Echoes from the Caverns

 

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another scary tale from Fetid SirDidy.  It is entitled

Supper

Background music by Smartsound

The butcher’s massive knife descended with a grace that would rival even the best swordsman. The blade gleamed while it made its descent, reflecting pearls of sunlight that sparkled off the iron cookware that lay scattered about his worktable. It cut through scale and bone with ease and made a thwack sound as it came to rest on the wood before him where a monstrous fish lay. With a flick of his wrist, the butcher flung aside a large plated head which landed on the ground a few feet away from him. Two mangy dogs who had been soundlessly watching pounced on the head instantly and began tearing at it with tooth and nail.Placing the large knife down, the butcher reached into the belt at his side, unsheathed another one that had a long slender blade, and proceeded to deftly fillet the ancient looking behemoth. When finished, he gently placed the thick strips of meat into a leather sack and held it, along with his other hand, out. A man with a pointed and lordish looking face grabbed the sack and tossed a few coins on the table. The butcher only nodded and wiped the blade off on his blood-stained apron.Throughout the rest of the day the butcher received all manner of creatures which he cut, quartered and divided up skillfully. The coins piled up ever so slowly and the blood on the table increasingly pooled along with them.At last the sun began to dip toward the horizon and the butcher made his way home. Before entering, he removed his blood-soaked apron and dipped it into a barrel of water beside the door. The clear water in the barrel darkened, creating a pool of radiant hues of pink that matched the sky as the sun set. The butcher stood for a moment and watched as the sky brightened for a moment in a dazzling flash of brilliance and then went dark. With a few strong twists he wrung out the apron and went inside, closing the door behind him.A large steaming cauldron hung above the fireplace hearth, and the butcher’s stomach rumbled as he stirred the pot with a long-handled spoon. The fire crackled and cast shadows that danced on wood and stone. Aside from a polished dark table that sat in the opposite corner and a cage on the floor next to it, the room was mostly bare.Filling a bowl, he shuffled to the table and sat down. As he ate, he glanced at the cage on the floor beside the table. In it, a gagged man with eyes wide, murmured softly. His left arm had been removed at the elbow and had stitches caked with dried blood. His right hand, with wounds far more fresh, was missing all of its fingers.

 

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another wonderful tale from Womby.  It is entitled

Souvenir

Background music by SmartsoundThe badly mutilated body revealed a tale both silent and eloquent. The shattered sword in its hand told of a fierce battle, while the head resting some distance away spoke of a particularly brutal end to what must have been a terrifying struggle for survival. A battle that was lost, unwitnessed, in this impossibly convoluted series of underground passages.Something caught Womby’s eye and he bent down and retrieved a note lying next to the body.“To the person reading this note: I guess if you are seeing this then I must have been killed. Shed no tears for a reckless adventurer. It was bound to happen one day. However, should you ever find yourself in Ardoris, I beseech you to inform the guards of a criminal who goes by the name Fluffington. Glib of tongue he is, for he managed to extract my life savings in return for a worthless map that has resulted in my death. May he suffer eternal torment!”Womby Fluffington pocketed the note before returning to the exit. Another souvenir for his collection.

 

 

 

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another wonderful tale from Womby.  It is entitled

Journey to Kingsport

Background music by Smartsound

 

