Eric Butler's Blog, page 27

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 17

This story takes place 5 years before the first Ephraim Godwin Chronicle Serial. It will be longer than a simple stand alone story so I will be releasing parts of the tale every Wednesday. Part 11 contains Chapters 33 & 34.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Ephraim opened his eyes to a throbbing headache. He lay in the tunnel, covered in debris. His brother's torch remained lit, but the flame was weakening by the moment. He struggled to sit up, the motion intensifying the pain in his head.

"Easy laddie," a voice said from the shadows. The tiny man stepped forward and Ephraim sighed.

"Guess it wasn't a gas leak."

"Of course not you silly nit," the man said as he glared at Ephraim. "The torch should be enough to tell you that."

Ephraim fought the urge to roll his eyes, especially since the man was correct. He gingerly ran his fingers around his head, searching for any damage. So far so good. The thought gave him strength as he found nothing to be concerned about save a tiny gash on the side of his forehead.

"Tis a love tap...use this," the man said as he held out a colorful handkerchief. Ephraim took it with a slight nod.

"How long was I out?" Ephraim asked as he wrapped it around his head. He secured it with a knot and the man nodded his approval.

"Not long," the man turned and began to walk to the large hole made by the Baron. He glanced back, "Whatever you do, don't remove that until I tell you to."

Ephraim stood, scooped up the torch, and followed the tiny man.

***

Henry opened his eyes and moaned. His whole body ached and he had trouble focusing. He blinked a few times before realizing he was being dragged behind a giant hunched figure. The largest hand Henry had ever seen gripped his ankle tightly. He opened his mouth to get the man's attention but something held him back.

Instead, he glanced around in an attempt to gather his bearings. The last thing he remembered was the explosion in the tunnel. How long have I been unconscious? A question he was not sure he could answer. They were no longer underground, and Henry had no way of gauging just how long ago they emerged.

The sun's rays cut through the morning fog, and Henry guessed that only a few hours had passed. Of course, it could be days, depending on when this...person found him. He found the thought unnerving. And where was Ephraim? He found it hard to believe his brother would just let this hulk drag him off without a fight.

Henry closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "Our Father who art in heaven..."

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

For a moment, panic overwhelmed Ephraim as he thought they were heading farther down into the ground. He stumbled as a sudden vision of all the tons of earth above him crashed down. But a gentle breeze began to stream by, encouraging the flame on the torch to dance. Ephraim's breathing returned to normal, and the imagined weight lifted from his shoulders.

The little man stomped through the tunnels, twisting and turning without pause. He occasionally glanced back, as if to make sure Ephraim was still following and that he still wore the handkerchief. Each time he nodded and turned his attention straight ahead. The march continued for some time, and Ephraim began to wonder if they would ever see the sky.

"You can remove the cloth," the man said as he stepped out into a field of wildflowers.

Ephraim ignored the man's words as he stumbled past him and sank to his knees. The air was quite chilly within the fog, but he felt a little heat from the sun's rays on his face. Laughter slipped from his lips as he took big gulps of fresh air.

"You know for a bit there I never thought I'd ever get to breathe in fresh air," he said to the man standing off to the side.

Ephraim shook out the weak flame and tossed the torch towards the entrance they just stepped from and turned his attention to the man. In the sunlight, he seemed less man and more stone, and Ephraim had to fight the urge to reach out to touch him. Fingers still hurt from the last time.

The man swept his hat from his head and bowed. As he straightened he pointed northeast and said, "There is a disturbance in nature that will affect us all if not stopped. Head that way, you will know when you have arrived."

The man slammed the hat back on his head and marched to the tunnel and disappeared before Ephraim thought to ask any questions. He hurried to the entrance, pausing as small snippets of complaint slowly faded away in the dark.

"Thank you," he called out, still wondering if any of it had been real.

***

The giant leaned against a mighty oak and sighed. The amount of energy and power required to set his plans in motion was exhausting. He had not expected such resistance from the Lady Farkus or from the man of God. And yet they both struggled against him; one to free herself, and the other to stop the return of the green.

"A fool," he said to the trees. For a moment he wondered if he meant himself or the vicar before he forced a laugh across his lips. Now is not the time for doubt.

Not when he was so close to opening the countryside back up to the powers of nature. He would bask in the destruction of man and his distasteful cities. He was so close, and he wouldn't let anything get in his way. His eyelids grew heavy and he slid to the earth, he needed some rest so he was ready for the final push.

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

The New Face of Christmas

The wife and I stopped down Christmas night to enjoy one more holiday movie. We scrolled through the titles looking for something new and fresh to enjoy after a long day of Christmas traditions. I'd heard some good things about Mel Gibson's newest movie, and one look at the movie poster convinced us to give it a shot.

We had already enjoyed his other Christmas movie on the 24th. A movie, which for some reason, isn't treated with the same Christmas reverence as Bruce Willis's Die Hard. Of course, I'm speaking of one of the greatest action movies, Lethal Weapon. The beginning of yet another franchise for Gibson in the 80s and directed by the great Richard Donner. Although I think the reason the movie still holds up is the writer, Shane Black. He just knows how to write great movies - but that is another blog post.

Today we are focusing on the man who could soon be known as Mr. Christmas.

Luckily I have Lethal Weapon on HD-DVD so I could watch it but the only way to stream it for free right now is if you have HBO. Many have grabbed it so they can enjoy WB's Wonder Woman's newest movie so if that's you, I suggest giving it a view.

https://youtu.be/bKeW-MGu-qQ

Now back to Mel Gibson's newest action movie, Fatman.

A rowdy, unorthodox Santa Claus is fighting to save his declining business. Meanwhile, Billy, a neglected and precocious 12-year-old, hires a hitman to kill Santa after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking.

