ÿþ<html><head> <title>Umbra | Current Episode</title> <script language="JavaScript"> </script> </head><body bgcolor="black" link="#777770" text="white" vlink="#777777"> <style> A:hover{BACKGROUND-COLOR: #555555; COLOR: #ffffff} A:link {TEXT-DECORATION: none} A:active {TEXT-DECORATION: none} A:visited {TEXT-DECORATION: none} </style> <center> <table width="1000"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="3"> <center> <font face="arial" size="-1"> </font><center> <font face="arial" size="-1"><b> <a href="http://www.serton.co.uk/umbra/index.html">HOME</a> | <a href="http://www.serton.co.uk/umbra/current.html">CURRENT EPISODE</a> | <a href="http://www.serton.co.uk/umbra/past.html">PAST EPISODES</a> | <a href="http://www.serton.co.uk/umbra/cast.html">CAST</a> | <a href="http://www.serton.co.uk/umbra/interactive.html">ABOUT UMBRA</a> | <a href="http://www.epiguide.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&amp;forumid=151">FORUM</a> </b> </font></center> </center></td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="300"> <font face="arial" size="3"> <b><i><br> <img src="side_umbra.jpg" alt="Umbra Main Graphic" height="600" width="300"> </i></b> </font></td> <td valign="top" width="650"> <br> <font face="arial" size="-1"> <center> <b>THE COMING STORM<br> SEASON PREMIERE | AND SO IT BEGINS </b> </center> <p> <B>SERTON, 1878<P></B> A thick mist hung low over the deep gorge. The air felt cold and damp as particles of water clung together in fear of the situation. A sense of dread filled the lone, rickety bridge, which was suspended over the wide expanse of the gorge. Where birds and forest animals would normally sound, there was nothing but silence.<P> Eventually, like all silences are, it was broken by the sound of footfalls on the wooden platforms of the bridge. A man wearing brown, leather shoes marched forward, his long coat splayed out behind him. A slight breeze caught the man s short, greying hair and flicked it up. The man, one Alexander Duprie, was meeting someone.<P> As Alexander reached the middle of the bridge, he slowed to a stop. Leaning on the bridge s wooden barrier, he stared down the dizzying heights to the fast flowing water below. He body shook and trembled, he wanted to be sick but he swallowed the rising bile back down to his stomach.<P> Then suddenly, there was the sound of another person. Alexander turned his head and looked back the way he came. Through the mist his eyes peered at a figure slowly coalescing into the solid shape of another man.<P> As the person approached, Alexander Duprie relaxed as he recognised the face of Father Leonard McGuigan. The man s face was a familiar sight on this dark and eerie night.<P> Father McGuigan nodded to Alexander and then joined him at the edge of the bridge. Leonard looked drawn, pale and ill as he too looked down to the fast flowing water below. There was no communication between the pair, no verbal sparring, and no greeting other than the nod of the head.<P> As the two men stood there looking down into the misty depths of the gorge, a wind rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees. The resulting noise defied the silence, which threatened to entomb the scene.<P> Then Alexander Duprie defied the silence also when he spoke, "it is done."<P> Father Leonard McGuigan looked at his parishioner for a long moment before finally nodding his head for the second time that night.<P> Gripping the wooden barrier tightly, Alexander placed his foot on the first plank of wood and began to climb. Once he was standing on top of the barrier, Alexander raised his arms in a Christ like pose and fell forward, wind whistling and flapping his clothes, as gravity took him to his death.<P> Leonard watched the scene, his face like a plain, ordinary stone, betraying no emotion. Then, from within his pocket, he pulled a knife. The blade flashed briefly in the moonlight, which managed to filter through the mist. Leonard McGuigan shifted his grip on the handle; his palms were hot and sweaty. He raised the knife to his throat and felt the cold press of steel against his skin. With surgical precision he sliced open his throat. Warm blood bubbled out of the wound and flowed down his neck. Leonard McGuigan fell forward and collapsed onto the bridge dead.<P> Susan snapped awake gasping in terror. Her night dress was clinging to her and it suddenly felt cold due to sweat. These dreams had been coming ever more frequent over the last two weeks. Susan knew that they were not dreams, more memories of a vision she had once been forced to have.<P> Sliding out from beneath the cover, Susan padded through her house to the kitchen. She shivered, outside it had been snowing quite heavily and her house was no longer warm as the fire had burned out hours ago.<P> Sitting in the kitchen, she knew that this would be her until morning. There would be no more sleep, no more chance for her to rest any more. Just then tears began to well up and then spilled down her face onto her already damp night dress.<P> Susan remembered the day they had found Leonard, and her visions were once again proved to be an non-malleable truth of what was to come. Jennifer had come to her as Alexander had not come home that night. Susan had called round to Tanner and the three had gone in search of something that would provide a clue to Alexander s whereabouts. When it had been found that Leonard too was missing, there was genuine worry.<P> It was Jennifer who had first seen Leonard, lying on the bridge with his throat cut. Her screams still rang in Susan s ears. Alexander had been spotted moments later by Tanner, lying at the bottom of the gorge. The midwife had protected her student, hiding Jennifer away from the sight of her husband.<P> There was still no explanation, no sense of why it had happened.<P>  Do you know anything about it? Susan asked the gloom at the end of the kitchen table.<P>  Not really my thing. Not been following it at all. Taribo leaned forward into the beam of moonlight coming through Susan s window. With the snow falling it seemed brighter outside than it should and some of that light was reflecting back into the house.<P>  I need something to take my mind off of all this. Susan leaned back in her chair and sighed heavily. These recurring dreams were wearing her down.<P>  I told you, no more practice until you are rested. <P>  How can I rest when I have these thoughts running round my head? Susan pushed the chair back and stood up in a huff.<P>  This is why you are having these thoughts. You are tired and you let the bad feeling in. It s a way to attack you, to bring you down, to weaken you. Taribo growled the reply back at the seer.  Now go back to bed and sleep. <P>  Do you think it has something to do with tentacles? Those black tentacles I saw about six months ago in a vision. <P> Taribo nodded silently before pointing in the direction of Susan s bedroom.<P>  Fine, we can discuss it in the morning. The midwife padded away back to her room. Taribo had helped her develop her talents quietly. She had not needed to use them much for the last few months, but the dead servant had been warning her that she needed to be ready.<P> As Susan climbed back into bed she stopped a moment then went to the window. Pulling the curtain back she watched the snow falling for a moment, using the silent falling of the white flakes to calm and centre her racing mind. Eventually, with a yawn, she climbed back into bed and fell asleep straight away.<P> Outside the window, as the snow continued to fall, a thin bank of fog seemed to roll across the street, covering everything.<P> <HR><P> Alexandra felt truly alone for the first time in a long time. She had always had her sister or Shane about. Now, there was just her. Living alone in the big house was taking its toll on her and Alexandra longed for any kind of human contact, even if it were just the doctors in Steading Hall.<P> She looked out of her window to the garden beyond. There was a faint wispy mist coming into town, obscuring the moon slightly. She shivered and pulled the woollen blanket tighter around her. Alexandra had slept the most peaceful sleep of the last year after Benjamin had died but since Shane had left that had all changed.<P> She had placed all her focus into one thing  killing Benjamin. Now that the task was over she had no purpose no drive. Is this all her life had become? First being subservient to her sister and now a lost soul with no life of her own, merely existing through each day.<P> Alexandra considered that she would be better off dead.<P> Reaching forward to the window, she felt the cold metal of the latch in her hand. The window opened easily and a cold wind blew into the room. Alexandra shivered as she placed her hands on the window frame. Her mind was resolved. This was her duty, to rid the world of the pathetic example that she had become.<P> Her garden, that she had cared for and tended, was no longer neat. It would be a fitting tribute for her to be found broken in her broken garden.<P> Alexandra took a deep breath and the cold air rushed into her lungs, awakening her from her hypnotic state.<P> Pulling back from the perilous drop, Alexandra slammed the window shut and tightened the blanket further.<P> She needed to get a hobby  and fast.<P> <HR><P> A small caravan pulled into town, the wheels that normally made a lot of noise as they clattered along the roads were silenced by the snow. There was a certain eeriness as the caravan and the horse pulling it seemed to slide noiselessly into Serton.<P> The man, one Robert Percivale, was a purveyor of remedies and tinctures. He had no idea if they worked but he had a mouth on him that could sell them. What mattered was if the purchaser believed they would work  belief went a long way.<P> Tomorrow he would be able to find out the beliefs of the people in this town. If they were were of the same opinion of him that these remedies were helpful then he might make a lot of money.<P> Now that he was here, Robert climbed down from the seat he used to drive the caravan and walked to his horse. He checked the animal was fine before walking to the back of the caravan, pulling a door open and going in. He would need his rest to bring in the sales.