Misadventures (Dubois Chronicles 1.26)
DJ Dubois
Originally Written July 1987; Revised November 2005




Rating: Teen/Mature (Language, Violence, animal death)

Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to MCA and StudiosUSA. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

 


Introduction [Queen’s Hut, Amazon Village]

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

After returning from Canada, the Alvarezes gave David space to discover the answers he needed to find without involving themselves. (Even so, Karen defied her parents from time to time on this score.) The riddle slowly came into focus as the winter wore on. He even managed to have some pleasure for himself.

One such instance happened in a place called Vermont. There, his friends went on a trip…with nearly drastic circumstances. For it was at this point that Dahak directly made its influence felt.

 

 


Chapter 1 [Cappuccino Express, after school about two weeks following “Discoveries”]

Dave sat in the corner booth pouring over his notes. Since returning from Virginia, he had tried to stay ahead in all of his classes so he could devote his free time to the Big Project. “Now if I could figure out something to write on for the Knight.”

“How about your recent adventures?” Karen suggested.

“You mean our adventures,” he retorted. “That trip to Canada put you all in danger.”

“Going off by yourself isn’t going to make things any less dangerous, Chief,” she countered, sliding into the booth beside him.

“Life’s a crapshoot, Karen. I need to know about this stuff.” He scratched his head. Especially if I can make Lichtenfeld and her master go away. He changed the subject. “Charles looked ready for the tryouts.”

She rolled her eyes but went with the tact. “He won’t shut up about them. Seriously, Dave, I’m glad you’re doing something fun for a change. Don’t worry about the paper. Something will come to you. If not, April can work something safe out of your recent travels. Maybe the highlights of Northfield?”

“You know I’m heading back there next weekend.”

She groused. “Dave! We’re supposed to go to Grotto Ridge with the class! Can’t this wait?”

He sighed. “I was planning to be there by Saturday afternoon. I just need a couple of hours with the curator in the morning. Then I keep going up 91. Auntie gave me the directions. Believe me; I want some time on Snowy, carving up the trails.” A warm smile crossed his face.

“Snowy?” she wondered.

“My snowmobile.”

She stared at him incredulously. “You own a snowmobile?”

“Well, Auntie Lillie gave it to me a few years ago. She’s kept it under wraps in Maine while things got straightened out. Anyhow, she’s arranging to have it delivered to the lodge. Maybe we can have a moonlit ride through the woods on Saturday?” he explained. “Cocoa if you’d like too.”

She grinned. “A moonlit ride through the woods? Just you and me, right?”

“That’s about the size of it. Perfect romantic backdrop, I figure,” he noted before taking a swig of his coffee. “Keep Snowy between us, all right? I want to surprise the others.”

“Fine by me. We’ll all be skiing. You’ll need some help catching up anyhow,” she teased. “Speaking of romantic, you did get the tickets to the Winter Formal, right?”

He patted his coat pocket. “That’s why I’m late. Garth and I stopped by the box office after English.” He squeezed her hand gently. “I may have a lot going on but I won’t forget about you. Not after how you’ve stood by me.”

She blushed. “It’s really no trouble, Dave. Well, here comes April, Garth and Rose. Have fun.”

“See you later,” he told her while kissing her cheek. After she left, he looked at the trio. “Sit. Be merry. What’s up?”

“Flowers for everyone if Mom and Dad have anything to say about it,” April declared. “Thanks for reminding Garth to get those tickets, Dave.”

“Rub it in,” Garth countered good-naturedly. “Seriously, Dave, are we going to have that meeting tomorrow?”

“We need to get the next issue out,” Rose noted.

“Of course. We need to split coverage between the ski trip and the Formal. The new hall policy should get a column. Maybe the book sale? And the basketball team’s win over Greenfield too,” the Editor-in-Chief proposed.

“We should have known better than to doubt you, Dave,” April commented. “Did Karen mention my other idea?”

“The write ups on my trips? April, are you sure that’s wise? Ms. Gatchell’s already ticked off enough over me doing this stuff,” Dave pointed out.

“Dr. Alvarez and Mr. Wilson can deal with her. Everyone wants to know about the places you’re going to. Censor the demonic stuff and it’ll be good,” the Features editor suggested.