After reading the movie's blurb, you can see how this might be a very silly look at Christmas or maybe even something that slips into the realm of horror, but it found a way to toe the line through the entire picture. Which is the reason this movie works in my opinion. The movie takes a fantasy and grounds it in reality. The magical sparkle of Christmas and Santa Claus has been wiped away, leaving us with a Santa facing hard times and living with a bellyful of disillusion.

And yet in this world where Santa drives a pickup truck, receives money from the Government to continue his work, and holds tight the rules of the naughty and nice list, the viewer sees how much the magic of Christmas affects the characters throughout the movie.

The cast around Gibson is topnotch and they lend a weight of believably to the movie as it moves forward. I don't think they could have found a better "Skinny Man" than Walton Goggins to play the hitman/Santa hater. Marianne Jean-Baptiste shines as Mrs. Claus, a grounded voice of reason to the volatile Chris Kringle.

Usually, this movie would be in the theaters but since Covid has played havoc with the Hollywood system, they went straight to VOD. Right now Amazon has the to buy price and rent price the same at $6.99. Grab it so you can add this funny violent holiday movie to your December rotation...although honestly, this movie could play anytime of the year.

https://youtu.be/WjBjUF4Tb_kThe Extreme Drabbles of Dread released early and is available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. I have a tale in the amazing collection of 100 words (or less) horror stories, and some of the top names of Indie horror are included. And when they say Extreme...they mean it! Check it out here .

You can still get copies of my first two novels, The Shadow Within and The Pope Lick Massacre .

People are enjoying them both, isn't it time for you to see what the fuss is about?

Promises Kept

So there is a delay in the next group of Ephraim Godwin chapters. In its place, I am sharing a stand-alone story I sent into a publication that printed stories based on the last sentence. You had to write 1880 words and use the sentence they provided...I think the theme was "end of the world" or "alien invasion". The sentence was: Jordan looked me in the eye and said, "I trust you."

This story made it to the final round but ultimately got passed up so I want to share it here.

It's the end of the world; I suppose...well the end of mine for sure. I slump down into my favorite chair, setting the rifle to the side. The explosions are getting closer and I figure there's time for one last drink. I stare at the amber liquid in the fancy glass my oldest got me for my last birthday, regretful there is no ice. Of course, you need water for ice...water and electricity. I let my first sip linger in my mouth, enjoying the burning sensation as it travels down my throat and into my belly.

I guzzle the rest, hoping the liquor dulls my senses. My eyes grow tired and I struggle to keep them open. I don't want to remember...to think of what I've done. If only the bottle was closer. Instead, I let the glass slip from my fingers and shatter on the floor as the memories rush back.

***

Sitting in the dark kitchen, I stare at the black blob I know is my useless TV. Couldn't turn it on if I wanted since there's no electricity. Even so, there's no more news anyway. They blocked all signals within the first few weeks. It was like they knew using our own news programs would stir up more panic and fear than just shutting it down. Took a week for the riots to start...fires burned soon after; you'd think we'd come together at a time like that, but the world is too divided.

Shaking my head, I take the last sip of water I'd been saving. Of course, it was the first thing to run out, not like 2020 when toilet paper was all the rage.

We were lucky; since I worked for Pure Water all those years, we had a surplus of water. Actual water you could drink...not the questionable stuff in the taps. Every weekend I brought home a case and stocked them in the garage. When the invaders appeared in the sky, I wasn't too worried...well I did have 2020 flashbacks. Wouldn't have mattered anyway, the streets were soon overrun with madmen. You couldn't get to the store if you wanted to.

My youngest son and daughter-in-law worked at the local Shop 'N Save, so they stocked up on the last day and drove the little ones out to my new place. Once my sweet Mary died, I sold the house and escaped to the country; couldn't take the memories staring me in the face daily...the little reminders that I was stuck here without her. Her dying was the true tragedy of my story, not some conquering army in the sky.

Standing, I fought the urge to go room to room and check on everyone. Not because I'm not worried, but because we ran low on batteries. Soon I'd have to make a trip out to the abandoned Academy to check if there were still any camping supplies left. Hell, maybe even some batteries.

Instead, I strolled out the back door into the darkness. I glanced at my wrist out of habit, knowing full well it would tell me the time was 3:15 in the afternoon. The watch broke damn near when my heart did. I haven't taken it off since Mary gave it to me when I retired from the company. They only handed out certificates by the time I left and Mary thought that was a shame. I smile every time I think of her eyes lighting up with pride when I opened that fancy box. I never was one for flashy things, but my heart swelled to learn how much she appreciated the hard work I put in all those years.

I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, and fighting the urge to break down right there in my backyard. Too close to the kiddos, I tell myself. I'd hate to wake them up this early. I glanced up to the sky and gauged from the darkness and moon that it was still a good three hours before daybreak. They needed their sleep...especially today.

I wandered to the barn, wanting to go over the camper one last time. Needed to make sure we had it ready to go. A loud boom sounded off in the distance. My hand froze on the door handle, waiting to see if it woke anyone, but the house stayed quiet. I released the breath I didn't know I was holding and turned the handle. I took one last look around the property to be safe and then slipped into the old barn.

I stepped carefully in the dark, focused on moving straight ahead. At the back, I found the generator waiting for me. A quick pull on the cord and a flip of a switch and its low hum filled the barn. I've run it enough to know it won't wake them up...especially if that explosion didn't. A sigh slipped out...who would have thought explosions out here wouldn't garner any more attention than a fart.

I waited a moment longer, and when I finally decided it's okay I hit the light switch. Ten bulbs flickered alive throughout the structure. Just enough light for me to work by, but not enough to grab the attention of the roving mobs or the invading force. Those first couple of days, I had the place lit like a beacon...but it attracted the wrong attention.

I stared at my hands, still seeing the blood there. No parent should have to outlive one of their children. This time I don't try to stop the tears; I'm far enough away to let the grief take me. I slumped to the ground, suddenly weighed down as I imagined holding my oldest once again, his blood gushing from the gunshot wounds. I still hear his whispered words over the roar of the mob as they pushed against our fence to get to the house and my family firing back to drive them away.

