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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2798668" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>As the mourners begin to disburse Minerva approaches the priest. "Buenos Noches Padre, I am sorry for your sadness, but be cheered knowing that this soul has crossed the river and found its home in the heavens."</p><p></p><p>An old man with stern features looks at the priestess. "You cursing at me or saying hello? Never did learn any other languages." He lowers his eyes back to the grave. "Poor girl, I hope this one finds the heavens, doesn't always seem to be the way of things 'round here any more. Nice thoughts though, thanks for trying to cheer me up. Name's Siam York, nice to meet you."</p><p></p><p>“I am pleased to make your acquaintance Padre," Minerva says extending her hand. “Why do you say that this poor soul would not find her way home? Surely the gods will forgive her transgressions. You say she was a girl? By what means did the fates cut the string of her life so short? Was she ill? Do you have some plague in the area that I should be aware of?”</p><p></p><p>"Well certainly I am not a doctor; I did not concern myself with how she passed. I just do my duties the best I can. Why do I say her soul may not find her way home? Let's just say it's town business, evil seems to find us here now."</p><p></p><p>Maddie stood a little way from the others, looking confused. Four of the mourners began to walk away, and Maddie moved quickly to catch up with them. </p><p></p><p>"I'm so sorry," she said quietly as she approached. "And I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm looking for some family of mine. Mr. Jonathan Smith and his wife Maud? I don't suppose you'd happen to know them?"</p><p></p><p>The same short man who had chided Ruby for speaking during the funeral responded to Maddie/Kate. </p><p></p><p>"Jonathan and Maud Smith? Never heard of them. This is a small town Miss, if they had lived here I would have known. I think you might be in the wrong place."</p><p></p><p>"But the letter came from Thomaswell," she said in a voice laced with worry. She opened up her small purse and dug inside, the dropped her shoulders in defeat. "I was robbed last night, they must have taken the letter too. Oh.... </p><p></p><p>I... I guess I'll have to stay here tonight. Thankfully they didn't get all my money. Maybe my uncle passed through and just mailed the letter from here. Is there a hotel?"</p><p></p><p>"Sure, Gordon's hotel is right there. Hope you find what you are looking for Miss, sorry about your family."</p><p></p><p>She nodded and sniffled. "Thank you for helping me." </p><p></p><p>Maddie picked up her bag and scanned the town, looking a little lost and giving the others time to catch up with her.</p><p></p><p>Ruby returned to the others. "I know where he stays," she says with no humor. "So do we check in the hotel or do we just go now?"</p><p></p><p>Nanuet's ears perk up at Ruby's announcement of the knowledge she had gained. "I am ready now, but we don't know what we are walking in to. Maybe that is best though, as he might not know we are all here and might not know what he is dealing with either."</p><p></p><p>Jake looks over at the departing mourners, "As long as we are ready to deal with the local townsfolk if they hear gunfire, I'd say let us test our luck."</p><p></p><p>As the others start to wander off Jake asks the stage driver, "How do we get a stage out of here? You said you don't come by here much any more."</p><p></p><p>"Well if I know you will be looking for a ride I will make sure I stop on my regular routes, I could make it through here 3 times a week. If you can try and buy a ticket from the office early, before you have to leave then they can wire me the office in Albuquerque and then I will know for sure to stop and pick you folks up. Any idea on when you might be needing that ride?"</p><p></p><p>"Tell you what, I'll give you a $2 tip on every trip you make by here to check for us. You just see me when you stop by, and I'll pay you and buy you a drink if you got the time." Jake hands him two dollar coins. "That is to remember us by. I'll try and wire you if we know far enough in advance."</p><p></p><p>"Gee thanks sir! I swore off the drink, but could always use the extra coin. I will do what I can to come regular and often. Usually come mid day or this time of night. Thanks for the tip!" he says slipping the coins in a small pouch.</p><p></p><p>Ruby watches the stage driver go off on his business. She cocks her head as she admires Jake, "You're so smart. I would never have thought of that."</p><p></p><p>"I am keenly focused on us getting out of here." Jake says plainly and without any bravado. "Every little bit helps."</p><p></p><p>“Alright baby." Ruby gives him a final smile and without any more words she adjust the fireball rod on her shoulder and starts walking more into town, looking for the Boarding House.