“I’ll think about it,” Dave hedged. “Meantime, let’s relax and enjoy for a few minutes.”

Even if they were surprised to hear those words from him, his classmates joined in that sentiment.

 


Chapter 2 [Next Day]

[APRHS]

Miss Gatchell glared at the students down the hall. Even if she risked a suspension for doing so, she didn’t like Dave’s stubborn pursuit to prove her wrong with his wild goose chase. If he wants to screw himself up, fine! But why won’t he stop it?

“Why don’t you stop this, Marilyn?” Miss Gatchell asked tersely. “Leave David alone.”

“Alice, David Dubois is making a fool out of me,” the History Professor retorted. “You’re encouraging him!”

The English teacher countered, “You’re doing that to yourself. As for David’s project, I think we’ve seen that it’s not a delusion. There is something to the legend. I know there’s a ghost because I saw her at the funeral. You saw the Angel of Death appear in your class to page him. He’s onto something. I would stay clear.”

“And you do the same,” Miss Gatchell advised. “He’s going to get everyone killed!” With that, she stormed away.

On that point, she could be right. Miss Jenkins sighed. Ever since she had taken over advising the White Knight, she watched the teens running into one situation after another. At least he looks out for them though. She turned to head down the hall only to see Dave watching her. “You heard?”

“She really needs a clue,” he groused. “The evidence is right there in front of us!”

“It’s okay. Calm down, all right? We have a meeting and a cool head is a rational head,” she advised.

He nodded. “With everything else going on, that’s the key thing.” She doesn’t need to know about the Apparition. “Come on; let’s get this meeting on the road.”

“Absolutely,” she agreed before following him into the newsroom. Looking around, she saw the other reporters and editors already waiting for them.

“Finally!” Adrienne huffed from the side of the room. “I didn’t think guys needed the powder room.”

Dave glared at her. “We had a difference of opinion going on in the hallway. It’s over. Let’s get to business. Okay, everyone, we have two big events coming up: the skiing trip and the Winter Formal. When you meet with the editors, brainstorm on different approaches to each event. Maybe tag team reporting.”

“April and I were thinking the same thing,” Garth concurred.

“Karen, any ideas?” Dave inquired.

She shrugged. “Maybe a piece on the meaning of the long weekend? I was thinking of a feature piece on civil rights?”

“That, Karen, is a wonderful idea,” Miss Jenkins agreed. “If you both don’t mind, I’d like to work with the Journalism class on the piece.”

“Thank you, Miss Jenkins,” Dave accepted after getting a nod from his girlfriend. “That should be some piece.” Seeing Harvey’s hand go up, he pointed to the reporter. “What’s up, Harvey?”

“Dave, there are all of those road trips. Maybe you could write a series on these places?” Harvey offered.

Seeing the nods coming from around the room, Karen looked anxiously at her boyfriend. The last time this came up, the Witch nailed Dave with a pain and scare fest…and that was before what happened later. “We’d have to really edit the material if we do that.”

“I really don’t want to turn these places into tourist traps. I’ve got no problem writing about Quebec, Jamestown or Danvers in general. The trip to the archives okay. But the specifics stay out. You all have seen and heard why,” Dave asserted.

“But it might be cool….,” someone rebutted.

Garth stared in that general direction. “You’ve got a warped sense of ‘cool’.”

“Don’t go prying into that stuff,” Rose interjected.

Dave gripped the edges of the podium and began to breathe heavily. The numbness crept across his scalp. He ground his teeth.

Tell ‘em ‘bout me!

His eyes went wide as he recognized the Apparition’s gravelly vocal scratch in his head. He spasmed and nearly collapsed. “S…stop!”

Garth rushed up there and caught his friend just as the latter slumped. Instinctively, he turned the hand over to see the scar glowing brightly. “Karen?”

She opened the mental link, bracing herself for the tide of pain waiting there. She felt the numbness and heard the whispers. However, whatever it was—was gone. [“It’s okay, Dave. I’m here. We’re all here.”]

[“I…I know. Sorry.”]

She took a deep breath. “Everyone, break into your groups. Garth and Steve, you’re in charge. Lock up when you’re done?”

“Yeah,” Steve concurred.

“Thanks,” Karen accepted. “Rose, come with us. Dave, can you stand?”