<P> Robert gave a small cough, his throat was tickling. Perhaps one of those remedies would help him feel his best for tomorrow?<P> <HR><P> <B>THE NEXT DAY</B><P> Susan was sat in Tanner's kitchen as he brought a pot of tea to the table. Tanner seemed to be a lot happier of late and Susan put that down to a lack of unusual incidents. It had seemed that towards the end of last year, Tanner had grown increasingly unconcerned at his friends' actions.<P> That had changed as the new year had rolled in, although Susan could tell he was not back to his usual self. It had to be the fact that Shane was no longer here. That was a fact that concerned her as well, without their Hunter, Susan and Tanner were ill equipped to help out.<P> Susan had her own concerns too. Taribo had been pushing her towards a goal he had yet to reveal to her. He kept telling her to trust her but her trust was clearly beginning to wane. Added onto this heady mix of uncertainty were the recent deaths of Alexander and Leonard and it was one big melting pot of confusion.<P>  Susan, is everything all right this morning? Tanner sat down at the table and poured her a cup of tea.<P>  It's fine, I just didn't get much sleep last night. It was far too cold and I kept being woken up. By the time I got up this morning I had three extra blankets on my bed and I was sweating. Susan omitted the recurring dreams she had been having, there was no need to concern Tanner with things that could be nothing.<P>  I doubt it'll last, the snow that is. Tanner took a sip of the warm brown liquid and smiled at his friend.<P>  I wouldn't say so, three years ago we had deep drifts and I remember there being no carriages in town for a few weeks. <P>  Ah yes, I'd forgotten about that. Long before we had really met. <P>  It was Shane that brought us together, a year ago. Susan remembered the night clearly, it had been the first time that they had faced off against the beast.<P>  Only partially, you're vision brought you to my house that night as well. <P>  I remember. There were quite a few incidents that night that sparked a rather large chain of events. <P>  Indeed, Alexandra would never have been attacked were it not for the beast. That employee of Alexander Duprie might still be alive... <P> Tanner tailed off as he thought about Alexander and Leonard. He remembered spotting Alexander at the bottom of the gorge, the man had clearly jumped, or been pushed.<P>  What do you think happened? asked Susan desperately.<P>  We've been over this a thousand times and we're no closer to discerning the truth. <P>  I hope Leonard didn't murder him. Susan had to believe that Leonard had been getting better, that his madness had finally subsided.<P>  I think it's something we'll never know. Has Shane written to you? Tanner had to change the subject. Talking about Alexander and Leonard just brought back the memories and he had enough bad ones already to deal with.<P>  Only with a forwarding address for any items. He promises to write soon with more information. <P>  Do you think he will? <P>  No, replied Susan honestly.  I think he wanted a clean start with Katherine and moving to England was the start. I think if he never had to hear about Serton again it would be too soon.<P> Susan finished her tea and stood up.  I promised Jennifer I would go by and see her this morning. <P>  Tell her I was asking after her. Tanner seemed very genuine in his response and Susan was surprise. This was a new man before her. Ever since Kerrigan Wilde had done something to him six months ago, Tanner had been increasingly distant, yet here he was as if that was all part of the past  maybe it was.<P> <HR><P> "Quantas wanted me to check on you while he was at work." Cherrylin lay Charlotte on the couch and looked up at Scarlett with a smile.<P> Scarlett looked at the pair of intruders. She had been fine on her own. She was staying in Elias's house since she had no where else to go after his death. She was used to being alone and Scarlett was not used to constant interruptions. It had been different with Elias, she had felt something towards the man, but now he was gone  like everything else in her life.<P> There were two things that helped her through these visits. Cherrylin did not know her past and there was no judgement on her behalf when the two women met. It felt good and allowed Scarlett to forget the past, even if just for a moment. The second thing that helped was the baby. Charlotte, Quantas's daughter, reminded her of her own child that had been taken away.<P> "That was nice of Quantas to consider me." Scarlett did not mean what she was saying. She could not care less about the man; all she wanted was Elias back again.<P> "To be fair, I just needed an excuse to pop by."<P> "Oh?" asked Scarlett as she sat down next to the baby. Charlotte gurgled as she danced her hand in front of the child's face.<P> "I've been thinking that we should go on a trip. Get away from this town, you me, Quantas. It'll be something fun to do." Cherrylin seemed quite excited by the thought of this plan.<P> Scarlett thought about it. Maybe getting away from Serton would be helpful. She had barely left the house in the last few weeks. Maybe a trip would help her begin to reconnect to the people around her. Cherrylin was a good woman who appeared to care for Scarlett. Maybe she could use this opportunity to help reinvent her own personality. Leave the past in the past, not forgotten but moved on from.<P> "It might be fun," said Scarlett slowly.<P> Cherrylin took Scarlett's hands excitedly. "It will be."<P> Scarlett eyed Charlotte, it might be fun.<P> <HR><P> Susan's scarf was causing her neck to itch, she obviously had not rinsed it out properly from the last time she had washed it. The snow had stopped falling as she walked to see Jennifer, although the mist that had been there since the morning had not lifted. Susan presumed that the snow would not last as if there was a light fog; it normally meant there would be rain.<P> Lost in thought, Susan walked straight into Richard Reynolds as he stood speaking to a travelling merchant.<P> "Oh, I'm very sorry," said Susan as she backed slightly away.<P> "Miss Forrester, isn't it? Not to worry, these things happen."<P> Richard Reynolds, son of Edgar Reynolds was according to local rumour a notorious drunk. The last time she had spoken to him was when Jennifer had been kidnapped by Nickolai Spiros. Richard was not a man she associated with and the twice she had seen him he had not come across as the stories had said.<P> It was then that Susan realised she had bumped a bottle of liquid over Richard.  I'm so sorry, she said as she tried to wipe the stain off of his coat.<P> Richard took Susan's hand lightly and lifted it off of him.  It's fine, I'll just get Mr. Percivale to get me another remedy. <P> Was this merchant selling potions and medicines? Susan knew that he would be a conman, proper medicines came from doctors and physicians.  You don't believe this will work for you? <P>  Miss. Forrester, my father is less than well, anything that may aid him in a speedy recovery would help. If I have to deal with his incessant crabbiness for another day I'm afraid I may have to check myself into Steading Hall. <P>  I'm sorry, it was none of my business. Good day Mr. Reynolds. <P>  Good day, and may I suggest you look where you are going for the rest of today. Richard flashed a smile at Susan and she was for a minute reminded of Tanner's cheeky side, a side that had been lacking recently.<P> Suddenly Susan realised what was missing from Tanner, his witticisms, his speed of thought. Tanner seemed happier but somehow slower. Perhaps he was feeling unwell.<P> The midwife began to walk away, leaving Richard with the con man.<P> <HR><P> Drake's eyes looked sunken and the corner of his mouth seemed to droop slightly. There was no life to his eyes as he sat in the room with a bottle of brandy at his side. He felt bitter about what had happened, had he just been in the wrong place at the wrong time or had Elsbury poisoned him? No matter what had happened, the man had left him to die. What had caused such dissension among the ranks of the Council? Drake knew that as soon as the Council found out they would halt their plans. The group had to be united and Elsbury was a rogue element.<P> Drake wanted to laugh, but could not bring himself to do so. He himself might be considered the rogue element after associating with Greenville. It had to be said that the man was exceptional in his hunger for power and Drake had been told to put him in his place. It was ironic that the one man he had exerted his power over was now the one man who could help him.<P> "I'm glad you're feeling better," Greenville sat down next to Drake and poured himself a drink. "Who would I share my weekly brandy with?"<P> Drake wanted to reply but he found his brain was not quite quick enough to keep up with his associate anymore.<P> "So, been up to much today?" Greenville smirked at the man who sat next to him.<P> "I've just been sitting here," Drake's voice was slow and laboured.<P> "Well sitting isn't going to help us get revenge on Elsbury. At least you're well enough to actually carry on a conversation. It was especially frustrating sitting watching you."<P> "I want to kill that man," Drake spat the words out as venomous rage spilled over.<P> "Oh we will, and in return you'll help me get what we need."<P> Indebted to Greenville - oh the ignominy.<P> <HR><P> Alexandra was walking across town, the fog was a little thicker than it had been and she shivered as her feet crunched through the snow. She had made a decision late last night to change her current predicament. Alexandra knew that she had sat depressed for far too long and now there was need for a change.<P> This morning, as she had prepared her breakfast, a thought had occurred to her. A hobby was not the thing she needed but employment and work. She had never worked, having been first brought up by her father and then her sister.<P> A pang hit Alexandra, she had left Elizabeth beaten and bruised near Angel Heights. She wondered how she was doing and if she had truly put aside her hate yet. The thought of her family caused an empty feeling in her and it strengthened her resolve for work.