</p><p></p><p>At the gravesite, Minerva continued to speak to the priest. "Padre, What do you mean evil seems to find you? Is there evil stalking this town? Being a priestess of the gods, the defeat of evil is my business also. Tell me what has happened."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, you are a priestess too? I did not recognize you in your traveling clothes." York's features soften a bit at Minerva's statement. "Glad to have a sister of the cloth here, even if it is just someone that I can talk with. Yes, evil has found us here. The dead do not always stay at rest, they rise, rise as terrible monsters, abominations of their former selves. This was all new to me until recently and I must sound like a crazy old fool but I swear on the Gods it is true. We buried Sally here at the crossroads to help protect her from the evil and I pray her soul will find its way."</p><p></p><p>"Others?” Minvera asks. “Have there been others who have met the same fate? How many others?"</p><p></p><p>"Two, two that got up and rose from their graves. This is the first victim we have buried at the crossroads. I am surprised that you take this information so well. You do not seem to doubt me." He pauses for inward reflections before continuing. "I am not sure how I should take that. It leads me to think you have some experience in this matter."</p><p></p><p>"Padre, I do not have a lot of knowledge in such matters, although I have done some reading of late. How can you be sure that burying this unfortunate girl at the crossroads will protect her soul from this evil? You say that others have been transformed? Do you know who did this vile thing to them? Where are they now? I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter.”</p><p></p><p>Nanuet waits nearby for Minerva, half listening to the conversation that is going on between she and the town priest. <em>Will it be that simple?</em> he thinks to himself. <em>Will we be able to confront him tonight and end this?</em></p><p></p><p>"Not the time to talk of these matters now, the night may have eyes and ears. Come visit me at the church when the friendly sun is out. Good evening Priestess."</p><p></p><p>"Minerva sweetheart, lets go, I think the others are waiting for us." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet takes up the baggage and slowly heads towards his companions watching the priestess over his shoulder as he walks.</p><p></p><p>Ruby meanders slowly so the others can finish their business and catch up to her, but she does catch up to Maddie. </p><p></p><p>Jake follows after Katherine and Ruby, laden down with the luggage. He is quiet and slowly takes in the surroundings. He scans the buildings, streets, alleys, and windows.</p><p></p><p>At this point the town appears to be mostly deserted. The buildings appear to be emptied or shuttered and those few people who are in the streets seem to be headed somewhere with a purpose. The town is basically laid out like a ladder with the side rails heading east/west and the ladder rungs north and south. The stagecoach dropped them off at the southernmost street facing west.</p><p></p><p>"So Miss, I heard that there's a hotel around here, if you're interested. Me and my friends are heading to the <em>boarding house.</em>"</p><p></p><p>"Boarding house? My family isn't here, at least none of them had ever heard of them... I think I'll stay in the hotel, but I should ask at the boarding house after my family. Maybe they only passed through. I'll walk with you if that's alright. I don't like how this town feels."</p><p></p><p>"Of course that is alright," she says loudly, taking Kate's arm. "I'm here looking for someone too. I have some things to say to him."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you," Maddie said, finding a little smile. "From what I've seen, I'm guessing he's not your boyfriend."</p><p></p><p>Ruby continues the show, "Oh no, the guy I'm looking for is decidedly <em>not</em> my boyfriend." She glances over her shoulder and takes note that the lawman is still watching. "I'm afraid I have some news for him, this man I'm looking for. Not sure how he’s going to take it."</p><p></p><p>"You never can be sure with a man, they don't make any sense," she said and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. "We're taking him now?" she whispered.</p><p></p><p>Ruby replies, "Yes, I'm looking for him now. The nice sheriff said he lives in the boarding house. So I'm going to see if he's in."</p><p></p><p>"<em>We're</em> going. It's going to take all of us. But I have no objections to having you do the talking."</p><p></p><p>Ruby whispers to Kate, "I was only acting for the sheriff, he's watching. I don't even want to see you know who."</p><p></p><p>"I don't want to either. But it's kind of a requirement in order to do what we have to. Once he sees Maddie the disguise will be useless, but I won't be able to drop it. Not until we leave town at least." She sighed. "Seeing him is what we came for, sooner done, sooner over. And heaven knows these people will be safer for it."