He nodded and forced himself to his feet. He grabbed his knapsack and stumbled out of the room.

“Hey!” Rose called, rushing after him.

“What was that about? Karen, did something happen up in Canada?” Miss Jenkins wondered.

“I don’t know,” the Assistant Editor replied half-honestly. She knew, of course, about the attack in the archive. The details remained a mystery. I wonder if Mrs. Luthor or Laura could shed some light on this? She also remembered Clarise LaMontaigne’s words. What did that woman do to him? She threw her coat on and rushed out after the others.

Rose looked around the hallway. “Where’d he go?”

Karen scanned the school. “He’s gone!” She broadened the search to the entire town. “Got him!”

“Right behind you,” Rose declared, rushing right after her.

The remaining staff wondered about their friend and not for the last time….

****

 


[Center Cemetery]

Dave rubbed his head. “Karen? Rose?”

They ain’t ‘ere!

Feeling the icy breeze against his face, he snapped awake. “The cemetery?” He turned to find the Apparition floating behind him. “You!”

‘Lax. Ah ain’t gonna hurt ya.

“What are we doing here?” Dave demanded.

Cool yer jets, Bro! Ya needed out! Ah got ya’ll out! The Dark One glared at his “counterpart”. Stoopids don’t know shit! Then he saw Lorenzo appear. Now wha?

“You’ve made things more difficult,” the angel warned.

Dum’asses did that! Ah Hell! It vanished into the late afternoon backdrop.

“Are you all right?” the concerned grandfather asked.

“I’m getting there. How did I get out here?” the confused teen wondered, shivering in the cold. Feeling the snow soaking through his jeans to his knees, he jumped to his feet. “First that stuff in Quebec and now this.”

“There is no stopping it. One day, it will manifest in you directly.”

“What about my friends? Karen? I can’t hurt them!” he protested; his eyes watering more with every word.

“They choose to stay. They have to stay for your good, Dave. Stay the course,” Lorenzo declared. At that moment, he saw the girls hustling over to them. “Speaking of which….”

“Dr. Alvaro?” Karen queried. “Do you know what happened?”

“I found him here just as you have,” the angel replied cryptically. “I reminded him not to shut you all out. I do have a message for you both.”

“And that is?” Rose asked, still not believing that an angel was speaking to them.

“That series can never be written. Dave’s instincts are well served. If anything were to happen, he’d be responsible.” He considered the younger man. “He couldn’t take that. Think on that.” With that, he vanished.

“Are you okay? What happened?” Karen inquired.

“I don’t know. One minute, I’m in the hallway. The next, I’m here,” he informed them cryptically. “Sorry about the scene.”

“You’d think after all that’s happened, they’d know better,” his girlfriend agreed while helping him to his feet. “Can you walk? We need to get back to the school.”

“Let’s just take it slow,” he indicated, following them away from the oak.

 

 


Chapter 3

[Faerie Realms]

The events occurring in Amherst played out in their entirety in the Faerie Empress’ view portal for her, Grimwilkin and Keira. With the Apparition’s repeated appearances, the situation intensified. Other parties, mortal and immortal, watched the boy, waiting for the inevitable fall into darkness.

“Things grow bleak,” the High Priestess presumed.

“Don’t underestimate his friends,” he advised.

The Elf-Queen shook her head. “Can his friends stop Dahak? Grimwilkin, the boy’s fear intensifies by the day and for good reason.”

“And what do you propose? We can’t move him. And with the next challenge rapidly approaching, he can’t hesitate,” he reminded them.

“Dahak stalks them. With its witch imprisoned, the demon will confront David Dubois directly. I fear for the boy,” the Empress added. “Has Cybelle picked up on anything?”

“Other than what we’ve discussed, no. She and Deirdre watch,” Keira answered. “Speaking of which, I should return to Althanor. If I learn anything, you will both know immediately.”

“Do that, Keira,” the Empress instructed. She glanced at the aged wizard. “Reality hangs by a thread.”

“It always does. On the boy’s shoulders rests a huge burden. Pray he can deal with it,” he told her, disappearing from the scene and leaving her to contemplate the implications on the whole.