<P> Since being in Steading Hall Sanatorium, Alexandra had been humbled and knew that she was no better than anyone else. Her life of privilege had left her with nothing but pain and all she had left was an empty house that was too big for her. She needed people about her and her destination might be able to provide that.<P> Edgar Reynolds was now the most powerful man in town since Alexander had passed away and that was her destination now. The Reynolds family had a large staff and hopefully there might be an opening for Alexandra.<P> Suddenly a shiver passed through her body, but she did not feel cold as he jacket was quite thick and warm. A thick layer of fur tickled her face and she smiled slightly. A crash of thunder sounded loud overhead; the fog would clear soon if a rainstorm was on its way.<P> A second rumble of thunder made Alexandra momentarily pause. It was low and crashing, almost like horse hooves. As the noise dissipated, Alexandra dismissed the thought as silly and carried on her way.<P> <HR><P> "Do you think you're doing the right thing?" asked Susan as she glanced around at all the cases that were packed and waiting to be picked up.<P> Jennifer sighed as she placed Laurie into her cot. "I don't know, I could be making a terrible mistake, Serton is my home. I know one thing; this place here is no longer home." Jennifer gestured at the room around her.<P> Picking up some dresses she began to fold them for packing away. Suddenly Jennifer stopped and turned to Susan. "I packed his clothes away this morning. I finally did it." Tears welled up in Jennifer's eyes as she thought about her husband.<P> Susan stood silently for a moment before reaching out to embrace Jennifer in a warm hug.<P> "I don't know what I'm doing anymore. Everywhere I look I just see him, even in the most basic things." Jennifer sobbed quietly for a moment before moving across to the bed.<P> Susan let her arms fall by her side and tried to find something to occupy her thoughts as she looked round the bedroom. She felt guilty over the whole incident. She alone knew what happened, or thought she knew anyway. Were her dreams an indication of what had happened? Susan was not sure, but what she had seen that day the bodies had been found, fit quite well into the events in her dreams.<P> "Where are you going to go?" asked Susan as Jennifer wiped her puffy, red eyes dry.<P> "I'm moving south, to New York. Alexander had the main part of his business there and I have to help with it since it now belongs to me."<P> "You could appoint someone." Susan sat next to her friend and placed her hand on her knee.<P> "I think it'll be good to get involved and do something. Alexander always told me stories about his work and I was always so intrigued."<P> "Do you think you can cope with the work?"<P> "I'm not stupid," snapped Jennifer.<P> "I wasn't implying that." Susan pulled her hand back quickly as if recoiling from an attack. "I just meant, that with this being Alexander's work, do you think it'll be quite emotional for you being there."<P> "I& I'm sorry. I didn't realise." Jennifer looked away, humbled.<P> Susan reached up and lifted Jennifer's face to look at her own. "You've got to realise you are a strong, confident and beautiful woman. You came to me all on your own and trained as a midwife, you were an excellent pupil with amazing dedication and I have to thank you for giving me the chance to teach you. Don't you ever think that I would ever put you down. Some people may just dismiss you, but know that I will always believe in you."<P> Jennifer felt Susan let go of her face and she sat there looking at the midwife. The faith in the Susan's eyes was astounding  only Alexander had looked at her so convinced of her abilities.<P> "Please, don't be so nice. It just makes leaving so hard." Jennifer touched her face, she felt hot and upset again. Her hand brushed her black hair from her face, the strands felt thick and cloying in her hands. "I have to leave though, the town left me with no choice."<P> "I know, it's been such an unusual year."<P> Jennifer laughed, the noise sounded odd and hollow. "Unusual? Unusual? I think this year has been beyond unusual and has fallen into the realm of hellish."<P> It was then that a shrieking, animalistic howl could be heard.<P> Jennifer felt her stomach tighten and turn over as fear gripped her. She began to think about the last words out of her mouth and wondered if it had been some kind of trigger.<P> <HR><P> Richard Reynolds closed the door behind him with a soft click. The large room smelled musty and felt warm. There was a plain bed in the room in which Edgar Reynolds lay, his face pale and drawn. Edgar looked about ten years older than he normally did and his son looked on worried.<P> The room was sparsely furnished, but that was not unusual in the Reynolds' house. Edgar had a philosophy of frugal living  except when it came to art. The room had two large paintings and three smaller ones dotted around the room, they were dark and religious and certainly added to the oppressive feeling in the room.<P> Richard sat down in small wooden chair next to the bed and felt his father's clammy forehead. He was running a temperature and it was worrying.<P> Edgar gave a cough but did not wake up and at that Richard grew increasingly concerned.<P> "Why did you have to discharge our doctor?" wondered Richard aloud. "If you were so damned stubborn over releasing your purse strings, I could have had someone here for you."<P> Richard began to stand up; he knew he needed help as he did not have the time to be dealing with his father's sudden illness. Suddenly he froze half way out of the chair as a chilling howl seemed to emanate out of the fog and through his very soul.<P> <HR><P> Robert Percivale had heard the howling noise loud and clear. The noise appeared to have come from the clouds above and he surmised that it had to be some unusual thunder noise  well he hoped it was.<P> The whole town had felt a little off since he had arrived although he was unsure of quite why he felt that way. The small hairs on his neck were now pin straight and sticking out and a cold shiver ran through him even though he was wrapped up tight.<P> It seemed darker than it had been a few seconds ago and Robert looked up to see the sun being completely blotted out. The world around him was plunged into darkness and with the fog having closed in around him he felt isolated and alone. There was a strangled scream that echoed through the darkness and then suddenly silence enveloped him.<P> <HR><P> The world was collapsing around him as he ran. Surely he had to be hallucinating; this had to be a side effect. Grabbing a glass of water, Tanner threw it in his face as he tried to bring himself back to the reality he so greatly despised.<P> Tanner barely noticed as he tried over a piece of furniture. He felt himself floating down to the ground and then suddenly there was pain as his hand landed badly and doubled back. There was a rushing sensation as the world began to come into a sharper focus.<P> The weight of everything came crashing down on him suddenly and heavily. Tanner felt like Atlas carrying the memories of past loss, of past pain, of anger, of death, of destruction.<P> As the memories settled and his mind cleared he knew he had to get outside, to see what was happening. Rushing towards the door, Tanner pulled it open forcibly and staggered out. The sight before him shocked him stone cold sober.<P> The sky was not just black, it was as if it had been torn off and replaced with nothingness. The clouds were still in the sky but they were tinged with a crimson hue and were amassing at a singular point over the town. The mist that had settled in town seemed to glow and the clean, crisp snow reflected the red to look like a wash of blood over the streets.<P> Tanner gasped and staggered back, never had he seen anything so impressive in all his life. While his neighbours were coming out onto the street scared of this new event, there was no terror present on Tanner's face only a curious fascination.<P> This was something out of the book of Revelations; Leonard's eye would no doubt have been twitching as he proclaimed they were all doomed.<P> Tanner knew that he should have a plan, or even a clue as to some solution. For the first time he did not care. The town could be dragged into the very depths of hell as long as the anguish of carrying these useless memories was taken away.<P> <HR><P> Alexandra had been about to ring the bell for the house when the sky seemed to fade out of view. It had to be a solar eclipse, she reasoned. Alexandra had heard the event was rare and had assumed that there would have been more buzz about the event. She knew though that she had not really been very social to get any news or gossip.<P> Suddenly Alexandra saw the door open and a figure rushed out knocking her sideways. As she lost he balance, Alexandra let out a surprised yelp and fell to the ground with a thud.<P> As she lay on the group she found herself looking upwards at Richard Reynolds who had a rather shocked expression on his face.<P> "I'm sorry, I really didn't see you. I was more interested in seeing what had happened outside." Richard held out his hand for Alexandra.<P> Taking his hand, Alexandra helped herself to her feet and smoothed her dress down while she knocked snow off of it. "I'm Alexandra Summers."<P> "I know," replied Richard. "I'm afraid your reputation precedes you a little." As Richard eyed the new arrival he noticed large patches of wet forming on her dress from melted snow. "Please do come in. I can't stand for a woman to be in distress like this."<P> Alexandra allowed herself to be shown in; at least now she was in, she could perhaps broach the subject of a job.<P> <HR><P> The black sky was incredibly foreboding as Cherrylin and Scarlett looked up at it, while the swirling red clouds added a sense of ominous evil to the scene.<P> Scarlett seemed to be transfixed on the event. While all around her was black the red clouds appeared to be almost hypnotic, drawing her in like a lure.<P> Cherrylin grabbed her friend and pulled her back towards the door. "It's too dangerous to go outside. We've got to think of Charlotte."