</p><p></p><p>Ruby returns the sigh, "Yes I know. But I..." She lets her voice trail off. "Maybe we should wait for the others now." </p><p></p><p>She stops walking and glances around for a passerby. Once she finds one she asks, "Excuse me, can you please tell me where the boarding house is?"</p><p></p><p>A rough looking man smiles a nearly toothless grin at Ruby. He stops and takes off his hat before speaking. "Sure darling. He points up the road past the Hotel. "Go up the road here and then make a right, head up that block and make a left at the intersection, it is a few buildings down on the left hand side. Looks like a pretty rundown place, not even sure if there is a sign but if there was it would say 'Smyth's' I suppose, that's who runs the place now. Best be gettin' on if you’re gettin', not too many folks hang around outside after sundown anymore."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you sir," Ruby comments, "But everyone really stays inside? I love the night time, what fun is that?" Ruby asks.</p><p></p><p>"Plenty of folks hang out at Greely's at night, just not too many of us stay out of doors for too long if we can help it. Strange stuff going on here lately. If you don't mind, I have to get going myself."</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods. "Alright then, thank you." </p><p></p><p>Ruby heads back over to Kate. "Let's go," she looks over her shoulder. "I guess Jake didn't want it known we are all together so... let's just go." </p><p></p><p>Ruby follows the man's directions, looking for Smyth's.</p><p></p><p>Chester grabs his bag and catches up with the women. "I sure hope you know where you're going. I hear there are wolves in the area. I for one don't want to get caught out in the open."</p><p></p><p>Ruby hears Chester's comment and looks at him, "Wolves? Here in town?"</p><p></p><p>Chester drops his voice, "Not that I can tell. Just making conversation. Why? Have you heard something?" Chester looks around to see if any townspeople are openly armed.</p><p></p><p>"No, I thought maybe you did. It's spooky around here," Ruby whispers back.</p><p></p><p>"You're telling me. There's no one around. He could have spies all over."</p><p></p><p>"These people are terrified," Kate whispered. "If he stays here there won't be anything left of this place."</p><p></p><p>"All the more reason for getting this done quickly. I'm not sure if tonight is the best time, though. We haven't scouted out his boarding house yet. Who knows what defenses he has."</p><p></p><p>"What in Hades is going on in this town?" Jake whispers to the ladies. "Everyone runs for it when the sun goes down?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby is startled by Jake suddenly being right next to them. She shrugs, "I guess he gets real hungry."</p><p></p><p>"Wouldn't you if people began dying each night?” Kate said. “They may not know exactly what's happening, but they know to keep their doors looked at night."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2798668, member: 12815"] As the mourners begin to disburse Minerva approaches the priest. "Buenos Noches Padre, I am sorry for your sadness, but be cheered knowing that this soul has crossed the river and found its home in the heavens." An old man with stern features looks at the priestess. "You cursing at me or saying hello? Never did learn any other languages." He lowers his eyes back to the grave. "Poor girl, I hope this one finds the heavens, doesn't always seem to be the way of things 'round here any more. Nice thoughts though, thanks for trying to cheer me up. Name's Siam York, nice to meet you." “I am pleased to make your acquaintance Padre," Minerva says extending her hand. “Why do you say that this poor soul would not find her way home? Surely the gods will forgive her transgressions. You say she was a girl? By what means did the fates cut the string of her life so short? Was she ill? Do you have some plague in the area that I should be aware of?” "Well certainly I am not a doctor; I did not concern myself with how she passed. I just do my duties the best I can. Why do I say her soul may not find her way home? Let's just say it's town business, evil seems to find us here now." Maddie stood a little way from the others, looking confused. Four of the mourners began to walk away, and Maddie moved quickly to catch up with them. "I'm so sorry," she said quietly as she approached. "And I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm looking for some family of mine. Mr. Jonathan Smith and his wife Maud? I don't suppose you'd happen to know them?" The same short man who had chided Ruby for speaking during the funeral responded to Maddie/Kate. "Jonathan and Maud Smith? Never heard of them. This is a small town Miss, if they had lived here I would have known. I think you might be in the wrong place." "But the letter came from Thomaswell," she said in a voice laced with worry. She opened up