This following blog post is a story that Tim and I wrote a good while back. It’s still in the pre-edited sloppy copy draft. The inspiration for the characters in this story are based loosely off the exploits of Elizabeth Bathory.
I give a warning now that the nature of this story dances on the mature reader line. I also apologize for any grammatical and typing errors. The story is also very much unfinished. However we felt it would be fitting to share our own little start of a horror story. One day we’ll actually finish it, but for now, please enjoy Evil Angels.
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Christina Bathory sat on the riverbank, counting the petals on a flower, the smile never fading from her lips. Her sister, Claudia, watched as Jimmy Thompson stood in the water of the river, fishing pole in hand as he cast. Both sisters had finished bathing and let the sun shine on their golden skin, so much alike they were. Their hair, their skin, their smile. Kindness permeated from their very beings, and those with heavy hearts were suddenly uplifted by their mere presence. Everything about them was an exact mirror image. Their intoxicating blue eyes that made even the clearest of ponds seem dingy and dull. The deep crimson locks falling just below their shoulders. The milky sun kissed skin delicately marked with identical tattoos, each one a different meaning and none that would make any sense except to them.
Jimmy turned to watch them a moment, the towels they wore only hiding that which could be imagined easily enough. He had admired them both since he was but a boy, and had vowed to make them his. Never able to tell them apart, he finally decided he should have them both. He smiled as Claudia looked up and offered him a kind smile, then turned to her sister. Wordlessly, Christina smiled softly, glancing toward Jimmy. It wasn’t that he was bad looking, he wasn’t not even in the slightest. His short hair the color of wheat framing his squared face. Two green orbs that always seemed to be laughing. He wasn’t overly muscular, and not wiry thin, but about average.
The boy stepped a bit further into the river, laughing as he would look back to the two girls, before watching his cast line and reeling back. After what they had done, they would eat heartily, and then they would all live happily ever after.
Claudia would move closer to her sister, slipping her hand into Christina’s with a single swift motion. It was almost as if their minds connected, running as one as they both smiled at the ideas that were forming. Christina gently touched her sister’s hand as they held firm and nodded as she looked toward the boy.
Jimmy stumbled a bit as he walked further, then felt a tug on his leg. He turned to look to the twins, a desperate look upon his face. Claudia caught it first and motioned to Christina. Together, the girls rose to their feet, the towels that had shielded their bodies fell slowly to the ground. Walking hand in hand, they slowly made their way into the water.
Jimmy chuckled a bit, but could feel himself slipping into the muck and the mire, making a joke that the pair could move a little faster. But they took their time, letting the water splash over their skin as they walked toward him. They still held hands when they came to stand beside him, already the muck had dragged him down enough so only his head and shoulders were above the waterline. Panic filled his eyes as he tried to free himself.
Christina looked down to him and a tear fell from her eye and she parted her lips to silently hush him. Jimmy stared in confusion as he saw it, then turned to Claudia. She was standing over him, the water splashing against her belly as she shook her head and sighed deeply.
“Claudia? Christina?” Jimmy asked in a weak, confused voice.
“Such burdens,” Claudia said with a slight waver in her soft voice. “Such pain fills your soul, Jimmy. Let us help you.”
“Yeah,” Jimmy sounded desperate. “Please, get me outta here.”
Claudia nodded and placed a hand on his shoulder. She had always been physically stronger than her sister. Jimmy knew this, more so now as he felt himself being pushed under the water. His eyes were wide with fear as he struggled under the surface. Christina merely shushed again, her hand breaking the surface of the water to caress his face.
Jimmy’s arms lashed out in desperation. Then anger and confusion. Both girls stood firm, complete in the belief that this would free him. His arms reached up, grabbing at Claudia’s arm, but with little struggle she held under still. Tears following down her cheeks as she watched his expressions through the water, his face pleading silently through a looking glass that twisted his fear into some sick frenzy.
When the final bubbles signaled that his struggle was over, Claudia rose to her full height as Christina held her hand on the surface of the water. She gave one last shush before standing to move closer to her sister. Claudia gently wrapped her arms around Christina’s waist, holding her as she felt herself being comforted by her sister’s touch. As Claudia whispered to her sister, Christina responded in her wordless way. Neither of them paid any heed to the body that floated to the surface, slowly being taken by the current.