<P> "What's happening?" asked Scarlett as the fear suddenly rose in her. Would this be her end? Would her final moment come just as she had started to live again?<P> "I don't know," replied Cherrylin slowly as she too became transfixed by the events. There was almost a certain beauty in the way the myriad colours of red appeared to slide across the pitch black sky.<P> With a shake of her head, Cherrylin brought her senses back, she knew there was trouble and she knew the only man she could turn to was not here. "We need Quantas?"<P> "Why do we need him, I survived without the need of a man." Scarlett seemed almost indignant at the thought of having to approach a man who had tried to have his way with her.<P> "Because he'll know what to do, I have faith in him."<P> Cherrylin pulled Scarlett inside the house once again and closed the door tight shut.<P> <HR><P> "What's going on?" asked Jennifer in fear.<P> "I don't know," replied Susan as she stared agape at the sky.<P> The two women stood in the front garden of Jennifer's house and just stood staring at the sky. Any fear that had been infecting Jennifer's mind had been momentarily pushed aside by the spectacle of the event happening before them.<P> "You didn't& see it coming did you?" There was trepidation in Jennifer's voice as she seemed unsure of how to broach the subject of Susan's visions.<P> "If I saw this coming& . I& " Susan tailed off, unable to concentrate. She just could not process what was happening before her. "No," said Susan as her brain kicked into gear once again.<P> "I've got to make sure the twins are safe, what are we going to do?"<P> Susan took one last look at the phenomenon and then turned her attention to her friend. "I think you know what I'm going to say."<P> "Tanner?"<P> "Tanner."<P> Jennifer looked into the fog and memories of the beast pursuing her through the town a year ago began to come back to her. "Will it be safe?"<P> "We're going together, I'm sure between us we can fend off anything. We've dealt with worse."<P> "We should have had to deal with worse," Jennifer closed her eyes momentarily and sighed then turned to walk into the house.<P> Susan began to follow when suddenly Jennifer paused and looked at the midwife. "Do you think it's his fault?"<P> Susan considered the question for a moment. "Well if it is, I'm going to kill him."<P> "Wouldn't he just laugh at you?" Jennifer turned and ran into the house leaving Susan on her own for a moment.<P> Taking one last look at the sky, the midwife sighed heavily before talking aloud. "I suppose he would. He never takes me seriously." Susan turned and stomped into the house grumpily.<P> Jennifer raced down the hall carrying an open bag; there were some supplies for the twins in there already.<P> "Can you fetch Alexander's gun."<P> Jennifer was clearly preparing for the worst, could this be the end of them all?<P> <HR><P> Quantas could see the unusual events through the window. He had been washing dishes until the unusual noises, but they lay discarded in the sink and a small drop of water dripped from his hand and splashed in the water below.<P> The rest of the Reynolds's kitchen staff were crowded round the big man as they tried to get a glimpse of the sky. All Quantas could think about was Cherrylin, was she safe?<P> "Can I have everyone's attention please."<P> Quantas started at the sudden loud voice and turned to see one of his employers, Richard Reynolds standing at the entrance to the large kitchen.<P> "Due to the unprecedented events of today I feel it only appropriate to dismiss you all. Please go home, be with your families today. I wish you all well."<P> Quantas stood and watched Richard leave, the other staff were already milling about, preparing to leave. He knew he wanted to get home to Cherrylin but he also knew that Scarlett would be there and he could not stop thinking about her. Cherrylin was there, she was comfortable but Scarlett was out of bounds - she was dangerous.<P> Grabbing a rag, he dried his hands and made his way through the plain white corridors of the staff area. There were people jostling him, rushing to get home, but Quantas ignored them.<P> Once he stepped outside he stopped once again as the full spectacle of what was before him sank in. The whole crowd seemed almost to be watching the sky in silence as small wisps of fog encircled everyone. The sky was dark save for an ominous red glow from the clouds as they seemed to swirl and gather at one point.<P> It was eerie, standing in the street with none of the usual noise about. There was something unusual though; there was not silence, but a steady drumming like the hooves of horses galloping through the sky.<P> Quantas felt a chill go through him, and it wasn't from the cold air. He knew he had to get home.<P> <HR><P> Alexandra watched as Richard Reynolds closed to door behind him. He placed a glass of brandy next to her and sat opposite her in a high backed chair. There was a small fire going in the room, but all it seemed to be doing was taking the chill off the air.<P> "I sent the staff home; I don't think it's appropriate for them to still be here. I'm not sure how my father would react though."<P> Alexandra picked up the glass and took a small sip, she could feel her nerves calming slightly. He back felt bruised from the fall earlier and she rubbed it slightly.<P> "I'm so sorry for knocking you over."<P> "It's fine, it's not every day that something so dramatic happens. I've never seen an eclipse before."<P> Alexandra watched Richard's face wrinkle, he clearly thought it was something far worse than an eclipse but apparently he did not want to say anything else to Alexandra.<P> "So what brings you here today?"<P> Alexandra paused for a moment before replying, she did not want to come across as too needy and desperate. She took a careful, measured sip of her glass to buy herself sometime to compose a response.<P> "I actually had been looking to speak to the head of the household staff. Since my sister left I've been left without a purpose and I had been looking to apply some of my skills to a job."<P> If Richard was surprised, he kept it to himself. "I am the head of staff for the house."<P> "Well it appears that bumping into you was most fortuitous." Alexandra allowed herself to smile a little.<P> "Not really, I'm afraid that there aren't any jobs going in the house." She could tell that Richard was trying to be gentle with his response and she wondered whether he was being genuine or just trying to fob off the crazy Summers lady.<P> <HR><P> Jennifer was gripping onto Laurie tightly as she ran; the heavy bag was banging against her back. Susan was close by holding onto John. A strong wind was picking up and her hair was blown into her face. She reached up to pull the strands out of her eyes but felt Laurie slipping. She knew she had to protect the children at all cost.<P> Suddenly there was a howling nose and a white shape loomed out of the fog.<P> "Susan," shouted Jennifer in alarm. The two women stopped instantly.<P> "What is it?"<P> "There's something up ahead."<P> Jennifer could feel her stomach churning in terror, she felt sick. This was the same as when she had run across town with Alexander. She needed him so badly. He always protected her from these monsters.<P> "It's just a dog," said Susan as she started.<P> Suddenly the large white dog raced out of the fog, snarling and bearing sharp fangs. What terrified Jennifer was the fact it could be seen through. This was some kind of spectral form of a dog. This was some beast come to take her children away from her. Jennifer panicked and swung the bag. I struck the hound and the beats staggered back slightly.<P> Susan gasped in shock and looked at Jennifer. It took a moment before the women came back to their senses and ran.<P> The familiar sights of Serton flashed by as they ran; ever present was the noise of the hound's claws against the road. Jennifer could feel her lungs aching and she realised how unfit she was, Laurie was beginning to feel heavier and heavier.<P> She glanced across at Susan who was looking a little flushed as well. It was then that Jennifer realised there was silence around them. The fog was thicker here and while it hid the two women, it also hid the horrors that lay beyond.<P> Susan slowed to a walk and turned to face where they had come from. Jennifer slowed down also and stood beside her friend.<P> "Can you see anything?" she whispered. Even keeping her voice down it still seemed to reflect off the white wall in front of her ad echo back louder. She suddenly felt cold and wet and looked up  the snow was falling again.<P> "Nothing." Susan closed her eyes and a look of intense concentration came across her face. "I can't feel anything at all."<P> "Do you think it's gone?"<P> At that a white figure leapt from the fog, its mouth open and ready to bite down on whatever it attacked; Jennifer froze as two dark eyes fixed on her. She felt a tugging from behind and staggered back slightly. She fought to keep her balance and not fall over, it was imperative that Laurie was kept safe.<P> The hound sailed past her with only an inch to spare and Jennifer felt a strong breeze on her face. Panic soared through her and she felt stiff with fear. She wanted to scream but could not bring herself to do so.<P> Suddenly finding the courage to look behind her she saw Susan also frozen in shock, the midwife's hand almost white from gripping Jennifer's dress.<P> "Th& thank you," stuttered Jennifer.<P> "Uh-huh," was all Susan could say.<P> They could hear the hound circling them, but what made it worse was the fact they could not see anything. A deathly howl came through the thickening fog to them and within seconds there were two more howls.<P> "Run," commanded Susan.<P> The two women ran but the fog was confusing Jennifer, were they going towards Tanner's or were they headed in the wrong direction. All she could think about was her children and their safety.<P> The fog itself began to thin a little and Jennifer wanted to slow down and look about in order to get her bearings again. She knew that the hounds would just attack her and rip her and Susan to shreds. She had to keep going but she felt her chest burning and her breathing was heavy. There was a horrible feeling that she was going to be sick, rising up in her. It felt worse than anything she had experienced while pregnant.