According to his hastily scribbled map the tavern was located in Kingsport.It had taken hours of torture to extract that information from Lord Xychra. Not much of a result after investing all that valuable time.Still, Lord Xychra had mentioned an associate who ran a tavern in Kingsport. Perhaps he could be fooled into leading him to the stash.After locating the tavern nestled by the Kingsport docks, Dhank stepped inside to discover a small, dimly lit bar that had obviously seen better days.The only occupant was the bartender, who paused what he was doing to glance up. A slightly raised eyebrow demanded an explanation for this intrusion.“Lord Xychra sent me” said Dhank. “He has directed me to collect some items from his stash, and asked me to show you this as proof”.With that he dropped Lord Xychra’s ring on the bar. The same ring that less than 24 hours earlier he had removed from his Lordship’s lifeless body.Slowly the bartender picked up the ring and examined it carefully. “Very well. Wait here while I fetch the key and write down some directions.”With that the barman left the room, and Dhank replaced the ring on his finger.The barman eventually returned with a rough parchment and a large iron key.“Follow these directions and they’ll take you where you need to go.”Following the directions was straightforward, as the location was only a short walk away, beneath the docks.The key opened a door into the town sewer and Dhank slowly made his way forward, cursing his oversight in not bringing a torch.He could no longer see the map and inched forward, first following the wall on his left, then the wall on his right before becoming hopelessly disoriented.Eventually the passage he was in led to a small platform overlooking a large channel filled with a dark and menacing liquid.It might have been water, but Dhank wasn’t about to bet his life on it.Suddenly he found himself rooted to the spot as he was struck by a spell cast from somewhere behind him.Dhank heard footsteps circle around him, then a torch flickered to life revealing the bartender who had sent him here.“Lord Xychra would never have parted with that ring. It’s a shame that you killed him. He used to send me the ingredients for my special meals.”The bartender came closer as he spoke, and Dhank could see that he wore a butcher’s apron and carried a large set of knives hanging from a leather belt around his waist.On the opposite side of the platform, visible for the first time in the light of the torch, Dhank could see a butcher’s station.“I guess you’re the last.”

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with another great story by Fetid SirDidy. It’s entitled

“The home on Spectral Peaks”

Background music by Smartsound

“It was a dark and stormy night.”

In the candlelight Liam looked at the page while his left eye twitched madly – something had gotten in his damned eye. He rubbed at it, knuckling it deeply. He tried to focus on the words written on the page, but they were obfuscated by a veil of blurriness.

Crumpling the page, he tossed it aside, laid out a fresh one, and began again.

Or at least he tried.

The wind howled outside and the shutters on his window shook in brief intermittent spasms.

Clack, clack. Clack, clack.

Liam caught himself chewing on his thumb nail;

His mind had wandered again.

He licked the feathered pen in his hand and dipped it into the ink pot that sat on his desk. Holding the pen above the fresh parchment, he pondered for a moment and then brought it down. But he did not write.

Ink began to spread out in a circle where he held pen to paper.

The pen did not move.

Liam did not move.

A noise outside had caused Liam to utterly freeze. The sound came from something foreign, something strange, something terrifying.

Something Liam could not fathom was outside. He was certain it was there. And that certainty scared him into the paralytic stupor he found himself in.

Clack, clack. Clack, clack.

The noise came again, and Liam began to whimper.

Clack, clack. Clack, clack.

Liam remained still but his eyes darted toward the door.

He thought he heard scratches.

Clack, clack. Clack, clack.

The shutters shook with more intensity. The latch finally gave way and the shutters burst inward, and along with them a bout of frigid air.

Then, suddenly, the wind died down and the shutters on the windows settled, then lay still.

Liam let go of the pen. It lay, still spreading its ink on the paper. He took a deep breath. His heartbeat slowed. And then he let out a laugh; a full belly laugh. God, he hadn’t laughed like that in ages.

All was quiet while moments passed.

His mind had wandered again like it always had.

Walking to the window, Liam looked outside.

All he saw was dark. But the dark did not frighten him.

He moved to his bedside, pulled down his trousers and got into bed.

Leaning over, he snuffed out the candle on his bedside table, and closed his eyes.

While in a deep sleep, large brown spidery arms pieced the window shutters and a multitude of beady eyes stared at Liam as he slept.

In his dreams, while horrors consumed his waking body, Liam heard the shutters.

Clack, clack. Clack clack.

 

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a couple more wonderful horror stories from Fetid SirDidy. Background music by Smartsound.