“He’s in a better place now. He doesn’t have to worry about loving us both so much.” Claudia stated through her tear stained face.
Christina nodded in agreement, leading her sister back to the shore. Slowly they began to dress, taking great care with their clothes. Claudia grasped the shaft of her scythe and carefully put it into it’s magical sheath, the scythe shimmering out of site. Once she was finished she began to go through Jimmy’s belongings. Tenderly she lifted the blood stained tunic and held it to her being. Feeling her sister’s eyes on her she turned, looking at her, then nodded. Quickly she went through the other things and only took what could have been of value to them, then she returned everything into a neat pile.
Christina once again took Claudia’s hand as they set off to the road, leaving behind the tragedy they created. They were silent as they walked, two smiling young women with hair the color of rubies, hand in hand as they made their way across the unfamiliar lands.
*****
The sun was setting as they approached Bloodstone village not far from their home. Villagers were still out and about when Christina and Claudia made their way down the main road. Many men stopped to look at the two girls much to the dismay of their wives.
“Excuse me” Claudia asked one of the younger men demurely, “Could you tell us where we could find a place to spend the night? We are quite tired from our travels.”
“Y-you c-c-can g-g-go to the i-i-inn just d-d-down the r-r-road” He stuttered, his eyes gazed over their lithe bodies with lust. His voice betrayed his feelings, as did the sudden musky scent that came from him.
“Thank you very much, you are such a sweet boy.” Claudia replied, then kissing his cheek. Christina watched with jealously creeping into her eyes. She placed her arm around Claudia’s waist, turning to smile for a moment to the boy, nodding her thanks before guiding her sister down the street.
As they walked a few of the merchants would stop to watch, their supple bodies moving gracefully down the street. Arm in arm they strode past shops and small eateries. They would politely smile and greet each passerby, leaving the person with an uplifting feeling. A smile was worth a thousand words. They finally reached the door to the inn, and were surprised as a merchant offered to open the door, holding it open for the pair. Christina bowed her thanks as Claudia placed a gentle hand to his cheek for the gesture.
The inn was quiet, which only managed to slightly detract from the rather dark interior. A pair of farmers played checkers in one corner as a young woman served them drinks and food. The inn keeper was a stout old man, with tired eyes and a long face. The twins, still arm in arm, approached the main desk quietly. “Excuse me,” Claudia said politely with her pleasing voice, only made more so by her smile.
“Well,” the inn keeper said as he looked up, having to look them both over to make sure he was seeing what was before him. His face brightened as a smile appeared. “Ev’nin’, ladies. What can I do fer ye t’night?”
Christina stood by quietly, observing those in the lobby as Claudia asked about a room. She watched the bar maid, the merchants and a young chamber maid. Each looked her way, returning the pleasant smile, or at least trying to match it. All except the chamber maid. Christina could sense something from the girl, a loneliness, a sorrow. And it filled her so.
As Claudia obtained the keys and thanked the landlord with the required gold and a kind smile, Christina took her sister’s hand. Without so much as pointing, Claudia knew that her twin was observing someone. And she could see that someone right away. Claudia turned to her sister and nodded. Without so much as a word passed between them, the knew what they had to do.
They climbed the stairs to their room at their usual graceful but slow pace. There was no need to rush. Rushing only meant the moment would be gone that much sooner. The room they would share was tiny, but comfortable. It was all they would need. The sun had set, throwing the town into darkness, only the torches along the streets held the shadows at bay. And as the sisters readied themselves for a full night’s rest, they would each steal a glance toward the other.
They were mirrored images. They saw themselves when they looked at each other. And, they feel loved. It was not an uncommon thing for these two to look each other over making sure their identicalness was perfect. Inspecting each part carefully as if she were looking over herself. While they didn’t speak, their movements spoke volumes until they were embracing…
…and finally, a kiss good night.
