wasn’t expecting any visitors.” She turned to the girls, “I’ll be right back.” She quickly descended the stairs and cross the hall.

Jamie crossed her paws and let out a huff, “This is a fine situation.”

“Jamie, she means well.” Maria commented and leaned closer to the bear’s ear, “There are other ways to pleasure each other.” She stated mischievously, blowing on the back of Jamie’s ear causing the girl to shiver, “Your senses seem to be the same as before.” She noted with a giggle.

Jamie felt herself flush this time, “You are evil, my lady.” She stated to her lover.

Amanda let out a small giggle, “I think you two make a cute couple.” She explained with a grin.

“What the hell!!!” Clara cried out from across the hall. The girls rushed over to the front door to see Jamie’s body standing on the steps. It took off its hat and bowed upon the presence of Maria.

“M... my... body!!!!” Jamie exclaimed in shock.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 14

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter Fourteen - Nightly Walks

Burnwell rushed through the town’s many streets. He was certain that those circus freaks were close behind him but he was not sure how far. Just at that moment he noticed Charles coming out of a tailors in a brand new tux and rushed over to the man, “Charles my love!!” He called out with a quick wave.

Charles looked up at the butler then turned his nose up and started to walk the other way.

“Wait up Charles!!” Burnwell called out as he ran up to the actor, “Don’t leave me.” He exclaimed.

Charles spun around to face his ex-boyfriend, “Leave you? If I remember correctly it was you who left me.” He exclaimed trying to keep a hold of his emotions.

“I am truly sorry.” Burnwell apologized, “I was rash and should not have sent you away so quickly.”

Charles crossed his arms and gave the man a cold gaze, “Do you expect me to simply come running back to you then?” He inquired crossly.

“Listen, I’m sorry.” The butler repeated, “I cannot put into words how horrible I feel about what I did to you.” He stated nervously looking around for any sign of the circus performers, “Listen, we have to get off the streets.” He grabbed Charles by the arm, “It will be safe at the manor.”

Charles abruptly pulled his arm out of Burnwell’s grasp, “Who says I want to come with you? Why are you glancing around like a wanted man?” He eyed the man closely, “What have you been up too? Running from another lover perhaps?” He remarked snidely.

“No, no!!” Burnwell protested, he spotted a strange glow moving down the street to his left and started to inch in the opposite direction, “Nothing like that. It is just not safe out here.”

“Well then, be on your way.” Charles remarked as he started towards the glowing lights, “I am returning to the Raven’s Keep. To be with those who truly care about me.”

Burnwell grabbed the man by both shoulders and looked him in the eye, “You are going to think I’m crazy, but there are some rather insane men out there that will kill the both of us if they discover us on the streets.” He explained bluntly, “So you are coming with me, to the manor and I’m not taking another no out of you is that clear.” He demanded.

Charles slowly nodded in shook of the butlers sudden commanding tone, then allowed himself to be dragged towards the Holland manor.

****

Victoria dropped a heavy wooden tool box upon the café patio. Her dress had been replaced with a pair of overalls. Her hair was held up with a train engineer’s cap that her father had given her long ago. She placed a couple of nails between her teeth and picked up a piece of plywood, prepared to get to work. She stared up at what remained for the front of her shop and she shook her head in dismay for the carnage, trying to think of how she should go about repairing the mess.

Meanwhile a couple of surviving patrons helped clean up the chaos inside. Elizabeth picked up a couple of chairs and looked them over. Seeing that they were still intact she moved them to the side of the room so that someone else could sweep the rest of the rubble out of the building. She righted a table when something fell to the ground. She knelt to look under the table in search for what could have dropped when she noticed a little red book. The moment she picked up the book she knew it was Jamie’s, she could feel the girl’s presence on the book. Elizabeth slowly turned it over in her hands, feeling the warmth wash over here. Its leather cover mesmerized her when the sounds of shouting jarred her from her thoughts and forced her to look up.

A mob was beginning to gather in the central square outside of the café. Victoria took the nails out of her mouth and called out to one of the passing men, “What is going on?” She inquired.

A man with a torch in hand stopped and looked up at the café owner, “Oh, Victoria. Have you not heard the news?” He remarked, “The dead are rising and we saw one of them walking up to Greystoke Castle.”

Victoria tried to hold back her anxiousness of the news, “So why are you all assembled?” She asked curiously looking around at the people gathering with their weapons and torches in hand.

“We thinks that Lady Clara Greystoke is to blame for this madness.” Another angry townsfolk cried out with a bunch of others nodding in agreement.

“We need to put an end to this.” Another stated.

Elizabeth stepped out onto the patio with the book held tightly to her chest, “Is it Jamie’s body that they are talking about?” She whispered into Victoria’s ear.

“Most likely.” Victoria agreed uneasily.

Elizabeth hugged the book tightly, “I wish there was a way to free her soul.”

****

Alexandra glanced down the hill at the town as they approached the gates to the Holland Manor, “Is that a fire?” She inquired curiously.

Alice spun around, “What where, Lady Alexandria?” She squealed in delight, “Maybe the town will burn to the ground.”

“That is not good.” Alexandra remarked glancing over the town with her eagle like eyes, “The flames seem to be moving and there are small clumps here and there.” She noted.

“What do you think it is, Alex?” Alison inquired feeling uneasy for the first time in her life.

“A mob maybe.” Alexandra commented, watching the flickering lights very carefully, “They seem to be heading towards Castle Greystoke. We should get back home quickly. Before they come this way.” She placed a hand around Alice and Alison’s arms and lead them through the gates.

Lord Holland paced in the main hall with all but a few of the lights on, “This is not good.” He muttered anxiously, “Where has everyone disappeared too?” He asked the empty room.

Lilian leaned back in a chair, “Will you stop worrying.” She remarked nonchalantly, “The girls always return and that nanny is probably lost in the hedge maze again or something like that.”

“What about Burnwell?” The lord asked restlessly, “He has never gone missing before.” He explained, “Never in the twenties years of him working here. Maybe I was too harsh on the man.” He wrung his handkerchief between his hands as he only did when he was truly upset.

Suddenly the main doors opened and the twins entered followed closely by their friend. Alexandria quickly rushed the two girls into the house and closed the door behind her.

Alison saw her father and ran towards him with open arms, “Father, we are back!” She exclaimed wrapping her arms around her father’s waist.

Her father’s face brightened at the sight of his daughters and returned Alison’s hug, “I was so worried about the two of you.” He stated gratefully that they were still alive, “Where on earth have you been?”

“Sorry Father.” Alexandria responded as she backed away from the door, not able to take her eyes off of it, “We went to see a friend and had a hard time getting back. The towns people seem to be gathering into quiet a mob out there.” She explained cooly.

“I see...” The Lord said, not really playing much notice to what his daughter was saying. He attention instead was directed to the left of Alexandria. At Alice standing next to her, “And who may this be then?” He stood to his full height and spoke in a tone of nobility.

Alexandria rolled her eyes at her fathers attempt at acting like he was something great, “Father this is our friend Alice.” She introduced the girl to her father, “Alice, this is our fa-“

“Lord Holland,” The lord announced interrupting his daughter, “Always a pleasure to meet one of my daughters friends.”

“She is their only friend.” Lilian remarked cynically

Lord Holland turned to face his eldest daughter, “Would you try to be a bit more polite?” He demanded.

“If I do can we finally begin dinner?” Lilian inquired selfishly.

“But Burnwell is not back yet.” The lord reminded anxiously, “He is the only one who knows how to control those servants of ours.”

Lilian got to her feet with a huff, “I’ll deal with them.” She remarked fearlessly, “Sometimes I wonder how you became a Lord in the first place.” She muttered under her breath.

The lord turned to his daughters and their friend, “Would you like to stay for dinner?” He invited, placing a hand upon Amanda’s shoulder and leading her towards the dining hall.

Alison rushed over to her sister’s side, “What do we do?” She inquired as her sister looked out one of the windows beside the main doors, “He will never listen to us.”

“We hope they do not come this way.” Alexandria remarked and quickly ushered her sister to the dinning hall. Taking the occasional glance behind her.

****

Steamy water slowly filled the large tub as Jamie watched in awe. The last time she was in one of the Castle’s washrooms she did not have time to admire the working of the room. She was fascinated by the artistry around the toilet and tub.

Anita watched the bear in amusement, “Lady Greystoke had washrooms like this installed a few years back.” She explained to Jamie, “She says that every home will have one in the future. It is amazing how much Lady Greystoke knows about things.”

Jamie turned around from her spot on the toilet lid, “Where does she get all this stuff from?” She inquired curiously.

Anita dropped a set of towels on a hook near the bath, “I think it has something to do with her circle of colleagues. Or that is what I’ve been told.” She explained with a shrug then turned around to face Jamie’s headless body, which still stood near the door to the room, “I guess we should get you washed up for dinner now shall we?” She stated with a wry smile, glancing at the body’s blood soaked garment.

Jamie looked into the tub again then at her furry body, “Is that really going to be alright?” She inquired worrisomely.

“Lady Greystoke insisted everything will be fine.” Anita replied stepping towards Jamie’s body only to have it back away and cover itself with its arms. Anita glanced down at the teddy bear, “What is wrong with it? I just want to help it out of those dreadful clothes.” She explained.

Jamie gave a uneasy smile, “Maybe it is shy.” She remarks. The truth is that she did not like the idea of the maid stripping her clothes off anymore then her body seemed to and the moment she thought of this undesired experience the body showed signs of the same feelings.

Anita observed the body carefully, “Do you think it has its own feelings and thoughts?” She inquired with growing interested. At first Anita felt revulsion over being forced to help Jamie’s two halves bathe and now she found herself genuinely intrigued by the prospect.

Jamie shrugged, “I have no idea. I do not even know how it is able to move or how it managed to find its way here.” She remarked.

“Hmmm...” Anita reached out for the body again only to have it pull out of her reach, “Please be good.” She protested grabbing a hold of the body’s arm, “Lady Greystoke insisted that you bathe before dinner. We cannot have you attending dinner all bloody like that.”

“Having troubles there Anita?” Maria inquired, standing at the door to the washroom with an amused grin upon her face.

“My lady!!” Anita exclaimed, spinning around and standing in front of Jamie’s body, “You should not be in the room a man will be bathing in.” She then scowled at her mistress.

Maria merely smiled, “Oh do not be so stuffy.”

“I thought you were helping Lady Amanda with a new gown?” Anita inquired as her mistresses entered the room over to where the teddy bear sat.

“I did,” She stated, “She is having a bath right now and does not need my help with that.” She explained as she picked up the teddy, “However you seem to be in need of assistance.”

“But, My lady!” Anita protested, “You should not see a man naked before you are wed. I will help him.”

“Not like I have not seen you nude before.” She mumbled into Jamie’s furry ear causing the girl to blush under her fur.

“Huh?” Jamie noticed that the neck of her body was flushed as well, “How can that be?”

“What be?” Maria turned to look at what it was that caught Jamie’s attention and smiled, “Hmmm? Are you two connected in some way?” Maria inquired curiously as she stepped towards the body, moving Anita to the side. Maria reached out her hand and ran a finger along the buttons of Jamie’s shirt, not even effected by the layer of blood over Jamie’s body.

“Ummm... M... Maria?” Jamie stammered nervously.

Anita gave her mistress a wide eyed look, “My lady! You should not be touching him in such a manner.” She exclaimed, frustrated by Maria’s behaviour.

Maria glared down at her maid, “Anita, in all the years that you have known me have I ever been attracted to a man before.” She inquired irritated by her maids lack of vision.

Anita thought for a moment then shook her head, “Never...” She followed Maria’s arm to her hand as her mistress ran her fingers across Jamie’s chest.

“M.. Maria...?” Jamie continued to stammer glancing from her body to the maid and back again, “Are you sure about that?”

Maria stopped on Jamie’s breast and caressed it lightly causing the teddy bear to let out a soft moan, “What do you know.” Maria stated with satisfaction, “This could be interesting after all.” She remarked with a grin. Jamie’s body suddenly sprung to life and grabbed Maria’s breast, “Hey!!” She stumbled backwards and they all fell into the tub, Maria, Jamie’s body and the teddy. Leaving a rather surprised Anita standing at the side of the tub staring down at them.

“My Lady!!!” Anita cried out as she took Maria by the hand and pulled the girl out of the tub.

Maria allowed herself to be hauled up to a sitting position at the side of the tub, “Thank you Anita.” She said gratefully.

“Help!!!” Jamie’s gargled cries called out from the water.

“Oh Jamie!!” Maria quickly pulled the bear out of the tub and handed Jamie to Anita before turning back to the tub to help the body around so the neck was above water. Water spluttered out of the esophagus and one could hear it struggling to breath. The corpus quickly leaned over the side of the tub to allow some of the liquid to fall to the floor from the opening in its neck and began to breath normally again.

Anita set the teddy on the toilet and wrapped a towel around her, “Are you alright, My lord?” She inquired concerned for her future master as she rubbed the towel over Jamie’s fur.

Maria suddenly broke into laughter, “That was so funny!!” She exclaimed gleefully, “Did you do that on purpose?” She asked Jamie through her giggles.

Jamie shook some of the water from her fur, “I had no idea that would happen.” She remarked innocently, putting up a paw to stop the maid from drying her further, “You were the one who provoked my body.” She blurted.

The body stood up in the tub and shook the water from its arms. Her cloths clung tightly to her body revealing her rather feminine frame. Suddenly all the pieces fell into place in Anita’s mind and she gave Maria an appalled look of shock, “My Lady!!!” She cried out.

Maria stopped laughing and gave Anita a dead serious glare, “You are not to tell anyone about this. Is that understood?” She commanded.

“But... My lady?” Anita began to stammer. Her mind puzzling over the situation, “He is the paper boy, is he not? The one you were with the other night?”

Maria simply nodded, “She is that and so much more.” Maria got to her feet and wrung her dress out, “Now if you could fetch me a dry gown I will help my future wife bathe.”

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 15

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter 15 - Dreaming of a Perfect Day

Elizabeth pushed her way against the flow the of people. Their pitch forks and hatches gleaming against the flickering torches. She clenched the little book close to herself in fear that one of them may try to steal it from her. She needed the book, needed to stop these people before they got to Jamie, needed to put things right and she had a feeling that this book was the key to returning everything back to normal. She could hear a voice in her head telling her exactly what she must do. She had a feeling that it was the book itself that was guiding her way, but did not feel any alarm over this fact. After all she just watched as one of her friends come back to life after being torn apart by a circus bear and another get crushed to a pulp by a giant blob of goo filled with a thousand floating eyes. A talking book did not seem to fit right in with the rest of the insanity and the idea that it might be leading her towards misfortune never crossed her mind.