<P> Susan suddenly turned to Jennifer, pointing off through the distance. "That's Wallace Browne's shop over there. We're nearly there."<P> Jennifer wanted to feel relieved, she wanted to relax but she knew that she could not until she was safely inside Tanner's house.<P> "Hello?" called a voice through the fog.<P> There was someone there, it was a man. Jennifer did not recognise the voice but it sounded terrified.<P> "He could help us," stated Susan as pulled Jennifer towards the voice.<P> They ran through into a patch of clear space and saw a man covered in snow standing on top of a carriage. A look of recognition came over Susan's face.<P> "Do you know him?"<P> "He was trying to sell something to Richard Reynolds earlier."<P> Susan and Jennifer ran to the carriage and turned to look behind them. Jennifer had some experience of dealing with wild dogs. The two women could see the hounds approaching through the fog. Their spectral forms hidden by the white swirling around them.<P> Something heavy was weighing Jennifer's pocket down and she knew what she had to do.<P> "Are you all right?" asked Susan of the merchant.<P> "I've been better; these creatures came and tried to attack me. I got up here and then I saw you."<P> Jennifer ignored the chatter next to her and felt her fingers grasp around the cold metal in her pocket. There was an ivory inlay into the handle that felt warm in contrast. Her palms were clammy from fear and she was scared to do what she had to do.<P> Pulling the gun from her pocket she released the safety feature and pointed it at the central hound. She knew it could be hurt from when she had hit it with her bag. A bullet in the head should be enough to stop it.<P> Jennifer squeezed the trigger, her hand was trembling.<P> There was a loud crack and within seconds, the lead hound appeared to somersault backwards. The other two beasts froze where they were, as though considering their fate.<P> "I am not a woman to be crossed. Come any nearer and I will shoot again, my babies will be protected!" Jennifer screamed at the pitch of her voice, flecks of spittle flew from her lips. Her hair was wild and her eyes mad. She was a woman with a purpose.<P> Laurie was crying loudly in Jennifer's arms now. Susan looked shocked and the merchant was more than surprised.<P> The hounds retreated, as if they had understood what Jennifer had said. Susan reacted instantly and grabbed the gun off of Jennifer who stood there frozen in anger, staring at the retreating beasts. The merchant climbed down from the carriage roof quickly and stood beside the two women.<P> "What now?"<P> "We have a friend we're headed to, it should be safe, or at least somewhere we can defend."<P> Jennifer pulled Laurie in tightly to her bosom and turned to head in the direction of Tanner's house. Susan followed quickly and signalled for the merchant to follow.<P> As Robert Percivale began to follow he scratched at his arm, it had been bothering him since this morning. Rolling up his sleeve he noticed a rash on his arm. Had one of his concoctions got on his skin  it sometimes happened. Ignoring it for now, he rolled his sleeve back down and followed the women to their destination.<P> <HR><P> Quantas closed the door to his house behind him and looked about. Cherrylin and Scarlett sat on the seats, huddled together. He rushed towards Cherrylin as she stood up. The pair embraced for a long moment.<P> "What's going on?" asked Cherrylin.<P> "I don't know," replied Quantas, his breathing was short but deep as though he had run home.<P> "Will we die?" asked Scarlett.<P> It was an exceptionally dark question to ask. Scarlett seemed to occupy her mind with pretty much the darkest thoughts possible. Ever since Elias had passed away the young woman had sunk into a dark place. Her friendship with Cherrylin appeared to have drawn her out again. Quantas did not want to answer the question for fear of driving home to himself how useless he was.<P> "I don't know," he eventually replied. "At least everyone's safe just now, that's the important thing."<P> Suddenly the ground seemed to lurch beneath Quantas and he staggered forward towards Scarlett. He fell to his knees and his head landed in her lap. He could smell her perfume enticing his nostrils and his manhood. He looked up ad saw Scarlett smirk at him.<P> Hearing a gasping shriek he jumped to his feet, Cherrylin had fallen to the ground and her dress was splayed about her. Quantas jumped to his feet and ran to Cherrylin to help her to her feet, he could see Scarlett smiling to herself out of the corner of his eye but when he looked again she was sitting demure.<P> "What was that?" asked Cherrylin as she rushed to the bedroom to check on Charlotte.<P> "I don't know," said Quantas as he raced to the window and looked out. The fog was thicker and the falling snow was getting heavier  Quantas struggled to see anything outside at all.<P> A thundering noise as if a herd of horses were galloping down the main street could be heard in the room and all three looked at each other in terror.<P> <HR><P> Susan ran up the path, keeping John tightly to her in his blanket. She had a terrible headache but at least they had reached their destination. Using her free hand, Susan banged on the door.<P> "Tanner, get out here now!"<P> Jennifer and Robert Percivale arrived moments later. The merchant now had the gun and was checking for any more of the hounds.<P> Susan was about to bang on the door again when Tanner opened it quickly. He looked at the congregation I front of him.<P> "Well it was only a matter of time; I knew you couldn't keep away from me in a time of crisis."<P> "Enough with the jokes," stated Susan harshly. "What is going on and how do we stop it?"<P> It was at that point that a deep rumbling could be felt through the ground and everything seemed to pitch off at an angle. Tanner caught Susan while Jennifer seemed to have turned into a rock and stood perfectly upright.<P> "Look at the sky," gasped Robert.<P> Tanner, Susan and Jennifer all looked up. The point where the clouds had been spiralling towards now held a terrifying sight. A large group of men on horses were coming out of the sky surrounded by more of the hellish spectral hounds.<P> "Everyone, get in now!" Tanner was forceful with his order.<P> <HR><P> The thundering noises had concerned Richard Reynolds and Alexandra now found herself climbing the stairs to where Edgar Reynolds was trying to recuperate. They got to the top of the stairs and walked down a corridor that had large paintings either side of them. Alexandra found herself quite intimidated by the grandeur of these paintings.<P> The door to the bedroom was opened and Alexandra was surprised at how bare it was compared to the previous rooms she had seen. The room smelt musty and she saw Edgar Reynolds lying on the bed in pain.<P> Alexandra took it upon herself to grab the cloth next to the bed and mop Edgar's brow, trying to get rid of the sweat that was running down his face.<P> "You do that with practised ease." Richard seemed genuinely impressed at Alexandra's down to business nature.<P> "I used to look after my older sister until she& " Alexandra tailed off as she remembered all the pain her sister had put her through.<P> "I remember. That was about the time Constable Crane came to town."<P> "Indeed, and because of my sister bringing him here, he's dead now."<P> "I'm sure that's only coincidental," Richard was trying to be reassuring.<P> "Maybe, but it is hard to think about all the consequences of my sister's insanity."<P> "Well it's in the past now." Richard smiled at the woman before him. He had heard many stories about her, but from what he could see it looked as though she had taken on all the guilt from her sister's actions, a burden she did not need to bare. Familial guilt was something that Richard Reynolds was quite familiar with.<P> <HR><P> Tanner felt his breath running fast, his brain was firing electrical sparks as thoughts ran back and forth. He knew this was mostly due to the opium he had taken but enough of him was awake that he knew enough to realise what was going on. If he was right, this was the end of everything.<P> As the last of his guests filed into the house, Tanner threw the door closed. The loud bang caused the baby Susan was holding to start bawling loudly. The noise seemed to sear right through him, and his skin felt as though it were being burned by hot pokers. Tanner was about to tell Susan to get the child to be quiet to let him think until he saw a thin line of red running from her nose.<P> "Susan, you're nose, it's bleeding."<P> Susan reached up and touched her nose; she pulled her hand away and saw the red blood on her finger tips. She had been feeling frail all day and this thumping headache was not helping. She felt her pulse in her head, thudding against her skull, screaming to get out and explode.<P> "I've had a headache all day, ever since the thundering started. It's like I've had a severe vision. There was nothing there though, no vision, no premonition, not even a fleeting glance."<P> Tanner grabbed some books from shelves and dropped them onto the table, before dropping himself into the hard leather chair. "If I'm right, then this is very, very bad news for all of us."<P> The paper felt dry in his hands as he flipped the pages desperately searching fro a clue. His eyes scanned the words and pictures trying to find an entry that could answer his questions.<P> Jennifer had sat down on a small couch and had the twins next to her now. She had calmed both of her children but not herself. The experience of firing a gun at the hound had left her shaken. Jennifer, while a strong woman in her own right, had become used to relying on Alexander and his death had rocked her world.<P> "Is it hot in here?" asked Robert, the merchant.<P> "Not particularly," replied Susan as she pinched her nose in an attempt to stymie the flow of blood. Susan's eyes regarded the merchant cautiously, he was scratching his arms and there were beads of sweat on his brow. She reasoned it could just be the strenuous activity of the last hour, but there was something nagging her.