"I love you, daddy."

My cheeks now wet with tears, blew out in a huff. He hadn't called me daddy in thirty years, and then as his life slipped away...

My hands balled into fists, my nails cutting into my palm as I use the pain to steal my focus from those memories. I struggled to my feet and shuffled over to the workbench. I made them pay...the ones I caught after that day. Glancing at the wooden box at the back of the table, I resisted the urge to open it. Don't need those gruesome reminders of what I did, not today...especially not today.

A creak from the barn door grabbed my attention and I swung around, a long blade in my hand.

"Damn fool," I muttered as I realize my rifle is still by the door. Just because they haven't been back doesn't mean a new group wouldn't try again...or the invaders. Although, I'm not sure what the rifle could do to them. The little we saw before they shut down the TV was disheartening, to say the least.

"Gramps?" a tiny voice called out and I sighed in relief.

"Jordon...what are you doing up?" I said, trying to keep my voice stern but I heard the relief shine through. I slipped the knife back on the table and stepped towards my granddaughter, the apple of my eye.

The only grandkid the Lord found fit to bless our family with and the reason I didn't walk out into traffic the day Mary left. She's almost ten now and growing like a weed. I squatted down in front of her and scoop her up, hugging her so fiercely she began to giggle and squirm.

"Gramps, you're crushing me."

"I know but I'm just so happy to see you."

I loosened my grip, so she could slip to the ground. I studied her face and my chest tightened in anger. No child should bear the weight of the world, but all the troubles and worries were etched on her face. For the first time, I'm glad my Mary isn't here to witness this, and then the sadness flooded me once again.

"Are we really getting out of here?" she asked with a wide-eyed innocence that made me want to scoop her up again.

"Fraid so, hon," I said as I moved over to the truck and popped the hood. "Your parents and I realize we can't stay here any longer since the invaders landed. Without the news telling us what's going on...well we need to see for ourselves, so we make the right choices. So after breakfast, we're all going to pile in and head south to Fort Worth. After some scouting...well, we may just come back and wait them out. All depends on what we find there."

"So that means pancakes right?"

I glanced over to her and smiled, hoping the dim lights hid the sorrow in my eyes, "Sure does...once I get what I need from here, we can start."

I dropped the hood back down and moved to the cab. Leaning in, I reached to the glove box and pulled out Mary's last bottle of pain killers before the cancer took her. Slipping it into my pocket, I closed the door and motioned for Jordon to follow me outside.

The sun began to rise as we stepped from the barn and I paused, enjoying the warmth as its rays washed over us. Another boom sounded from the south and the ground shook a bit. The invaders are on the move...something I discovered the last time I slipped away looking for supplies. They moved from town to town and took everything that breathed. No one knew where to, but it can't be good.

Jordon slid against me and wrapped my arm in a hug. Her weight pressed the bottle against my leg, and I fought the urge to cry all over again. Mary will understand and if I can send her family to her in heaven...well I can only pray God forgives me.

"Let's go inside so I can start the yummy pancake mix, and we can head out of here on time."

Jordon didn't move, instead, she looked up at my face, and the heat of shame flooded my cheeks. She's only ten but she knew. The thought forced me to glance away, to stare at the sunrise and after a moment I forced a chuckle.

"Ms. Sun is a beaut...almost as pretty as you," I said before glancing down at her. "I'm gonna make all this better. I promise."

I rubbed the top of her head with my free hand, enjoying the silky softness of her hair. Her hands slipped down and grabbed my old weathered fingers, pulling my hand to her chest. A slight smile fluttered to her lips as she hugged my hand tight, and we watched the sunrise. The back door banged open and my son stuck his head out with a sigh.

"Oh thank God, we were worried when we couldn't find you," he said, the concern evident in his voice.

Jordon dropped my hand and skipped toward her father, "Gramps said we can have pancakes, and he knows how to make everything better."

Halfway to the house, she spun around. Jordon looked me in the eye and said, "I trust you."

-END-

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

A Ghost Story Like No Other...

Every Christmas, I like to sit down with the family and watch a handful of movies that capture the spirit of the holiday season. They don't have to be Christmas movies per se, but many of them are. And mixed within all the movies there has to be a version of one of the greatest ghost stories ever told, A Christmas Carol.

For those unfamiliar with the Dickens' tale...

An old bitter miser who rationalizes his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three spirits visit him on Christmas Eve.

Even if you've never read the book or seen the movie, you know who this bitter miser is...Scrooge. While there are many versions of the man, the one I call my Ebenezer Scrooge was played by George C. Scott. A tremendous actor who with just a look encapsulates all it means to be Scrooge. Growing up this movie ran on one of the big 3 networks (ABC I think) and I made sure to watch it - and Oliver - every Christmas season. I can't promise it will be on network TV or even regular cable but you can stream it if you have DirecTV, Starz, and it appears YouTube is streaming a free copy as well. If you haven't seen it, it is worth the watch as they capture the spirit and time of the story very well.

https://youtu.be/sVObHkzoFPg

Of course, you may have a George C Scott phobia or a deep personal hatred for all things Victorian...so I'm going to give you a few alternatives to get your A Christmas Carol fix...

For those with a very short attention span(around 26 minutes) and Disney+(or YouTube)...

See Scrooge McDuck and all your Disney animated favorites in Mickey's Christmas Carol

https://youtu.be/jNfzL9r1DIo

If you want more of a story and more muppets than animated characters tune in to Disney+

See Michael Cain transform into Scrooge as if on a Shakespearean stage...

https://youtu.be/euz-682_mjo

Okay, okay...no traditional animation and no muppets...stay on Disney+

A traditional retelling of the story but in complete CGI with Jim Carrey playing a number of roles including Scrooge.

https://youtu.be/VZ3lr3urgDU

Or maybe you'd be interested to see how the story came about? Slide over to HULU or your Showtime app and check out Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens as he struggles to come up with the story that becomes A Christmas Carol. Christopher Plummer is Scrooge.

https://youtu.be/UxcnYR3mcPU

In all honesty, if you make time for one Christmas-themed movie this season, make it this one...