****

[Later that night—Amherst]

Karen walked in the house after her shift had ended at the Express. After getting Dave settled there, she had gone to work but kept part of her attention focused on the shared link. He’s really spooked. What happened?

“Karen, you have a minute?” her father inquired.

“Sure, Daddy,” she agreed anxiously. “What’s going on?”

He glanced at his wife before turning back to her. “What happened this afternoon?”

“Some folks want more insight than Dave’s comfortable with giving. It was just like freshman year. People just don’t understand the Pandora’s Box he’s sitting on. I’ll be glad to see him up in Vermont on Saturday,” Karen explained. “He needs to relax.”

Her parents nodded in agreement.

“Anything with Miss Gatchell?” he inquired.

“She and Miss Jenkins were arguing about him this afternoon. Daddy, can I be frank?” she reported.

“Okay,” he agreed.

“She hasn’t backed off. The pressure’s coming from her,” Karen stated.

“Miss Jenkins told me about it. I’m thankful she helped to keep a lid on it,” the superintendent replied.

“I’ll be glad when Dave wraps up this research,” Jeannie expressed.

“This trip to Northfield on Saturday should give him everything,” her husband indicated. “I asked him to wrap up this project for everyone’s sake.”

“How’s he doing?” Karen inquired.

“He’s upstairs reading at the moment,” her mother informed her. Then the phone rang. “Hello?”

“Jeannie, this is Lillian Luthor. How’s everyone?” Lillian inquired.

“Most of us are fine. Are you hanging in there?” Jeannie replied.

“So far, so good. Judging from your voice, something happened,” Lillian realized.

“I’ll let you talk to Karen.” She handed the phone to her daughter. “Mrs. Luthor.”

“Mrs. Luthor, are you all right?” Karen wondered.

“I’m fine. What happened?” Lillian insisted.

“People still want to dig where they don’t belong. Dave had a fit because of it. I’m not allowing anything on that in the paper,” Karen reported.

“Wise move. I hope he’s still planning to go to that ski lodge with you all,” the billionaire expressed.

“He’s meeting us up there on Saturday afternoon. Dave mentioned the snowmobile to me,” Karen declared.

“It’s something he enjoyed when he was younger. I just ask that you keep an eye on him. I don’t want any mishaps,” Lillian noted.

“I will. You want to talk with Dave?” she asked.

“Thank you, Karen. I would like to make sure he’s all right.”

“Just a minute.” Karen ran up the stairs and toward Dave’s bedroom. [“Hey. Are you all right in there?”]

[“I guess,” he responded. “What’s going on?”]

[“Mrs. Luthor’s on the phone. She wants to talk with you. Seems the vibes have hit Metropolis too,” she informed him.]

Terrific. He marked his place in the book and walked out. “Downstairs?”

“Where else?” she giggled.

He managed a smirk for her sake while heading down the stairs and over to the phone. “Auntie, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing here. Why don’t you tell me what’s going on with you?” she queried.

“People just don’t get the message. The other kids tripped off a reaction. Don’t worry—nobody got hurt,” he responded.

“And did it show up again?” she asked pointedly.

“Yes.”

She winced and went into a coughing fit.

“Auntie?”

“I’m all right, David. That thing seems to be attracted to you. Keep an eye out for it. Meantime, I wanted to let you know that the snowmobile will be at the lodge on Friday night when you get there,” she reported.

“I’ll be on it Saturday afternoon. I have one stop to make in Northfield on the way,” he replied.

“I hope this is the end of it, David,” Lillian admonished, recalling Laura’s description of what happened in the archives during the previous month.

“For now and on this side of the Atlantic. Right now, I’ll be happy to wrap up the research and write up what I have. Bessie’s been racking up some big time miles on the road: Boston, Danvers and Jamestown. Then I can concentrate on getting into a good school. No, I haven’t forgotten about that, Auntie Lillie,” Dave assured her.

“I’m glad. Maybe you might think of getting out of there?”

He shook his head. “I wish I could but whatever this stuff is can follow me around. I need to deal with it. Hopefully, we can have some more fun in the future. Don’t stress too much, all right?”

“I always worry about you, Dear Boy. Do try to have some fun this weekend. I need to rest. Talk to you later,” she concluded.

“I’ll give you updates on what happened. Thanks, Auntie,” he replied while hanging up.