her small purse and dug inside, the dropped her shoulders in defeat. "I was robbed last night, they must have taken the letter too. Oh.... I... I guess I'll have to stay here tonight. Thankfully they didn't get all my money. Maybe my uncle passed through and just mailed the letter from here. Is there a hotel?" "Sure, Gordon's hotel is right there. Hope you find what you are looking for Miss, sorry about your family." She nodded and sniffled. "Thank you for helping me." Maddie picked up her bag and scanned the town, looking a little lost and giving the others time to catch up with her. Ruby returned to the others. "I know where he stays," she says with no humor. "So do we check in the hotel or do we just go now?" Nanuet's ears perk up at Ruby's announcement of the knowledge she had gained. "I am ready now, but we don't know what we are walking in to. Maybe that is best though, as he might not know we are all here and might not know what he is dealing with either." Jake looks over at the departing mourners, "As long as we are ready to deal with the local townsfolk if they hear gunfire, I'd say let us test our luck." As the others start to wander off Jake asks the stage driver, "How do we get a stage out of here? You said you don't come by here much any more." "Well if I know you will be looking for a ride I will make sure I stop on my regular routes, I could make it through here 3 times a week. If you can try and buy a ticket from the office early, before you have to leave then they can wire me the office in Albuquerque and then I will know for sure to stop and pick you folks up. Any idea on when you might be needing that ride?" "Tell you what, I'll give you a $2 tip on every trip you make by here to check for us. You just see me when you stop by, and I'll pay you and buy you a drink if you got the time." Jake hands him two dollar coins. "That is to remember us by. I'll try and wire you if we know far enough in advance." "Gee thanks sir! I swore off the drink, but could always use the extra coin. I will do what I can to come regular and often. Usually come mid day or this time of night. Thanks for the tip!" he says slipping the coins in a small pouch. Ruby watches the stage driver go off on his business. She cocks her head as she admires Jake, "You're so smart. I would never have thought of that." "I am keenly focused on us getting out of here." Jake says plainly and without any bravado. "Every little bit helps." “Alright baby." Ruby gives him a final smile and without any more words she adjust the fireball rod on her shoulder and starts walking more into town, looking for the Boarding House. At the gravesite, Minerva continued to speak to the priest. "Padre, What do you mean evil seems to find you? Is there evil stalking this town? Being a priestess of the gods, the defeat of evil is my business also. Tell me what has happened." "Ah, you are a priestess too? I did not recognize you in your traveling clothes." York's features soften a bit at Minerva's statement. "Glad to have a sister of the cloth here, even if it is just someone that I can talk with. Yes, evil has found us here. The dead do not always stay at rest, they rise, rise as terrible monsters, abominations of their former selves. This was all new to me until recently and I must sound like a crazy old fool but I swear on the Gods it is true. We buried Sally here at the crossroads to help protect her from the evil and I pray her soul will find its way." "Others?” Minvera asks. “Have there been others who have met the same fate? How many others?" "Two, two that got up and rose from their graves. This is the first victim we have buried at the crossroads. I am surprised that you take this information so well. You do not seem to doubt me." He pauses for inward reflections before continuing. "I am not sure how I should take that. It leads me to think you have some experience in this matter." "Padre, I do not have a lot of knowledge in such matters, although I have done some reading of late. How can you be sure that burying this unfortunate girl at the crossroads will protect her soul from this evil? You say that others have been transformed? Do you know who did this vile thing to them? Where are they now? I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter.” Nanuet waits nearby for Minerva, half listening to the conversation that is going on between she and the town priest. [i]Will it be that simple?[/i] he thinks to himself. [i]Will we be able to confront him tonight and end this?