Rating: MA (Mature Adult—sexual situations; language; violence and character death)  If you're under 17, find another story to read!

Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Hercules the Legendary Journeys and Xena Warrior Princess belongs to StudiosUSA and MCA. Forever Knight belongs to Sony Tri-Star. All other characters and the poetry are my original work. Please do not use without letting me know first. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Prologue
[Amazon Village, c. 90 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

Once a challenge is thrown out there, it can never be pulled back. As we saw in the last scroll, David, tired of the Witch’s manipulations, challenged her.

The problem is—she responded with vengeance, crashing Janet Dubois’ funeral and exposing him. Compounding things, he countered her force with an assault of his own.

As we heard in The Hearts of Darkness scroll, this was very traumatic for all concerned. When the Child shared the full vision three days ago with Xena, Eve and myself, it was overwhelming to say the least…..



[Smallville, Main Study, Luthor Castle, June 1, 2010]

Lex Luthor writes….

The loss of innocence—who knew it could happen so quickly? For me, it wasn’t my father alone that did it. It was the rotten fruit of his labors. Even though he’s pulled some real winners in his time, the whole scenario surrounding the Rowenshire land and Lichtenfeld’s ghost has cost us all so much. For me, the day in Center Cemetery 27 and a half years ago will be one I’ll never forget.

My mother struck down.

Janet Dubois, a good woman, denied a proper burial.

And Dave’s pain and thirst for vengeance. We who were there that day should be grateful that the Child drove the ghost off. And yes, it was the Child that day. I’d know his dark handiwork anywhere. Still, for a young boy, it was a frightening ordeal. Thank God for Brother Tony, Nick Miles and Pauline.

Still my father and Stuart received the most brutal message….

I’ve asked Dave to tell the whole story and he’s agreed to do so. Of course, Karen, Brother Tony, Nick Miles and I will jump in where necessary. Since Lana and Chloe are due any day now, I do not wish them to hear this until after the children are born. For everyone’s sake, it is being recorded. Lessons of this nature should never, ever be forgotten.

Mom, I love you…..



[Wabash, NY—Longview Congregational Church, December 1, 2009]

Brother Tony Caldwell writes…..

It’s a wonder how the Lord tests us. Even in His mercy, He makes us go through crises of faith. I knew from the first time I met David Dubois that there was something different about him. I saw kindness and warmth in how he treated his grandmother in her last days. Even though he barely knew Angela at this point, his poem to her proved inspirational.

Yet there was something else to him that we all could sense: a dark shadow pursuing him. I suspected as much when he ordered me to cleanse the barn. After he left, I discovered the demonic symbols burned into the beams. Father Richard and Brother Andrew revealed the dark events of the previous fourteen years. I asked them to keep me informed; to contact me at once if I could be of any assistance. I had survived LaCroix’s foul attack as a seminary student. My faith could withstand anything, I thought.

Still that didn’t prepare me for the events of December 1, 1982. For it was on that day that SHE appeared to torment us—a banshee sent by the Prince of Darkness himself. Many of us thought Anne Lichtenfeld an urban legend--a foul sorceress who’d been dispatched centuries earlier never to return. How wrong we were. David and Alexander paid the price that day. The boy watched his mother struck down by that thing. I will never forget watching David change that day. As Alexander has shared with me, we witnessed the affirmation of the dark prophecy initiated by the Countess Isobel, confirmed by Lichtenfeld and brought about by the wickedness of the two fathers. The boy inside of the teenager came to the fore, taking his pound of flesh and sending himself further down that dark road.

Before I wrote this, I took my sermon from the following Sunday concerning vengeance and drove to what remains of the Blackwell farm, reading it there. Although the house has been rebuilt, nobody will disturb it out of respect for the Duboises. Maybe also, it was the events of the other dark night in 2004 when Heaven opened its door for the victims of the crass attack which drives people away.

As I consider those friends surrounding David and Angela today, I can’t help but admire them. They have known what price there would be for accompanying David on his journey yet they do so. I admire the people of Amherst and Smallville for their strength and compassion.