“Are you going to be all right this weekend?” Jeannie inquired.

“We’re going to have some fun at the lodge. Why wouldn’t I be?” Dave asked, looking at her in a confused way as they sat down at the table for dinner.

“Trouble does seem to know where you are,” his girlfriend reminded him.

“Must be my sunny disposition,” Dave quipped, trying unsuccessfully to lighten the mood.

“Just be careful. That goes for everyone,” Dr. Alvarez directed. “That aside, Dave, you’re right. Have fun.”

The teens looked curiously at each other. Nothing was ever that easy….Was it?

 


Chapter 4 [Friday afternoon]

[APRHS]

With school letting out for the afternoon, two school buses idled in front of the building to take the students to the snow and trails waiting for them. Everyone had their duffel bags waiting in their lockers. In short, the long holiday weekend looked promising.

At her locker, Karen checked everything over in her bag. Her mother insisted on plenty of sweaters and turtlenecks. I wish she wouldn’t baby us! Seeing her boyfriend approaching her, she asked, “Are you sure about staying behind tonight?”

“I got things to work on. Besides, I’ll be waiting at the lodge when you get back tomorrow. Don’t worry about the Express, all right?” he told her.

“I won’t. I’m glad Mrs. C is letting you and Peggy help out. It’s been a long week. Be careful,” she commented before kissing him. “That house in Northfield could have a surprise or two waiting.”

Recalling the last visit there, he sighed. “I’ll have my usual assortment on me. Anyhow, relax.” He motioned to Garth and April. “Do me a favor. Watch the worrywart here. No worrying.”

“We’ll try,” April teased, jabbing Karen playfully.

“Seriously, Dave, be careful,” he instructed, knowing his friend’s propensity for finding trouble of a demonic nature.

“Just keep the hot dogs and cocoa warm and I’ll be there for a late run tomorrow afternoon,” Dave promised. “Count on it. Let’s head for the bus and get you all going.”

The quartet headed for the waiting vehicles. When they got there, the last people in line were getting onboard.

“Garth, watch them,” Dave instructed, suddenly feeling an anxious twitch in his head. Now what?

Karen eyed him knowingly. “What now?”

“Nothing,” he lied.

“Dave, come on!” she asserted.

“Get on the bus, Karen. We can talk about this tomorrow. Remember what I promised,” he argued.

While she wanted to push the point, she knew everyone was waiting for them. “Tomorrow then.” She climbed aboard and sat down next to April. Even so, she watched him as they pulled away.

“It’s going to be okay,” April noted.

“I hope so. Anyhow, we can have fun tomorrow on our own, right?” Karen asked, trying to put on a good front. I just wish I knew what was going on!

****

As the buses disappeared out of sight, Dave frowned. He really wanted to be with them. But business waited for him in Northfield first. Sometimes this stuff can be a royal pain! I have just enough time to get home, drive to Peggy’s and make the Express if I hurry. He hefted his knapsack onto his back and headed for the bike rack.

****

[Cappuccino Express—9:00 PM]

After a rather quiet shift, Mrs. Campbell locked the front door and put out the “Closed” sign. She took a look around. “I hope the others are enjoying their trip.”

“They should be there by now,” Dave agreed as he wiped the counters down. “I hope I did all right for tonight.”

“You did great,” Peggy complimented.

“We did great, you mean,” he corrected his friend. “Anyhow, can we get some of that soup before you throw it out, Mrs. C.?”

“It’s waiting for you right here,” the owner indicated, pointing to the two steaming bowls. “I was hoping to chat if that’s all right?”

“OK,” he agreed, looking at them both. “What is it?”

“April mentioned some of this research you’ve been doing. How’s it going?” Peggy inquired.

“I hope to wrap it up tomorrow on the way north,” he told them while taking a spoonful of chicken soup.

“Are you finding out anything? Since the funeral, it seems that’s all you’re doing,” his former classmate assumed.

“Pretty much,” he agreed. “I’ve made some discoveries guaranteed to send Miss Gatchell into a fit. The history books were wrong for the most part.”

“And you’ve tracked this down after only two months?” the older woman queried.

“I have. But I need to keep this to myself until I wrap up the paper assignment,” he told them. Changing the subject, he complimented, “This is really good.”