She finally managed broke through the last mass of bodies to find herself in the town square. It was completely devoid of human life as the mob dispersed in every direction other direction in search of inhuman things to feed their blood lust. Elizabeth glanced down at the book in her hands. It trembled with every step she took and she could feel its energy racing through her body, filling her mind with the answers that she so dearly sought. The book would help her right all the wrongs of the past day. Everything would be right. Jamie would be sitting with her while sipping a tea with Charles joking about how much of a cute boy Jamie was turning out to be. Samuel would come to their rescue and scold the actor for treating such fine ladies at themselves in such a rude manner. It would be perfect.

She could feel that she was close to where the book wished to be. She was close to the centre of town for the book began to trembled uncontrollably in her hands. She needed to hold onto it with all her might or it would leap from her arms. As she approached a gazebo in the middle of the town park she peered up into the sky. Thick clouds gathered overhead, leaving only a circular break in the centre that showed a black starry sky and a full moon above. The moon made the clouds look like a large dark tunnel in the sky. The twinkling stars beaconed Elizabeth to come closer.

Tentatively she stepped up the stairs of the gazebo. With each footstep she felt the wooden floor boards quiver beneath her feet. The gazebo itself was charged with an energy, the same energy as the book. A mystical force grabbed hold of the book and tore it from Elizabeth’s hands. The book spiralled through the air and came to a stop in the middle of the gazebo, where it hovered several feet above the ground, its cover flung open and the pages quickly flipped as if some heavy wind was wiping passed it. Abruptly the book stopped on a page and Elizabeth’s eyes widened with excitement. This had to be it, the answer to her worries were there before her. Everything would turn back to normal and the sun would once again shine upon the town. Any remaining fears that she might had held vanished at that moment and Elizabeth found herself being drawn to the book. She placed her hands upon the pages and was overwhelmed by a force washed over her body and mind. She looked upon the glowing words before her and to recite.

*****

Burnwell wove his way through the main street of Holland-Greystoke township, dragging Charles behind him. “Can... we.... slow down?” Charles panted, all the running was making him exhausted.

The butler stopped at another intersection and looked about. Everywhere he turned he could see the flickering lights of torches, “Not now!” Charles demanded, his panic was growing to a point of hysteria and he had a feeling they were running in circles. He usually sent one of the servants to town for items and now found himself very lost.“We cannot stop with this mad mob on our tail.” He explained anxiously searching for the right road to go down.

“Maybe we can try to talk to them?” Charles offered brightly, “They are reasonable people. They will understand that we have done no wrong.”

“Did you not see the look in their eyes?” Burnwell snapped in aggravation, “They are probably being controlled by those circus freaks of Morbary’s.” Burnwell muttered in frustration of the situation.

“What is your problem with circuses all of a sudden.” Charles inquired perplexed by the man’s strange temperament, “You have been acting rather peculiarly since we met today.”

“This has been a rather peculiar day.” Burnwell remarked simply.

“There they are!!!” Someone suddenly called out and quicker then Burnwell could think the streets filled with angry faces lite by flickering torches.

Burnwell put up his hands in defence, “Now now, why do we not talk this over in an intelligent manner.” He offered timidly.

“Now you want to talk to them?” Charles glanced nervously at the way the townsfolk pointed sharp implements in their direction, “I do not think they wish to have tea, Victor.”

The butler quickly scanned the area as he backed out of range of a farmer’s pitch fork, “This would not be a problem if it was not so dark.” Burnwell scowled, “I cannot even see where the manor is from here.” He frantically stated as he searched the horizon for some sign of the building.

Charles moved in closer to the butler as the mob assembled around them, “Is that all?” He inquired in disbelief, “It is just down the road to the left.” He noted pointing passed one of the smaller gatherings of people.

“Now if we could only get passed them unharmed.” Burnwell stated getting increasingly more agitated.

“Die monster!!!” One of the people cried out and hurled a small hatchet at the couple. The blade hit Charles hard in the right shoulder with enough force to send the thin actor spinning about and tumble to the ground like a rag doll.

“CHARLES!!!” Burnwell cried out at the sudden death of his lover.

Charles staggered to his feet, the hatchet jutting violently out of his shoulder, “That... really.... hurt...” He declared grabbing the ax and wrenching it free of his flesh, causing many of the crowd to back up a step or two. He starred at the murderous device unhappily, “That was not very nice.” He remarked then glanced at his suit and poked his hand through the long slash mark in the fabric, “Now I need to find another tailor.” He muttered displease with the notion and turning on the mob, “Do you have any idea how much trouble I went through to get this suit?” He inquired angrily, the axe clenched tightly in his hand.

Burnwell staggered backwards, “Ch...Charles?!?” He stammered noticing that the actor was not bleeding. The torches shone their light across Charles face and for the first time Burnwell noticed just the deathly look to his friend. His face had paled greatly and his eyes held a dead look to them. If it was not for the fact that the man was moving Burnwell would have thought the man to be ready for the grave, “Wha... what ha... happened to you?” The butler shakily inquired, trying to keep his knees from knocking in fright.

Charles cocked his head at the butler, “What do you mean?” He replied curiously, taking a step closer to the butler only to have the man stumble out of his reach and fall over a stack of barrels, “Is there something wrong?” He inquired, confused by his lover’s actions. Then glanced around to see that even the mob was taken aback by the actors appearance, or was it the axe Charles was not sure.

The Butler swallowed hard, “Y... you are... dead...” He noted for the first time.

“Not really.” Charles turned the hatchet over in his hands as he continued to approach his ex-boyfriend, “I am very much alive. Alive enough to remember how you treated me the other day,” He stated with a sneer. The mob parted to give way for the two men as Burnwell crawled over the barrels in an attempt to gain some distance between himself and his, now psychotic looking, boyfriend.

“N... now Cha... Charles d.. Dear...” The butler stammered, not taking his eyes off the gleaming hatchet in the actors hands, “I thought we went over this.”

“Oh we did.” Charles agreed, “But you never let me finish. Now that I am partly dead I do not have to put up with your attitude problems.” He stated bluntly, tapping the blunt end of the hatched upon his palm. “And I do not have to worry about these fool’s weapons for I know they will have little effect on me.” He grinned maniacally at the mob and raised the ax over his head while twirling it madly, “How many of you wish to find out if they will return from the dead as I have?” He remarked with a menacing glare at the crowd.

As quickly as they appeared the mob vanished down the streets with Charles laughter following at their heels. The sight of his lover wildly welding an ax over his head caused Burnwell’s to scramble to his feet and flee down another road. Charles stopped laughing and turned his gaze on the butler.

“Now Victor you should not run that way.” Charles stated and gave chase.

Victor Burnwell turned a corner to find himself facing a rather large wall. A dead end. He spun around to see Charles come skidding around the corner. “Now Charles do not do anything hasty.” Burnwell said weakly as the man approached him, the axe still in his hand.

“Hasty?” Charles inquired curiously, “Like the way you tossed me away? That kind of hast?” He asked eagerly.

“I am truly sorry.” The butler replied weakly, tears were beginning to form in his eyes and he dropped to his knees, “I am Sorrrrrryyyy!!!” He cried, clenching at the front of Charles’s tux, “I was rash and curt to you, but I regretted ever bit of what I said the moment I cooled down.”

Charles grabbed the butler by the arm and pulled him to his feet, “Will you get to your feet? There is no need to grovel.”

“Please!!! Do not kill me!!!” Burnwell cried out with his eyes tightly clenched shut and his hands clasped together in prayer , “I will be good!!! I swear I will never treat you badly again just let me live...” He sobbed pitifully.

“Victor, Will you calm down!” Charles snapped at the butler, “Get a hold of yourself. I am not really going to hurt you. It was all an act.” He stated, hauling the butler to his feet.

Burnwell opened his eyes to see Charles standing before him, a satisfied grin upon his face, “An act?” He asked nervously, “You mean you were just acting the whole time?” A slightly dumbfounded expression drawn across his face.

“Not a bad show if I must say so myself, “Charles boosted, setting the axe upon his wounded shoulder, “and I never thought I was much for improvisational acting myself.” The actor remarked with a chuckle, “And you should have seen the way you were grovelling. You really thought I was going to kill you.” His laughter echoed off the walls.

Burnwell let out a sign of relief, “You really had me scared there.” He remarked with a nervous chuckle, “I really thought you were dead for a moment there. How did you do that trick with the hatch?” He inquired, curiously glancing at the ghastly gash in the man’s shoulder.

“What trick?” Charles’s smile broadened, “I was only partly acting.” Charles stated bluntly, then leaned in close to the butler, “I really am dead.” He explained nonchalantly, “And I am still angry with you for yesterday.”

The butler simply stared into his lover dead eyes, “B... but.... how...?” He stammered in bewilderment.

“I cannot really remember.” Charles replied with a shrug and tossed the hatched to the side of the road, “Shall we get to the manor, my love?” He took the butlers hand and steered the rather stunned man towards the Holland Manor.

*****

Amanda lay in the tub with her eye lightly closed. So much had changed in such little time. Discovering that she had been dead for months, that her parents would probably never want anything to do with her anymore, that she would never be able to live a normal life again. Yet as she lay within the warm water within the walls of Castle Greystoke she felt relaxed, as if none of the worries could pass beyond those grey stone walls. She opened her eye and stood up. Water poured from her long hair and down her back. She began to wring the water from her hair and reached for a brush to remove the last of the muck when there was a knock at the door.

“Hello?” Amanda sat back down in the water and covered her chest with her arms.

“Lady Amanda, it is Anita, my lady.” Anita’s voice drifted from beyond the door, “Lady Maria requested that I help you, my lady.”

Amanda relaxed and lay back in the tub, “Come in Anita.” She called out to the maid as she rested her head against the curve of the back of the tub.

Anita entered the room with a towel in her hand, “How is your bath, My lady?” Anita inquired as she closed the door behind her and hung the towel upon a hook, “Is the water alright, my lady?”

“It is fine.” Amanda sat up and glanced up at the young maid. She noticed that Anita did not flinch away when Amanda looked at the maid, unlike the other servants, “You really do not fine us monestrous?” She inquired curiously.

Maria violently shook her head and gazed upon the Nobel girl’s face, “No, My lady!” She replied quickly, her eyes showing no sign of betrayal. They held firmly upon Amanda’s and did not flicker away, “I think you are beautiful. Almost as beautiful as Lady Maria.” She stated with a smile

Amanda cocked her head and gave the maid a peculiar glance, “You do?” She inquired leerily, “Why not? We a dead after all.” She looked at her pale hands, “Sort of...”

Maria picked up the brush and knelt beside the tub, “I admit I was scared when I first heard of Maria being brought back to life, but I was ever so sad when I heard of her death that having her back was like a dream come true.” She replied with a slight blush then held the brush out, “Would you allow for me to brush your hair?” She inquired shyly.

Amanda shrank in the tub, “There may still be blood and such.” She replied timidly.

Anita smiled at the girl, “Cannot be as bad as Lady Maria’s was and I cleaned out ever bit with as much care as I will yours.” She stated with a nod of her head.

“Al...alright...” Nervously agreed as she Amanda turned in the tub so her back was facing the girl.

Anita gently lifted Amanda’s hair over the edge of the tub and ran her fingers through it to remove some of the tangles, “You have lovely hair, my lady.” Anita commented as she began to run the brush Amanda’s wavy locks.

Amanda blushed lightly, “My mother never let anyone cut it so it is way to long.” She commented curling her legs up in front of herself and hugging her knees, “Guess I can never see mother again.” She mumbled into her knees.

Anita stroked the girl’s head with her hand, “I am sorry, My lady.” She replied softly.

Amanda leaned back enjoying the feeling of Anita’s delicate fingers through her hair. She had think of something to get her mind off the feeling, “Do you have a family?” She inquired, trying to make conversation.

Anita stopped in mid stroke, “No.” Anita replied simply, her face long.

Amanda turned in the tub to look upon the maid’s sad face, “Nope?” She asked, eager to learn more, “Do you not miss them?”

“I was left here when I was only a babe.” Anita replied with a quivered smile, “You do not wish to hear of my story, my lady.” She stated, shaking the sadness from her mind.

Amanda slowly shook her head, “I do.” She stated assuredly, setting her hand upon Anita’s, “I wish to learn about everyone in my new home. Including those that are so dear and close to Maria.”

“I am no such thing.” Anita remarked modestly, bowing her head.

“I see the way the two of you look at each other.” Amanda stated bluntly, “I saw the way your eyes saddened when you learned of Jamie. I tell your heart ached must worse then my own upon seeing those two together. You have lived with her a very long time, have you not?”

Anita jumped to her feet, “You are wrong, My lady.” She protested vigorously, “I am just a simple maid. I could never-“

“But you do.” Amanda noted, “I can see it in your eyes even now. You do not need to hide it from me.”

Anita sank to the floor, “I do not...” Tears filled her eyes, “I can not...”

Amanda stepped out of the tub and knelt beside the girl, “I am sorry.” She wrapped an arm around Anita, “I did not mean to pry.”

“I love her, My lady.” Anita shakily admitted, “Lady Clara gave her to me long ago. She is supposed to be mine and we would be together forever.” She sobbed.

Amanda pulled the crying maid into her arms, “I know.” She frowned, “I wish I had a maid like you. Maybe then my life would not have been such a nightmare.”

Anita sniffled and glanced up at Amanda, “Why would you want such a disgraceful maid such as I?” She inquired, “I bet you had the maids adoring you at your home.”

Amanda shook her head, “When I was little I made a mistake.” She explained miserably, “It is true, My mother also placed a young maid in my care. She was sweet and kind to me and I loved her dearly, however when I was twelve I did something that I would regret from that day onwards.”

Anita sat up and dabbed at her tears with the edge of her apron, “What was that, my lady?”

Amanda pulling her knees in close to her body and let out a deep sigh, “I kissed her.” She stated gloomily, “ And the very next day she was found to be missing. All that was left behind was a letter explaining to my parents what I had done. I was forbidden to be alone with any of the young maids ever again.”

“My Lord!” Anita was shocked by what she heard. The idea of a maid reacting in such a manner was appalling to her, “I would never tell secrets of Lady Maria or leave her side. She is dear to me and I would do anything to keep her save. Even from her own parents.” She set her hand upon Amanda’s, “Nor would I let anyone harm you, my Lady Amanda.”

