Gothic Story: The Collective Evil - by Nightwind
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Gothic StoriesGothic Story Collective Evil
The Collective Evil - by Nightwind
Although the peace inside of Raven's cottage remains, I sense a growing fear that cuts right to the heart of my soul. I look at Raven and can keenly sense that she is feeling it as well.
"Let's get to work on casting our circle," she tells me, "there's not a moment to waste." She then turns to her cat friend. "Come on Sebastion, you need to be within the circle with us as well."
As her familiar takes position with us, Raven turns to me, and pointing just to the right of my chair says, "Let's start the circle on the east, as it should be. Then, as you already know, we will need to walk deiseil around the circle three times…wait a minute…just a moment."
I sit and watch as she falls silent - placing her hands upon each side of her head.
"Raven, what's going"
"Shh! She tells me, so I remain silent.
The few moments that are passing by feel like hours to me. Yet, I can see that something very important is going on here. I assume that she is receiving some type of telepathic message. I can only hope that it is from a more positive source than that which we intend to struggle against.
Just as suddenly as Raven had been interrupted during her explanation of the ritual, she returns to her normal state, much to my relief. "We'll work together with the Fae to destroy this thing," she tells me. "Now, let's get our circle cast."
We both get up and begin the ceremony. Then, as on the Earth plane, we call the Guardians of the Four Directions and the Goddess to our circle. Unlike similar rituals that I have attended previously however, I am actually able to discern the presence of the Guardians. While I do not actually perceive them with my physical eyes, in a sense, I do. It's a bit like looking at a dimly-lit star on a clear night; look directly at it and it seems to vanish; look a bit to the side, and it reappears. At any rate, I am absolutely amazed that, for the first time in my life, I can actually sense the presence of the Guardians at our circle; and, while I cannot see her, I feel the essence of femininity so profound, that there are no words with which to describe it. I must be in the presence of the Goddess herself, I think privately. She is here!
Suddenly the sound of another explosion disturbs our silence and my thoughts. "We must not let these disturbances deter us from our concentration. We must continue to focus on extending our circle to all of the lands that surround us. And no matter what I do, you must maintain your concentration. This is vitally important."
For a moment we sit and gaze upon one another. Then, we again focus our concentration upon the circle and the autumnal-flavored peace that exists here inside the cottage. For us there is only the fragrance of the burning leaves and incense - the quiet fizzle of the burning candles.
Suddenly, there is a hideous, chilling growl. An explosion follows and the ground shakes. The first growl is followed by another. The ground continues to shake and I can hear small pieces of ceiling as they land upon the floor. Something else from within the hall falls with the shaking of the ground. I have never been so terrified, but I have also never been so determined to hold my vision.
Unknown to me, Raven quietly stands, picks up her violin and begins to play. Suddenly, the hall is filled with melancholy but hauntingly beautiful melody. The music coming forth from Raven and her violin bring tears to my eyes. I'm engulfed in a state of rapturous bliss. Without thinking and without losing my concentration I begin to speak quietly. "There is nothing for you here - you vile, disgusting murderous creature. Listen to the music you bastard! Do you hear it?" I'm shouting now, "Do you like it?"
With all of my ability I psychically project Raven's music outside of the hall - outside of the cottage, and out into the world that surrounds us. The sad-sounding melodies flowing forth from the instrument slowly spread throughout the forest that surrounds us; then it continues outward into the adjoining farmlands and toward the villages of Mircea.
Alexandreina places her hand upon her companion's shoulder. "Do you hear that Sorin?"
"Hear what? I hear nothing but the cries of the people and the loathsome sounds coming forth from that creature."
"Shh, listen again; it's growing louder."
"Yes," Sorin replies, "I can hear it now. It's music - very beautiful music."
Tears begin to run from Alexandreina's eyes. "Oh great God and Goddess, I've never heard such beauty; and yet, it's so sad - almost as if, all of Nature cries out from under all the harm that's being done to it - and us!
Although the two and their band of horsemen find themselves deeply affected by the music, they continue to observe the spectacle taking place before them. As they continue to gaze, they see that the creature is beginning to loose its balance - its orientation. It growls fiercely as its blood and slime begin to run like rivers of filth toward the ground. There are explosions everywhere as the abomination's vital fluids begin oozing out from its decrepit plasma-like exterior. Then, there is another loud growling - the growl of death itself.
As the Fae band watch from behind the rocks, they realize that the creature is weakening. Suddenly, they once again perceive its telepathic voice. "You will die, and I will then gather your souls and cast them out to the farthest reaches of existence.
With neither warning nor consultation Alexandreina quickly steps out from behind the rock formation. "Like hell you will!" Looking backward, she cries out, "Now Sorin, bring down the thunder and put an end to this nightmare!
At that the Lord of Thunder leaves the shelter of the rocks and takes his place beside her. His face becomes taut with both anger and determination as he extends his arms before him, even as the ground continues to shake and the fires burn around him. "I call the power of thunder upon thee, oh vile creature! It is you that shall be destroyed; you, who have existed without soul - you the manifestation of humanity's evil!