“Glad you like it. Don’t worry about us this weekend. Peggy, Laurie and I can handle things. You do what you have to. Then let it go for a couple of days and have some fun. Karen needs to relax. Promise me you’ll let her do that,” Mrs. C. pointed out.

“That’s the idea,” he agreed while getting up from the booth. “Sorry but I need to be on the road early tomorrow. Peggy, I can get you to your aunt and uncle’s house.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow, Mrs. C,” Peggy expressed as they left.

“Thanks again, Kids. Good night,” the owner replied while locking the door behind them.


Chapter 5 [Saturday Morning]

[Vermont]

Karen stared out the window into the early morning sky and the white scenery surrounding them. While nothing had happened to justify her fears to that point, she had a really bad feeling. What are you going to dig up now, Dave?

“Karen, stop worrying,” April insisted from across the room. “Dave will be here before you know it.”

“I know but this is my boyfriend we’re talking about. Besides, I was hoping to have some us time away from my folks and everyone,” Karen replied.

“Us time? Good luck on being alone up here,” April noted. “For what it’s worth though, up until this week, you’ve helped to keep Dave secure.”

“I’ll be glad when we have the answers he’s looking for,” Karen declared. Then she shook her head. “Enough of that! Let’s get dressed. Up for that cross country run?”

“We can get some soup for lunch on the way out,” April concurred, feeling glad that her friend was having some fun after all.

****

[Northfield, MA—9:00 AM]

Dave parked Bessie in the lot closest to the town’s historical society. Whether by coincidence or design, the organization conducted its operations in the Lichtenfelds’ former home. Terrific. He recalled the negative vibes from the December visit. Let’s hope I can stay clear of the baddies for a couple of hours. He locked the car and headed for the door.

On cue, an older portly man opened it for him. “Mr. Dubois, good morning! Thank you for calling ahead.”

“My pleasure, Mr. McDaulton. How are you?” the teen queried.

“Eager to work on this project of yours. You’re on the edge of some breakthroughs if your notes are any indication. Follow me. If it’s all right, I’ve set you up in the living room.” He led them into a large room whose walls supported some bookshelves. A fire blazed in the granite fireplace. “We’ve tried to keep the appearance the same as you know. It was really fortunate that his house survived the 1680's raid.”

For reasons to be disclosed, I’m sure. Dave sat down at a long wooden table with two rather large registers sitting before him. “These are what I asked for?”

“They are. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need. There will be a tour coming through at 10. We’ll try to keep the interruption brief,” the curator noted. He considered the bow and quiver. “Are those really necessary?”

“Given what Rebecca did in this house—more than likely in this room—I want to be ready for anything,” Dave explained. Then he felt a vibe coming from the corner. Knowing what could be causing it, he stuck his right hand in his pocket before it started glowing. “What the?” He walked over to the trunk in the corner. “This is new.”

“We moved it from the bedroom upstairs last week. There was nothing but quilts in it though. Quite a find. Take a look. Strange though, there’s a depression in the bottom but nothing was in it to make that imprint,” McDaulton explained.

Dave eyed the trunk’s bottom, sizing up the rectangular scar. “Nothing there now.”

“It was probably a register of some kind taken to save it from the raid,” the curator dismissed. “I’ll check on you at noon.”

“Thanks.” Dave shook his head. Unlike the historical society, he had a good idea of what had been there.

On his hand, his scar’s glowing confirmed the supposition.

This is where Therese hid the spell book after reaching Jamestown. Sonnuva! After leaving there, he needed to call Brother Andrew immediately about this find. For now, play it cool.

With that, he settled down to his research.

****

[11:00 AM]

As promised, the tour’s interruption didn’t amount to much. For about five minutes, the group looked around the room, following the staff member’s cues. Then they were gone, allowing him his peace and quiet again.

For Dave, the research went well. He confirmed several things in a short amount of time. Granted he knew what he was looking for but it seemed easy.

Almost as if something wanted him to find these things out…..

Not for the first time, he surveyed his surroundings. He knew another group would be coming through in about ten minutes. That thought made him uneasy. They don’t need to be here if something happens….Press on, Dave, and wrap this puppy up! He opened the 1670 town survey and paged through it. Within five minutes, he had found what he had been looking for. Scribbling a couple of notes with his pencil on a 3X5 card, he closed the tome. “That’s done.”