However, if you just can't handle a traditional telling and need to see Ebenezer in a more modern setting...you're in luck. One of the best adaptations came out in 1988 but it's going to cost you. $3 to rent and about $8 bucks to buy - I always suggest Amazon but YouTube and VUDU have it as well...

Bill Murray plays Frank Cross - a modern Scrooge in his own way. This funny and thoughtful film follows the same structure but with some modern twists...

https://youtu.be/3OLRQfMOXOw

It's been a little over a year and I want to say thanks for hanging out this crazy 2020 and hopefully, we'll all have a much better 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone out there...

Last year I entered a 350-word flash fiction Christmas story contest. It wasn't selected so if you are interested in a dark fantasy Christmas story about an elf names Alabaster Snowball you can check it out here...

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 16

This story takes place 5 years before the first Ephraim Godwin Chronicle Serial. It will be longer than a simple stand alone story so I will be releasing parts of the tale every Wednesday. Part 11 contains Chapters 31 & 32.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Selina Farkus stood in the middle of a wide-open field of wildflowers as the sun warmed her bare skin. Balanced on her tip-toes, she stretched her arms towards the sky. A gentle breeze flowed through the tall grass, delivering the field's sweet fragrance to her. She took a deep breath, giggling as she became lightheaded.

Selina twirled in a loose circle, her feet gliding over the earth. The grass caressed her naked skin as she moved back and forth, dancing with an imagined partner. Her mind filled the blank with Ephraim Godwin for a moment, before Selina found herself in the arms of the vicar. Her heart raced as he spun her in a circle, their eyes locked.

"My dear vicar," she called out as her feet left the ground, "I've never imagined you would be so bold."

Her laughter slipped out as the two bodies twisted together in the mad spinning motion. Selina blushed as his fingers slipped between hers on her left hand, and his other slid down her bare skin. His hand stopped at the small of her back before pulling her tighter against him. The two spun even faster, and Selina's body began to merge with the vicar. He leaned his head closer, his lips seeking hers. Panic flooded her for a moment until the scent of wildflowers returned to her nostrils. She sighed content to let the man do what he wanted as they spun faster. Blasts of static tickled her flesh, sending shockwaves throughout her body as a moan slipped past her lips.

"Stop...oh please," she whimpered, her limbs quivering from the contact. His lips cut off her breath, their faces blending together.

For a moment, Selina glimpsed into his mind and witnessed a darkness she believed impossible. Under that shadow, the vicar's brother lay stretched over a rock in the very field below. His wrists and ankles bound by thick green ropes, the antlered giant stood next to him his arms held high over Ephraim's chest.

His head swung toward Selina and she saw the desperation in his eyes. He whispered towards her, but Selina no longer understood the words slipping past his lips. The spinning pulled her deeper into the vicar, her identity dissipating. She wondered if there would ever be a way to free her true self. The man's kiss deepened, their faces pressing together, yet she struggled to keep her vision locked on Ephraim.

A look of horror painted the man's face as the giant thrust his antler down into Ephraim's chest. Blood bubbled past his lips, and a scream of anguish tore through the field. Selina attempted to pull away but they spun faster until her vision blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors. The breeze, no longer gentle, built in strength as Selina and the vicar spun higher into the sky.

She struggled to break free, screaming wordlessly into the vicar's mouth. Not like this. The words echoed throughout her head, thundering over the howl of the wind. Not like this. Her skin flaked away as this man of the cloth devoured her essence. Not like this. Once more she struggled to focus on the horned giant, to plead for his mercy, to make this stop.

The wind died suddenly. Ephraim Godwin lay slain on the stone altar, and Selina Farkus stood in the middle of a wide-open field of wild flowers as the sun warmed her bare skin. The hollow skin of Henry Godwin lay at her feet; the empty sockets glaring at her with a darkness she never knew existed. She closed her eyes and sighed. For a moment she held still before nodding her head in understanding.

"Soon child," the giant's voice caressed her ears. "You will awaken reborn. Until then sleep...dream."

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

As Ephraim spun to investigate the voice an explosion threw him against the tunnel wall. Stars filled his vision as he tumbled to the ground. Shards of stone pelted down from above, striking his face and arms as a cloud of dust settled down over his body. His brother's torch lay propped against a pile of rocks and Ephraim wondered the odds of such an occurrence.

He started to fade a bit, his vision darkening around the edges when he noticed the shortest man he'd ever seen standing in the middle of the tunnel. The fellow stood around three and a half feet tall. He wore a simple outfit of dark pants, a short-sleeved shirt, and his once pointy hat had a slight bend at the top. Must have been caught in the explosion.

The tiny man snapped his fingers as he advanced towards Ephraim, "Now don't ye be falling asleep." His accent so thick Ephraim struggled to understand.

"Did we hit a gas leak?" Ephraim mumbled as he began to close his eyes.

"What did I say?" the tiny man bellowed as he grabbed Ephraim's nose and twisted. "Stay awake."

A jolt of pain shot through his face, and Ephraim found himself wide-eyed. He blinked at the man and struggled to decide what he was looking at. He reached out tentatively, his finger pressing against the man's chest.

"What are ye doing?" he snarled as he gripped Ephraim's finger and twisted.

Ephraim let loose a yelp and jerked his finger back, cradling his hand to his chest. It could still be a gas leak. Nothing else explained the earth-shaking explosion. At least the entrance is cleared.

"Oh I wouldn't say that laddie," the little man said with a snicker.

Ephraim rolled to his side, searching the tunnel and the rubble for a sight of his brother. He gasped when he found Henry lying on his back partially buried in the debris. He struggled to pull himself closer when the tiny man spoke.