Amanda looked into Anita’s eyes, “You are not lying to me? Trying to comfort me?” She inquired searching her eyes for any hint of falsehood in the maid’s mind, only to fine sincerity in those eyes.

“I live to serve my lady Maria.” Anita admitted boldly, “And if you allow it I would like to serve you as well.” She stated with flushed cheeks.

Amanda blinked at the maid in disbelief, “Y... you would?” She blushed brightly at the offer, “But...” She placed a hand over her eye only to have Anita pull it away.

“You have no need to hide yourself from me.” Anita assured the girl, never letting her eyes weaver from Amanda’s.

“But would you even considering kissing me?” She inquired in a voice no more then a whisper.

Anita let go of the girl’s hand and nervously licked her lips. It has been long since she tasted Maria’s lips and she had to admit that she longed for one for months. Aside from Amanda’s wounded eye she was quite beautiful. She swallowed realizing her offer to be Amanda’s servant had been taken differently then she intended, or had it? She slowly nodded, “If that is your wish of me.” Anita replied softly, her heart jack hammering in her chest.

“I’ve always longed for a true kiss.” Amanda remarked, looking away in shame of her request, “You only have to kiss me if that is your so desire. I do not wish to force you.”

Anita quivered with the need, just a taste she thought. She would not be betraying her feeling for Lady Maria now would she? She glanced over Amanda’s nude form, almost for the first time. The girl’s long, damp, hair clung to her in waves over her body, keeping prying eyes from getting no more then a glimpse at her slightly exposed skin. The amount that Anita could see was enough to send her heart racing as her eyes traced the girl’s long smooth arms and legs. She had only see Maria and a few of the other servants undressed til this day and the sight of such a fair lady sitting nude before her was making Anita feel weak. Her heart was only for Lady Maria and yet Lady Maria’s heart did not seem to be her’s in return. She spent much of the day trying to accept this and now she found herself with that feeling raising inside of her again. Did she take Lady Amanda’s request of a kiss? Did that mean she no longer loved Lady Maria? She could not face the thought of that.

“Anita?” Amanda could see the battle going on behind the young girl’s eyes. She set a hand upon the maid’s cheek, “You do not need to make a decision. It was a pathetic request from a lonely girl.”

Anita looked deep into Amanda’s light green eye. She could see concern upon the girl’s face, Amanda did not look to be any intent of harm in the girl. No there was something else in those eyes. The same look of her mistress that very morning, back when Lady Maria thought she would forever be alone and shunned for being a monster. Now Lady Maria has Jamie, but who could be there for Lady Amanda. Would there be another half dead girl in Amanda’s future? Anita did not think so, “It is not a pathetic request.” She finally said in but a whisper.

Amanda did not quite hear what the maid had said and needed to lean in closer to the girl, “What was that?” She inquired, not letting her gaze free of Anita’s.

Anita’s lips quivered at their closeness. She could feel Amanda’s breath upon her flesh and could no longer resist. She moved quickly, not wanting to allow regret or worry to set in again. She placed her lips lightly against Amanda’s in a gentle kiss. As sudden as it was Anita pulled away in shock of what she did, “I... I am sorry, My la-“ She was cut off by Amanda returning the kiss, this time much deeper. A warmth washed over Anita like nothing before. She could feel Amanda’s hand run across her cheek and around the back of her neck. She was so overwhelmed by the feel that she let it take over her mind and wrapped her arms around Amanda’s neck in a passionate embrace.

Amanda could feel Anita’s tongue enter her mouth and let her own circle around the girl’s. She never thought a kiss could feel so good and so warm, it felt as if her entire body had been hungering for this very moment all of her life. She gently leaned the maid back and lay atop of the girl, never breaking from the kiss. Anita’s finger softly caressed her back and butt in ways that sent shivers through Amanda’s entire being. She never wanted the moment to end when she felt one of Anita’s hands sliding along her stomach and between her legs. Abruptly she cut off the kiss and sat up.

“I... I am sorry...” Amanda was suddenly overcome by a fear. She wanted this all of her life and yet this was not how she wanted it to be.

“My Lady?” Anita watched the girl curiously, “Did I hurt you, My Lady?” She asked with concern in her brown eyes.

Amanda gave the girl a nervous smile, “N... no...” She rubbed at her eyes and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, “I... I just do not know if... if I am ready for...” Her eyes darted around the room as she tried to piece her confused mind together.

Anita stood to her feet, picked up the towel off this hook and place it over Amanda’s shoulder, “It is alright, My Lady.” She assured the girl, “I was afraid the first time Lady Maria did that to me.” She explained gently.

When Amanda looked up there were tears in her eyes, “Did... did it hurt?” She inquired tearfully.

Anita gave the girl a smile, “A little.” She admitted then leaned close to Amanda’s ear, “But it was the best thing that happened to me and I felt so warm and happy for weeks afterwards.” She picked up the brush and knelt behind the girl, “It would an honour be to be the first one to do the same with you.” She remarked while running the brush through Amanda’s hair.

Amanda curled her legs up close as she let the maid brush her hair. Meanwhile her mind was deep in thought. Reflections of Maria and Anita in her mind, “Thank you.” She muttered softly.

“Anything, my lady.” Anita stated as she gently stroked the girl’s hair, “Anything...”

*****

Victoria brushed a lock of hair over her ear as she tried hard to ignore the increasing pace of the winds. She cursed as the winds tried to pull the wooden plank out of her hands before she could nail it in place. She felt as if nothing was going right for her and she sensed that this would be the end of The Raven’s Keep. She did not admit it to anyone else but the café had already fallen in the red and the damages to the building was not going to help matters, however she was not willing to just give up. Running a café was her childhood dream and she was not going to let it go until the bitter end. Summoning ever ounce of her strength she shoved the piece of wood snug in place with the others and was about to drive a nail through the wood when a large furry hand came out from behind her and held the piece of wood for her.

“Let me offer you a hand, Madam.” A deep voice offered from behind Victoria.

Victoria starred up at the pair of clawed hands that assisted her then glanced around to find herself gazing into a furry wolfen face. The first instinct that Victoria had was to run, however as she watched the creature it did not seem to have any malice intent in its heart. The wolf seemed to ignore her stares as it picked up another piece of wood and placed it below the next, then glanced down at her with its bright yellow eyes and it ear flicked in a curious manner.

“I am ready, Ma’am.” The wolf remarked with a slight growl.

“Th... thank you...” Victoria stammered, snapping out of her daze to quickly nail the boards in place. Only when the window was completely covered did Victoria take a step back to get a better look at the monster that stood before her. It must have stood over twelve feet tall with shoulders wider then two men and dark grey fur that had been brushed neatly, “Y... y... you are a werewolf...”

“Do not let Jacob’s appearance alarm you, young lady.” Came another voice from the shadows. Victoria turned to see Morbius standing upon the café steps, his cane held firmly in front of him. There were several other odd characters standing about the streets, “The name is Morbius Mobray and I’m a ringmaster for a local circus.” He explained with a smile and a bow. “We were happening by when we spotted that you were in a bit of a fix and thought you could use a hand.”

“Th... that was very... kind of you...” Victoria continued to stammered as she watched Mr. Titter approach the werewolf and together they begin to repair the door frame.

“We can have this all fixed in but a moment.” Mr. Titter states with a giggle and started to juggle pieces of plywood over his head.

“We can handle things here.” Jacob stated with a grin, or what Victoria believed must have been a grin, If a wolf could smile that is. “You have other business to take care of inside.” He continued, snatching a piece of wood from the clown as it nearly hit him in the muzzle.

“Other business?” Victoria inquired, completely baffled by what she was seeing.

“Yes,” Morbius took the hammer from Victoria’s hands and passed it to one of the other circus folk, then took the woman by the hand and started to lead her into the café, “We have much to talk about. You would not have some tea to drink while we converse now would you?” He inquired taking a quick look at his watch, “We seemed to have missed out tea time.”

“Uhhhh... yes... I can make you some.” Victoria offered with a nervous smile.

“We were afraid you would never ask.” Morbius stated with a wide grin, “That is awfully nice of you.” And before Victoria was aware of what had occurred she found herself being host to a horde of the strangest creatures in existence.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 16

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter 16 - Dinnertime

Lord Holland licked his lips as a servant placed a plate of food before him, “Lilian, I have no idea what you did but I am grateful to have such a brilliant daughter as you.” He remarked proudly as he looked upon a sizzling stake, his mouth watering.

“It was nothing father.” Lilian lightly boosted.

Alison shook her head in dismay, “It is not like you made the meal.” She stated from across the dinning table. “You just ordered them around like you do to everyone.” She noted with a sneer.

“Be quiet you little demon.” Lilian spat across the table. She always sat opposite her little sisters. She loathed the idea of being near them and at this moment she was being reminded of why, “I cannot believe I have to eat my dinner with you three psychos.” She muttered as she stabbed a fork into her stake and cut a piece off.

“Thanks for the complement.” Alice replied licking her lips at the stake before her. The smell was like nothing she had ever dreamt. She glanced at Alexandra sitting next to her and blushed. The passed couple of days was more then she could ever wish for. It was like someone had been listening to her greatest desires and were making them come true.

Alison giggles at her friends remark, “Father, Thank you for letting Alice stay for dinner.” She said, giving her sister a sinister grin that caused the girl the snarl under her breath.

“It is a delight.” The lord stated with a smile at the girls, “It is so rare that we have guests. She can stay the night if she so chooses.”

“Really!?!” Alice exclaimed through a mouth full of steak, then swallowed, embarrassed by her lack of manners, “Thank you my lord!” She stated gratefully.

Abruptly the dinning hall’s door flung upon and Burnwell rushed into the room with Charles closely behind him. The three young girls stared up from their food in shock as they starred at the actor.

“Burnwell! Where have you been?” Lord Holland demanded displeased by the butler disturbing their dinner.

“I am... sorry... my lord.” The butler struggled to catch his breath, “Things have been... difficult...” He remarked looking at Charles.

“That is no reason to go wandering off and suddenly appear when you feel.” The lord returned irately, “You know I can not deal with those servants of ours without you.”

“I am sorry, my lord.” Charles interjected, “You see there seems to be an angry mob in town and they kept us from returning sooner.”

“A mob you say?” The Lord inquired curiously, “What could stir the townsfolk into such a state?”

“I do not know, my lord,” The butler replied with a nervous glance at Charles, “but they seem to be heading for the Greystoke Castle. They seem to be angry with Lady Greystoke.”

“Oh, is that the case.” Lilian remarked dryly, “I hope the mob takes good care of that creepy woman.”

“Right!” The Lord exclaimed, glad to hear of the downfall of the Greystoke family, “It is not an affair of ours, so let us continue with our meal..” He explained stabbing a piece of stake and prepared to eat it when he glance at the actor, “Charles, would you like to join us? We are having stake today.” He announced gleefully.

“It would be an honour, my lord.” The actor replied with a bow. He gave the butler a passing grin as he strolled around the table and pulled out a chair beside Lilian, “Do you mind if I sit here, my lady?” He inquired politely.

“Please do.” Lilian gestured to the chair and the actor took a seat.

The actor smiled across the table at the three young girls as he sat. They all only watched the man attentively with dumbfounded expressions upon their faces. All three immediately noticed the wound on the man’s shoulder and could not take their eyes off of it.

“Evening ladies.” Charles grin broadened causing the girls to shutter in their seats, “It is so nice to be part of the family.” He stated beaming at Burnwell.

“Burnwell, could you get our guest a plate.” The lord ordered the butler, who reluctantly left the room in a huff. The lord noticed the way the girls were eyed their new arrival, “Oh Girls, have you met Charles... ummm...” The lord stammered over the actor’s name then turned to the man, “What was your name again, good man?”

“Charles Langton, my lord.” Charles replied, his eyes not turning from the girls.

“Oh yes! And these are my daughters, Alison and Alexandra.” Lord Holland gestured to the twins then to their friend, “And this is their friend, Alice.”

“Pleasure to finally meet you lovely young ladies.” Charles greeted the girls and raised from his seat to give a deep bow, “I thank you all for allowing a humble actor like myself to eat at such a luxurious hall as this.” He remarked gratefully. As he sat back down he noticed that the girls were still staring at him, “Have we met before?” He inquired curiously.

Alexandria was the first to shake the shock from her mind, “We saw you in town today.” Alex replied nonchalantly, finally regaining her composure, “You were outside of the tailor’s shop I think.” She remarked giving the actor a challenging look.

If the actor was not already pale he would have changed several shades that very moment, “Oh, I see.” He remarked, pulling on his collar and revealing his torn throat, “If I had only have known that you were the missing Holland twins then I would have taken you straight home right away.” He said with a nervous smile to Lord Holland .

“That is very thoughtful of you.” The lord commented, returning the man’s smile, “But that is in the past so do not worry so.” He remarked.

Burnwell suddenly returned with a patter in hand and set it in front of Charles, “Be careful what you say to those two.” He whispered cautiously while eyeing the three young girls, “They may seem innocent but they are nothing more then terrors and if they find out about your condition your welcome here could quickly shift.” He warned the actor then rose and walked over to the Lord’s side, “Will that be all, my lord.” He inquired, hoping uneasily that the man would request more food or drink. Anything to keep him in the same room as Charles. He wanted to be sure that no one discovers the man’s secret and if they did he wished to be there to bail the actor out.

“That will be fine.” The Lord replied, “I will call for you if needed.” With that he gestured for the butler to leave.

Burnwell stood his place for a moment unable to will his legs to move. Lady Alexandria was scanning his lover like an animal sizing up her prey. Burnwell knew very well that after Lady Alexandria has set those eyes on someone they are more then likely to disappear overnight. “A... are you sure, my lord?” He inquired nervously, “My ladies?” He added with increasingly manic tone to his voice that draw the girl’s attention away from Charles.

“Are you alright, Burnwell?” Lola inquired considerately, “You are looking a tad pale.” She noted glancing at the butler.
“I... I will be fine, My Lady.” Burnwell stammered glancing from Lola to the twins in a way that made Lola understand what was distressing the man. She scanned the three girls in search of what they could be planning only to have them return her gaze with cold stares that made her heart jump.

Alexandria examined Charles carefully as she thought over the events of the day. She was certain she could see worry upon the actors face, but was unsure how she could use this to her advantage. She merrily noticed that the anxiety seemed to have spread to the butler and even her older sister and was revelling in their restlessness when her twin sister started pulling on her sleeve, “What is it Alison?” She inquired coldly, she did not like when her sister interrupted her musings.

“In the garden!” Alison whispered into her sister’s ear, “Behind the man.”