“Is it, Mortal?” an icy voice challenged from the air surrounding him.

He felt his scalp going numb and a spasm shot through him. He saw the scar glowing on his hand. “Who?”

“A clue, Boy!”

Dave heard the group approaching. “What?” He grabbed his weapons.

“Try!”

At that moment, the fire flared brightly, spilling forth in a dark plume and knocking Dave across the room.

He stuck his head out into the hall. “Get them out of here!”

“Don’t ignore me!” the Voice challenged, burning him again.

Dave screamed in pain. As he did, he remembered where the Voice was from. “The pyre! You’re their master!”

“Aye!”

Despite the pain shooting through him, he managed to throw two herbal bombs at the flames followed by a vial of holy water. “Time’s up, Asshole!”

“I agree,” Pauline indicated from the doorway. She strode into the room. “I dismissed the tour.”

“Good!” Dave hissed, watching the demonic fire thing through an increasingly red hue. “Any ideas?”

“One,” she indicated, waving her hands and chanting in an ancient dialect. From her hands, energy waves surged forward.

The fire creature hissed, knowing it could not withstand the assault in its present form. “So be it! Look to your friends, Boy! I will finish my servants’ work!” With that, it disappeared, letting the flames return to normal.

“It’s gone for now,” she indicated. “You were very fortunate that the goddess sent me when she did.” She noticed the trunk. “What is that?”

“The trunk? That’s Therese’s treasure box. She stored the spell book there. That’s where Rebecca found it, I’ll bet,” he revealed. “Can you clean it or whatever?”

She nodded. “I can.” She sprinkled the blue dust on it and chanted in Gaelic. “There. The magic is gone.” She looked at him. “You’ve been burned. We should have that looked at.”

“No time. Karen and the others are in danger,” he disagreed while packing up his things. “Any way to get to northern Vermont in five seconds?”

Before she could answer, McDaulton barged in. “Mr. Dubois, what’s going on?” He smelled the sulfur odor and saw the incinerated table and register. “My word! What happened in here?” Seeing Pauline standing there in her robes. “And who are you?”

“A priestess. You should be more careful,” she chided. “Fortunately, David knew how to handle the creature. This house is a portal to a netherworld.”

“What?”

“Listen to her. This house is standing because Rebecca’s demon master wanted it to. It just manifested itself in the fireplace. It destroyed the table and the register as well,” Dave lectured. “Unfortunately, the register’s gone. Damn it!”

“They said Rebecca heard voices,” McDaulton recalled. “It was true then?”

“You are to tell nobody here what you know,” she instructed. “I need to inform others though of what has transpired here. David, come.”

“There is a minister in Rowenshire you need to contact. Brother Andrew will know about this and how to deal with it,” Dave added while scribbling the phone number on a card. “Keep the tours out!”

“Witches and now, Dahak,” the curator lamented. “It was true after all.”

“Dahak?” Dave wondered.

“That is the demon’s name,” Pauline explained. “Follow now. We have no time to lose.”

“Call the Brother,” Dave advised before vanishing into the mist.

“Amazing,” the curator commented in disbelief before heading to make the call in question.

****

[Outside]

“As promised,” she informed Dave as they stepped out beside the Subaru. “Get in.”

He threw his stuff in the backseat and gunned the motor. Seeing her in the passenger seat, he sped out of there. “Now what?”

“Drive into the mist!” she instructed.

Following the directions, he propelled the car through the transporting medium. When they left, he saw pine trees and a rural setting around them. “Where are we?”

“You wanted a fast way to your friends’ side. I gave it to you. You made one stand today, David. The work is not done yet.” She handed him a plastic jug and a bag of paste. “Those are for the burns. Rub it on yourself twice daily for the next four days.”

He nodded. “Let the Empress know it wasn’t my fault. Thanks for this too.”

“She knows. Be wary,” she assured him before disappearing.

“Creepy,” he groused while allowing Bessie to slow down. Seeing the 2 mi. sign ahead, he took a breath. “Not far now.” He headed down the road and toward the mountain ahead.

 


Onto Part 2