May David one day find absolution for this burden, one he was destined to carry yet never deserved. Father, be there with him….




Chapter 1 [Day Before Thanksgiving]

[Amherst High]

Dave stood at his locker, inspecting his books and things. After pushing himself for two weeks, he managed to get ahead in his studies, insuring a weekend without homework. He wanted to spend time with the Alvarezes and Gram, devoting himself to those things central in his life. “Maybe I can get April to make a floral spread for Gram.” Satisfied with everything, he shut the locker door.

“Maybe she can,” Karen agreed, coming up behind him. “Maybe we can bring it to her together.”

He grinned. “She’d like that. Thanks.”

“For what? That’s the girlfriend’s job. I guess that’s me,” she declared. “I do want to allow you your time with her.”

“She wants to see you too,” he pointed out.

“I know that,” she agreed. Even something that precious, he wants to share with me. No wonder I love him. “I’m glad you’re giving yourself some down time. You need it.”

“Wish we could take a drive but we have our Saturday shifts.” He sighed. “I really enjoyed working in the library again.”

“Too bad it wasn’t permanent,” she agreed, rubbing his shoulder. “You’ve been so upbeat. Now you can focus on Gram and working with Charles for the baseball tryouts.”

He kissed her cheek. “You’re amazing. You know that?”

“Am I?” She giggled. “I don’t know but you can say that as often as you like. Come on; I’ll buy you a mocha at the Express.”


****


[Cappuccino Express—fifteen minutes later]

After a relaxing ride through the late fall scenery and older homes, the couple locked their bikes in front of the café and strolled through the front door. As everyone was hitting the road for the long weekend, you could hear a pin drop in there.

At the corner table, the other members of the Cadre waved to them.

“Looks like we have company,” Karen assumed.

“We can talk later at home,” Dave assured her. “I have something I want to talk with everyone about anyhow.” His face turned grim. “Contingency planning.”

“Dave, I really don’t want to ruin the mood,” she requested before understanding his point. She ordered their drinks and looked pointedly at him. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Right,” he agreed, joining her as they sat down with their cohorts. Even after four years, the others had stayed close, refusing to allow Dave’s demons to chase them away from his side. With them, Rose took in everything she could to learn from them and offer her support as well. How lucky I am to have such friends. “Hey, gang.”

April assessed his face. “I know that look. What happened?”

Major ghost alert. Garth looked at Steve and Frank, shaking his head so as to silence their questions. Ever since the adventure in the Inner Realms, he had known the depths of his friend’s personal horror show. “In fifteen minutes, I’ll bet nothing. Dave, chill out. It’s a holiday weekend.”

Karen shook her head at Dave, knowing he had alarmed their friends unnecessarily.

Dave took a deep breath. “Relax. Everything’s okay. I’ve got a favor to ask of everyone here.”

Steve nodded. “Whatever it is, you know we’re good for it.”

“Just name it, Dave,” Frank indicated.

The Editor-in-Chief took a gulp from his cup. “As you all know, Gram’s getting worse. Frankly, we don’t know if she’s going to make it until Christmas. I have it on good authority that she won’t make it that long.” He shuddered, beating back the emotional tempest roaring inside of him.

Rose looked at him. “Gram?”

“His grandmother,” April explained. “She’s dying from cancer.”

“Dave,” Garth noted. “I know where you’re going with this. When Gram passes, we’ll go back to the scenario we used while you were in Smallville and Ludlow. Karen is the acting editor-in-chief. The rest of us assist her.” He glanced at Karen knowing full well what a disruption that would cause. And when he explodes, let’s hope he’s well insulated. What a mess that’ll be!

“I’m sorry, Dave, I didn’t know,” Rose apologized.

“It’s okay. Sorry, everyone. I just have a feeling we need to get that taken care of,” Dave remarked moodily.

“Just enjoy the time we have left with her,” Steve indicated. “Aren’t you heading down there this weekend?”

“Friday after the football game and Sunday,” Karen explained. “His father’s out of town this weekend. April, are you set for Friday?”