[/i] "Not the time to talk of these matters now, the night may have eyes and ears. Come visit me at the church when the friendly sun is out. Good evening Priestess." "Minerva sweetheart, lets go, I think the others are waiting for us." Nanuet takes up the baggage and slowly heads towards his companions watching the priestess over his shoulder as he walks. Ruby meanders slowly so the others can finish their business and catch up to her, but she does catch up to Maddie. Jake follows after Katherine and Ruby, laden down with the luggage. He is quiet and slowly takes in the surroundings. He scans the buildings, streets, alleys, and windows. At this point the town appears to be mostly deserted. The buildings appear to be emptied or shuttered and those few people who are in the streets seem to be headed somewhere with a purpose. The town is basically laid out like a ladder with the side rails heading east/west and the ladder rungs north and south. The stagecoach dropped them off at the southernmost street facing west. "So Miss, I heard that there's a hotel around here, if you're interested. Me and my friends are heading to the [i]boarding house.[/i]" "Boarding house? My family isn't here, at least none of them had ever heard of them... I think I'll stay in the hotel, but I should ask at the boarding house after my family. Maybe they only passed through. I'll walk with you if that's alright. I don't like how this town feels." "Of course that is alright," she says loudly, taking Kate's arm. "I'm here looking for someone too. I have some things to say to him." "Thank you," Maddie said, finding a little smile. "From what I've seen, I'm guessing he's not your boyfriend." Ruby continues the show, "Oh no, the guy I'm looking for is decidedly [i]not[/i] my boyfriend." She glances over her shoulder and takes note that the lawman is still watching. "I'm afraid I have some news for him, this man I'm looking for. Not sure how he’s going to take it." "You never can be sure with a man, they don't make any sense," she said and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. "We're taking him now?" she whispered. Ruby replies, "Yes, I'm looking for him now. The nice sheriff said he lives in the boarding house. So I'm going to see if he's in." "[i]We're[/i] going. It's going to take all of us. But I have no objections to having you do the talking." Ruby whispers to Kate, "I was only acting for the sheriff, he's watching. I don't even want to see you know who." "I don't want to either. But it's kind of a requirement in order to do what we have to. Once he sees Maddie the disguise will be useless, but I won't be able to drop it. Not until we leave town at least." She sighed. "Seeing him is what we came for, sooner done, sooner over. And heaven knows these people will be safer for it." Ruby returns the sigh, "Yes I know. But I..." She lets her voice trail off. "Maybe we should wait for the others now." She stops walking and glances around for a passerby. Once she finds one she asks, "Excuse me, can you please tell me where the boarding house is?" A rough looking man smiles a nearly toothless grin at Ruby. He stops and takes off his hat before speaking. "Sure darling. He points up the road past the Hotel. "Go up the road here and then make a right, head up that block and make a left at the intersection, it is a few buildings down on the left hand side. Looks like a pretty rundown place, not even sure if there is a sign but if there was it would say 'Smyth's' I suppose, that's who runs the place now. Best be gettin' on if you’re gettin', not too many folks hang around outside after sundown anymore." "Thank you sir," Ruby comments, "But everyone really stays inside? I love the night time, what fun is that?" Ruby asks. "Plenty of folks hang out at Greely's at night, just not too many of us stay out of doors for too long if we can help it. Strange stuff going on here lately. If you don't mind, I have to get going myself." Ruby nods. "Alright then, thank you." Ruby heads back over to Kate. "Let's go," she looks over her shoulder. "I guess Jake didn't want it known we are all together so... let's just go." Ruby follows the man's directions, looking for Smyth's. Chester grabs his bag and catches up with the women. "I sure hope you know where you're going. I hear there are wolves in the area. I for one don't want to get caught out in the open." Ruby hears Chester's comment and looks at him, "Wolves? Here in town?" Chester drops his voice, "Not that I can tell. Just making conversation. Why? Have you heard something?" Chester looks around to see if any townspeople are openly armed. "No, I thought maybe you did. It's spooky around here," Ruby whispers back. "You're telling me. There's no one around. He could have spies all over." "These people are terrified," Kate whispered. "If he stays here there won't be anything left of this place." "All the more reason for getting this done quickly. I'm not sure if tonight is the best time, though. We haven't scouted out his boarding house yet. Who knows what defenses he has." "What in Hades is going on in this town?" Jake whispers to the ladies. "Everyone runs for it when the sun goes down?" Ruby is startled by Jake suddenly being right next to them. She shrugs, "I guess he gets real hungry." "Wouldn't you if people began dying each night?” Kate said. “They may not know exactly what's happening, but they know to keep their doors looked at night." [/QUOTE]
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