 

“Harvest Night”A dull hum was all he heard, and what he saw was a fiery sky.Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.The sky was painted with brush strokes of orange and red and brown. Leaves of the same color fell all around him, and he danced as they did.Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.He saw his father’s hands, blistered and raw. He saw his mother’s apron, tattered and stained. He saw the local magistrate bray and scorn, and he saw the local boys and girls laugh and mock.Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.He saw the tall grass swaying in the wind. He saw the shadows of the windmills walking across the ridge. He felt the House on the Hill scream as it lay still.Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.He saw the sun dip down. He saw the darkness swallow everything around. He walked toward the House as if bound.Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.He stood before the mold soaked door. He pressed damp wood with trembling hands. He stood on a threshold staring into an infinite dark.Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.He froze. A voice in the void whispered, but Wilhelm could not hear because he was deaf.He cried out. He knew it called out for them, but they could not hear because he was mute.He watched as the local boys and girls moved past him. They entered the darkness and were never heard from again.Wilhelm Santree was deaf and mute but he could still see.A dull hum was all he heard, and what he saw was a fiery sky.

 

“Arrow Black”The boy died on a Tuesday.The arrow that pierced his skull was fletched on a Wednesday but this was of no importance to anyone other than Rolf.Rolf stared at his breakfast. Two eggs, a slice of bread, and a glass of Ardoran orange juice.The eggs were runny, the bread stale, and the orange juice acidic.The same breakfast Rolf had eaten since being stationed here; 127 days and counting.127 days.127 nights in this god forsaken city.Rolf sat in the guard tower, hen feathers in right hand and wood shaft in his left as he skillfully assembled his object of destruction.In his minds eye he saw Tanya’s boy, Thomas Cumpston, and he shuddered as he imagined the light in the boy being snuffed out.Rolf put the arrow down and clenched his hands. Closed fists, open fists, closed fists.He dipped fingers into a small bowl of ashen paste and spread it along the shaft of the arrow he had just created.The bolt blackened.Rolf became darker.The iron head of the Black Arrow glistened in the early morning light. It’s target, a young Thomas Cumpston gleefully strode across the square.Rolf loosed the arrow and relished in the inevitability that followed; a symphony of screams.

This is Black Rose Chronicles 13, by Belladonna Rose, narrated by Joline Sedai. Background music by Smartsound.

Visiting the various shops in Crossroads she made her way to the docks and spoke to the town crier who told her she could take a wagon or walk up the road a bit to get back to the main roadways. She decided to take the wagon. Once back on the road she looked out over the hillside and there near the coastline was a huge metropolis of buildings. The one in the center was very fancy looking. Walking down and bidding good day to those she passed she reached the gates of the city. Over the gate was a sign. Central Brittany. This must be where this Lord British fellow lives. Smiling she started towards the gate where one of the guards stopped her. He asked her name and her business and was a rather rude sort but she answered his questions. Once she gave her name and told him she was an Avatar he immediately saluted and offered to open the gate.

Before she could step through someone grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. The lady seemed quite pleasant and very enthusiastic. She started going on about the Hidden Vale and how lovely and secluded it was there. Explaining that there was plenty of adventuring to do there and even some towns to call home. Pulling Bella towards the docks she pointed to the large ship and explained that this ship would take her to the Hidden Vale if she decided to take a look. Then she patted Bella on the shoulder smiled and walked away.

Shaking her head at the lady who was waving to everyone she passed Bella decided she would take a look around Central Brittany first.

The city was massive and there were a variety of homes throughout the streets. Some fancy some not

so much. Would prove to show who had and had not. Finally making her way to the docks she asked about for the boat to this Hidden Vale. The few dock workers were kind enough to point in the right direction and she once again on her way. It was nice to set foot on the deck of a ship even though it was a small vessel.

After about an hour or so the bells on the ship deck chimed alerting all that they were setting sail. It was coming up close to dusk and she hoped it would not land them on shore after dark. That was always the one thing she hated about sailing. Coming into port in the dark. Although most of her arrivals were of that kind it still gave her an odd feeling. She had had many altercations with other ship captains and even authorities when she made landfall. Either to rob her, investigate her cargo or to just out right arrest her. The latter was more common though. Shaking her head and laughing to herself she thought back to many of those times. “You transport one bad shipment and they always think you are up to no good.”

As the ship entered the harbor she looked out over the prow to see the upcoming town come into view. It was not what she had expected. Ramshackle buildings and a few folk wandering about. Not what she would think of being a port town for sure. As they set anchor at the docks she started down the plank to the landing. Many of the buildings she could see had been boarded up and the town looked like it had and was having a rough time of it.