Alexandra moved her gaze from the actor to the large window that faced the garden. A dark shadow moved in obscurity quickly followed by yet another. Alex watched the shadows with intense curiosity. She stood to her feet trying to figure out what the movement could be when suddenly one of them came directly at the windows. It stumbled through a patch of flowers and it became apparent that the shadow was a human, “Ummm... Father...” She swallowed hard as she thought of the angry mob gathering in the village came to mind. Could they have come for them? or maybe it was the actor that they were interested in?

“What is it dear?” The lord followed his daughters gaze to see a growing number of shadowy figures stumbling about the garden. He slammed his fork down on his plate, “What do they think they are doing in my garden?” He exclaimed rising to get a better look out the window.

“Who?” Lilian asked curiously turning to get a look at what had caught her father’s eye.

Charles quickly got to his feet and backed around the table in an attempt to gain some distance from the windows, “H... how did they find me?” He stammered softly.

Burnwell rushed to the man’s side, “Do you think they followed us?” He whispered.

Alex was the only one to notice the actor and butler as they crept from the room, “Maybe they are friends of Charles here.” She commented with a grin that made Charles spin shiver in fear. At that moment one of the figures slammed up against the window with such force that it caused a couple of the girls to scream out in fright.

Alice jumped to her feet, startled by what she saw, “Cecil!!!” She cry out.

Cecil spotted his cousin and the blood around his lips cracked as he grinned at the girl. He tapped on the glass pointing at Alice. Another figure approached the window to reveal a rather decayed body of a man. He was missing one of his arms and his head partly sunken in as if someone had violently beat it in with something rather solid.

“The graveyard!!” Alexandria exclaimed suddenly realizing that the garden was filled with hundreds of walking corpses, “They must have come back to life.” She muttered under her breath. She suddenly noticed that several of the people looked very familiar.

Alison leaned close to her sister, “Alex, I think we killed that man last year.” She observed with a swallow.

Alexandra nodded, “Yeah and there is Mrs. Wisconsin from last month.” She whispered with a glanced over at a rather old woman in a tattered dress and several cut marks across her face and hands, “We have to get out of here.” She grabbed the back of Alice’s dress and began to pull the girl out of the hall.

“Get out of there!!!” Lord Holland shouted waving his fist at the people, not seeming to notice that the people were not alive.

“I do not think they will listen.” Lilian remarked, then she noticed that they were alone in the room, “I think we should follow the others.” She stated trying to hide her panic.

One of the corpses pounded on the window in front of Lord Holland and he staggered back from it, “Y...yes... I think we should.” The two rushed out of the room in search of the others.

*****

Amanda stood before a full length mirror in her new bedroom. Anita had carefully cleaned ever last speck of blood from Amanda’s face and even around the hole in her eye. At that moment Anita was fighting with the strings at the back of the long dark gown that Maria had lent Amanda.

“There you go, my lady.” Anita stepped away as she fastened the long collar in place.

“Thank you Anita.” Amanda replied gratefully. She spun around a few time to get a better look at herself in the mirror. The gown fit snug around her waist and chest. The sleeves were lace covered in rose patterns that worked well against Amanda’s pale skin. If it was not for the gapping hole in her eye she would not even have thought she was dead. She leaned closer to the mirror to get a better look at the wound and gingerly touched the edge of her eye socket and let out a sigh.

As if Anita understood she stepped before the mirror to block Amanda from viewing her image and began to fuss about the collar, “You look glorious, my lady.” She stated in a calming tone.

Amanda bowed her head in shame, “I am sorry, Anita.” She apologized dismally, “I wish I could take your words as adoring as they are, but...”

Anita placed a finger upon the girl’s lips to hush her, “We have already gone over this, My Lady.” Anita reminded the girl, “Lady Clara stated she would fix your eye and I do believe she is telling the truth.”

“I hope you are right.” Amanda said with a sigh, “but how do we know that Lady Clara was not just trying to comfort me and there was really no way to fix my eye.” She stated miserably as she sat upon the edge of her bed, “I am doomed to be a hideous monster for the rest of my life... ummm... death...” She shook her head in dismay.

Anita sat next to the girl and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, “She was able to bring Lady Maria and Lady... uuhhh... Lord... I mean... Jamie back to life so I think that fixing your eye should be a simple task for her.” She hugged Amanda tightly.

The thought of such a possibility raised Amanda spirited, “You are right.” A smile crossed her face, she suddenly grabbed Anita around the waist and pulled her onto the bed.

“My lady!?!” Anita exclaimed, startled to find she had landed atop of Amanda. She stared down at the girl and found herself leaning in for a kiss when there was a knock at the door.

“What is this about?” Maria asked with a smirk upon her face as she stood in the guest room door.

“Lady Maria,” Anita jumped to her feet and fixed her dress, “Have you finished helping Lord Jamie dress?” She inquired nervously.

Amanda sat up in the bed with a flush upon her face, “I am sorry Maria. I did not mean... I...”

Maria let out a small giggle, “You two looked so cute together.” She stated with a grin upon her face.

“Lady Maria... I...” Anita glanced about the room anxiously.

Maria crossed the room to Anita’s side, “Take care of her as you did me.” She remarked with a knowing grin.

Amanda quickly got to her feet, “Maria, are you sure? I mean I do not wish to take her from you.”

Anita’s blush brightened, “But... My Lady... Am I not yours... forever...?” She inquired uneasily.

Maria set her forehead against Anita’s, “You will always be with me, however if you wish to be there for Amanda as well then feel free.” She then dropped her voice to a whisper, “She needs someone too.”

“You really mean that?” Amanda clapped her hands together, “She already offered to be my personal maid along side you, but we wanted to ask your opinion first.”

“I trust Anita with my life.” Maria stated bluntly, not taking her eyes off the maid, “And I would trust her with my friends as well.”

“Is everything alright?” Jamie inquired as she came down the hall, “Did something happen to Lady Amanda?”

“Not much.” Maria replied with a wink to the two girls. She turned to see the teddy sitting in the arms of her body. A tiny little black bow tie and white collar were fastened neatly around her neck and a black vest covered the rest of her small bear body, “You looks so adorable.” Maria partly squealed and rushed over to snatch the teddy from the corpse’s hands.

“I do not!” Jamie retorted, “I look ridiculous.”

“You look very adorable.” Amanda agreed with Maria, “And your body looks very handsome too.” She remarked examining Jamie’s headless body. Jamie’s body was clad in the finest of tuxedos, Maria’s mother demanded that Jamie dress properly for the dinner and sent a servant with the clothes after she got out of the bath. All three girls found themselves stunned by the way the suit looked upon Jamie’s frame, “You would never guess there was a girl under there.” Amanda noted as she circled the body in amusement.

“I agree.” Anita commented, “I never thought a headless person could look so charming.”

“I would look better if I still had my head.” Jamie restate grumpily.

“You still upset over that?” Maria inquired with a sigh, “Mother told you it was not likely she would be able to return your head and she apologized too. I do not see why you are so upset.”

“You still have you head.” Jamie replied irritated by the insensitive of her lover, “I bet my head is laying in some garbage right now.” She grumbled.

Maria hugged the teddy tightly, “We will work thing out. As long as we are together right?” She inquired happily.

“What if she figures out that I am not a boy?” Jamie worried, “I mean we cannot keep this a secret forever.” She glanced at the maid with distress in her eyes.

“I promise not to tell, Lord Jamie.” Anita remarked confidently.

“Will you stop worrying.” Maria stated and kissed the teddy on the head, “Just be happy that we are together again. I know I am.”

Jamie bowed her head in shame and her body slumped in a similar manner, “I’m sorry. I just keep getting this feeling that things are going to collapse around us and when it does it will not be a pretty sight.” Her body nodded in agreement, or it did the closest thing to a nod a headless corpse could do.

Amanda starred at the body in amazement, “Does it always do that?” She inquired with a slight shudder at the idea that the body could hear even without its head.

“It would seem the body is connected to Jamie is some way.” Maria explained lightly, “We will have to leave that for a later time as we should get to the dinning hall. Mother will be angry if we are late.” She stated then quickly moved down the hall with Jamie’s body following closely behind.

Anita began to follow her mistress when Amanda took her by the hand and pulled her back, “Lady Amanda?” Anita inquired curiously as the girl hugged her tightly.

“Did you mean what you said earlier?” Amanda stared intensely into Anita’s eyes, “About being my first?”

Anita smiled at Amanda, “Whenever you so wish, my lady.” She quickly turned and rushed after Lady Maria.

Amanda shook the feelings that filled her head and hurried after the others.

“I’m so glad you could all make it.” Clara exclaimed happily as the group of girls entered the dining hall, “Why do you not look wonderful.” She declared, circling around the table to look upon the girls’ attire.

“Thank you, my lady.” Amanda replied with a curtsy, “And thank you again for letting me stay. Are you sure Lord Greystoke will not mind?” She asked in a concerned tone.

“Do not fret, Child.” Clara returned then turned to look upon the teddy bear in Maria’s arms, “Why you do look splendid Lord James.” Clara stated taking Jamie from her daughter’s arms.

“Uhhh... thank you... Lady Clara.” Jamie stammered trying to remember her manners. She promised Maria that she would try her best to stay on Clara better side. If they were to stay together they would need to keep Clara in blissful ignorance or she might finding out Jamie’s secrets and then they would be in real trouble.

“I have someone I wish to introduce you too.” Clara stated excitedly as she walked around the table with Jamie’s body following her, “I would like you to meet your future father-in-law, Lord Greystoke.” She said holding Jamie up to a large tank of yellowish liquid.

“My lord?!?” Jamie blinked at the brain floating withing the tank in disbelief. This could not possibly be the same person she delivered the paper to just the other day, could it?

“Hello?” Lord Greystoke replied, intrigued to hear a new voice, “Who may this be? I was beginning to think no one would come to talk to me.” He said miserably.

“Lord Greystoke, I would like to introduce you too Lord James.” Clara set Jamie in the chair next to the Lord.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Lord James.” Lord Greystoke replied in delight, “It is always an honour to meet another lord. What family are you from?”

“Uhhh... uhhhh...” Jamie stammered as she stared at the brain.

“Th... that is Lord Greystoke!!!” Amanda exclaimed slightly alarmed by what she saw, “You never told me your father was a brain in a box!” She stared at Maria in astonishment.

“There was a slight accident.” Maria explained shyly, feeling embarrassed by the way her friends were reacting to her father’s appearance.

“Who is this sweet young voice, I hear?” Lord Greystoke requested tenderly, “Why have we not been introduced.”

“I am sorry father.” Maria approached the tank, “This is Lady Amanda Dalant, father.” Maria introduced, taking Amanda by the hand and pulling her along, “Be polite.” She whispered into her friend’s ear, “You do not want to be thrown out do you?” She warned.

“N.. No, but...” Amanda stammered, her eyes not able to move from the floating brain, “Uhhh... Ev... evening My lord...” She greeted with a small curtsy.

“Amanda Dalant?” Lord Greystoke milled the name over, “I remember your father. He was worried about you after your disappearance. What happened to you, dear?” He inquired with a note of worry.

“I...” Amanda glanced at Maria in search of an answer to give.

“She was murdered.” Clara declared bluntly, “Just like yourself, our daughter and James here. I brought you all brought back to life.”

“Well, this is an interesting turn of events.” The lord commented, “Lady Clara you have been very... busy... I see...” Lord Greystoke remarked, slightly uneasy of his wife bringing people back from the dead.

“They are grand achievements.” Clara announced proudly, “Now shall we move on with the formalities and begin to feast?”

Anita quickly pulled out three chairs for the girls. Maria sat next to the teddy bear with Jamie’s body on her other side and Amanda last seat. Amanda smiled at Anita as the maid pushed her seat in. Clara sat opposite the girls and watched them attentively, a proud smile upon her face. Several servants brought in patters of food and set them about the table. Before their eyes a feast appeared as one by one the plates were arranged across the table.

“Uhhhh... My lady??” One of the servant stammered and pointed to a group of tentacles that had snaked through the door and sat upon a chair a couple of places down from Clara. Three tentacle in total, two smaller ones coiled around a larger middle stalk, formed an almost plant like creature that sat in an “S” shape upon the chair and glanced about the many platters that adorned the table.

“No!! Get!!” Clara commanded the creature as if it were a common dog, “Shoo. Bad.”

The middle tentacle split down the middle like a mouth and it hissed in reply to Clara’s orders. A servant tried to move some of the food away from the creature only to be whipped on the hand by one of a smaller tentacle causing him to drop the platter to the table. A large piece of ham rolled in front of the creature and it began to gnaw at the meat.

Clara sunk into her chair, “Fine, be that way.” She muttered giving a wave to the servant to let the creature be. She laced her fingers together and glaring at the beast, “But know that tomorrow I will uproot you like the bad weed that you are.” She snarled under her breath.

Amanda beamed at the creature, “It does make a rather unique pet.” She noted lightheartedly, watching as the creature wrapped a tentacle around a wine glass and dumped its contents into an awaiting mouth, spilling most of the liquid to the chair and floor, “Rather messy, but unique all the same.”

“Mother, are you sure we have to get rid of it?” Maria inquired feeling sorry for the creature.

Jamie ignored the creature as she stared at the table filled with an assortment of food and drink. The sight of which made her mouth water and she rubbed her paws together in delight. She was still unsure about her teddy bear body, but she was going to try everything on the table at least once. This was a feast that she will not miss. She stood on her chair and was about to reach for a leg of chicken when her body reach out for the same. She paused and so did the corpse.

Maria could not help to giggle, “It would seem your body wants the same things as you do, My Lord.” Maria noted in amusement of the situation.

“This is very fascinating.” Clara stated examining the two carefully as Jamie struggled to make her body not move, “It is almost as if you can control your body.” She remarked glaceing from the headless corpse to the teddy.

“What is going on?” Lord Greystoke inquired, curious to know what has caught everyone’s attention.

“James here had a rather unfortunate accident and his head was severed from his body.” Clara explained calmly as she watched the struggles between the two halves, “I placed his brain within a teddy bear’s body, thinking the rest of his body would never to be recovered. However the body came looking for its head and well...”

“The body?” The lord seemed very perplexed by this idea, “How can a body walk around without a head? And how can you stick a brain in a teddy bear?”

“The teddy bear is a combination of dog parts and anime organs while the body... well that is an intriguing part of the mystery.” Clara commented amusement over Jamie’s circumstance.

