Eric Butler's Blog, page 29

Stand aside Peter Peter, Pumpkin Eater, there's some carving to be done...

Sam from Trick 'R Treat

Last year, I shared a Halloween tradition within my family and friends...Pumpkin Carving on Halloween Eve. Even though I'm not 100% what will happen this Halloween, I still decorated the yard and we will be doing another carving. So now I have to pick a couple patterns of obscure or totally awesome horror characters to carve this year. Before I do that here are some of the hits from the past 15+ years...

Occasionally I stray from the horror theme:

Cheshire Cat - Rick & Morty & Mr. Meeseeks - Oogie Boogie

2 classics - Nosferatu & Frankenstein's Monster

The Thing "Head" & They Live & Donny Darko

Fright Night (with '60's Batman) & Art the Clown & House of a 1000 Corpse

Chucky & Ghost Face & Michael Myers (Zombie Mask Version)

Can't wait to share which ones I do this year...

The three latest reviews for my first horror novel, The Shadow Within

Wondering what it's about? Check out the book trailer

https://youtu.be/XyDMFl-re_QFind it on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback: Click ,Here!

Some of the top reviews for my 2nd horror novel, The Pope Lick Massacre

Wondering what it's about? Check out the book trailer

https://youtu.be/d1Mz13aR1LAFind it on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback: Click ,Here!

Scary Movies to watch this weekend...

Hey I remembered...so here are some movies to check out this weekend to get ready for Halloween.

You can find more suggestions here and here from previous posts.

Cooties - Stream on Peacock

https://youtu.be/W7TD4Frazq8

Head - Stream on Prime & Tubi

https://youtu.be/kzo_NsU6eD4

Fright Night - 1985 version

https://youtu.be/LKI9-ZaVi2I

Triangle - Tubi, Crackle, & VuduFree

https://youtu.be/17XqBdCiHOI

Add these to the 18 before - check the links above - and you will find something familiar, new, or totally unique to watch to get yourself into a scary mood.

If you're looking for something scary to read check out my first two novels: Available on Paperback and Kindle

The Shadow Within The Pope Lick Massacre

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 8

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 5 contains Chapters 15 & 16.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Henry stared at the altar. He enjoyed his life, enjoyed the peace and quiet he was able to achieve once he left his father's home. The constant pressure to succeed, to follow in the old man's footsteps, was rather distasteful...for both Ephraim and myself. Both escaping as soon as possible, their mother's passing only making it that much easier. A sad smile crossed his lips. It wasn't always bad. Memories of them growing up flashed through his head; the three brothers arm in arm before age and responsibilities drove them apart.

A simpler time, true, but Henry wondered had they truly been happier ones, or was this the wishful fancy of an aging man? Shaking his head, he decided it would matter little in the end. Samuel was happy running their father's estates and had sent word that both brothers were welcome back home anytime. Will Ephraim accept...does he even know? The thought blared in Henry's pounding head, and he wondered if he had time to make the trip to see the doctor or possibly Lady Farkus.

A halfhearted scowl flashed on his face. Maybe if his head didn't pound quite as much, he would be able to commit more energy to his foolish act. Her face appeared before him, floating and foggy, like an apparition. His breath caught at her beauty as he struggled to glance away. Her dark eyes held his for a moment before he slammed his lids shut, pressing his palms against his eyes. She was visiting him more and more lately.

Henry peaked around his hands, let out a sign; her face no longer there. His headache, however, remained. Slipping from the church, he made his way to the tiny stable. After a few moments, he rode out. Slowing his mount, he hesitated at the fork, and then angled the horse towards Lady Farkus's house. She's closer and there is so much to do when I get back. The horse sped to a trot as he winced at every step.

***

Ephraim woke to the smell of roasted chicken. His stomach grumbled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since dinner the night before. He blinked away the sleep, surprised to find he sat in the same chair but now covered with a blanket.

"Ah, wonderful, you're awake," Lady Farkus said from across the room.

Ephraim shifted so he could see her. She stood by a table near the window, a large platter before her, and two glasses in her hands. With a motion of her head, she instructed him to join her. He glanced back at the blanket then the fire, suddenly unsure if he wanted to move away from the pleasant warmth. Another grumble from his stomach informed him that was not an option.

"Lady Farkus," Ephraim said as he folded the blanket into a tight rectangle. "I just want to apologize for nodding off...early morning and all, and to thank you for the blanket."

"Enough with this Lady business," she said as he moved towards the table. "Please call me Selina, and I'll use Ephraim?"

Ephraim stopped by the table, and said with a slight nod of his head, "It would be my pleasure...Selina."

His eyes swept across the table while his stomach rumbled its approval. The platter was a massive porcelain oval. He hadn't seen anything like it, as much of the detail was covered by the roasted chickens and root vegetables. The pattern appeared to be a crisscross of wolves chasing deer through a forest of blue.