Stepping up the rickety walk there were several boats anchored there. A few to different towns and such. But not the hustle and bustle that would normally be seen at a port town. Sadness seemed to steep into her veins the further she walked. Most of the folk here were ragged and tattered. An old man approached and she tossed him a coin. Smiling his toothy smile he thanked her and went towards what looked like an inn. She followed him and went inside. This was not what she expected but it would do for now.

Sitting at a table a barmaid came by and told her what they had on hand and she ordered the meager meal and a tankard of ale. Hopefully one of the two would be good. Wiping the crumbs off the table she looked about.

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with a couple of thrilling stories from Fetit SirDidy. Background music by Smartsound

“The Man in the Kobold Dwelling”

As the Avatar approached the odd looking man, the smell of animals and rot filled his nostrils.

The sun above was a fiery eye, its stare a blazing inferno causing copious beads of sweat to materialize and run down his face in a torrent. Each drip instantly engulfed by dry earth.

Thermal waves emanated from the metal buildings and fencing around him and all was still save for the melodic turning of the windmill powered generators and a crow at the far side of the compound that picked at a bloodied carcass. Even at this distance the Avatar could hear the crow feasting, it’s beak pecking and tearing at exposed innards.

Upon hearing the Avatar’s approach the odd looking man held up a hand and beckoned him forward.

Sskkk. tsssk.. hello friend..sssskkk,” the man drawled.

Bringing clenched fist to mouth, the Avatar cringed at the site of what stood before him. He now saw that the odd looking man was actually a kobold that had the likeness of a Human man draped across its face. The human visage appeared to be tied on with leather string, like a carnival mask. As the kobold began to speak, his tongue flicked wildly behind rows of jagged teeth.

“Ah, I see you like my face…tsssk”, he chortled. The kobold turned his head left and right allowing the Avatar to appreciate the entirety of his Human mask.

As the Avatar slowly began to back away, laughter pulled his gaze near where the crow ripped at tattered flesh and vein. A trio of bodies lay sprawled on the hardened earth. One of the bodies was large and the other two were small. Two kobold younglings with clawed hands embraced gleefully danced around them, and upon their faces they wore masks of their own; with the likeness of human children.

“The Battle”

The minutes blurred into hours and the hours into days as the Avatar dodged and countered. His hands weakly held onto the wand as he flicked his hand wildly like a dying composer conducting his last symphony.

Just a little longer. Hold. Hold.

The avatar was near exhaustion. His reserves nearly spent. All the experience he had accumulated over the years was called into action as he fought, drawing every hidden ounce of power and bending it to his will.

At last the Cabalist, who had towered over him and caused his near exhaustion was defeated.

Looting his foes body, the avatar stood in horror. There, on the ground, lay a single gem, a single black pearl, and a rusted fork.

The avatar was haunted by that fork for the rest of his days

 

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, with the next chapter of a wonderful story from Belladonna Rose, entitledBlack Rose ChroniclesBackground music by Smartsound

 