*****
Claudia slid out of the bed, placing her feet on the cold floor. Wrapping the bed sheet around her, she moved to the window to look out along the darkened street. The crescent moon light streamed through the thin shade of their bedroom, there was a slight chill in the air as Claudia lifted it. Memories filled her mind as she leaned against the frame of the window and half sat on the sill. It was often in the mornings that Claudia was up before Christina, and more often that memories of their childhood filled her mind. Carried on the wind was the shriek from an animal. Just like the one she heard so many years ago.
Claudia and Christina were playing a game of hide and seek before supper. Christina was “it” and it was Claudia’s job to hide and be sought. It was a screech from an animal that made her forget all about the game. She knew that her father had set traps around the house to catch animals so they could eat supper every night.
Quickly she moved through the trees and stopped at the small clearing. Claudia saw the small beast struggling in vain to get its paw unstuck from the jaws of the vicious looking trap. The rabbit screeched again as Claudia moved closer. Kneeling down, she tried to undo the trap, but it wouldn’t give. Christina had come up next to her, placing a hand on Claudia’s shoulder.
“Chrissy, papa’s trap…” She cried, tears fell down her cheeks. Christina didn’t reply except for a nod as she knelt down and tried to help the rabbit as well. The rabbit had just laid there, it’s tiny heart beating rapidly as Claudia gently stroked the rabbit’s fur. Her other hand fingered a large stone.
“Chrissy, I don’t think we’ll be able to free his paw…” Claudia said sadly, tears filling her eyes again. Christina looked at her, then to her hand. Without speaking one twin knew what the other was planning. Both girl’s bottom lip quivered as Claudia lifted the stone. It wasn’t so light that she could lift it with one hand, but wasn’t heavy enough that she couldn’t lift it at all.
Christina stopped her sister for just a moment and looked at their dresses.
“Mother said for us not to get dirty.” She said softly. But it was too late, their tights were filthy, small bits of leaves and dirt stuck to them. The white frills and pink lace were stained with grime. “We’ll not be eating supper tonight.”
“I don’t care! I never want to eat dinner with that murderer again, Chrissy!” Claudia exclaimed. She looked at the rabbit again, and he peered up at her with pleading eyes. The pain would ease, the rabbit would be free from it all. Christina sat next to Claudia, placing her hand on her sister’s knee, tears fell down her face as Claudia brought the rock down on the rabbit’s head.
Blood spattered all over both girls. Claudia didn’t stop at just one, she lifted and brought the rock down several more times. A twisted grin on her face as her did so. Adrenaline filled her very being with delight in knowing that she had helped the rabbit become free. Christina stopped her sister’s hand from coming down again. Their dresses were covered in blood and bits of fur. Tears left small clean streaks down their faces.
Christina held her sister close to her, stroking her hair gently as Claudia cried into her shoulder. Claudia returned the favor as her sister cried too. A few moments later they could hear their names being shouted from the house, alerting them that it was time for supper. In their house, lateness was not tolerated, neither was filthiness. Both of which the girls had succeeded in, in just a matter of minutes.
“Come on. Let’s go home,” She whispered, as she helped Claudia to her feet. Claudia sniffled as they made their way home.
“Papa is going to be angry…” Claudia said breathlessly, as they made their way up the steps to their front door. There was a slight ring of fear in voice as she spoke about her father. “He’ll punish us for sure.”
“That is correct,” The dark husky voice of their father said as he stood in the entrance of the house. Both girls halted mid stride as they looked up at him. Their father had dark hair that curled slightly under his ears. His dark brown eyes were unseen except for the whites. His expression was unhappy against his sun-touched skin. He didn’t have to speak, and they just knew they were in heaps of trouble. Late for dinner, dirty and worse, covered in blood.
Pointing inside the house the girls knew that to be their signal to get in the house. Quickly they escaped inside the house, up the stairs to their room and they waited. They didn’t have to wait long. Their father came up to their bedroom, strap in hand. Christina and Claudia wordlessly lowered their panties and bent over one of the beds.
The whipping didn’t last long; they never did. Since neither girl made a sound, instead they clasped hands and seemed to block out everything around them, except each other. After he left though, they comforted each other. Crying quietly and eventually falling asleep in each others arms.
Claudia jumped a bit as hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her from her thoughts.
You’ve been thinking again, haven’t you?” Christina asked softly.
“How can you tell?” Her sister replied calmly.