“Mom and Dad will meet us down there,” the features editor pointed out. “Meantime, you and I can make sure Mr. Moody there is okay.”

“Just get me behind the wheel of my car and I’ll be fine. What about you, Garth?” Dave asked.

“What about me?”

“You want to come?”

“I…don’t want to intrude,” Garth declined anxiously.

“The folks invited him but he wants to stay here,” April indicated testily, glaring at him.

“Gram would like it. Garth, come on,” Dave insisted.

The sports editor wrung his hands for a second, weighing everything before agreeing, “Okay, Dave, if it’s okay with her then sure. If it’s okay with your folks, April?”

“They’ll be fine. I’m glad you’re coming too,” she noted.

“Great. What’s up for everyone else?” Karen inquired, wanting to change the subject.

“Vermont for me,” Frank declared.

“I’ll be at my aunt’s this weekend,” Steve added.

The newest friend shrugged. “My family’s getting together at my uncle’s house in Athol on Thursday. I just hope those nasty clouds stay away from us.”

“Nasty clouds?” Frank wondered.

“Weather blows up at this time of the year,” Garth added, shaking his head at the sophomore.

Why is he so antsy? What would he do if I told him about that old haunted house? “In the same spot every year?”

“Freak occurrence,” Dave muttered. “Trust me, Rose; you’re right to keep your distance.”

“And you know? Rumor has it that you’re doing a paper on the old house. Dave, don’t be a fool! The locals talk about the curse. You have no idea!” She shuddered. “I’ve seen that place. Talk about Hell on Earth! I’m glad my folks wouldn’t let me out of the car.”

He arched an eyebrow at her. “Leave it alone, Rose. I have to do this. One day, you’ll understand.”

“You don’t get it!” she protested.

Karen sighed, seeing that everyone was looking at them. “Rose, I know you mean well but Dave knows every precaution about that house.” Seeing that the girl was anxiety-ridden, she shook her head.

“What’s with the house?” April wondered. “I kind of recall that the town’s creepy but the house?”

“Don’t ask,” Garth muttered.

“Someone should,” Rose insisted. “If we’re not careful, there’s a family in Rowenshire that’ll get hurt. Legend has it that the oldest son will be cursed by a ghost.”

“Rose, we need to talk,” Dave insisted. “Karen, Garth, come on. Everyone else, keep the booth warm.”

Seeing her boss there, Karen requested, “Mrs. C, can we use the storeroom to hash this out?”

“Absolutely,” the manager agreed, relieved that the teens were using some discretion.

“What’s with them?” Frank queried.

“I wish I knew,” April replied.


****

[Storeroom]

As she settled onto a stool in the corner, Rose fretted, “Is this where you all get on me?”

“What?” Garth wondered while snapping on the lights.

“We’re not going to touch you,” Karen assured her.

“Although some discretion would be appreciated,” Dave indicated, pacing about the area. He took a deep breath. “First, Rose, I agree with your concern for that dump. Trust me though; you don’t know the whole story.”

“You don’t want to,” Karen concurred.

The younger student looked at the trio’s faces and saw the concern there. “Wait a minute. They say nobody’s been back there since the family left.”

“That’s what they think,” Garth commented, wishing it were so.

“What?” Rose jumped off the stool. “How would you know? Is the One here?”

[“Dave, she’s figuring it out,” Karen advised through their link.]

He nodded. “Rose, we need you to keep a secret. You can’t tell anyone. Can you do that?”

“For something like this, absolutely. Dave, you’re scaring me,” Rose affirmed.

“Dave’s the One,” Karen revealed.

“The Witch’s favorite target, that’s me,” Dave indicated. “That’s why my grandmother’s dying, Rose. Lichtenfeld infected her.” He held his hand up, allowing them to see the scar. “I think you’ll recognize that.”

Rose gasped. “Then it’s true! Don’t hurt me!”

Garth shook his head. “He won’t hurt you. But he doesn’t need anyone making trouble, all right?”