"Please sit," Selina said as she slipped into her chair. Ephraim hesitated, wondering if he should help with her chair, but the moment passed, and he sat.

"Again, I must apologize for the lack of the help," she said with a laugh as she cut the birds into fourths.

"Quite all right," he replied as he studied the wine bottle between them. "I prefer it that way if I'm being honest."

"As do I, but appearances must be kept whenever possible," Selina said, her mouth turned downward for a second before her smile returned. "As I'm sure you well know."

She passed him a plate piled with chicken and potatoes while he removed the cork and filled both their glasses. They ate in silence, enjoying the open view of her land as it swept up from a flat plain into the forested hills. He suspected that wherever the slope ended, there would be a tremendous drop.

Ephraim pushed the plate away, an impressive pile of bones the only thing left. He fought the urge to pat his stomach, as he tried to remember the last time he ate so well.

"I see your cook has stayed and should be commended," he said, offering a wide smile of contentment.

A laugh slipped past her lips, and she tilted her head, her wine glass resting in her right hand, "Of course I've stayed...it is my home."

Heat flushed Ephraim's cheeks as he coughed at his gaffe behind his napkin.

"Well for that I am grateful. That was the best meal I've eaten in years...possibly since I left my father's estate."

"Such honeyed words...is it my turn now to blush," Selina said, her laughter once again filling the room.

Ephraim was pretty sure he now blushed enough for them both, but he found he didn't mind. Instead, he found himself searching for other ways to encourage her laugh to continue. Nervous energy buzzed throughout his body, an almost uncontrollable urge to stand and move about. He didn't think he was experiencing anything other than the contentment one finds in fine food and good company, but as his head grew lighter, Ephraim began to ponder if this was the effects of something else.

Selina leaned forward, a broad smile on her lips. She reached out and gently touched him on the forearm. He blinked, first at her, trying to stop her face from spinning; then in general as everything began to grow dark and wavy. His mouth opened, a question forming but before the words slipped out, Ephraim's eyes rolled back, and he slumped forward onto the table.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"Why Vicar," Selina said with a sly smile, "what a pleasant surprise."

Henry slipped from his horse, winching and pressing his hand against his head.

"Oh, you poor thing; the headaches are back," she said helping him navigate the stairs. At the top, his face reddened, and he pulled away, holding himself rigid and still. Her smile returned for a moment and she stepped closer.

"Lady Farkus," he stammered, turning his head to look out over her fields. "I was wondering if you had seen my brother or your man today."

Sighing, Selina shook her head and turned to open the door. She glanced over her shoulder and motioned for Henry to follow.

"I have some tea that will help with your head and you can tell me what is going on," she said, gliding towards the kitchen.

Henry stood in the doorway a moment before giving a start. Flustered, he hurried to catch up, falling in step with the woman as they moved to the kitchen.

"Please, sit," she said, pointing to one of the stools. She grabbed her pot and moved it to the kitchen table. "Lucky for you I happened to just make what you need."

She filled two cups and pushed the sugar bowl towards Henry. As he fiddled with the spoon, adding what he expected was too much sugar; Lady Farkus moved to a cupboard and produced a few cakes for the table.

"Thank you," he murmured after the first sip, the tension in his neck and shoulders retreating. Another sip and his headache faded quite considerably. He bit into the cake and offered a tight smile as he chewed.

"My pleasure as always," she said her voice sweet as honey. The kitchen was warm, but Henry knew that wasn't the reason his face was burning up.

"What was it you were asking?" she said as she reached out and took his free hand. She pressed her hands over his and held it tight. He glanced down then back to her face. Selina leaned closer, her gaze overwhelming.

"Um...my brother," he said, his voice slow and thick. "He seems to be missing. He left this morning with Tanner..."

Henry trailed off, his unblinking eyes staring into hers, and he wondered what she hid behind those dark orbs.

"What was I saying?"

"Nothing dear," she dropped his hand as she stood. Selina slipped behind him, helping him off the stool. "You were telling me you were going home to wait for your brother. You expect him there later today."

Henry nodded, slowly at first but with each nod, his indecision faded, "Yes...yes, that's right. I must get back. Thank you so much, my headache is almost entirely gone."

They walked to the front. The Vicar's horse had wandered over to some wildflowers and was pulling them up in bunches. The horse whinnied as they stepped to its side. Selina placed her hand on Henry's shoulder and squeezed. Her smile returned as she leaned closer, "I'm sure your brother is in good hands."

He nodded, glancing at her hand as she removed it. Silently he mounted the horse and set back to the church. Something bothered him, but he couldn't quite place it. Oh well, at least my headache is gone.

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Hey, Hey it's Monday...