<P> Suddenly Tanner sprang up from his chair as one of the books went flying through the air pages fluttering before falling to the ground. He sprang across the room with a sense of urgency and closed one set of curtains.<P> "Quickly, close all the curtains; block the windows."<P> "What is it?" asked Susan as she tried to help.<P> "Ghost Riders."<P> "What are they?" asked Jennifer as the sight of the horse backed men came flooding back to her.<P> "Herlathing. A group of huntsmen that signals a coming catastrophe. It's said... Tanner searched for a book and grabbed a small, old looking one that had a dark red cover.  Ah, here it is. It's said that if some one witnesses the huntsmen they will take them and carry that person to the land of the dead. <P>  So, just a normal day in Serton then, quipped Susan.<P>  This isn't a laughing matter. Jennifer's tone belied an annoyance at her friend's glib attitude towards the revelation of what was happening.<P> Casting aside Jennifer's criticism she looked at Tanner and asked the question that everyone in the room wanted to ask.  How do we deal with it? <P> Tanner sat down in the chair and visibly slumped.  I don't know. We need Shane who has dealt with them before. He told me once about them, it's why I recognised them when they initially appeared. <P>  Oh, we need Shane. Something seemed to be building in Susan, her eyes flashed with anger and then she pounced.  It was your attitude that drove him away from this town. You drove everyone away from you at the end of last year. <P>  What? That's ridiculous. Tanner did not fight back much as it was obvious, even to him, that there was truth in Susan's argument.<P>  Ridiculous? He came to you for help and what did you do? You turned him away. Tanner, he was supposed to be our friend. You sound better now, but whatever was causing that attitude destroyed that friendship and now because of that it looks like we could all die. <P> Jennifer could take it no longer, the shouting, the recrimination and the fear had all become too much. She stood up and shouted at Tanner as well. The man was taking a battering from both sides.  This only strengthens my resolve to leave this hellish town. Tanner, if you want this town you can have it. I'm leaving you everything that was Alexander's in Serton. <P> Tanner was about to reply when there was a crashing from behind them. The merchant had staggered sideways into some shelving, his face pale and drawn.<P>  What's wrong? asked Susan urgently.<P> Robert lifted his face to her, his eyes belied a pain. Suddenly his body convulsed and he moved his hand up to his mouth quickly but it was too late. Dark brown vomit spewed forth and spattered onto the floor.<P> <HR><P>  I agree, this will have a significant impact upon the speed at which the Council moves. Greenville pulled the curtain shut and returned to his seat next to Drake.<P>  We need to make it through. <P>  Easily done, just don't look out the window. With the three split up there is no longer a pressing need to get things done. Time to sit back and relax for a while. <P> Greenville sat back in his chair and took a long draw on his cigar. As he pulled it away from his lips he blew a long line of smoke into the air.<P>  This is definitely something we could use to our advantage, concluded Greenville.<P> <HR><P>  I want to see outside, murmured Edgar as he stirred in his bed, his words sounded like fevered ramblings.<P> Richard looked at Alexandra with concern, which turned to worry as his father opened his eyes and struggled with the bed covers. Richard jumped across the room and tried to restrain Edgar but the man appeared to be posed by some strength. Richard was pushed back and his father freed himself from the covers.<P>  Mr. Reynolds, please stop what you're doing. You need to get back into bed. Alexandra was trying to help.  You're not a well man. <P> Edgar padded his his bare feet across the room, he had a nightdress on which was damp with sweat. He walked ever nearer the window and Richard began to move towards him to pull him away. The dark sky beyond looked ominous and then suddenly horse hooves crashed through the window.<P> Shard of glass flew everywhere and Alexandra instinctively threw herself behind the bed as glass flew overhead. From her position she could see a ghostly figure on the horse grab Edgar Reynolds.<P>  Richard, your father. <P> Richard had seen what was happening and rushed forward to grab Edgar. It was a tug of war between the spectral huntsman and Richard, there was only one way it could end. The ghost rider seemed to move with astounding speed and suddenly the hilt of a sword was smashed into Richard's face, he let go of his father and fell to the ground.<P> Alexandra climbed to her feet, but it was too late. The horseman had gone leaving a gapping hole where the large window had been. She ran to Richard and helped him to his feet, he had a large bruise already forming on his face where the sword had struck him.<P> Richard touched his face and winced in pain, he looked at Alexandra, totally lost.  We need to do something. I need to get him back. <P> Alexandra was silent for a long moment, she knew that if Shane had not left then she would have been safe, he would have protected her but now she was unsure of what would happen. It was all her fault that he had left. Eventually she spoke,  I know someone who might be able to help. <P>  Who? asked Richard desperately.<P>  Tanner Williams. <P> <HR><P> Susan was trying her best to see if she could make the merchant more comfortable. He was lying on the floor shivering uncontrollably and looked very ill. Suddenly there was nothing but silence. It was not just any silence, it was the quiet before an ominous beginning, that moment where things gather their thoughts before striking. It was this moment that set Susan's heart racing.<P> Glancing across at Jennifer she noticed that her friend was spending her time focused on the twins, it was giving her something to take her mind of the situation. Tanner was also buried in books trying to find a solution to their problem.<P> There was a thud on the roof, and everyone looked up first before looking at each other. There was more thudding, as though a booted man were walking above them. Everyone in the room froze in what they were doing.<P> Robert suddenly started coughing, a loud hacking cough that seemed to come from his boots, he struggled onto his side to help him cough better.<P>  Get him quiet, hissed Tanner.<P> The sound above them seemed to increase as whatever was above them moved about more, or perhaps it had been joined by others. They had no way of knowing what was going on above them.<P> The merchant would not stop coughing and Susan decided it was time for drastic action. She put her mouth over Robert's mouth and clamped it down tight.<P> There was a noise outside Tanner's front door and Susan felt a tingle of fear run through her whole body as she froze motionless again. Was the door locked?<P> There was more movement outside and then suddenly the door handle started to shift. Slowly but surely the door was about to be opened. Tanner reacted quickly, he moved as quietly as he could across the room and got to the front door. The key was still in the lock and he turned it as slowly and carefully as he could. As it completed its final turn it made a loud clunking noise that sounded deafening in the silence of the room.<P> Suddenly the handle was tried forcefully and there was banging on the door, Tanner kept himself pressed up against it, as though he could block anyone who tried to get through his door.<P> Then, slowly, the handle returned to its normal position and all was silent again. Susan, Tanner and Jennifer looked at each other too afraid to move still. Had the threat passed?<P> Susan wanted to rush across to the window, throw open the curtains and look out but she was terrified that if she did that there would be someone looking in as she did it. So, instead, she sat and waited.<P> <HR><P> Quantas stood in his house trying to figure things out. He was scared and did not know what to do. He wondered if Tanner and Susan were involved as he had met them during an unusual incident last year. He knew he had to do something, waiting about was not something the big man was any good at.<P>  I'm going to see Tanner Williams, announced Quantas as he broke the silence in the room.<P> Cherrylin and Scarlett both looked up in surprise at the sudden noise.<P>  Why are you going? <P> Quantas looked at Cherrylin with a soft smile on his face.  I think he can help. I need to go to make sure that I can protect you all. If I know what is going on then maybe I can help stop it. <P> Quantas walked to the door.  Keep Charlotte safe and barricade the door when I'm gone, let no one in. <P> Quantas pulled open the door and gave a quick glance at the two women before closing the door behind him.<P> <HR><P> There had been silence for several long moments however Tanner was still pressed up against the door. Susan was beside Robert who was getting sicker by the minute and Jennifer was trying to be strong for her babies.<P> Suddenly there was a banging on the door.<P> "Why wont they leave us alone," sobbed Jennifer as the emotion of the situation finally caught up with her.<P> The banging continued, but it did not sound the same as before, it sounded hurried and urgent. It was then that a voice called out from beyond the door.<P> "Mr. Williams, please, if you're there let us in. It's Alexandra Summers."<P> Tanner hesitated momentarily as if weighing the risks of opening the door.<P> "For God sake Tanner, let them in," shouted Susan.<P> Tanner turned the key quickly and pulled the door open. Alexandra and Richard fell into the house. Tanner was about to close the door when he saw a figure in the distance  Quantas was running through the fog towards the now open door.<P> Suddenly there was a thud above them, something was moving across the roof. "Run Quantas."<P> The big man ran on faster until he was nearly at the front door. Quantas threw himself through the open doorway and landed on the ground with a thud. Tanner slammed the door behind him and locked it tight. There was banging on the door as whatever had been on the roof tried to get in - then all was eerily quiet once again.