Maria sunk in her chair as the two Jamies fought over a piece of meat. The teddy standing on the arm of Maria’s chair as it struggled with the bit of food, “It is very complicated, father.” She stated, wishing that Jamie would find the manners to just sit down and give up the fight.

“Why does it have to choose everything I do?” Jamie exclaimed suddenly letting go of the chicken and switching to a loaf of bread, which was snatched up by her body. Then a glass of wine, that was immediately knocked over, “This is getting maddening. It can not even eat, can it?” She inquired watching the corpse try to stick the food down its throat.

“Jamie?” Lord Greystoke exclaimed abruptly, “Is that you?” He inquired curiously, recognizing the girl’s voice.

Both Jamies flopped into their retrospective chairs and turned to face the brain, “Ummm... my lord... that is?” The teddy bear fiddled with her tie while her body squirmed in place.

“Do you know them Lord?” Clara inquired eyeing Jamie very carefully as she lifted a glass of wine to her lips.

“Of course.” Lord Greystoke stated proudly, “How could I forget my favourite paperboy? I did not know you were a Lord?!?” He inquired even more disordered then before.

Clara choked on her wine and coughed, “The Paperboy!?!” She shouted as she stood to her feet, “You are not a Lord?!?” She exclaimed perplexed by this news.

Jamie nervously looked around the table as she tried to think of how she was going to talk herself out of this new ordeal.

Maria abruptly stood, “You only assumed that Jamie was a lord. You never even thought to ask before renaming her did you?” Maria shot at her mother angrily.

“Maria!” Clara slammed her fist down on the table causing the girl to jump, “That is no way to talk to your mother!” She yelled angrily, “You are such a disrespectful child. Why can you not be more like Amanda there?”

Amanda sunk in her chair trying hard to not become apart of a family squabble.

“I am not like Amanda!” Maria exclaimed furiously, “You are always comparing to me to every other girl out there. Well I am not like other girls.”

“You are a Lady of this manor and you should act that way.” Clara returned with equal hostility.

“Since I am such a disappointment I do not know why you bothered to bring me back to life.” Maria returned.

“I brought you back because I love you.” Clara cried out, “I love both of you.” She gestured to her husband.

“If you loved me then why do you keep denying the fact that I am attracted to women!” Maria stated boldly, glaring at her mother.

Clara was taken back by this statement, “But I heard from the staff that you liked a boy...” Clara remarked warily, “A paper...” She suddenly realized who’s head she was handed the other day and remembered why it seemed familiar, “You are the paperboy!” She declared as if she figured it out herself.

“Jamie is a girl!” Maria exclaimed sharply.

“A Girl!!!” Lord Greystoke was startled to hear this, “How can this be? And you told me that those rumours were lies.”

“Maria....” Jamie shrunk in her seat as Clara’s eyes bore through her. She did not like the way this conversation was going and clung to her lover’s arm.

Even Amanda was cringing in her sit at the rage that was flying over the table, “Please do not fight.” Amanda protested dismally, the sight reminded her heavily of her own family and the memory upset her.

“You can not be attracted to women.” Clara declared, “It is unnatura-“

“We are dead!” Maria cut her mother off with a slam of her hand on the table which frightened her mother enough to draw her attention from Jamie to her daughter, “How much more unnatural is that? Come on mother you study unorthodox science. Why can you not open your eyes for once.” She was growing tired of running around the subject and now that she was legally dead she felt that the ordinary rules did not apply to her any longer. Since no man would come near her the way she now was she was not going to give up the girl she loved.

The tentacle creature applauded Maria’s speech.

“You stay out of this!!” Clara snarled at the beast only to have it growl in response. She then turned back to her daughter, “And as for you young lady.”

“What mother?” Maria glared at her mother with increased intensity.

“How can you know you love women?” Clara remarked boldly, “You are still a virgin!” She exclaimed. Anita quickly backed into a corner of the room and tried to hide among the curtains.

“No I am not!” Maria stated bluntly, “You have been so busy at that lab of yours that you never noticed what I was doing and Father here never cared what I did so how would you know if I am a virgin or not.”

“Who was it!?!” Clara screamed across the table in fury, “I will kill him.” Her eyes fell upon Jamie, “Or her!”

“That is none of your business.” Maria replied coldly, “It happened long ago... before Jamie.”

“You have been with more then one woman?” Clara sunk heavily into her chair, overwhelmed by what she was hearing, “Why did you not come to us? Why did you sneak around behind our backs?” She requested weakly.

“Well, you would not have approved if I told you I wanted to be with a paperboy.” Maria remarked coldly, “It would not matter if she was a boy or a girl now would it?”

Lord Greystoke finally spoke up, “It is only right that you wed a man of noble blood.” He added to the discussion.

“Well, what noble would want wed a freak like me?” Maria inquired.

Amanda almost answered that she would, but the fury burning in Clara’s eyes told her that she should really keep out of this argument if she wanted to stay in the Greystoke castle any longer.

Jamie however felt that she needed to speak up, “You are not a freak.” She exclaimed, “I will always love you.” She declared proudly.

Maria picked the teddy bear up, “As I you.” She hugged Jamie, who hugged back and the corpse hugged Maria from the other side.

“That is all good.” Clara watched her daughter carefully, “But do not think this conversation is over with so quickly.” All of a suddenly hall filled with the sounds of loud pounding, “What could that be?” Clara inquired as she got to her feet.

A servant burst into the room at that moment with the answer, “My... lady?!?” She stuttered nervously, “The townsfolk have gathered out front and they do not look very pleased.”

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 17

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter 17 - Blood, blood everywhere. To Bad We are Already Dead.

“Charles, you are one of them.” Burnwell exclaimed as he tried to pull the actor out from under his bed, “You talk to them.”

“What makes you think they are not here to drag me back to the grave?” Charles returned hysterically, “I am not coming out from under this bed until they are gone.”

Burnwell glanced out the window to see that the undead had the place surrounded. Then he noticed three small figures running across the lawn, “I think I see the twins and their friend out there.” He remarked, letting go of Charles foot to get a closer look out the window, “My god she has Lord Holland’s sword!!! What does that girl think she is doing?!?”

“This is getting out of hand.” Alexandria declared as she cut down yet another living dead person only to have it continue to crawl towards her. She flipped the blade over in her hand and plunged it through the creatures head then gave a sharp twist severing the top half of the man’s head free and kicking it out of the way, “We can not win this way.” She remarked as she slashed the arm off yet another wondering corpse with ease. When Alex was little Lord Holland noticed the girl’s fascination with sharp objects. Seeing as he had not sons to call for he took it upon himself to have Alexandria trained by the best swordsmen in town. She became very adept in sword fighting and as such thought that a mob of stumbling undead seemed like no challenge to the girl. That is until she discovered that these corpses we not willing to stop moving no matter how much she hacked them apart, “Head for the maze.” She cried out and ran for the hedge maze at the edge of the lawn.

“Sister, Do you have any idea how to stop this insanity?” Alison cried out behind her sister. She snuck a peek behind herself to see Cecil dart around the manor and give chase, “How does he keep finding us?” She whined and picked up her pace.

“Maybe the maze will slow him down.” Alexandria suggested heading directly for one of the many entrances, “Alice keep close and take my hand. You do not want to get lost in here.” She explained while taking the girl by the hand and pulling her along, “It can take weeks to find the way out if you do not know the way.”

Alice clenched her friends hand tightly, “This is fun.” She giggled, her heart pounding with excitement.

“Ummm... Alex!!!” Alison pointed at the entrance to the hedge maze.

“What is it?” Alexandria inquired only to have the answer step out in front of her. One of the topiaries uprooted itself and blocked the entrance. The girls found them face to face with a giant leafy Gryphon with eyes of blood red roses, “Well that is new.” She stated coming to a halt a few feet away from the massive beast.

“Now what fearless leader?” Alison sarcastically inquired, not taking her eyes off the beast before her.

“You would not have a flame handy would you?” Alexandria calmly asked. The monster swiped at Alice with one its massive thorny paws. Alexandria quickly pulled her friend out of the creatures reach and tried to block the blow with her sword only to have to cleaved in two and it’s claws rake the ground near their feet, tearing out a large clot of dirt with its destructive strength.

“Uhhh...” Alice clung to Alexandria as she stared down at the torn up ground before her, “Th... thank you...” She stammered.

“Now I have you!!!” Cecil called out from behind them. He had a small group of undead with him, “You girls will not escape this time.” He stated with a cold grin. The gryphon suddenly turned it’s attention to the boy and causing Cecil to stumble backwards, “What are you looking at?” He inquired nervously, “We are on the same side, right?” The creature suddenly leapt over the girls and came down hard on Cecil, forcing him to the ground. It knocked several undead sprawling to the ground. The sounds of their screams filled the air as the beastly plant tore several corpses asunder.

“That was easy.” Alison nodded with satisfaction.

“Come on.” Alexandra dropped the hilt of the sword then grabbed her sister by the neck of her dress and pulled her into the maze with Alice, who was still holding tight onto her friends hand.

******

Jamie watched through the window at Clara in amazement, “I cannot believe she is confronting the mob on her own.” She commented from her spot in Maria’s arms.

Maria pulled the curtain back further to get a look herself. Her mother stood at the top of the steps to the Castle entrance, “Yeah, she can be quiet something at times.” She partly agreed watching as her mother took in every person’s complains and slowly nodded, “She has grown accustom to mobs showing up in protest of her research.”

“This happens all the time?” Amanda exclaimed from her spot on the other side of the window.

“Every other month or so.” Maria remarked cooly then shifted her gaze away from her mother to the growing crowd, “However this is the first time they have shown up with torches and farm tools in hand.” She let the curtain fall back over the window, “This probably has to do with the fact that she brought us back to life. I am always a burden to her.” She stated and sat down heavily upon a long velvet bench under the window.

“It is not your fault.” Jamie declared turning in the girl’s lap to look into Maria’s eyes, “You did not ask for any of this. I’m glad you are alive, but you can not keep blaming yourself.” Jamie’s body sat down next to Maria and gave her a tight hug.

“Jamie speaks the truth.” Anita added from her spot near the main stairs.

“For all you know it is myself that they are here for.” Amanda worried, pulling the curtains closed, “They could have seen me walking here with that pick in my eye and the mud all over my dress and thought I was some kind of ghost or something like you did at first.” She rubbed the back of her neck, “They could be here to finish what was started.”

“They will not be taking anyone.” Anita commanded bravely, “You are all staying right here. Where we belong.”

At that moment Clara entered the hall and closed the doors behind her, “They are hopeless.” She commented as she paced in the middle of the room, “How could they think I am responsible for all of that insanity?” She asked herself aloud.

Maria jumped to her feet and approached her mother, “What do they want?” Maria asked cautiously.

“Do they wish to kill us?” Amanda inquired then thought about what she had just said, “Again...”

Clara smiled down at her daughter and Amanda, “It is nothing to concern you.” She replied calmly.

“Do not lie to me.” Maria cried out, “I saw several of our servants in the crowd. They told everyone about my being a monster, did they not?”

“You are not a monster!” Clara blurted in frustration then quickly regretted her out burst, “I am sorry about that. This is all just so frustrating. I will not allow then to harm any of you.” She glance at Amanda then Jamie, “That means all of you.” She rubbed her head and let out a sigh, “They seem to think I caused a strange dark cloud to appear in the sky and something about the dead arising from their graves.” She muttered.

Jamie looked up in shock, “A cloud?” Her headless body rushed to the window to take a look, forgetting that it did not have a head or eyes to see for that matter. Several screams came from outside and the body quickly closed the curtain. The teddy bear shook her head, “That bloody body of mine.” She let out a exasperated sigh.

“What is it, sweetie?” Maria inquired sensing Jamie’s stress.

“I think that I may be the one responsible.” Jamie replied with a glance at her body.

“How do you mean?” Clara asked also looking that the headless body, “I have a feeling that this has something to do with your body being able to walk around like it does, am I right?”

Jamie slowly nodded, “It is because of that book. After learning about Maria and Lord Greystoke’s death I felt an emptiness fill my heart. I was overcome by the loss of Maria. I could not live without her. That is when I felt the book call out to me.” Jamie retold the story of how she came across the strange book and the spell she tried to cast. Not leaving out any detail and struggling with a bout of tears and she recalled the feelings of loss and loneliness she felt during that day. “I think it might also be where that creature in the library came from too.” She finished with a sigh of deep regret.

“That is such a sweet and tragic tale.” Amanda commented with love in her eyes, “And to think you both came back to life to be with each other again. It is so romantic.”

“Oh, Jamie!!” Maria hugged the teddy tightly, “I am sorry I upset you so.” She remarked with a tear in her eye, “I will never leave you again.” She squeezed the bear even tighter.

“You really feel that deeply for my daughter?” Clara inquired milling over what Jamie had just told her.

Jamie nodded and let out a another sigh, “I would rather be dead then live without her.”

“Is that so?” Clara moved around the group of girls, lost in her thoughts, “I vaguely recall reading something about a book similar to the one you mentioned in the library.” She stated as she headed up the stairs to the library, the girls following closely behind.

Clare opened the heavy double doors and instantly came to a stop, startled by what she saw. At one of the many desks that littered the library was the tentacled creature. It sprung up like a plant from the floor boards, several smaller tentacles spiralled around a main stalk that had to be at least half a metre thick. A small pair of spectacles were perched at the tip of what most have been the head of the creature, however there were no eyes anywhere to be seen. A stake off book surrounded the desk in front of the creature as it poured over one book after another while the minor tentacles reached out to gather more books from the shelves.

Amanda approached the creature without fear, “Is it reading?” She inquired curiously.

Maria stepped up behind her friend, she found it hard to take her eyes off the beast plant, “How does it see?” She asked looking over the creature.

The large stalk turned to face the girls. A smaller tentacle fixed its glassed as it moved from one girl to another as if it were inspecting them.

Anita gave a nervous smile, “Maybe it can really see after all, my lady.” She gave the creature a small wave and it waved back with a shorter tentacle.

“What are you reading... ummm... What do we call it?” Amanda inquired glancing over at Maria. The creature picked up a book and handed it over to Amanda who glanced at the title, “‘A Woman of No Importance’?” She looked up at the creature, “Why are you showing me this?”

“It is a play by Irish Playwright Oscar Wilde.” Jamie remarked, “An interesting story but not one of my favourites.”

The tactical tapped the Author’s first name on the cover.

“Oscar?” Amanda stated cautiously, unsure if this was what the creature was trying to call her attention too, “Your name is Oscar?” She confirmed.

The tentacle nodded frantically and Amanda was almost certain she could see a smile of sorts break out across the length of the crack that had formed along the middle stalk.