The walk back to Soltown was quiet and solemn. Bella thought back to the people she met in the Solace Bridge encampment. They had all been through so much and yet many still survived and endured all they had been through. The children although a few were orphaned she was sure seemed to pull through and hold out for some form of hope. Playing and doing their best although a bit odd. Smiling at the children dancing around the campfire singing the Ballad of Bloody Bones seemed innocent enough. But after seeing that creature at the Ebon Dawn ritual sites she was not all that sure.Passing the awful bridge area again made the whole thing sink deep in her thoughts. There truly was something evil lurking about and causing all this trouble. She just hoped she could help end it all.And the sooner the better it would seem.Entering the edge of Soltown she was greeted by the refugees there at the campsite. Captain Stanley waved from the edge of the docks as he ushered more folk from who knew where. Patting her sides she remembered she had to deliver a message for him to some town called Ardoris. As she walked up to Stanley his smile dimmed a bit. She thought to herself ..Do I look that bad? Do I show some sort of misery to him that I bring bad news? Odd she would think this but it must show on her face. She had always been so good about hiding things like this.“Ahhh Avatar…I mean Mistress Belladonna. Good to see you have managed well from the outskirts. I take you have news for me?”“Yes I bear a message from Captain Kinsey. She bade me inform you that they are holding down things there despite some interruptions. But things are going well. A few folk are packing up to move on for other parts but most seem content to stay there.”Frowning a bit he looked down at his feet…then looked back up into her face.“I don’t know if things will ever be alright again M’lady but tis good that we have you Outlanders here to help out. Meaning no disrespect mind you. It’s good to have you here. Things in Soltown have been a bit strange of late but I guess that goes with so many refugees about.”She gave him a puzzled look and turned to look over her shoulder.“They all seem to be faring well at the moment. Not sure what else could be going on.”“Ahhh well see that is the thing. The regular folk of town are a might up in arms over the folks from Solace Bridge being here. Rag tagged and all. They feel that what happened at the bridge might find its way here. And quite frankly we are not equipped or manned for such an assault.”Bella nodded in understanding and started to step away.“Its more than that though I am afraid.” Clearing his throat as to speak more he moved closer as if to whisper in her ear.“Seems there have been some things happening the last few nights. Robberies, fires and someone mentioned there were bandits coming up outta the sewers. Not what one would expect here. If you wouldn’t mind moving about town and see if you can find more information about these things I would truly appreciate it.”Patting him on the shoulder she nodded to him she would and that simple smile grew on his face again. It was amazing to Bella that this man would hold so much trust in her since she was an Outlander. Shaking her head she grew to hate that title more and more each day.Walking towards the camp everyone bid her a good day and she made a point to speak to each one. One lady mentioned that she went to put flowers on her daughter’s grave and the pendant she had placed there was missing…and there were large footprints around her grave. She told Bella it had to have been the thief as her husband was off fighting somewhere and the boot prints were extremely large for any of the men about town.

 

(Insert music track # 44 – “Medieval Introduction” by Tristan Lohengrin)

 

MAXIE

Disclaimer: Any character’s resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.  This audio play is a work of fiction and does not reflect real world events. Any opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Avatars Radio or Portalarium.

Due to mature subject matter, parental discretion is advised.

Hope you enjoy the show!

 

(Insert “Spacecraft Hatch Opening” sound effect) 

 

MAX (male robotic voice)

Welcome, Serafina…

 

SERAFINA

Max, requesting access to historical records on the true elves in order to prepare for my mission…

 

MAX

Accessing “The History of New Britannia, Vol. 1” by the noted historian, Theodric, as requested…

 

***************************************************************************************

         

(Insert music track # 1 – “Epic Adventure” by James Stratton-Crawley. Loop as needed until end of scene.)

 

MAX

PROLOGUE

A long time ago, in a parallel universe…King Arodon and his daughter Lanthirthel are facing their doom…

 

(Insert “Starship Rumble 1” sound effect by MiceHead)

(Insert “Rocket Thrusters” sound effect)

 

The time ship, Tanken-Ka, piloted by its artificial intelligence, Max, races toward a dying planet. It enters orbit and deploys its stellar converter which begins draining energy from the nearby star to provide power for the experimental rift amplifier attached to the ship’s nose.

Meanwhile, down on the dying planet below, a small tribe of slim, highly attractive, fair skinned elves stands huddled together on the edge of a cliff as waves of destruction caused by the Armageddon spell cast by the Avatar destroys the land around them.  The island of Skara Brae is visible a short distance away.

 

(Insert “Earthquake” sound effect)

 

PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL

Father, the earthquakes have caused a large chasm to form!  There is no way across to the dock on the other side!

 

MAX

King Arodon nods as he speaks into a glowing orb in his right hand.

 

KING ARODON

We are cut off from Skara Brae, Halkon!  Go on without us!  At least, we will die knowing that the other elven tribes and the humans will survive this planet’s destruction…

MAX

A glowing mystical dome suddenly surrounds Skara Brae. 

 

(Insert “Energy Shield” sound effect – by Eevan – first 20-30 seconds only)

 

It slowly rises from the ocean and then soars off into space.