As he takes aim at the plasma-like thing before him, bolts of lightning begin streaming out of his hands and into the creature. Loud clasps of thunder race across the landscape. The creature screams in agony as Sorin continues his thunderous and electronic defense of his people and his world. A strong wind begins sweeping over the farmlands and into the forest, sweeping away the thick fog that has enshrouded it.
Alexandreina assesses Sorin's situation and silently notes that as he continues bringing thunder and lightning into the body of the creature he is beginning to weaken. Even the Lord of Thunder has limitations, she thinks to herself.
Suddenly, the creature cries out once more, but this time its voice is weak - a dying gasp, and then its body of plasma, turning an even murkier brown, crashes into the ground. All that is left is a smoldering mixture - blood, slime, and the stench of an evil that is no more.
With the creature vanquished, he stops the flow of lightening and lowers his hands in exhaustion. Alexandreina puts her hand on his shoulder and gives him an affectionate shake. "You did it my friend - we did it. The creature has been destroyed."
A heavy wind-driven rain begins to fall; and, as the flashes of lightning continue to fill the night sky in a panoramic display along with its accompanying sound of thunder, two figures with arms one around the other stand gazing into the open field that lies before them.
The sound of the music falls silent as Raven puts down her violin. "It's done," she says to me. "I can no longer feel the oppressive and foreboding atmosphere that has been present on this night." Turning to the cat, which has remained inside the circle with us she asks, "And what about you Sebastian? What do you feel?"
As previously, the two look into one another's eyes for a short time. Within a few moments Raven receives her confirmation from her clairvoyant familiar. "The creature is no more. It's time to close the circle."
Over the next few moments we bring the perimeter of the circle back to its original proportions; then, we thank and dismiss the Goddess and Guardians. I watch in continued amazement as I can discern movement among those who had silently, and from another realm of existence, remained with us and provided their protection during our ordeal. As they depart, I feel a keen sense of loss. This was unlike any circle that I had ever participated in before. Perhaps it's just that the world I am in right now is less dense - not quite as physical as my own. Then, I look to Raven and realize that I have much to be grateful for; after all, she is still with me.
Finally, we close the circle and I remain standing as Raven puts away her wondrous violin. "I'm exhausted," I tell her when she returns. "Still, I've got to admit that you really know how to give a guy an exciting time."
"It's too bad that you're so tired," she responds, "because I have another job for you."
I look around the hall and spot some candles and various knick-knacks that fell during all of the commotion. "Another job to do? Haven't we done enough for one night?"
She moves closer, embraces me, and while looking deeply into my eyes, places a very sensual kiss upon my lips. Then, while smiling seductively she adds, "Of course, if you're too tired to handle any more work tonight I suppose I could just let things slide for the time being."
"On second thought," I respond, "I suppose that I might be able to rise to the occasion by summoning the last vestiges of my vital energy." Raven chuckles sweetly as she takes my hand and leads me into her bedroom.
Inside the great hall the leaves and incense continue to slowly burn in the cauldron, guaranteeing the continuance of the almost hypnotic autumnal ambiance. The remaining candles, which had not fallen during the night's ordeal, continue to cast their flickering light upon the curtained walls and furniture. Inside the bedroom, the flames still dance and the burning embers crackle from inside the fireplace. As I join her in her bed the vivid images of the night's events yield to a feeling of delirious blissfulness. Now, there is only the crackling of the fire, the occasional rumbling of distant thunder, the pitter patter of a moderating rain upon the window, and Raven.
I awake in the morning feeling as though I am floating on a cloud. Truth be told, I always feel that way when I'm with Raven; at least, when we are not struggling against renegade thought forms. Looking around, I see that it is daylight. While the light appears to be dimmer than that to which I am accustomed on the Earth Plane, it allows me my first real look at this interesting world without a cover of darkness. As I rise and look outside the window, she enters the room with a warm smile.
"I bet you're hungry," she tells me.
"About as hungry as can be," I admit.
"Good, because I have something prepared for you in the hall."
"Bless you love! Bless you!"
As I take my place in the hallway I see that she has warmed up more of her delicious tea and has placed a bowl containing some type of cereal as well as a side of fruit. As I eat the food I realize that it does not seem to have as much substance as that which I or anyone else I know is used to. Still, it's food and I need the nourishment.
"It's the best that I can do for you here," she tells me. "Remember, this world is not as densely physical as yours. Do you recall my telling you upon your last visit here that you cannot remain here indefinitely?"
"Yes," I answer her.
"Well, this is one of the reasons why. Still, this should provide you with enough nutrition for the time being; that is, unless you wish to go home now?"
"No, I'd love to stay with you longer if I can."
Raven smiles radiantly, but our conversation is interrupted by the sound of horses trotting down the pathway. Upon opening the door we are greeted by Lord Sorin and a female companion. In the light, I notice some of their distinct physical characteristics - the piercing eyes that I had noticed last night as well as their somewhat more pointed ears.
"Good morning to you Lady Raven." He then tips his head to me and I greet him with a similar acknowledgement. Glancing at the woman sitting by his side he continues. "I present to you my companion, Lady Alexandreina. She is known as man's defender."