Amanda did a small curtsy, “I am Lady Amanda Dalant.” She introduced herself to the creature, “This is Lady Maria Greystoke and the teddy is Jamie...” She paused, unsure of Jamie’s title or surname.

“Jamie Eadwolf.” Jamie announced.

“Jamie is a writer too.” Maria stated proudly.

The tentacle clapped at the notion of this news and looked as if it was going to say something when Clara called out to them from the book shelves.

Amanda then the gestured to the maid, “And this is our personal maid, Anita.”

“Sorry to interrupt this rather interesting little moment of yours,” Clara remarked coldly, “But we do have a rather urgent matter to attend or have you girls forgotten.”

“Sorry mother.” Maria ran over to her mother’s side and started to search the shelves.

“I am sorry.” Amanda apologized and glanced around the large room. There were a number of shelves covering all the walls of the huge library. Wheeled ladders stretched high overhead running along steel rails and there was a spiralling staircase in the far corning leading to yet another floor of even more books, “I have no idea where to look. There are so many books that I do not know where to begin.” She remarked scanning the room in awe.

“It is a rather large black book with gold leaf lettering on it.” Clara explained as she scanned the many books, “It was about magik and supernatural. Nothing that I am even interested in, however it was a gift from one of my colleges and I put it in the library thinking someone may find it interesting.”

Maria beamed at the prospect of such a book, “A book on supernatural? Like ghost stories and vampires and such?” She inquired curiously.

Clara let out a sigh and shook her head, “I wish you had as much an interest in science as you do in then things otherworldly.” She commented in dismay.

“What is wrong with liking vampires?” Amanda inquired curiously, “I think the idea is romantic. I read Dracula three times.” She imagined the feeling of teeth on her neck and let out a shivered giggle.

Maria eyed her friend, “You are blushing Amanda.” She stated with a grin, “What naughty things are you thinking of?”

Amanda covered her face in embarrassment, “Nothing.” She declared.

“Will you girls please be serious for a moment!” Clara demanded, “There is a mob about to rip this house apart and you are giggling about Vampires and who knows what el-“ A tentacle suddenly shot passed Clara’s head, causing the woman to duck. It moved two shelves up and across before pulling out a large black book which it handed to Clara, “Uhhh... thank you...” She took the book from the creature as it went back to reading.

“Thank you Oscar.” Amanda smiled at the creature before rushing over to find out what was so interesting about this book.

Clara set the book down on a desk and opened it, “I remember there was something in here on mystical books and their nature. Some have the power to control the reader and use them for their own gain.”

“It thought you said you did not read this book?” Jamie inquired as she sat on the desk next to the book which was bigger then her teddy bear form.

“I skimmed it on the way home from the University.” Clara explained, “Ah! Here we go. The Cursed Grimoires.”

“The Grimoire?” Anita startled, “You found a Grimoire?” She asked Jamie.

“I do not know.” Jamie replied with a shrug.

“How do you know of such a book?” Maria asked the maid with intense interest, “You never mentioned such a book before.”

“I think one of the servants mentioned it.” Anita explained uneasily, “Mr. Hillson, He always loved to tell us tales at night, remember, My lady?”

“Yeah,” Maria nodded, “I always enjoyed his ghost stories.”

“Which is why I had him dismissed.” Clara declared gratefully, “That man should not have been putting unwanted thoughts in my daughters head.”

“So what does the book say about this Grimoire?” Jamie inquired anxious to learn more.

Clara skimmed the text, “There seems to be several scattered through the world and yet only three have the power to control the mind of a user. One makes the reader believe they are being granted their greatest desires. This must be the one we are looking for. According to this we need to find the book and toss it into the void that it created.” She stated satisfied with her findings.

“That is simple.” Jamie remarked sarcastically, “We just have to convince that angry mob to let us by and we are home free.”

*****

Alex burst out of the hedge maze directly in front of the main gate, “We made it!!” She exclaimed triumphantly, “To think Father always said that playing in the mazes was a waste of time.”

“I thought we were never going to get out of there.” Alice panted trying to catch her breath.

“Well, we now know what happened to Miss. Ansurez.” Alison commented, thinking back to the dead body of their nanny that they stumbled across in the maze, “It looks like she was ripped apart by wolfs.” Alison giggled remembering the stated of the woman’s body. Both of her arms had been violently torn off and the skin was missing from half her face

“We have no time for this, Sis.” Alexandria yelled at her sister, “Hordes of dead people and animated topiaries are after us and you have to stop to poke at a dead body.”

“I cannot help myself.” Alison shot back, “Anyway, you were the one who encouraged my interest in dismemberment when I was little. It is not my fault!” .

“Lady Alexandria, Lady Alison.” Alice stepped between the twins, “We can’t fight. We need to get out of here before those things find us.”

“To late!” Cecil came out of the maze at that moment, “I’ve already found you.” His right arm had been ripped off at the elbow and part of his chest had been torn open, however that did not seem to stop the boy from rushing at the girls, “How dare you just leave me to die in that graveyard.” He screamed as he reached out for Alice.

“Do not interrupt!” Alison shrieked as she pulled out her knife from her dress belt and lunged at the boy. With one swift movement she jammed the blade deep into Cecil’s eye and shoved him to the ground, “Leave — Us — Alone!!!” She slammed his head into the cobble stone driveway, the moment his head connected with the driveway Alison twisted the blade in the boy’s socket and ripped it out. She got to her feet and grinned at her sister, “I did it!!” She exclaimed excitedly.

“Not quiet...” Cecil grabbed Alison by the foot and glared up at her, “I remember you now. I remember the feeling of your knife slicing through my throat and the blood trickling down my neck.” Alice found herself to stunned to move as Cecil pulled himself to his feet and grabbed her knife hand, “Let us see how you enjoy your blood spilling across the ground at your feet.”

Alice spotted a garden rack near the hedge maze. She grabbed it and swung at her cousin, “Let her go!!” The rack’s iron teeth bite into Cecil’s back causing the boy to wail out in pain and fall onto his back, impaling the tool deeper into his flesh, “Come on!” Alice grabbed Alison by the hand and started for the main gates, Alexandra right at her side her.

“I do not think that stopped him.” Alexandria remarked as they ran down the winding dirt road.

“Maybe my Aunt knows what to do.” Alice suggested, “She did create that stuff after all.”

“That is what I figured.” Alex replied, “Let us hope she is willing to put an end to this madness.”

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 18

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter 18 - Flames of Delight

“Your tea is re...ady....” Victoria glanced around her café in shock. The circus performers had managed to repair all of the damages in the time it took her to prepare tea for the ring master. She starred in astonishment at the newly refinished front of her shop as she made her way over to where the ringmaster sat, “Here... you... go...” She set the tea down upon the table, not able to take her eyes off the repairs. The entire front half looked exactly as it used too. They even managed to restore the tables and chairs, having them arranged at if nothing had even happened to the little café.

“Impressed I see.” Morbius grinned and took a sip of his tea, “Splendid! I somehow knew when I saw this place that it would be perfect. Even the tea is the finest I have ever drank.” He took another long sip of the tea then patted the seat next to himself, “Please take a see, young lady.”

Victoria sat down, still in a daze, “Th... thank you...” She replied in bewilderment, “Is my tea all that brought you here?” She inquired curiously.

“Jacob, could you come here for a moment.” Morbius called out across the café.

“One moment.” The werewolf replied, “I just need to hang Markus up first.” He stated as he tossed a rope over one of the ceiling beams in the corner and tied it tight, “Is that alright, Markus?” He inquired stepping away from his handy work.

A man hung by a noose at the end of the rope. “This is perfect.” The man said, his neck was broken to the side and a guitar was draped over his shoulders. He glanced around the room as he slowly turned at the end of the rope and smiled, “This place really sings to me. Makes me really want to play.” He then strummed his guitar a few times and began to play a soft melody that drifted through the entire café.

Jacob nodded to then walked over to the ringmasters table, “You call for me Mr. Morbary?” He inquired when he got to the table.

“Victoria, this is Jacob.” Morbius introduced, “He is a werewolf mystic.”

“There is a man hanging in the corner playing the guitar...” Victoria stated still in a daze.

“That would be Markus.” Morbius explained, “As you can tell we are not of this world. We are in search of something.”

“Mr. Morbary,” The werewolf interrupted, “I do not think she can hear you.”

Jacob could not have been more right. Victoria suddenly broke into maniacally giggles that made everyone in the café stop and stare, “There is a man hanging in the corner of my café!!!” She laughed.

*****

“You are sure the book will still be in your room?” Maria inquired impatiently as she pulled a dark cloak over her head and stepped through a servant’s entrance on her way to an awaiting carriage.

“If The Raven’s Keep is still there.” Jamie remarked anxiously from between Maria’s arms, “Has your mother been planning to make a living teddy bear for a long time?” She inquired looking over the little cloak that Anita had a fixed around her neck only moments before.

“Hard to tell.” Maria replied, “But knowing mother she probably had an entire wardrobe specially made just for you.”

Jamie let out a sigh, “I thought as much.”

“It is very cute.” Amanda stated smiling at the teddy bear as she pulled her cloak over her head, “I wish my teddies had so many clothes to choose from.”

“I still can not believe she had a cloak for your body.” Maria commented with a shudder as she turned to look upon the headless corpse. The cloak in reference looked like any other, however it had wires around the edge of the hood that held it up to make it look like there was a head within and a porcelain mask hung over the front so no one would peer within, “She seems to be prepared for every eventuality.” She remarked with a shake of her head.

“My ladies.” Anita opened the carriage door for the group of girls, “The driver has been informed of the situation. We should make haste before we are noticed.”

The driver took a bow, “It will be an honour to escort you young ladies and I will ensure that you make it to town unharmed.” He stated confidently.

“Please try to not harm the townsfolk either if you please.” Maria politely ordered as she climbed into the carriage.

“I will be sure of it, my lady.” The driver replied with a bow.

“I will make sure he does them no harm.” Anita informed her mistress as she helped Maria into the coach.

Anita helped everyone inside and when they were all seated she closing the door and climbing up into her spot beside the driver above the transport. With a crack of the reins the group were on their way. As planned Clara invited the townsfolk into their home to search for any living dead that were rumoured to be there, meanwhile the girls circled around the back and headed to town while everyone was too busy searching the castle. The girls peeked out as the carriage as it wove its way through the town’s street.

“I have to be imagining this.” Maria commented as they passed a small group of undead sipping tea on a restaurant patio and yet another discussing the town’s newspaper, “I never thought dead people would act like this.”

“How did you think they would act?” Jamie inquired curiously, “I mean we are acting just like we normally would...” She glanced at herself then to her body, “Well sort of anyway...”

“Mother taught me all about death when I was very young.” Maria explained, not able to turn from the window, “The body starts to stiffen and rot over time. Their brains should be decayed and nonexistent so how are they able to move or talk?” She nodded out at a undead man reading a book, “That man is almost skeletal. He probably does not even have eyes. None of this makes any sense at all.”

“What ever happened to your interest in the supernatural and the unexplained?” Amanda inquired apprehensively.

“I do not know.” Maria sighed and sat back in her seat, “When it was just the three of us it was interesting and unique. It sort of made me feel kind of special and now...”

Jamie looked into her lover’s eyes, “You are still special. You will always be the girl I love.” She remarked.

“Thank you.” Maria rubbed at her eyes, “But what will happen when we stop all of this? Will you and Amanda disappear? Will I remain alone or will I die along with you? Are we really doing the right thing by stopping all of this?”

Jamie thought for a moment, “I have thought about that too since I realize that it might have been that book that brought us all back to life. For now I think we just try to find out what this cloud is about and figure out the rest later.”

Amanda nodded, “I feel there is a reason that I was brought to be with you today.” She stated firmly, “I do not think anything will separate us. It is destiny that brought us together on this day and she is not one to separate us so quickly after we were brought together.”

“Well, I hope you are correct.” Maria remarked with dismal sigh.

*****

Across town Mrs. Olaf sat upon her favourite rocking chair on the porch. A grin spread across her withered old face as she watched the dark clouds circling overhead. Macbeth lazily flopped his tail against the hard wood porch as Mrs. Olaf stroked the top of his head. She was certain that her plans had succeeded and soon she would rise to her rightful spot as Lady of Holland-Greystoke again. No, not Holland-Greystoke. That would no longer be the towns name. It would be the Olaf township. Her grin broadened at the prospect when she was jarred from her dreams by the voice of her niece.

“Auntie!!!” Alice called out as she leapt out of the forest and sprinted across the field with her friend in tow.

“Alice?” The old woman stood up, “Alice where have you bee-“ All of a sudden Cecil stumbled out of the forest.

“Come back here.” He snarls. Bits of the flesh around his wounded eye had been pulled away by tree branches as he plowed through the forest after the girls and he was holding a hand over the gaping hole in his side as his internal organ tried to free themselves from their confides. Already part of his intestine was dangling against his leg, bouncing with every step the boy made, “I will kill all of you.” He hissed angrily as he staggered across the field.

“Will you just give up?” Alice demanded, “Go back to where you came from would you?” She pleaded.

“Cecil?” Mrs. Olaf squinted at the boy, “What happened to you? You look like you have been to hell and back boy.”

“No thanks to these girl.” Cecil pointed the stub of his hand at the three girls who were now hiding behind Mrs. Olaf, “I have returned to get my revenge on them. If they would only stay still for a moment.”

“You expect us to let you kill us?” Alexandra inquired dumbfounded by the idea, “You must be daff if you think we are just going to lay there and let you stab us or whatever you intended to do. How did you plan to kill us anyway? I have not noticed any weapons on you since you appeared.”

Cecil stopped in the middle of the field and thought, “Well... that is...”

“I told you he was stupid.” Alice remarked with a giggle, “He could not even stop three little girls from killing him.”

“Alice!!” Mrs. Olaf glared down at her niece, “What did I tell you about killing relatives?”

“Only to do it upon your orders.” Alice recited indifferently, “But I did not kill him. I just... helped bury him...” She explained shyly.

“Oh, I see.” Mrs. Olaf patted the girl on the head, “I’m glad to hear that.”

“What?!?” Cecil exclaimed in astonishment of his aunts reaction to his death, “Aren’t you going to punish her? Or call the police or something?” He inquired futilely.

“I never liked you much to begin with Cecil.” Mrs. Olaf stated coldly, “So why not return to your grave where you belong and leave these girls alone.”