"Look closer," he hissed, stepping to the shadows.

Ephraim studied the newly created opening in the tunnel in disbelief. The Baron stood there, but there was something different with the man. Something Ephraim couldn't quite place his finger on. The torchlight flickered low and yet Ephraim realized he could still see the man, bathed in a red glow.

"He's a man no longer. You must be careful."

Ephraim glanced to the shadows and nodded. He thought he understood what the tiny man was suggesting. With all the dirt and stone on his body, it wouldn't take much for Ephraim to play dead. As he lay on the ground, the Baron stepped forward. He pointed to the torch and the light extinguished. Ephraim closed his eyes to slits studying Hall as he moved. Hopefully, he'll think us dead and pass on by. The tunnel filled with the strange red light and the tiny man slid farther back to keep to the shadows.

"I'll never understand what fascinated her about you," Hall said as he stopped by Henry's still form. The red light pulsed and Ephraim wondered if it meant something. He studied the pattern but it was nothing he recognized from his time in the military or before.

The Baron gripped Henry by the ankle and began to drag him back through the opening. Ephraim struggled to get up, hoping if not to stop the man, at least follow them when tiny hands gripped his shoulders.

"Now is not the time...I know where they will go."

Ephraim shook his head, confident there had been some type of exposure to gas, and moved to rise. A sharp blow struck the side of his head and he slumped back down as the Baron faded into black.

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Happy Birthday to The Shadow Within...

My first novel, The Shadow Within was released on December 13th, 2019. Hard to believe a year has passed since the book was released into the wild. In that year I've released my 2nd novel based on the Kentucky legend of the Goat-man and had numerous short stories selected for anthologies coming out this month and early next year. I'm in the middle of editing the first novel of my Ephraim Godwin series which is based on the serial I've also released weekly relatively early in this blog.

Since Ephraim Godwin isn't as extreme as my first 2 novels, I am also plotting out 2 more stand-alone novels that will be closer to the splatterpunk vibe of The Shadow Within and The Pope Lick Massacre. The plan is to have Ephraim Godwin and the first stand-alone available during the first 3 months of 2021. I'll let you know as soon as I have a firmer schedule mapped out.

However, today is a celebration of my first novel so I'm going to share a few things and point you in the right direction if you decide you need this book in your life...if you like horror, you really do.

So what is The Shadow Within?The Independent Book Review says, “Author Eric Butler turns a long-awaited trip home into a lustful, gruesome, and horrific summer. Be ready for it. This novel might just make you double-lock your doors tonight.”

A relentless evil possessing an already depraved man... gruesome and perverse acts of brutality... Will anyone survive?

Centuries ago the natives captured and imprisoned a life force of pure evil and unending hunger. Thirteen years ago an eight-year-old boy woke the darkness. It grows in strength every day and now the boy is a man. A man skilled in terror and violence, the very things the darkness needs to finally break free.

Jill, a city girl at heart, was surprised when the car came to a stop. Jack wasn't kidding when he said they were going to the boonies. A family vacation, her with Jack and his teenage kids, was not her idea of fun but Jill was ready to take the next step. She wondered if this trip was Jack’s way to say he was ready as well.

As the man stalks through the countryside, unleashing panic and dread, will Jill be able to escape with Jack and his children? Or will the man soak the ground in blood and release…THE SHADOW WITHIN

It's a love letter to my wife. You can read that story here and see what went into producing this book the way I did. It's a full post but a great read on the thoughts of a first time indie writer and what it took to get the book finished and released.

It's an homage to my favorite horror writer Richard Laymon. The type of book I like to read. One that cares about the characters, recognizes they're human - not without flaws, and shows you why you should care about them too...before putting them through hell.

Here is the full-length book trailer...

https://youtu.be/XyDMFl-re_Q

I've gotten some great reviews over the last year...here are some to give you an idea what fellow horror fans thought...

One year has past and I'm as excited to share this labor of love today as I was nervous to let it out into the wild a year ago. You can get it on Kindle and Paperback on Amazon.

Click Here for your copy

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 15

This story takes place 5 years before the first Ephraim Godwin Chronicle Serial. It will be longer than a simple stand alone story so I will be releasing parts of the tale every Wednesday. Part 14 contains Chapters 29 & 30.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

"Honestly, I wasn't paying attention," Henry announced as he stood in the middle of the passageway. He held the torch out, searching through the murky light.

"That's all right," Ephraim said, struggling to keep the bite out of his tone. They were losing precious moments and he feared they would be too late to stop the giant's plan; whatever that may be. "Just take a deep breath and focus...I'm sure it will come to you."

"After all this time you choose now to find faith," Henry said with a sad smile.

He closed his eyes and after a few seconds, his lips moved silently. Ephraim bowed his head, hoping a little deference would help the cause. Or lead us to the way the giant left with Lady Farkus. As soon as Henry opened the cell, Ephraim rushed to the wall where they disappeared. They touched each brick, pushing on the crevices, and chipping at anything that stood out. Yet nothing happened and so they moved to the tunnels.

Ephraim gritted his teeth. I refuse to believe they just vanished. The thought appeared once again, before his mind wandered to his dream. The images flashed in a jumbled mess, leaving him confused about exactly what he dreamt. Was his mind trying to help him remember an important detail or was it just another nightmare from his time in the war?

He winced when a hand fell on his shoulder, grateful for holding in the cry of surprise he swallowed back down. Henry pointed down the tunnel with the torch and started forward. Ephraim sighed before following. At least we're moving again.

***

Lady Farkus woke on a bed of flowering vines. As she stretched and yawned, the vines shifted beneath her to keep her comfortable. She marveled at the sensation, content to slip back to sleep. A shadow fell over her, and she opened her eyes in curiosity. The horned giant studied her and nodded when he noticed she was awake.