Welp, I did it again...forgot the Friday post. Funny how the brain works when you have a posting schedule...it never reminds you. I even had a note this time. Oh well, hopefully, you're following me (or taken the friendship challenge) on Facebook and see the movie suggestions in real-time. I'm going to list them here real quick and then move on to some other stuff.

Oct 10th - Oct 18th Movies to celebrate Halloween

Behind the Mask : The Rise of Leslie Vernon : On Prime

https://youtu.be/7RiJDEZywlw

All Hallows Eve : On Prime & Tubi

https://youtu.be/jsMPc4C5rYQ

Freaks of Nature : On Tubi (Red Band Trailer - NSFW)

https://youtu.be/zvvPid3dS_Y

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse : FXNow

https://youtu.be/ZOhSbNJ7MqI

Phantasm : Prime & VUDUfree & Tubi & Shudder

https://youtu.be/xQFn0e5d00Q

Videodrome : Peacock

https://youtu.be/UFHey3utk0I

The Pit & the Pendulum : Prime

https://youtu.be/QChBy15UiTs

Happy Death Day : Have to rent or buy this one...Amazon or Vudu

https://youtu.be/wiPD9X43knU

ZomBeavers : Prime & Tubi

https://youtu.be/5SmWys4sjfA

Even though I heard some people on a podcast act like Halloween was canceled throughout the United States, I decided it wasn't canceled at my house. So I dug out the decorations and began setting up the front yard for all the ghouls & ghosts who enjoy this creepy season. We'll leave candy out for any trick-or-treaters this year in case they want to social distance...

One Halloween, many years ago, I created a Jason prop for the yard to add to my light-up skulls and gravestone decorations. I took a simple Styrofoam figure, the upper half of a zombie that you stuck in the ground to make it look like it was coming from the grave, and threw a shirt over it, and added a Jason Hockey Mask and a machete. I then stuck it on a pole and set it behind my bushes, so it looked like Jason was standing behind everything. It was pretty cool and I was pretty proud of myself. Then someone lit it on fire.

Luckily the cat freaked out and I went to see what was going on. You see while I thought I created a cool Halloween decoration, someone else saw a torch. Once I went outside and stood next to it for a minute, getting the hose and turning on the water, I saw it too. All in all, it only burnt a couple of branches after, of course, melting everything that wasn't flammable on my new homemade torch. The incident made me gun-shy for a couple of years.

Finally, I decided to get back out there and throw together some characters. And a tradition was born...although I'm not always sure the neighbors enjoy being on the street with the Halloween guy. To be honest, it's a bit of a chore to get it all up now that I have added so many characters to the layout. So I wait as long as I can before hauling everything out and getting it in place. There is always at least one person who will stop and say, "Wasn't sure if you were doing it this year." if I wait too long. I try and have it complete 2 to 2.5 weeks before Halloween.

So I've been doing it for over 10 years now, and each year I add 1 -2 characters(unless I have to rebuild a previous character). I rarely retire one so they just fill the yard now. Some of the neighborhood kids like to come out and watch them go up, some like to wait to see them when they are done, and other kids beg their parents to drive by my house every day in October until they are up...and then once they know the decorations are up they ask to drive by every other day. Another reason for the 2 or so week time frame - so I can tell people when to look for it.

Halloween is always fun as the older kids and adults like to look at everything and take pictures and the little ones like to be scared or show off their scary movie knowledge. I'm always surprised by how young some of them are...even though I started pretty young myself. I had one little girl come by every year and tell me who each character was...she was 3 or so when she started. Of course, some of the kids are too scared, so my wife and I stay close to the street and share extra candy with those little ones.

When I put the decorations up this year I had a few visits from neighbors. One wanted to see how we planned on handling candy this year, another said his daughter would be excited to see them going up, and a few stopped by to let me know they were happy to see something familiar in this crazy 2020. It took 2 days, about 12 hours total, to get everything up and situated and I was super tired by the end, but it's always worth it to see the cars slow down and talk with strangers who all know my home as the creepy Halloween house.

The first day was Zombies and Spiders before preset up for the people.

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This year's new characters : the Killer from Happy Death Day and a Wolfman

Here are all the other characters in no specific order...Leatherface, GhostFace Killer, Jason, Freddy, Michael Myers, Chucky, Possessed mom from Conjuring, Pennywise(Classic) and Georgie, Regan from the Exorcist, Sam from Trick 'r Treat, Samara from the Ring

Hope you like the decorations. Remember to stay safe this Halloween and the rest of 2020.

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 7

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 6 contains Chapters 13 & 14.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ephraim stifled a yawn. The adrenalin rush from the early morning excitement finally wore off as he sat in Lady Farkus's library. Once he carried Tanner inside and laid him down, she directed him to the room. The house was about the size of the one he grew up in, and Ephraim found the layout close if not exact. He hadn't been expecting a roaring fire when he entered the room, but it was welcome.