Silently Christina wiped away the tears that trickled down her sisters face and kissed her cheeks gently.
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Keep it real and rockin’
“Dead Rock Stars”
Paris. The city of romance, adventure and food. At least on the surface, but did you know that under Paris is a large mass grave?
Based on the idea of Police Lieutenant General Alexandre Lenoir, the remains of the cemeteries were removed and placed in the abandoned quarries under the city. This was done as discreetly once the cemeteries within the city were condemned. The process of disinterring the bones from the cemeteries, moving them solemnly into the quarries, and arranging them there took several decades.The tunnels that are under the city were used to mine rock and other materials to build Paris. Once abandoned, they served no other purpose.
The entrance to the catacombs isn’t a grand one like most of the museums that fill Paris. It’s nothing more than a simple black door which you would miss if you aren’t looking for it. It’s a long walk down to the main entrance, which is marked with a sign.
The walls appear to be stone at first, but upon closer examination it begins to take on a more macabre tone as the features become more distinct. The wall consists of human remains all neat and orderly as they sit upon each other.
No one has made an attempt to identify the bodies, but they do have plaques stating which cemetery they came from. There is also no map of these tunnels; rather there is nothing extensive.
Except for the sounds of tourist chattering, flashes of lights from cameras, and dripping water, the tombs are quiet. Eerily so. As for haunts. There’s the remains of six million or more people. You tell me.
While it may not be a ghost story per say, it is something of haunting legend. The Wilde Hunt has it’s place in historical folklore, from the Nordic tribes, the Prussian tribes, Celts, and even First Nation people in North America. A modern day aspect of the Wilde Hunt is depicted in the song, famously sung by Johnny Cash, Ghost Riders in the Sky, and covered by numerous artists including Brooks and Dunn, Spiderbait, The Blues Brothers and more. Here’s Spiderbait’s version, along with some scenes from the Ghost Rider movie, that can be said is inspired by the Wilde Hunt.
The Wilde Hunt has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The hunt was called many names by different cultures including Woden’s Hunt, Cain’s Hunt, The Devil’s Dandy Dogs, Herod’s Hunt and in North American Native lore Ghost Riders. In each case, the description is similar; huntsmen riding on horseback in the sky with hunting dogs as they chase down their prey. Often the legend was used to describe thunderstorms.
The origin of the story can be placed with the Germanic nations, and to some degree, Nordic tribes. The Norse god Odin in his many forms, astride his eight-legged steed Sleipnir, came to be associated with the Wild Hunt in Scandinavia because of his aspect of berserking. Odin acquired the aspect of the Wild Huntsman, along with Frigg. The passage of this hunt was also referred to as Odin’s Hunt. People who saw the passing hunt and mocked it were cursed and would mysteriously vanish along with the host; those that joined in sincerity were rewarded with gold. In the wake of the passing storm (which the Hunt was often identified with), a black dog would be found upon a neighboring hearth. To remove it, it would need to be exorcised similar to the custom for removing changelings. However, if it could not be removed by trickery, it must be kept for a whole year and carefully tended.
The wild hunt has been known so well all over the world it has been seen in popular culture of the 20th Century, most notably in the above mentioned song, Ghost Riders in the Sky. As well, it can be said to be a direct influence on the character of Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider comics from Marvel Comics. Other novels have used references which point to the wild hunt, either directly or indirectly. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings has an aspect of the Wild Hunt with the Dead Men of Dunharrow. Jim Butcher’s Dresdenverse explores the Wild Hunt as Harry Dresden searches for an infamous necromancer’s book that is said to summon the Wild Hunt. Heck, even I added my own twist to the Wild Hunt, as the elven gunslingers Shani Wennemein and Pania Alow faced the huntsman together with Martin Derringer in 
Sailors all over the world know the legend of the Flying Dutchman. For them it’s a sign of impending doom. For many of us land lubbers, the story of the Flying Dutchman is something we only hear about through movies or books.
The captains name differs from legend to legend, but the story remains pretty much the same. Is there really ship that is doomed to sail eternally? Beats me. But sailors have sworn to see such thing and tragedy usually befalls them. This could probably just be summed up as a coincidence of fear.