"My dear Lady," his deep voice caressed her ears, "The time is nigh upon us."

He reached down and Selina stared at his hand, suddenly afraid of his touch. Don't be silly. Yet she made no move to take his hand. Rage danced across his eyes as his cheeks darkened in anger. She flinched as the giant clenched his jaw. He gestured once again, flexing his arm to emphasize his point.

"It seems the Lady needs more time," he said as she stayed frozen on the vines. He sighed and snapped his fingers. The vines slithered under her, no longer working to keep her comfortable but now looking to cover her in their thick green shoots.

Lady Farkus struggled to escape the green but the vines wrapped around her arms and legs before pulling her tight against the flowery bed. Her mouth opened but she wasn't sure if it was to plead or simply scream as the vines quickly wriggled over her and sealed her in a perfumed cocoon.

***

Baron Hall stalked through the fields outside his home. He had approached the barn in search of his favorite horse, but his mere presence sent the beast into such a panic it snapped its neck trying to escape through the wall. He frowned at the memory, disturbed the loss affected him so little. There was a time he loved that stallion above all else, but now...

His mind wandered away from the thought. There would be time later to dissect what was happening. It is for the best. Hall nodded as he strode away from the manor.

"Yes, the time is here to shed such mortal needs," the gem's voice echoing in his head.

Hall absentmindedly fingered his chest, the area still tender from the gem's invasion. The pain was gone, but he sensed a pulse that happened a half-second after his heartbeat. Since its placement, the gem worked to match his heart's rhythm.

Soon they would be one, and he would be closer to his dream of domination.

"We both will," the gem whispered in his head "Once the horned one is removed, no one will be able to stop us."

Hall nodded at the thought as he picked up his pace to a trot. This can be over as soon as I make it to Lady Farkus's abode. And then they would turn their attention towards the world.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Ephraim opened his mouth for the tenth time before closing it once again. Henry stalked down the third tunnel they had turned upon in the last hour, the torch held high in front of him. The first time he questioned his brother's choice of direction gained him a sharp look and a tongue lashing, unlike anything he'd experienced since leaving the military.

I shouldn't have asked if our wandering was all part of God's plan. He nodded at the thought, making a mental list of things not to say to his brother when lost underground; a list that seemed to be growing by the minute.

Ephraim pulled up, his head cocked to the side as he strained to listen. His hand shot out and gripped his brother's coat, pulling him to a stop. Henry spun around, anger clouding his face, but said nothing at the sight of Ephraim's face.

"Did you hear that?" Ephraim whispered so softly he worried Henry missed the words. Yet, he dare not ask again at a louder volume. Henry shook his head, remaining quiet.

A scrapping slither echoed down the tunnel. Henry's eyes widened at the noise, and Ephraim motioned for him to continue forward. The noise issued again, and he was sure it came from behind them. Most likely from the last tunnel, they turned from. It had the appearance of least used when they walked through it, but Ephraim simply hoped he was mistaken.

They hustled down the tunnel, with the scraping echo falling slowly behind. Ephraim pointed past his brother to an opening that exposed another offshoot. Henry stepped into the tunnel and gasped. Ephraim peered over his shoulder, disheartened to spy large rocks and piles of rubble blocked them from moving more than a few feet down.

"You've led us on a merry chase," a voice spoke from behind the brothers. "But now the game must end."

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Top Ten Movie Challenge - Part 2

Last week's post on #toptentvserieschallenge, I gave you 5 shows with a couple bonus shows. I will continue with the next 5 shows but first I want to share a documentary I stumbled upon last week.

Amazon Prime is streaming Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown. A chronicle of the life, work, and mind that created the Cthulhu mythos. It interviews several contributors to the Cthulhu universe as well as super fans who do a deep dive into the writer and the stories he created. A much watch for fans and people interested in the creative process.

https://youtu.be/dbFc0G7JCUk

If you don't have Prime you can stream with the TUBI app.

I've written a bit on Lovecraft's influence on movies and video games. Click the link to check out those posts...now on to the rest of the top ten television shows...

So last week I did the first 5 shows in the #toptentvserieschallenge and now let's complete the list. Click here to check out 1-5 (with 2 bonus shows)...

6. My Family

A popular show from Britain, I caught a few episodes on BBC America 15+ years ago and fell in love with the Harpers. This is one of those regular family sitcoms that is anything but, as we follow the day to day happenings of Ben and Susan Harper and their three kids (+who ever else shows up to live with them throughout the series). It lasted 11 seasons - which is saying something for a show like this. You don't usually see more than a season or two before they are off to the next thing on the BBC. Add in 11 Christmas Specials and you have 118 episodes of an angry, put upon Dentist and his crazy family's shenanigans.

This show is so popular they relaunched it from the beginning in the same Friday night time slot it originally aired on BBC One earlier this year. Unfortunately, you can't see it on any channel on this side of the pond that I've found. I had to buy the complete region 2 DVD set to watch the series and it was worth every penny.

https://youtu.be/oVf-V_q8KjQ

7. Justified

U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is reassigned from Miami to his childhood home in the poor, rural coal-mining towns of eastern Kentucky. This show is incredible and the cast is perfect. I love Timothy Olyphant and would give him a pass if necessary, but I've never seen him in anything subpar.

After his role of Bullock in Deadwood, he moved on to play a modern-day cowboy. After an altercation in Miami, he is sent to work in the US Marshall Office in Kentucky. Problem is he was born and raised there, and he still knows many of the people who live on the wrong side of the law.

https://youtu.be/ihxiFseaa30

You can stream this, and all FX shows, on HULU

8. Community / Rick & Morty

Yeah, I'm cheating again but you need to see both shows. Dan Harmon is the man behind both series and the dude is funny.