 

(Insert “Sci-fi Rocket Launch 01” sound effect – by sandyrb)

 

 The waves of destruction are visible in the distance, rapidly closing in on the elves’ position!

 

PRINCESS LANTHIRTHEL

Hold me, father!

 

KING ARODON

I love you, my darling Lanthirthel!   At least, we will face death together…

 

MAX

Just then, a bright beam of light pierces the clouds and strikes the long dormant lunar rift behind them. 

 

(Insert “Energy Blast” sound effect by Kinoton)

 

The lunar rift begins to glow aether blue as it powers up.

 

(Insert “Portal Continuous Rumble” sound effect by zimbot)

 

And then, Nystal TimeLord steps through.

 

NYSTAL TIMELORD

Hello, old friend!

 

KING ARODON (surprised)

Nystal?!

 

NYSTAL TIMELORD

Hurry! Salvation lies this way in another universe!

 

KING ARODON (yelling)

Hello everyone, this is Asclepius, and I’m delighted to welcome a new author to the ranks. This is a piece by Bee Striker, entitled

A Not So Scary Short Story

Background music by Smartsound

 

It started as a trickle as she walked under the awning to avoid the rain. As she extended her hand to touch the drops, a rough hand grabbed it, forcing her to swing around. A pale face with dark eyes met her surprised stare. Before she could respond, the man released her with a quick turn and walked off.

The intense moment had gone straight through her entire body, and she felt something pull out of her…or in her. She couldn’t really tell. She shuddered. A quick look around made her realise nobody seemed to notice anything odd had just happened. Shaken, she headed home, quickly looked around, and locked her door.

The unsettled feeling did not leave as she readied for bed. She felt silly as she double checked the lock on her door, the windows, every room, and even under her bed before she climbed into bed. She tried to calm herself but sleep would not come.

“Please help me.” She sat up. What the hell was that? “Please…help…” The voice initially startled her but quickly grew faint. She flew out of bed and flicked on the light. She looked under the bed again, flung open her closet, and opened her bedroom door. She stared into the darkness in silence. Nothing.

She didn’t know how long she stood in her bedroom doorway. A cool draft reminded here she was barefoot. After a quick glance around the dark house, she crawled back into bed.

A man’s limp body lay with heavy chains anchoring his feet to the cement floor. A worn loincloth was his only covering. His damp hair stuck to his pale face. Each slight movement made him groan in pain. “help me..” He wasn’t sure if he actually voiced that or it was just in his head. He heard a door creak open and footsteps slowly descend the stairs. He turned away preparing himself for more pain.

She woke up with a start, bewildered at what she just saw. The face of the man was eerily familiar. A quick image of the man who had grabbed her earlier flashed before her eyes. It was him! Why did she just have a vision of him? Was it real, or just a dream? It sent a chill through her to the core.

The next morning she ran back to the awning where she first encountered the man. Eyes flitting back and forth, she saw no sign of him. Which direction had he gone when he walked away? She tried to think. Following what she thought was the direction, she headed down the street. At the end of the block she paused, not knowing which way to go. For no reason at all, she turned right, crossed the street, and headed down the sidewalk. The sidewalk started to decay as she continued walking.

Something made her pause in front of a small lot. Weeds dominated the landscape, almost drowning out the small shack. Weeds scratched her legs as she approached the building. She listened for any indication of life as she slowly walked up to the door. The screen door was ripped and the shabby door was ajar. The door creaked as she slowly pushed it open. A sparse room gave her an apathetic greeting. The worn couch sat quietly next to an old coffee table. She felt the lone beer bottle resting on the table. It was warm.

A groan made her alert to someone else in the house. She spun around towards the door. Nobody had entered behind her. Her ears almost perked up trying to listen. “Help me…” The helpless plea seemed to be calling from below. As she looked around the house, she noticed a small staircase around the corner. The stairs creaked as she cautiously descended.

The dank room surrounded her as the aroma attacked her senses. She forced her eyes to adjust to the darkness. A man lay almost motionless on the floor. A chain anchored his ankles to the floor. A worn loincloth was his only covering. He was facing the opposite wall as she slowly approached.