“If anything, I’m going to find a way to beat the Curse. That’s why I’m doing the paper, Rose,” Dave mentioned. “Besides she’s been here in Amherst. Last Halloween, she was in the cafeteria.”

“At the school? What?”

“Why do you think I wore the wolf costume? And the dedication I sent out, that was to Lichtenfeld. Rose, I have endured fourteen years of Hell because of that glowing cackling bitch! Thanks to my father, she’s free of the land.” He glanced around anxiously.

“You feel it too?” Karen noted.

“Feel what? Why is it so cold?” Rose complained.

“Dave, here!” Garth indicated, handing him two of the herb bombs. Seeing his friends’ surprise, he explained, “Since that last mess, you wanted me to carry them, remember?”

“Yeah. All right, Lichtenfeld, show yourself! I know you’re here!” the cursed teen commanded.

“Such manners,” the ghost hissed while appearing in the corner. “Aye, I was watchin’.” Seeing Rose, she snickered, “And who is this Missy?”

“Y…you’re real! Anne Lichtenfeld, the Rowenshire witch!” the frightened girl shuddered.

The Witch laughed. “Sorceress, Dearie! As for the rest, aye! Tis true indeed! Look at my boy! Soon he’ll be mine!”

“Get stuffed,” Dave retorted, lobbing the herb bomb at her and letting the cloud chase his nemesis off.

Once the cloud disappeared, Karen coughed. “Good riddance.” Seeing Rose shaking, she declared, “The ghost is gone. She won’t come back at least not today.”

“How do you deal with this?” The sophomore managed to stand and stared with fright at Dave. “I…I can’t!” She ran out of the room and from the restaurant.

“Swell,” Garth advised. “She should try the view from Lousain’s place.”

“Can it, Garth,” Dave admonished. “She has every right to be afraid. Now you can both see what I’m getting at. Lichtenfeld’s about to do something really big. We’d better be ready.”

Chapter 2
[That night—Alvarez House]

Dave hung his clothes up after taking them from the dryer. After the afternoon’s activities, he had gone back there and shut the door. He didn’t want to deal with the outside world. Hell, he didn’t want to deal with anything. Accordingly, he put a tape of Hildegard chants into the boom box and let it play, trying to soothe his shattered nerves. What is she going to do now? And why am I going to hate it?

[“Hey, Dave, are you going to come out of there?” Karen wondered.]

[“Nope. I’m sulking,” he retorted.]

[“Then I’m coming in,” she noted.] She entered the area and shut the door behind her. “Ever since we left the Express, you’ve been really depressed.”

“Can you blame me?” he asked, getting up from the bed. “You saw Rose! She was petrified!”

“I can’t say you’re surprised. You should know better than that, Dave. I spoke to Mrs. C. She took care of everything,” she assured him, rubbing his shoulder.

“Except the ghost’s appearance,” he disagreed. “I wish I could talk to Rose about this.”

“When she’s ready, she’ll come to us,” she noted. “Meantime, we still have to cheer you up.”

“Your parents and Charles?” he inquired, getting her meaning.

“The movie just started. They won’t be back until 11,” she informed him while unbuttoning her blouse. “Besides, I want some us time.” She undid his pants, letting them drop to the floor. “That’s something I’ve wanted to see for a while.”

He grinned while fondling her breasts. “As I said this morning, you’re amazing.” He pulled them both onto the bed and turned the lights out to insure their privacy.


****

[Friday—Athol High School]

After a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with her family, Dave and Karen joined Garth and April for the annual rivalry football game in Athol. As always, the stands were packed with spectators rooting for both sides with equal passion.

And also as always, the threat from the Old House loomed large in its close proximity.

Dave sat anxiously and watched the entire field for signs of trouble. What is she up to?

[“Hey!” Karen advised.]

[“Yeah. Sorry,” he told her.] He saw that the game was already into the second quarter and Amherst led 13-3.

“Are you all right?” April queried.

“My mind’s on Rose and the other day. I guess I’ll just need to deal with it,” Dave indicated.