Cecil snarled with rage, “I am murdered and you expect me to just walk away?” He screamed in fury, “I will kill you all if I have to. Maybe then you will finally respect me.” He rushed at the porch with all his strength. Suddenly Macbeth sprung to life and leapt over the patio railing at the boy, “Macbeth wait!! Stop it!!!” The dog landed hard upon Cecil forcing him to the ground. His screams filled the air as the dog began to hungrily tear at the boy’s intestine. He struggled against the old dog but Macbeth snapped its jaws around the boy’s neck and tore his head off. Cecil’s head rolled off to the side and he stared in terror as the dog feasted on his corpse.

“Well that was nasty.” Alexandria commented as she tried to ignore Cecil’s pleas for the dog to stop.

Alison leaned over the edge of the railing to get a better view, “This is so neat. I have never got a chance to see someone torn apart. I wish it was by wild animals but I guess this is alright.”

Mrs. Olaf started back into the house, “Do any of you girls want some cookies? I just baked a fresh batch.” She asked as she opened the door.

“That is alright, Thank you.” Alexandria declined politely as she followed the old woman into the tiny house, “We came because we wanted to know a few things.”

“You wished to inquire about the rising dead, Am I correct, Lady Alexandria?” The old women asked as she moved around a small table and settled into one of the chairs near the fire, “Are you sure you do not want a cookie?” She picked up a large round cookie off of a platter and held it out to the girl.

Alexandria glanced at Alice, who shook her head violently, then turned back to the old woman, “That is alright.” Alex declined once again. Alice had warned them before hand to not accept anything from her Aunt. That the women was known to make many forms of poisonous foods for unwelcome guests and would be very persistent about them eating them, “How did you know my name? Most people can not tell Alison and myself apart.”

“I know many things.” Mrs. Olaf replied with a sinister grin, “I knew that you were going killed my nephew before you ever knew who is was. I only asked Alice here to find out if she would lie to me. I detest liars.” She stated taking a bite of the cookie, “These really are tasty you know.”

“Then you know how to stop all these monsters, Auntie?” Alice inquired eagerly.

“Things are finally set in motion and the Olaf family will take its rightful place once again and you wish for me to stop it?” Mrs. Olaf asked in dismay, “I thought I taught you better, Child. Do you not wish to attain the heights of your friends here.” She pointed a bony finger at Alexandria.

Alice nervously fidgeted with her dress, “I do but... this seems so wrong...” She replied tensely.

Mrs. Olaf rose to her feet, “You ungrateful child.” She glared at the girl causing Alice to back into a corner, “I feed you and cloth you and you tell me everything I do for you is unwanted?” She staggered towards the girl when her face suddenly turned to terror, as if she had suddenly witnessed something truly hideous. Worse then a living dead boy being torn apart by a dog.

Alice and Alexandria searched the room for what could have caused the woman to be paralysed in such fear, “Is there something wrong, Auntie?” Alice asked cautiously.

“The horror!!!” Mrs. Olaf suddenly screamed, “The nightmare of it all!!!”

Alexandria staggered backwards as the woman started stumbling about the room clenching her head, “Mrs. Olaf?” She inquired carefully, unsure if she should get to close to woman, “Is there anything we can do to help?”

Mrs. Olaf collapsed to the ground near the fire, “Those monsters!” She cried out in panic, for in her mind’s eye she could see Jamie, Maria, Amanda and Anita were approaching the Grimoire and they had a chance of ruining all her plans, “They most be stopped.” She exclaimed frantically as she reached out to grab something to help her get to her feet. She set her hand on the rim of the large caldron she kept over the fire and screamed out in pain. The caldron tipped over and poured a mess of boiling green goo upon the floor. The mixture rushed around Mrs. Olaf’s legs and began to eat away at her clothes, “No!!!” She cried out in terror, “This can not be happening!!!” The goo touched the red hot coals of the fire and suddenly the concoction caught a blaze and the flamed rushed around the old woman, consuming her.

Alice was mesmerized by the dazzling flames as they danced over her Aunts body, “Isn’t it pretty, Lady Alexandria?” She said with a sigh of delight.

Alex shook her head in dismay, “Come on.” She dragged her friend out of the burning building. She found her sister still watching as the dog gnawed on Cecil’s leg, “Let’s get out of here.” Alexandria commanded her sister, “This place was useless.”

“Awwww, but sis...” Alison protested as her sister grabbed her hand and started to pull her away from the house, “I want to watch the doggie.” She pouted.

“Maybe another day.” Alexandria promised half heartedly, “We are going home.” The group of girls headed back towards town.

“Come back here!!” Cecil cried out, “I will get you!!! You will see.” The dog picked up the head and started to take it behind the house, “Wait!!! Where are you taking me!!! HELPPP!!!!”

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 19

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter 19 - Honey I’m Home.

“Well here we are.” Jamie announced as the carriage came to a stop in front of The Raven’s Keep.

“This will be the first time I get to see your home.” Maria stated excitedly as she stepped out of the carriage and scanned the build, “It looks to be a wondrous place.”

“Not really my home any longer.” Jamie reminded dismally, “It would seem the place is rather busy today.” She remarked, noting the cheery sounds that came from beyond the café’s walls,

Anita glanced at the building, “It seems to be a rather festive place.”

“That is odd.” Jamie remarked, “The Raven’s Keep was usually a very sullen place.”

“Well then shall we see what the occasion is?” Amanda suggested moving around the group of girls and approached the front entrance.

“Lady Amanda wait!!” Anita rushed after the girl, “I should accompany you.” The two girls entered the little shop.

“Wait!!” Jamie called out after the girls, but it was already too late and they disappeared into the café.

“What is wrong Jamie?” Maria inquired sensing Jamie’s stress.

“How can we go in there like this?” Jamie gestured at her teddy bear form, “I will terrify my friends.”

“You will not.” Maria stated confidently, “No one could ever be frightened by you. You are so cute.”

“But don’t you think it will be rather alarming for me to show up as a teddy bear?” Jamie reiterated, “It is not everyday someone dies and returns in a teddy bear’s body.”

“Well, if they are your true friends they will see you for who you are.” Maria explained as she approached the café doors, “If not then they were never friends to begin with.” She stated boldly. She stopped before entering and turned to face Jamie’s body, which was still seated in the carriage, “Are you coming or are you afraid like your other half?” She asked the body.

The corpse cautiously got out of the carriage and crept carefully up to the patio.

Maria shook her head in disbelief, “Will you two quit acting so afraid. You always told me how close you were to your friends so stop worrying.” She opened the café door and stopped dead in her tracks.

Jamie was also stunned by what she saw. The café was filled with many strange, fascinating circus performers and there were unusual creatures were sitting at tables, drinking and laughing, “Wha...what ha... happened to The Raven’s Keep?” Jamie exclaimed in shock.

“Well, I guess you were worrying about your appearance for nothing.” Maria remarked with nervous smile.

“Maria! Jamie!” Amanda called out as she rushed over to them. “Is this place not fascinating? Everyone here is wonderful. That werewolf over there welcomed us to come to his table.” She pointed to Jacob sitting at a table with Morbius and Victoria.

“Victoria?!?” Jamie was startled to see the café owner siting with such unusual people.

“Is she a friend?” Maria inquired eyeing the shop keeper carefully, “She seems to be in a bit of a daze does she not?”

Amanda took Maria by the hand, “They wished to talk to us all.” She exclaimed excitedly, “They do not mind that we are dead. Actually several people here are.” She pulled Maria through the crowds with Jamie’s body following.

Anita rushed to her mistresses side and wrapped interlaced her arm in Maria’s, “I would like to introduce my mistresses, Lady Maria Greystoke.” She announced to the group of strangers at the table, And her fiancee Jamie Eadwolf.”

Amanda joined in the introductions, “And this would be Jacob.” She pointed to the werewolf across the table, “Mr. Morbary and the owner of Raven Keep, Victoria.” She introduced happily.

Victoria snapped out her trance, “Jamie!?!” She spun around in search of her friend, “Where is Jamie?”

Maria nervously fidgeted with the teddy bear, then held Jamie out to Victoria, “H...here...” She stated nervously.

Victoria stared at the bear, “What is this?” She inquired warily.

“That would be your missing friend.” Jacob stated with a grin, “I was about to warn you of this, however you did not seem to take well to.. ummm... things....” He stammered, ashamed of his lack of intellectualism.

“Hi, Ma’am...” Jamie greeted with a small wave of her paw.

Victoria shakily took Jamie in her hands and set her upon the table in front of her, “Oh Jamie...” Tears filled her eyes, “What have they done to you? I saw your body walk off towards that horrible Greystoke Castle.”

“Greystoke is not horrible.” Maria protested irately, “We are just misunderstood.”

“That you are, my lady.” Morbius remarked with a wide grin, “But that is all about to change.”

“What do you mean by that?” Maria inquired coldly, “And who are you exactly?”

“I am so sorry, my lady.” Morbius stood and took a bow, “I am Morbius Morbary, Ringmaster of Morbary’s lair of Malformation and this here is my protege, Jacob Talbot, a werewolf who specializes in seeing the future and dark arts.”

“Then you would know how to stop all this madness?” Maria exclaimed excitedly.

“Of course we would.” Jacob replied assuredly, “But so would you it would seem. Or is that not why you are here? We tried to prepare your friend for this occurrence, but it would seem she did not take things too well.”

“How do you think I should react?” Victoria demanded irritably, “First a blob like creature kills my friends and brings them back to life and then I find a man hanging in the corner of my café playing music, mind you very beautifully, but that is besides the point. Would some please explain to me what is going on around here?”

Jacob crossed his massive furry arms, “Well you see I sensed the presence of one of the ancient Grimoires here in this town not long ago. Morbius has been trying to recover these books and seal their power so they will not harm anyone, however we could not retrieve the book until it revealed itself and your friend Jamie was the key.”

“Me?” Jamie turned around to face the werewolf, “What is so special about me?”

“Your heart.” Jacob pointed at Jamie’s teddy bear chest, “You love for Lady Maria was so strong that it called out to the book when you thought she was dead. It is the strength of your love that powered the book.”

“But the spell did not work.” Jamie stated in confusion, “It summoned some kind of creature that killed me.”

“And it brought you together again, did it not?” Jacob pointed out, smiling from Maria to Jamie and back again.

Jamie glanced up at Maria, “I guess so...” She replied weakly.

“Jamie you summoned that thing?” Victoria inquired angrily, “It killed Charles and Samuel and destroyed my café.”

Amanda glanced around the room, “Everything looks fine to me.” She stated sceptically.

“We fixed the place up.” Jacob declared proudly, “Only I lost track of the book. There is to much magic interfering with my senses.” He explained miserably.

“So you only offered to clean up because you were searching for some kind of magical book.” Victoria exclaimed in frustration.

“I am sorry miss.” Jacob apologized, ashamed of their ruse, “I thought that your friend here would know where the book was seeing as it was linked to her. Fixing your café was not part of the plan. I just wished to help you out.” He explained frantically, “Honestly!”

Victoria smiled at the cute way the werewolf squirmed in his chair, “If you had asked I would have told you Elizabeth left with a book sometime ago.” She remarked bleakly, “But I have not see her in hours.”

“Beth?” Jamie got to her feet and jumped onto the back of her body, holding tightly around it’s neck, “We have to find her!” She exclaimed as her body hurried out of the café.

Victoria stared at the sight of a teddy bear riding on the back of a cloaked figure, “Ummm... who was that that Jamie ran off with?” She asked Maria.

“Ummm... Jamie’s body...” Maria remarked, “It was nice meeting you.” She stated with a slight curtsy, “Anita, Amanda we need to go after Jamie!” She exclaimed pointing to Jamie as she wove her way through the crowd.

“Yes my lady.” Anita rushed through the crowd making a path for her mistresses, “Lady Amanda?” She called out to her other mistress.

“I am sorry.” Amanda started after her friends, “We must get together again sometime.” She declared as she followed Maria out of the café.

Jacob waved to the girls, “They are a nice bunch of young girls.” He remarked with a grin.

Morbius took another sip of his tea, “I hope they are ready for what they must face.”

“So do I.” Jacob agreed then turned to Victoria, who was still staring at the entrance to the café, “Miss. Victoria. Could I have another tea?” He inquired politely.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 20

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter 20 - The darkness inside

Maria caught up with Jamie on the street, “Where do we look?” She inquired scanning the streets.

Jamie looked up at the sky to see the clouds had grown in mass and were gathering over head, “The Town Square park!!” She exclaimed and her body ran off in the direction of the swirling clouds.

“Jamie wait!!” Maria cried out as she hurried after her lover.

“Is this such a good idea?” Amanda remarked glancing up at the clouds, “We still do not know what to do when we get the book.”

“Maybe Lady Jamie has a plan?” Anita added hopefully.

“Guess we will just have to trust Jamie.” Maria stated apprehensively, “That werewolf did say that she was the key to this mess after all.”

“I hope you are right.” Amanda expressed, “Because if you are not then we are in for a lot of trouble.” She nodded across the park at a large swirling mass of light off in the distance. Massive tentacles of darkness seeped out of the pool of light and stretched out across the park. Ahead of them they could see Jamie blindly charging at the light.

“What does she think she is doing?” Maria exclaimed uneasily.

Jamie clung tightly around the neck of her body as she charged across the park, “Slow down!!” She cried out, glancing behind her she could see the others shrinking in the distance, “You are going to fast.” She exclaimed, pulling on the neck in an attempt to slow her body down only to knock off the mask and nearly fell off only to grab hold onto the hood of the cloak at the last moment, “Will you stop for once!!!” She commanded, this time her body responded and came to a halt. Jamie wiped her brow with a free hand then let go of the hood and dropped to the ground. She found herself standing before the central gazebo with Elizabeth standing in the middle, transfixed by the swirling lights before her. Tendrils of darkness snaked out of the portal of light and coiled around Elizabeth, caressing her body.

“BETH!!!” Jamie cried out over howling winds, “Beth, It is Jamie!”

Elizabeth slowly turned around to face Jamie, “Jamie? Is that really you?” She inquired listlessly, her eyes held a dead stare to them as they drifted across the park in search of her friend, “I can no see you.”

Jamie climbed up the stairs of the gazebo, “Beth!! I am right here!!!” She called out to the woman in frustration over her height, if she was only in her original body then... just as Jamie made the thought her body walked up the stairs and approached Elizabeth.

“Jamie? Is that really you?” Elizabeth smiled as the headless corpse moved closer. Then pitch-black tendrils swirled above Jamie’s stump of a neck to form a shadow of Jamie’s head, red eyes started out of the ghostly head at Elizabeth, “It really is you.” Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jamie’s body and hugged her close, “I had a horrible nightmare.” She explained dismally, “You were killed and your body walked off on its own.”