Putting her hand on my shoulder Raven introduces me. "And my companion has been known by me as Nightwind, although I suspect that he has a different identity in his world."
"It's very nice to meet you both," I tell them.
Sorin continues. "We want to thank you for your help in saving our people from that creature."
"And we wish to offer our thanks to you both as well," Raven replies.
Alexandreina continues the conversation. "We would be pleased if you would accept an invitation to celebrate this victory with us after we have rebuilt our damaged villages and buried our dead. I promise you there will be plenty of wine and ale for all."
"We accept your invitation with honor," Raven tells them. I simply nod my head in agreement.
"Good, it's settled then. We will be in touch."
As they turn their horses toward the pathway Lord Sorin concludes the conversation with "a good day to you both." Then, the Fae set out on their hours-long journey home.
During the rest of the day, I help Raven clean up some of the damage caused to her cottage and other possessions by the creature. She once told me that things are easier to do here and I have no reason not to believe her. It would appear that the repairs can be managed by simply putting one's mind to it. How wonderful it would be if things came that easily on the Earth plane.
The following day, we go outside for awhile in order to gather edible plants and herbs. After that, we simply enjoy being in one another's company - snuggling and holding each other closely while listening to wondrous music. Still, in spite of my boundless contentment, my hunger for more solid food continues to grow.
On the morning of the third day, Raven speaks the inevitable words that I have dreaded since arriving here once again. "You must be awfully hungry by now. Aren't you?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, I am."
"Just as I thought. I dislike the idea of it as much as you do, but it's time that you return to your world."
I offer no resistance because, although my heart aches with the thought of being separated from her, I realize that my times spent here must be brief - for my own good. Reluctantly, I begin the walk with her back to the cornfield at the edge of the forest.
Once we arrive, I view some of the damage done to the landscape by the creature. "How long before this land recovers from the damage inflicted upon it," I ask.
"It's healing even as we speak. By your next visit all will be restored to the way that it has always been."
With that, she takes my hand. "This time, I want you to attempt to take us back to your world. Just concentrate on your home, the tree and the cemetery."
I begin to focus upon my vision of home, even though I do it reluctantly. For a moment, we remain standing at the edge of the cornfield, but suddenly, the ground beneath us seems to vanish. I feel some momentary disorientation as usual, and then I again feel the Earth beneath my feet.
As I open my eyes, I find that I'm once again in a darkened landscape. It is however, a familiar one - the cemetery, and we're standing under the statuesque oak that that shades the abandoned church during the hot days of summer. A feeling of accomplishment overtakes me as I realize that I have made it back to my home in the Ozarks - all by myself.
The feeling is very short-lived however, and I sadly turn toward Raven, the love of my life. "When will I see you again?" I ask her sadly.
"You'll find out soon enough," she replies with a knowing smile.
We embrace and hold onto one another for what seems to be the longest time with neither one of us wanting to be the first to end the embrace. Finally we stand apart. Raven throws me a kiss. "Thank you," she says. "Until next time."
"Yes, until the next time."
As I stand in the shadows and gaze upon her, she suddenly…disappears.
Epilogue
For awhile I just sit under the tree. I need to somehow sort out all the events that have taken place over the past few days as well as my feelings. As with the last time we parted, I feel a profound sense of loss with my not knowing when I'll see her again. She is after all, dead, and I'm asking myself how many other people get to make love with and slay proverbial dragons with their dead lovers - in this case, a lover I was not consciously aware of until my first seeing her in this very cemetery back around Halloween. And what about meeting fairies - the Fae, I wonder to myself. Now there's something that I won't be able to tell very many people about!
As I continue to sit and contemplate, the clear and starry sky begins turning to a dull grey in the east - dawn. I notice that the early-morning air is neither as cold as it had been a few nights ago when I left nor is there any trace of snow upon the ground. Then, in the gathering light something in front of a nearby grave marker catches my attention - daffodils!
"Oh my God," I say to myself. "It must be late February or March. I've been gone for two or three months!" Then I laugh to myself, "How am I ever going to explain a months-long absence?"
I get up and walk out of the cemetery to my house. I'm ravenously hungry and decide to drive into town for a good hearty breakfast at the cafe; an omelet with hash browns, English muffin, and a hot cup or two of coffee will suit my purposes just fine. I start a fire in the woodstove before setting out however, and when it begins throwing out a steady and comforting heat, I grab some money and my car keys. In spite of my months-long absence my vehicle starts with relative ease, and within a few minutes I'm on the highway to town. The morning sun is just beginning to shine upon the mountaintops as I make my approach to Fox Grove.
Instead of going directly to the cafй I stop momentarily in front of the community center in order to see what's been going on in my absence. That's when I see it - an eye-catching flyer that says:
Lucia's on Dickson Presents
A night of Gothic Metal with ТемнаяGypsy
Saturday, April 4 - 8:00 P.M.
Dickson St. Fayetteville
I smile as I stare at the poster and say quietly to myself, "I'll be there Raven. You can count on it!"
The adventure continues…
Written by: Nightwind