“What got her so scared?” April demanded.

“Not here,” Garth advised.

His date fumed, still wanting answers. One way or another, she ascertained to get them.

“Look, the team scored again!” Karen declared, trying to cheer the mood.

After the conversion made it 21-3, Dave took a deep breath. “That’s better.” Thankfully, something’s going our way.





Chapter 3 [Saturday afternoon]
[Library]

Dave walked a cart of books around the stacks, setting each one in their assigned space. As it was his last task, he took his time, savoring the remaining minutes of his time there and making sure that everything was in order.

Finally, the cart was empty.

Figures. It was fun while it lasted. He rode the elevator down to the first floor and wheeled the cart to its place. There, he noticed Ms. Parsons waiting for him. “Ms. Parsons? What are you doing here?”

“Do you have a minute?” she inquired, motioning to her office.

“Of course,” he agreed. What did I do? As they entered her sanctum, he asked, “Forgive me, you usually aren’t here on Saturday, Ma ‘am.”

“No but today is your last day, David. I wanted to thank you for another job well done.” The older woman sat down behind her desk and studied him. “I don’t have to tell you how far you’ve come. You have the makings of a fine librarian.”

“Thank you. Then I’d be constantly on the budget firing line,” he retorted. “If only we were free to do what we were supposed to. Teach, guide and manage our tools without all of the political nonsense.” He scoffed at his own naivety. “Listen to me. I sound like some airheaded idealist.”

“I think it’s a fine dream. David, you above all have earned the right to aspire to a better place. I know that some day, you’ll be there to guide us toward that point,” his boss assured him. “I do think you’re bound for a university position but that’s all right. Keep your head up. How was your grandmother yesterday?”

“All right all things being equal. I sat with the others for a while. Then Mrs. Masters brought a tray into the living room and I ate with Gram. She could barely sit up without pain, Ms. Parsons.” He shook his head, feeling his head going numb.

“How long?”

He closed his eyes. “Within the next two-three weeks probably from what the doctors say. I wish my father weren’t such an idiot! I’d drive down there every day to be with her.”

“She wouldn’t want you to watch her waste away, David. This is just as hard on her as it is on you.” She got up and considered the large global map on the wall. “I’ve known Janet, your grandmother, for almost thirty years. Every day, she thinks more of others than herself. You are at the front of her thoughts. She would want you to be strong.”

“Why do you think I’m keeping my cool?”

She frowned. “Strength also means letting go at the right time. It also means trusting those who care about you. Everyone here is with you and praying for you. If you need to, you can come here. Treasure these last few days with her. Seeing you strong makes her the same.” Hearing a knock at the door, she asked, “Yes?”

Jimmy, the circulation assistant, stuck his head in. “Excuse me. Dave, there’s someone to see you.”

“Be right there. Thanks, Jimmy,” the teenager agreed. “Thank you, Ms. Parsons, for this opportunity.”

“Thank you for being so diligent. Stop by and see us,” she concluded before he left. Hang in there, David. God go with you.

****



Dave looked around the lobby but saw nobody. He walked over to the Information Desk and asked the attendant. “Jimmy just said that there’s someone here.”

“Yes, Dave. She’s waiting outside,” the other indicated. “Have a good day.”

“You too. Thanks,” he agreed while heading out the main door. As he reached the bike rack, he found Rose waiting. “Rose?”

“Hi, Dave, I know I’m probably the last person you want to see right now. If you don’t want to talk, I’ll leave,” she indicated.

He managed a smile. “It means a lot to me that you want to talk. I’m sure you have questions. I’m sorry you had to experience that first hand.”

“Sorry I ran like a coward,” she apologized. “I have to admit that I drove my parents’ car by the house and looked at it yesterday. You lived there?”

“For seven years,” he declared. “Worst seven years of anyone’s life, I’d imagine.”

She shuddered. “I can’t imagine being there for five minutes much less for that long. People in Monson and Ware talk about you, Dave. I heard them in the market going on about you. I felt so ashamed that I had accused you.”