Community - A suspended lawyer is forced to enroll in a community college with an eccentric staff and student body.

https://youtu.be/bqz1w22Lz1U

Rick & Morty - An animated series that follows the exploits of a super scientist and his not-so-bright grandson.

https://youtu.be/fJ1np6NnMYU

You can watch Community on Amazon Prime and HULU

Stream Rick & Morty on HULU and new episodes should be out soon.

9. Psych

This is one of the funniest shows I've ever watched. It figured out how to balance the absurdity of the show's premise with a great procedural. The cast is top-notch, and as the show continued there were bigger and bigger guest stars. Shawn & Gus have some of the best chemistry I've ever seen on TV.

A novice sleuth is hired by the Police after he cons them into thinking he has psychic powers which help solve crimes. With the assistance of his reluctant best friend, the duo take on a series of complicated cases.

I wrote all about the show here, when they released their 2nd movie on Peacock.

https://youtu.be/qd5azb_4nqo

Listen...just go watch it. You can stream on Amazon Prime and Peacock(with or without adds)

10. Home Movies

Brendon Small, an ambitious eight-year-old filmmaker, shoots movies in his basement with his two best friends, while coming to terms with adolescence, life, and relationships.

Before H Jon Benjamin did his amazing voice work on Archer and Bob's Burgers, he was on a little Cartoon Network Adult Swim show called Home Movies. While he's not the main character, he does quite often steal the show.

The premise allows for a wide variety of topics. Brendon is a wannabe Spielberg and makes a series of home movies with his friends and classmates. While the animation is early "squiggle vision", the later seasons moved away from it.

https://youtu.be/-6YIP2pXtzI

You can watch the whole series on HBOmax and 2 seasons on Hoopla and Directv streaming

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 14

This story takes place 5 years before the first Ephraim Godwin Chronicle Serial. It will be longer than a simple stand alone story so I will be releasing parts of the tale every Wednesday. Part 14 contains Chapters 27 & 28.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

The stench of burned flesh overwhelmed Ephraim's senses and he stumble to the corner retching. Not finding a bucket, he stuck his face between the bars and vomited the little food he'd eaten the last day onto the floor. Wiping the back of his hand across his lips, he wished there was something to wash the taste from his mouth.

"Or something to light the torch," he mumbled as he moved back to the door. He fiddled with the lock, twisting and turning to no avail. Gritting his teeth in frustration, he fought the urge to lash out at the still smoldering corpse behind him. Wouldn't be right to take it out on Tanner. A giggle slipped out at the thought.

"What's so funny?"

Ephraim stared where he thought the body laid, eyes wide as he tried to will them to see in the dark. "Tanner?" he asked, his voice so soft he truly wondered if he spoke.

"What? No you daft idiot," the voice replied in disgust. "It's Henry."

Ephraim let out a sigh, relieved the dead weren't speaking to him. Bad enough he stood and walked around a bit. Another giggle escaped.

"My word Ephraim," Henry said his words snipped with irritation. "get a hold of yourself."

Ephraim nodded, and gripped the bars of the door and shook. A moment later his brother's hands found his. He bit his bottom lip as he struggling to keep in his relieved laughter. The darkness was weighing heavily on his mind, pushing him deeper into a nightmare he had no desire to revisit.

"Brother dear," he said with a shaky voice. "I am in desperate need of assistance. If I am not freed, and soon mind you, I may not return for quite some time."

Ephraim wasn't sure if his brother ever knew the true depths of despair he had fallen after discovering his family missing when he returned from the Continent. The amount of blood left behind, and the pure ferocity of the destruction to the interior of their home struck Ephraim like a lightning bolt.

If not for a close friend whose family helped nurse Ephraim back, body and mind, he would surely be in the loony bin. While he struggled with the loss of not only his military career but his wife and son, he now had a mystery to solve. It was that mystery that gave Ephraim the focus needed to get well.

Henry's hands slid up Ephraim's arms, stopping at his shoulders where they gave a reassuring squeeze. Ephraim pictured his brother's face, hoping he was wearing that reassuring smile that had comforted him when they were younger.

"Bless you Henry," he whispered, tears running freely down his cheeks.

"Enough of that," Henry said releasing his brother and shaking the door. "We need to figure out how to open this door."

"If you can manufacture some light, I know where Lady Farkus placed the key."

Ephraim listened to his brother release a sigh and then fumble around a bit. He opened his mouth to question what was going on when a light flared. Henry held a match and a sheepish look on his face. Ephraim reached out, snatched the match before carefully carrying it about his cell. With a cry of success, he bent over and scooped the extinguished torch from the floor.

Once the torch flared to life, the crushing weight slipped from his shoulders. He stepped to his brother, holding out the torch. He motioned to the far wall where the keys hung from an iron ring. Soon he would be free from this cell, but it wouldn't be soon enough.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The Baron woke on the floor in his bedroom. His chest throbbed to the beat of an imaginary heart. He struggled to his knees, crawling to the mirror he had against the far wall. He blinked at his reflection, confused as to where his clothes might be. I have no memory...

His thought trailed off, as his fingers gently probed the scarred knot upon his chest.

Although dark pink in color, the knot periodically flashed an angry red as it pulsed and throbbed. His touch didn't cause discomfort, but every so often a jab of pain set his body into spasms. The Baron leaned closer, resting his forehead on the cool smooth surface of the mirror. This close his vision blurred, and if he angled his eyes just right, he saw someone else in his reflection.

A blast of pain pulled his thoughts away, and when his vision cleared he no longer saw anyone except himself. He shivered as cool winds blew though the room. Using the mirror as a brace, Hall stood on shaky legs. He needed to clear his head, remember what needed to be done.

"Kill the vixen," he whispered, Selina Farkus's face suddenly floated in the mirror. He slammed his fist into the looking glass, enjoying the way the fractures split her face.

Hall spun around, stumbled a moment before catching his balance and marching to his wardrobe. Wouldn't do for him to wander the countryside in the nude...not yet at least. A smile split his face at the thought. He was so close to fulfilling the master plan. One more death and it would all be his...wouldn't it?