<P> "Quite the congregation we have here," said Tanner as he offered Quantas a hand up off of the floor.<P> "Alexandra, what's wrong?" asked Susan as she could see that the woman was distressed but was curious to know what was going on, especially since Richard Reynolds was with her.<P> "It's Edgar Reynolds," gasped Alexandra. The pair had clearly run across Serton to get here quickly. "He's been taken."<P> "By the horsemen?" asked Jennifer in alarm.<P> "Yes," replied Richard. "He was looking out of the window and they smashed through the window. I tried to stop them but& " Richard tailed off and gestured towards the livid bruise on his face. Looking at Tanner with a serious determination, Richard continued, "Alexandra said you could help."<P> Tanner looked away from everyone, "I don't know how much we can do. These are quite unstoppable. It seems from what I've read; they are merely a precursor to a much larger event. If we manage to wait it, out they will go."<P> "But what about Edgar?" begged Alexandra.<P> "Yes Tanner, What about Edgar?" The tone from Susan was accusing. "You're supposed to be this town's guardian, why have you decided to abandon your responsibilities now? You can't just pick and choose. You once told me that it was our duty to fight against the coming tide of evil, no matter what the personal cost to us. I've played my part. I've nearly broken my head open due to these visions, yet you have decided to cherry pick your assignments."<P> "Are you saying I don't care anymore?"<P> "I don't know what it is? But you don't seem to act anymore. You've become reactive. You used to have a plan for everything but that's changed. Tanner we need you to act& "<P> Susan went to draw a breath but at that point a small trickle of blood rolled from her nose, her hands went up to her head and she screamed in pain before collapsing to the ground. The world around her faded to black and she was confused and alone. There was a noise of breathing and it was getting closer.<P> Feeling a presence behind her, Susan spun around and found the beast within inches of her face. She could feel its clammy breath on her skin.<P> "You're dead," she stated calmly.<P> Surprisingly, the beast answered in perfect English. "I'm coming for you."<P> Susan was shocked, was this just a vision or was this vision a communication from somewhere else.<P> The face of the beast began to dissolve and it stood upright more. The midwife watched as it appeared to change shape and become something else. After a moment she recognised who was standing before her  Taribo.<P> "Susan, you're safe, I arrived in time."<P> "Taribo, what's going on, what was that?"<P> "The arrival of the hunt has opened up a way for a message to get to you."<P> "But the beast is dead; its skull sits on a shelf in my house."<P> "The form it takes here once summoned is dead. It's still alive where it came from. I think it sees you as a way through to the world. I managed to block it though, I steered you away from danger."<P> "You're getting better at this guide business," said Susan.<P> "That's not important just now."<P> "Indeed, what I want to know is if we can stop these ghost riders."<P> "The hunt? No, your group is weak without a hunter."<P> Susan opened her eyes, her head was sore and she was lying on the ground. Tanner, Alexandra and Richard were standing over her and Jennifer and Quantas were standing by the twins looking on concerned. Susan could see that Jennifer was standing between Quantas and the twins, and she wondered what their history had been.<P> "Are you all right?" asked Alexandra as she helped Susan to sit up.<P> "I'm sore but fine."<P> "What was the vision about?"<P> "Nothing, it wasn't related to this." Susan was unsure of what she had seen and was not sure if she wanted to talk about it yet.<P> <HR><P> Cherrylin was fussing over Charlotte as Scarlett walked into the room. The pair of women looked at each other momentarily before Cherrylin returned to the baby.<P> "I can see the way you look at each other."<P> "What do you mean?" asked Scarlett innocently.<P> "I'm not blind, I saw you looking at each other. I'm asking you politely to stand back." Cherrylin never once looked at Scarlett but continued to focus on Charlotte; it was the only thing keeping her calm.<P> "I don't want him."<P> "Then stop leading him on. I am not a wealthy woman; I do not have an estate, or the fact of youth to fall back on. Every day I get older and I want a child. I love Quantas and he wants to marry me, but you are getting in the way of that. Once again, I ask you, please stop."<P> Scarlett was about to reply, Cherrylin heard the intake of breath, when suddenly there was banging on the roof. Turning around to look at Scarlett, Cherrylin noticed that the young woman was terrified.<P> "Enough of this argument. Come here." Cherrylin outstretched her arms and beckoned Scarlett forward.<P> As the two women huddled inside the house, outside a spectral huntsman stood watch looking for signs of life. Above him the clouds still deep red, swirled about the single point. The sky looked as though it had been swathed in blood that was now being drained away. All through this the ominous clouds cracked the thunder of gods.<P> <HR><P> Tanner knew he had to pull himself together. Susan was right, he was this town's guardian and he had been neglecting that roll. He had to reclaim himself but for that he needed focus, and the opium was not helping. It was helping to relive the pain of living though. The memories he had been gifted had drained him and that was the real reason he could no longer guard Serton the way he once had. He had been given such a weight of responsibility for this town, that when he realised what had happened through the ages of time he knew it was small stuff.<P> The memories from Kerrigan had not been a gift but a curse. Tanner knew that something had to change; he had to get a plan together for this situation as the town had somehow begun to rely on him.<P> Robert Percivale started coughing again. Susan was by his side. Small flecks of blood started to spray forward and mark his pale lips. Alexandra, who kneeling next to Susan, leaned backwards to get away. There was a visible rash that had spread cross the merchant's neck.<P> "This is similar to your father, but far more advanced." Alexandra looked up at Richard as she gave him the news.<P> Richard looked at the merchant wondering if his father would soon suffer the same fate - that was if they could get him back.<P> Suddenly the merchant breathed in loudly, the sound seemed to be rattling around in his lungs as though the air was hard. Then, with a big cough, the air was expelled forcibly and Robert Percivale was dead.<P> The room fell silent as everyone looked at the dead man that lay in the corner. One of the twins made a gurgling noise but still no one moved.<P> Eventually, Tanner spoke. He knew that he had to act, someone had died already and he had to do something to end this madness.<P> "Quantas, can you drive a carriage?"<P> "I've never tried," replied the big man slowly.<P> "Well you're about to; I need your strength at the helm so to speak. We need to chase this hunt down. The late Mr. Percivale over there said that he had carriage, if we use that we can try and go after these ghost riders and get Edgar Reynolds back."<P> "Now, that's a plan," stated Susan triumphantly. "It is however absolutely foolish."<P> "I'm sure that applies to all my plans," replied Tanner with a wink towards his friend.<P> Tanner walked to a side room and after a moment, reappeared with two swords. He threw one towards Richard who grabbed the hilt and hefted it in his hand, as he checked the balance.<P> "You're coming; it is your father after all." Turning to look at Quantas, Tanner asked, "are you ready?"<P> "As ready as I'll ever be."<P> "Then let's get this show on the road." Tanner unlocked the door and pulled it open. With sword raised he peered outside, nothing was there. The snow was still falling heavily and the fog had thickened.<P> "We're clear to go." Tanner motioned for the other two men to follow. "Susan, lock this door behind me."<P> Susan stood up stiffly; she had been kneeling beside the merchant for quite some time without moving. As Tanner departed into the fog, she closed the door and locked it closed.<P> Alexandra stood up and walked across to a seat next to Jennifer who seemed to be fixated on Robert Percivale's body.<P> "Jennifer, is everything all right?" proved Susan gently.<P> "I& I just can't take it any more. All of this death, everywhere I go. It seems that people come into my life and they die. Alexander, this merchant, Charlotte died in child birth at my hands. Even Simon and his wife Prudence died unnecessary deaths."<P> "What do you intend to do?"<P> "I'm resolved, I have to leave Serton. I'm going to look after his business and make sure someone doesn't run it into the ground and I will raise my children in a good and safe home. That's assuming I survive."<P> "Is running away the right decision, should you not stay and fight? You've come so far in the last year?"<P> Jennifer sighed and looked at Susan with a sad expression on her face. "Even without the children I was only coping with the darkness while Alexander was by my side. Now that Laurie and John are here, all I can think about is them. The only way I can cope and live a sane live is by running away."<P> <HR><P> Richard was leading the way as he knew exactly where the merchant had set up. There were noises and howls coming through the fog. They unsettled him, as Richard had no idea what these creatures were, or what they were doing here. His father, Edgar, was his main thought.<P> "How much further," asked Tanner.<P> "Nearly there."<P> Suddenly there was a growling and out of the fog one of the hounds jumped straight for Richard who had turned around and was now facing Tanner. Quantas reacted quickly and leapt forward; he shoved Richard out of the way and grabbed the hound by its front legs. The course fur stung Quantas's hands and he threw the creature to the side where it disappeared into the fog and snow.