“It’s all right. She scares everyone. The important thing is that you hang in there,” he indicated.

“Karen and Garth weren’t fazed. Why?”

He looked earnestly at her. “They’ve seen the entire gauntlet and spent a weekend there. Trust me; that wasn’t a pleasure cruise. I almost died. But we all survived.”

“Wow. And to think I ran from the first salvo.”

“Do you have a few minutes? I’d like to introduce you to two people,” he requested while unlocking his bike.

“Sure,” she agreed, getting on her bike and following him.


****


[Center Cemetery—10 Minutes Later]

She looked around at the tombstones as they walked through the graveyard. “Who are we going to meet here?”

“You’ll see,” he indicated before stopping in front of one particular stone. “This is Mrs. Colavitto. Mrs. C, this is one of our new reporters, Rose McLaughlin. Rose found out about Lichtenfeld the other day. I was explaining the whole thing to her.”

“Colavitto? Didn’t she used to be the Knight’s faculty advisor?” she asked.

“That’s right. She was infected right in the newsroom.” He stooped and made sure the area around the stone was clean. “And believe me, she was demanding. She cared about us and the paper.”

“Miss Jenkins said that when we spoke.” She considered the name on the stone. “Everyone says she was amazing.”

“She was.” He stood and motioned to the right. “We have one more stop to make. Take care, Mrs. C., Karen and I should be back in a couple of days.” He led his classmate toward the big oak and the stone next to it.

“Alvaro. This is your grandfather, isn’t it?” she inquired, feeling a sense of awe.

“My mentor. My inspiration,” he replied while taking a rose from his backpack and setting it before the stone. “Hi, Grandpa, it’s me. Got through another week. Tests are tough and I’m dealing with Miss Gatchell’s class.” He motioned to Rose. “Say, Grandpa, this is a new friend of mine, Rose McLaughlin. She moved here from Monson and doing a great job on the paper.”

“Hi, Sir,” she added reverently while kneeling there. “This is an honor. We…well…don’t know what to make of Dave sometimes because he’s so smart. You must have been a great teacher. I wish you could teach me to have courage. The ghost appeared and I ran. I deserted my friends.” She sobbed.

A light flooded the area just before Lorenzo appeared. “You came back.”

Her eyes went wide. “Mr. Alvaro?”

“Yes. You’re showing more courage than you know, Rose.” The angel motioned for her to stand. “Give yourself some credit. We were watching as you went to the house yesterday.”

“We?”

The angel pointed to the sky. “Lichtenfeld can be frightening. One shouldn’t take her lightly. You have questions. Dave can answer them for you—at least as far as he is permitted to do so.”

“And Lichtenfeld, she murdered you?” she supposed.

“She did. However, she cannot keep me from watching over everyone,” Lorenzo stated. “Speaking of which, Dave, are you ready to go to Ludlow tomorrow?”

“I am. I hope Gram’s okay,” Dave noted.

“Relatively speaking, she is. Are you ready for what must happen?” the angel asked.

“I am.”

“Dave, what?” she wondered.

“When Gram dies, we’re watching for the ghost,” he indicated. “Don’t say anything to anyone.”

“Karen and Garth know, right?”

“They’re ready. Grandpa, we need to get back. Thanks,” Dave expressed.

“Thanks, Dr. Alvaro,” she added.

“My pleasure,” he agreed, disappearing before their eyes.

She rubbed her head. “This is so weird! You really talk to ghosts and everything!” Seeing a curious look on his face, she added, “The Rowenshire kids talk about how you talk to thin air and mutter to the trees.”

“They can’t understand. Rose, look, I’ll admit that you’ve seen more today than I’m comfortable showing to you. Grandpa doesn’t appear unless there’s a reason. There’s a lot more that you haven’t seen and I hope you never do see.” He took a deep breath. “Come on; we need to be getting back. I’ll ride with you to your house and then head back.”

“Okay, Dave. Please let Karen know and that you all can trust me,” she agreed before following him again toward the bikes.

“It’ll be my pleasure,” he concurred, leading her for the gate.