***

The horned giant stalked through the darkness, holding Selina like a man holds a babe. He studied her face, pleased to see a smile on her lips as she slept through the journey. He was well aware this was no place for a conscious human, so he made sure she would not awake. There was still much for her to do, and it would be near impossible if she were to be overtaken with madness.

Even removing those two irritants from the board left them with no time to travel through conventional means, and so he had no choice but to move her through the shadows. The horned one shook his head, soon with Selina's help all obstacles will be removed.

He glanced down once more, a tender expression flashed over his face. If she asks, I will make her my queen. Together we will reign supreme over this land.

A pinpoint of light appeared ahead. The giant hurried his pace, shifting Selina in his arms. The light grew, forming into a large rectangle as he stopped in front of it. On the other side the Baron struggled to stand. A gasp slipped from the giant's lips as he studied the scar tissue on the man's chest. He recognized the mark and with that a realization that his plan was in jeopardy. He glanced down at Selina once again.

For him to succeed a sacrifice would be required. Oh well, there will be other queens. The light fractured, splintering on the other side and sending the horned giant staggering backward. Shaking his head, he hurried into the darkness. They needed to leave the darkness if he had any hope of success.

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Top Ten TV Series Challenge

This week #toptentvserieschallenge became a thing. Everyone put together their list and shared it on social media. I thought I'd expand a bit on the list of shows I selected. I'll do 5(sorta) this week and follow it up with 5 more next Sunday.

First, here is the original list I put together on the fly.

1. Taboo

2. Stargate SG-1

3. Stargate Atlantis

4. Stargate Universe

5. X-Files

6. Archer

7. Rick and Morty

8. Psych

9. Mentalist

10. Drawn Together

A solid list and I've enjoyed all these shows...even if I didn't enjoy all the episodes. But with a little thought, a couple more shows came to mind. Shows where I did enjoy the entire series, not just select seasons. So let's look at a revised list.

1.Taboo

Adventurer James Keziah Delaney returns to London during the War of 1812 to rebuild his late father's shipping empire. However, both the government and his biggest competitor want his inheritance at any cost - even murder.

Exceptional period piece. Tom Hardy is one of my favorite actors, and he shines in this show. There is another season on the horizon, but COVID and movie commitments may delay it for a bit.

https://youtu.be/r9QvSry2-CM

You can find this gem on HULU. You can see what I wrote earlier here.

2. Stargate

So I'm going to cheat and make #2 the Stargate Universe. All three shows are fantastic and although they center around a central theme and story device, each show does a great job of being fresh and unique.

Stargate SG-1: A secret military team, SG-1, is formed to explore other planets through the recently discovered Stargates.

The granddaddy of the franchise, based on the movie, and expanded to introduce an amazing science fiction action series. While it takes a few episodes to draw in the viewer, the show delivers several twists and turns over 10 seasons and a handful of movies.

https://youtu.be/F_ctUgQxbEI

Stargate Atlantis: An international team of scientists and military personnel discover a Stargate network in the Pegasus Galaxy and come face-to-face with a new, powerful enemy, The Wraith.

The next series pops up at the height of SG-1 and offers a nice companion piece. It also introduces a fun race of villains, the Wraith - who feed on humans. This series crosses over with the original in fun and inventive ways

https://youtu.be/j7ZXaSMffjo

Stargate Universe: Trapped on an Ancient spaceship billions of light-years from home, a group of soldiers and civilians struggle to survive and find their way back to Earth.

This one is after the other 2 and takes place on a spaceship traveling through space. A group of people goes through a Stargate to escape a catastrophe and end up on this ship with no way to get back home. The show focuses more on the human relationships and the tension created by the confines of the ship and the leaders of each group. The only disappointment is season 2 ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and the show wasn't renewed. Don't let that stop you...this show is worth the watch

https://youtu.be/0HyD3aKFTkA

All three can be found on HULU and Amazon Prime.

So now that we got those three squished together we can forge ahead with the list by adding one of my favorite police shows on either side of the pond...

3.Luther

DCI John Luther is a near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions.

I love Idris Elba, and a big reason is his role in this show. It's everything you want your cop shows to be, honest, gritty, in-your-face, and brutal. Here is a flawed anti-hero, doing his best to get the bad guys off the streets and he won't let something like the law get in his way.

https://youtu.be/qRcizKbrsws

You can watch this on HULU and Amazon Prime.

4.Murdoch Mysteries

Murdoch Mysteries - sometimes called The Artful Detective on some channels in the U.S. -

In the 1890s, William Murdoch uses radical forensic techniques for the time, including fingerprinting and trace evidence, to solve some of the city's most gruesome murders

Based on a series of books, the show takes the main character and turns him on his head a bit. In the books, he is a steady detective who solves crimes by simply doing the work. In the show, he is more like a Sherlock Holmes character who is extremely intelligent and inventive. Surrounded by a sold cast of characters, every show is a fun and entertaining look at the end of the 19th century.

https://youtu.be/J7P4Jx-GkoM

You can watch the whole series with the Acorn app/channel on Amazon or the first 10 seasons on Hulu.

5.Warehouse 13

Pete and Myka, U.S Secret Service agents, are deployed in South Dakota's Warehouse 13 with a new assignment from an authority above and outside the government.

This show is just fun. It had a nice mix of science fiction, action, mystery, and comedy. The real reason to watch though is the cast. This is one of those shows where they got the casting correct, and it makes the show that much more enjoyable.

https://youtu.be/3LSmZ9JwT8A

You can stream it with the Peacock App and IMDBtv on Amazon Prime.

That's it for this week's suggestions, I'll be back next week with 5 more must-watch shows.

The Shadow Within is almost 1! The novel that started it all will be having its birthday next month so keep an eye on here and my Facebook page to see how I'm celebrating this monumental event.

Get your copy for Kindle or on Paperback here .