<P> "The snowfall is silencing their movement," warned Quantas.<P> Tanner looked at the big man and wondered whether or not the world was beginning to correct itself, had the position of hunter been filled already?<P> The group moved on more cautiously, Tanner held his sword high and he crept through the fog looking around for any sign of an attacker. There was a muffled silence, save for the sound their feet made as they crunched through the fresh snow.<P> Slowly, the carriage revealed itself and the men moved forward quickly. The horse was still there, it seemed almost calm and serene.<P> "Quantas, take the reigns, Richard and I will be on top of the carriage, be careful not to make us fall off."<P> "I don't really know what I'm doing here."<P> "You'll pick it up," replied Tanner as he helped Richard onto the roof. The guardian passed up the two swords before making his way up as well.<P> Quantas, grudgingly climbed onto the driver's seat and flicked the reigns. The horse began to move forward and on top of the carriage, Tanner and Richard staggered slightly.<P> "Where to?" called Quantas.<P> "There's only one place that has enough unusual energy to help them move on. It's got to be the gorge."<P> Quantas steered the carriage as best as he could and the horse made its way through town towards the remains of the old guest house. Rebuilding had begun in earnest and it was nearly completed. Edgar Reynolds had bought the building from its former owner and was renovating it now.<P> The steered carriage was steered towards the path, which lead to the bridge over the gorge. Upon passing the, church Tanner turned to Richard and spoke. "If only Leonard was here, he was quite the swordsman."<P> "Really? Father McGuigan?" asked Richard in surprise.<P> "Yes, indeed."<P> The road was getting rougher and the carriage was getting more difficult to stand on.<P> "I see them," shouted Quantas from below and he spurred the horses on faster.<P> The ghost riders were head but they were beginning to retreat from the town. Several of the huntsmen had already ridden over the bridge and were now headed towards the point in the sky that they had erupted out of.<P> "We're not going to make it," lamented Richard.<P> Tanner was determined not to fail; he had to prove to himself that everything was fine. "We'll make it." He scanned the riders and then spotted Edgar towards the back. Tanner pointed ahead.<P> "I see him," shouted Richard over the noise of the carriage.<P> They were drawing ever nearer as they got faster and faster.<P> Suddenly they struck a small bump and the carriage wavered. Richard staggered back but felt a strong grip on his arm; Tanner had caught him and prevented him from falling over edge to certain danger.<P> The carriage erupted out of the tree lined path and onto the bridge. The noise of the rapidly spinning wheels on the wood below was intense. The two men raised their swords as they drew ever closer to one of the huntsmen. As the carriage drew level with the spectral horse, Tanner swung the sword and it struck its intended victim.<P> The huntsman reacted instantly and raised a large sword itself. It turned and looked at Tanner with ghostly eyes and swung its sword, Tanner dodged it and it struck the carriage causing splinters of wood to explode upwards and at the two men. The huntsman recovered quickly and swung again, Tanner wasn't ready but Richard managed to get his sword between the huntsman and Tanner. He felt the force go up through his arm and he was pushed back, catching Tanner.<P> As both men staggered backwards, their balance lost, the huntsman went to swing again. Quantas, however, had spurred the horse on the weapon missed the carriage. The huntsman seemed to loose his balance and slowed down.<P> "We're nearly there," called Tanner. Edgar Reynolds was nearly in front of them. "Quantas, try to get level with that horse."<P> Quantas flicked the reigns to drive the horse on faster and as each second past, they drew level with the horse.<P> The huntsman on this horse was ready and swung its sword at the two men. Tanner blocked the blow as he ordered Richard, "Grab your father."<P> Quantas was struggling to keep the carriage speed up and the horse was looking tired.<P> Richard knelt down and leaned forward as he tried to grab Edgar. The huntsman turned to look at what was happening.<P> "Don't look into its eyes," advised Tanner.<P> Swinging the sword, the huntsman tried to take Tanner by surprise, but the guardian was ready once again and stopped the sword. The force of the blow was quite exceptional and a sudden pain shot through his arm.<P> Richard had a strong grasp of Edgar and pulled, the older man was heavy and he fell off the horse. Richard fell forward and Edgar's feet nearly struck the ground.<P> "I've got him& just," shouted Richard as he struggled to hold on to the man. His knuckles were white from the strain and the movement of the carriage over the wooden slats was not helping.<P> The huntsman came in for another strike but this time Quantas slowed and the sword missed by inches. Tanner watched the ghost rider pull up his horse to a standstill and saw the ghostly eyes staring at him.<P> The guardian knew that to look in their eyes was enough to mark you for taking but instead of the rider drawing closer, there was a hint of fear in its eyes as Tanner looked at it.<P> Looking away the huntsman spurred his horse on and it disappeared into the fog.<P> The carriage drew to a stop and Quantas sagged forward, suddenly relieved to have this over and done with. Richard felt the cloth from his father's nightdress slip from his hands and Edgar fell the few inches onto his feet, where upon he slid to the ground.<P> Tanner looked at the two men, they seemed exhausted, physically and emotionally. The guardian felt good, he felt alive. He had found that he could still function as himself, even with the opium. In fact, Tanner surmised that he functioned better.<P> Suddenly s small shaft of sunlight began to filter down from the sky as it began to return to normal.<P> Standing tall and proud, Tanner could only feel victory in the moment.<P> <HR><P> <B>THREE DAYS LATER</B><P> The fog had not lifted; in fact it was thicker and more pervasive than before. Alexandra stood looking out of the window at men milling about below. They had come to repair the damaged window from Edgar's bedroom. In the mean time Edgar had been moved to a guest room.<P> Alexandra turned and looked at her new charge. Due to the help she had been in getting his father back, Richard had felt indebted and had given Alexandra the job she had sought. Her sole duty was to take care of Edgar and make sure that he was kept as comfortable as possible.<P> Richard had gone out of town for a few days to try and get a doctor that he knew to come and help restore Edgar's health.<P> She felt good around Richard; they had quite a friendly air around each other and seemed to get on well. There was a definite improvement in her life and the job was helping to fill her day and give her purpose.<P> Alexandra was altogether more hopeful for the future than she had been for a long time. It was a good feeling and she smiled a big genuine smile.<P> <HR><P> Quantas sat next to Cherrylin on a couch. Cherrylin lay on Quantas's chest as his big, muscular arms were wrapped around her.<P> "So you'll come?" asked Cherrylin as she looked up at Quantas.<P> "Yes of course. Although you did suggest it to Scarlett did you now, this whole idea of a trip was to help her get away as much as us. We can't just leave her behind."<P> "Yes, of course, we couldn't do that." Cherrylin forced a smile to her face.<P> "If we get packing tonight, we could leave tomorrow." Quantas moved Cherrylin off of him and stood up. "Shall we begin?"<P> <HR><P> Jennifer felt blank, as though she was unsure of how she should be feeling. Of course there was a sense of melancholy but she also felt joy. She locked the door to her house for the last time.<P> Turning to Susan, she handed the key across and picked up the last of her bags.<P> "Make sure that Tanner gets that, I stand by my promise that he should have all that was Alexander's in Serton."<P> "You could sell it for a small fortune." Susan was still confused that Jennifer had stood by her rather rash decision to leave all off Alexander's property in Serton to Tanner.<P> "I already have a small fortune, Alexander amassed such a wealth, the twins and I will never want for anything."<P> Jennifer walked down the path towards the waiting carriage. As she got to it, the driver opened the door and Jennifer handed him her bag. The driver took it and placed it into the carriage.<P> Jennifer turned to Susan and looked at her friend. "There's so much I have to thank you for I wouldn't know where to start."<P> "It's fine, I understand. Just don't let up on your studies as you would make an excellent midwife for sure."<P> Jennifer's eyes started to well up. "I can't believe that I am getting this emotional over someone I barely knew a year ago."<P> "Me too," said Susan as she wiped a tear from her eye. "You will write and keep in touch."<P> "I will. If only it had been different, if only I hadn't been so selfish before and we had known each other."<P> "If only the darkness hadn't come."<P> The women fell silent for a long moment.<P> "Give my love to John and Laurie."<P> "I will," said Jennifer as she reached forward and gave Susan a warm hug. As tears began to flow freely, Jennifer stepped backwards. "I have to go, I really do."<P> "We'll miss you," said Susan as Jennifer climbed into the carriage.<P> "Good luck with Tanner, keep him on the straight and narrow. He is a good man."<P> "I'll try," said Susan with a feint smile.<P> Jennifer pulled the carriage door closed behind her and Susan stood and watched as it pulled off. The grooves that the wheels left in the snow, the evidence that she had been there, slowly vanished as the snow began to fall again. Then, almost as if Jennifer had never existed, the carriage disappeared into the fog and was gone.<P> <CENTER><B>THE END</B><P></CENTER> <LI>Episode 50 - continues the story with a what if episode...<P> </font></td> </tr></tbody></table> </center></body></html>