“That is not me!” Jamie called out in frustration, but it would seem that Elizabeth was in her own world. As if she was being beguiled by the shadows that encircled her.

“Jamie!!!” Maria hollered as she reached the gazebo, “Jamie come back!” She cried out to the corpse. The sight of Jamie with her arms around Elizabeth squeezed her heart in the most dreadful way.

The shadowy head turned and grinned down at the girl, “Why Maria. How nice to see you again.” The ghost head said in a voice that sounded to Jamie like a snake drowning in a bog.

“Jamie, What are you doing with that women?” Maria demanded clenching at her chest.

“I do not love you any longer.” The shadow Jamie said in a low hiss, “Leave me.” It took Elizabeth by the hand and started to pull her towards the portal, “Shall we return to The Raven’s Keep, Beth?” The shadow inquired with a sly grin.

“Do no listen to it!” Jamie screamed. She could not believe anyone would believe that shadow was really her. Why could no one hear her? She turned to see Amanda and Anita staring at Maria in confusion.

“Maria?” Amanda inquired perplexedly, “What are you talking about? That is not Jamie.” She stated glancing at the way that Jamie’s body embraced Elizabeth.

“And what are you doing with that woman?” Anita demanded coldly, “I will not allow anyone harm Lady Maria. That includes you!” She snarled.

Teddy bear Jamie rushed to the side of the gazebo, “Amanda!!” She cried out desperate for the girl to hear her, “Amanda I am over here!”

Amanda searched the gazebo for who could be calling for her, then spotted Jamie sticking her head through the railing bars, “Jamie!!!” She rushed over to the bear, “Maria seems to be transfixed by something.”

“It is the portal.” Jamie explained, “It has taken hold of Beth and Maria.”

“Please do not leave me!!” Maria rushed towards the gazebo.

“Lady Maria wait!!” Anita grabbed Maria by the hand and pulled her back.

“Let me go Anita!” Maria growled, “Let me be with my Jamie. I need her!!” She cried out frantically.

Anita forced the girl to look at her, “And I need you.” She stated boldly, “I do not want to loose you.”

“I do not care.” Maria spat, “I only used you to please myself or have you not noticed. I do not need you.”

Anita was startled by her mistresses word, “You told me we would always be together?”

Maria laughed, “That is because you belong to me. You are mine to do as I please and I am finished with you.” She wrenched her arms free of the stunned maid’s grip and rushed up the stairs of the gazebo.

Anita crumbled to the ground, her arms hugging tightly around her body, “Why...? You promised...?” She let out a woeful sob.

“Anita!!” Amanda started towards the girl when Jamie called out to her.

“We need to stop this if we are to save them.” She explained quickly, “You have t-“

“Jamie, I love you!!!” Maria’s sorrow filled voice tugged at Jamie’s heart and she turned to see her love staggering across the gazebo in a veil of tears.

The corpse Jamie grabbed Maria by the neck and lifted her off the ground, “Do you not understand?” The shadow head inquired coldly, “I do not need you anymore.” Jamie’s body wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s waist and pulled her in close.

“N...no!!!” Maria wept as she watched Jamie’s body pull Elizabeth in closer and the shadow head lean in close to kiss the girl.

“Let her go!!!!” Jamie trust herself at her body and bit down hard on the leg, her canine teeth sunk deep into her body’s leg and it let go of Maria, causing the girl to toppling to the ground.

“NOOO!!!!” The shadow head vanished into vapours.

“Maria!” Jamie let go of the leg and rushed over to her lover, “Maria, talk to me!” She patted the girl on the cheek but Maria did not seem to awaken.

“Jamie look out!!!” Amanda cried out.

Jamie look up just as a shadowy claw hit her and tossed her through the air to come landing on the grass, “Wh...” She coughed, her ribs hurt and she could taste blood in her mouth. Clara really did make her new body as real as she could and right now Jamie was not to glad to find this out.

“Above you!!!” Amanda warned again.

This time Jamie managed to roll out of the way before a large shadowy fist pounded the earth where she once lay, “Who?” She glanced up to see a large dark form backlit by the moon above. It has massive long arms that ended in large sharp claws. It’s head was that of a wolf crossed with a goat and there were four massive horns atop of it’s head. Gleaming red eyes that were staring at Jamie from the centre if its head as she struggled to crawl out from beneath the beast only to have it bat her across the grass like a cat playing with a mouse.

Amanda searched for a way to stop the creature when her eyes fell on the book. She had to toss the book into the portal even if it meant that they would all be destroyed in the process. She ran around Maria and was about to touch the book when Elizabeth grabbed the girl by the hair and pulled her away from it.

“You do not belong here!!!” Elizabeth snarled at the girl, “Your love is weak and uncertain. You do not even understand what it is to love. ”

“Owww!!” Amanda screamed, “Let go of me!!” She pleaded, struggling against the woman’s grasp.

“Why are you here?” Elizabeth hissed into the girl’s ear, “What purpose brought you here?”

Amanda glanced down at Maria, “I...” She knew she did not belong there. Jamie and Maria’s loved of each other brought them together so where did that leave her. She would just be a burden to them and in the way.

“She does belong here.” Anita stated as she got to her feet and approached the gazebo, “She belongs to me.” Anita declared hold a hand out to Amanda, “As I belong to her.” She smiled at the girl.

Then her eyes fell on Anita, that smile filled Amanda’s heart with a joy she had never felt before. The memory of their first kiss entered her mind and a tear fell from her eye, “Right...” She felt a small amount of strength fill her heart and overflow her soul. With a swiftly swung her head she head butted Elizabeth. The back of her head to colliding with Elizabeth’s forehead, knocking the woman over the gazebo railing and to the grassy earth. Then she ran into Anita’s awaiting arms. Escaping the grasp of the gazebo.

“He..lp..” Jamie cried out as the creature picked her up. She glanced down to see her love laying unconscious on the gazebo floor and Elizabeth laying still on the ground below her.

“You think you can stop me?” The creature cackled, “You are the one who created me.”

Jamie stared at the creature dumbfounded, “What are you talking about? I would never do such a thing.”

Its long muzzle parted in a sinister grin, “That is what you think. Do you recall your wish of the book? My book?”

“I wished for it to bring Maria back to me!” Jamie exclaimed confidently.

The creature laughed, “That is what you would like to believe.” It beamed down at the teddy, “The truth is you were so miserable you wished that everyone would die along with you. You summoned me to kill everyone in this town and beyond.” Its laughter filled the air in hideous waves.

Jamie became paralysed with fear. Could the creature be telling the truth? She recalled the way everyone treated her when they discovered her relationship with Maria. How she lay in bed that night realizing that they were right and she would never be able to stay with Maria. Then how police had tormented her after Maria’s death and embarrassed her for loving a noble. They all teased and made fun of her. She wished she could teach them all a lesson. She wished that everyone could feel her pain. The agony of losing the one person they loved. She was going to kill them all. “NOOOOO!!!!” Jamie cried out. It was true it was all her fault. She committed them all to this insanity.

The creature grinned down at the teddy, “I knew that you would free me but I never thought such a young child could wish such devastation upon the world. I thank you for releasing me from my prison and I promise to do as you wished. Starting off by killing all those you hold dear to you.” It turned its attention to Elizabeth’s motionless form, “I have no need for this one anymore. Shall we begin with her? Her head would make a nice decoration for a necklace. What do you think?

Jamie glared at the creature in hatred, “If you hurt her I will not stop until I find a way to kill you.” She snarled.

The creature laughed again, “You know that the only way to stop me would chance destroying yourself and the one you love. You could never do that. You are too weak to try. You could not even face that girl’s mother and stand up for your feelings for her.”

Jamie frowned. She knew the creature was right but there must be a way to stop this from happening. She glanced down at her body as it swayed where it stood. A smile crossed her face, “I might not be able to but then again maybe I can.” As if it understood hearing her silent prayers the corpse came to life and rushed at the book.

The creature followed Jamie’s gaze just in time to see Jamie’s body take hold of the book, “No! Stop!!!” The creature dropped the teddy bear to the ground and tackled Jamie’s body. Both demonic monster and Jamie’s headless body went tumbling into the portal. Instantly the portal exploded with a flash of light that spread across town then vanished. The cloud faded to reveal a clear night sky of a million twinkling stars. All over Holland-Greystoke township people fell silent. It was over and the darkness dispelled.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca

Chapter 21

Tales of Morbid Curiosity and Deranged Love:
Story One: A Very Macabre Day

Written by Kathryn K Williams with assistance from Kimberly Williams

Chapter 21 - And then there was...

Maria slowly opened her eyes to gaze up at a star filled sky. Was it really over? She sat up to find Anita and Amanda laying up the gazebo floor, “Amanda!?!” She crawled over to her friend’s side and rolled the girl over. She did not make any sound or show any signs of movement.

“A... man... da...?” Anita set her hand upon the girl’s as Maria placed the girl’s head upon her lap and they softly wept for their friend.

Elizabeth began to stir from her spot in the grass. She rubbed her head and scanned her surroundings, “What happened? How did I get out here?” She stood up to see the two crying over her friend’s body, “Are you alright Miss?” She inquired gently.

“She is gone.” Maria sobbed, “I knew we should not have done this and now...”

Anita let out a heavy wail and throw herself upon Amanda, “Please do not leave me.” She sobbed into Amanda’s chest, “You said that I was yours. I was going to take care of you.”

“Maria?” A small voice called out from over the side of the gazebo.

Maria moved away from Amanda’s body to look over the edge, “JAMIE!!!” She found the teddy bear laying in a small bush and picked it up, “You are still alive?” She inquired bewildered by what she was seeing.

“Sort of.” Jamie coughed. “Did we win?”

“I... guess..” Maria said dismally, “But Amanda... she...” She could not bring herself to saying it.

“It is too late.” Elizabeth tried to sooth Anita, “She is in a better place now.”

“She cannot die!!” Anita wailed, “She promised I would be her first.”

“And you will.” Amanda sat up and smiled at Anita, “I think I hit my head.” She grumbled rubbing the back of her head.

“LADY AMANDA!!!” Anita threw herself into Amanda’s arms once again. gave her a tight embrace. Maria rushed to the girl’s side and joined in the hug with Jamie in the middle.

“Help!!!” Jamie struggled, “Pain...”

“Oh!” Maria broke the hug to have Jamie collapse in her arms, “Are you alright, Jamie?”

“I feel like I have bruises everywhere.” Jamie muttered through a veil of pain.

“What happened?” Amanda inquired glancing around the gazebo.

“Jamie’s body sacrificed itself.” Jacob stated as he approached the group, “Her heart was not clouded by her mind so it did what it felt was right.”

“A Werewolf!!!” Elizabeth screamed and crawled to the far end of the gazebo.

“Beth, calm down.” Jamie soothed, “This is Jacob, he is a friend.”

“Jamie?!?” Elizabeth stared at the bear, “Is that really you?”

“Ummm... yeah...” Jamie stated, slightly embarrassed.

“So what happened to Jamie’s body?” Amanda inquired curiously.

“Give it a moment.” Jacob stated with a grin, “And you may want to move out of the way.”

The air started to crackle with energy and the girls scrambled behind the werewolf. A swirling portal of light appeared before them and Jamie’s body stepped out onto the gazebo, dressed in tight black leather pants, a white tank and leather jacket. There were also several colourful beaded necklaces around its neck. The corpse gave the girl’s a quick thumbs up.

Jacob let out a bellowing laugh that startled the girls. “Well girls it has been a pleasure but I think it is time to go.”

“That it is my friend.” Morbius stated from behind them. The girls turned around to the ringmaster standing before them with Victoria at his side, all the other circus performers had gathered in the park behind him. Morbius turned to Victoria, “Thank you for your hospitality my lady.” He kissed the woman lightly on the hand, “I hope you do not mind Markus staying with you? He has been searching for his muse and seems to have found it here in this tiny town.”

Victoria blushed, “That is quiet alright. I guess I will get used to him over time.”

“You will become accustom it him.” Jacob said with a laugh, “And I see you having a lot of help along the way.”

“What does that mean?” Maria inquired giving the werewolf a curious look.

“You will find many strangers visiting your town in the future.” Jacob explained, “Be nice to them. You never know you might meet a good friend.” He patted the girl on the head, “Well Good-bye everyone.” Jacob stepped through the portal.

“Be well, my friends.” Morbius bid the girls farewell, “Oh and could one of you give this letter to a Mr. Victor Burnwell?” He handed a small brown envelop to Anita, “I do think he lives up in the Holland manor.” He chuckled gleefully then leapt into the portal. One after another the performers bid their farewells and left until all that remained was the group of women.

Victoria turned to the teddy bear in Maria’s arms, “So.. Ummm... Jamie, Will you be returning to The Raven’s Keep?” She nervously inquired, “There is still a room for you if you want it.”

Jamie glanced up at Maria, who hugged her tightly, “I have been offered to stay at the Greystoke Castle and I think that is where I belong.”

“I am happy for you.” Victoria declared and went to hug the girl only to stop.

“Here.” Maria handed Jamie over to Victoria who took her in her arms gratefully.

“You will return from time to time won’t you?” Victoria inquired dismally.

“She better.” Elizabeth demanded, “If not I will march up to that castle and drag her furry butt down for a visit.” She stated with a grin, “Both of you.” She pointed from the teddy to Jamie’s body.

“Alright I promise I will return.” Jamie pledged.

“Good.” Victoria passed Jamie back to Maria, trying hard to hide her sorrow, “And you are free to come by too, My lady.” She said with a curtsy, “All of you.” She smiled at Amanda and Anita who were hugging each other off to the side.

“If you provide the tea then how about three o’clock today?” Maria stated with a grin.

“I will make sure to have the place ready for you.” Victoria agreed, “Come on Elizabeth.” The two woman started down the gazebo stair, “I want to introduce you to our new musician, Markus.”

“Shall we head home too?” Maria inquired of the girls.

“Please.” Jamie pleaded, “I wonder if your mother has something to stop pain.”

“I think she does, Lady Jamie.” Anita replied.

Maria stopped to see Amanda still standing at the gazebo, “You coming Amanda?” Maria asked her friend.

“What do we do about this?” Amanda pointed at the glowing portal in the centre of the gazebo.

****

To be continued...

****

All characters and situations in this tale are copyright of Kathryn Williams (2006) All rights reserved.

For more info and works, art and otherwise. Check her site at http://www.shoujoai.ca