Ephraim stepped to the chair closest to the warmth and slumped down with a sigh. A few minutes later the yawning began. He wondered if the Lady would find him asleep when a distant bell sounded. Should I go investigate? He pondered on this for a moment before offering himself a shake of his head. Better to wait here...where it's warm. The last thing he wanted was an upset hostess.

A smile flitted across his lips at the thought. He imagined anger only magnified Lady Farkus's beauty. A beauty that Ephraim knew was a problem; for him and his brother, if she was using it in a war with the Baron, a man not to be trifled with. A hard lesson Ephraim learned on the battlefield. A lesson, in all honesty, Ephraim wanted to repay.

"I apologize for the lack of refreshments," Lady Farkus said as she slipped into the room.

Ephraim stood, sluggish at first as he stifled yet another yawn, and turned to face her. She offered him a sly smile, and his heart beat faster. A flush of heat colored his skin, and he hoped she would mistake it as an effect of the fire.

"No apologies needed," he replied as he waited for her to step to the opposite chair and sit. "We are unannounced guests...it is I who should apologize."

She motioned him to sit as her bell-like laughter filled the room. Her eyes flashed once again; a bit of humor at his expense he thought, and yet there was something else there...a mystery he so desperately wanted to solve. He took his seat with a nod of his head and waited for her to continue.

"Even had I known," she said after a moment, "I would still be ill-prepared. All my servants are gone now...well except Tanner, but he is helping you."

"Yes. Why is that?"

"Because I want to stop the Baron from stealing the last bit of land he doesn't already own...besides the Church's of course."

Ephraim noted the sour expression that flashed over her face before the smile returned. She understands the effect she has on men and uses it with a master's precision. Releasing a sigh, he forced himself to relax and sink into the chair's comfort. He needed to be on guard at all times around her, he decided.

"Your land, you mean?"

She nodded, glancing down at her hands clasped in her lap, before returning her gaze to Ephraim. He struggled to not rush to her side, take her hands in his, and declare no one would take her lands while he yet live. Her smile widened as Ephraim's legs twitched. Of course, she noticed. He kept his expression neutral, as he patted his thighs.

"Yes, but not for the reasons you think," she said, her voice suddenly innocent honey caressing his ears. She slid forward a bit, bringing her knee close to his. His eyes darted toward her leg before glancing back up to her face. If we should touch...

Ephraim didn't finish the thought as a throat cleared from the doorway.

"Ah Doctor," Lady Farkus said as she stood, "Please come in and meet the Vicar's brother, Ephraim Godwin."

Ephraim rose and turned, taking the doctor's hand in greeting, "Pleasure to meet you, Doctor...?"

"Crane, John Crane, and the pleasure is mine. Your brother speaks quite highly of you, and I am pleased to see you here, helping Lady Farkus and the others. Someone needs to stand up to that...that...bully," the doctor said.

Ephraim nodded while offering a neutral smile. Lady Farkus stepped past him and slid next to the doctor, "I'll see you out and you can give me an update on poor Mr. Tanner."

The doctor smiled, nodded towards Ephraim, and stepped out into the hall with Lady Farkus. Ephraim listened until the voices were no longer clear before sitting back down. The warmth of the fire quickly returned him to his original state, and within moments he was snoring softly in the chair.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Sir?"

Baron Hall opened his eyes. He was sitting in the garden, his back to his favorite fountain, with no idea how he came to be there. How can that be? He pressed his palm against his forehead, scrunching his eyes while attempting to force the memories to appear.

"Sir, are you injured?"

The Baron opened his eyes and glared at the speaker. The anger welling in his chest from either the man's interruption or the fact the memories were not coming, he couldn't tell. But he welcomed the distraction.

"Of course, why do you ask?" he said, his lips drawn back in a sneer as he moved to stand. He was not about to speak to the gardener while sitting on the ground like some commoner.

"The blood sir...and, well..."

Hall's body ached, and he found his struggle to stand disconcerting. His gardener had stopped speaking, instead pointing at the Baron. He glanced down, unsure what he would find, and shocked to discover he worn not a stitch of clothing. More confounding was the amount of blood that covered his bare skin.

The Baron stumbled back, slipping to the ground. His hands ran over his skin, searching for an injury but found none. His head rose slowly, locking eyes with the gardener. William Rutter...yes that's his name, another of those gypsy half-breeds roaming the countryside; Hall's eyes narrowed as he glared at the man. Could this be some gypsy trick? Had that blasted Farkus woman sent this man to spy or worse yet bewitch him?

"Well help me up, damn you," the Baron growled at the man.

Rutter stood still a moment longer before lurching forward. He reached down, offering the Baron his hands. Hall gripped the gardener's wrists and jerked him down. The man not expecting the sudden force on his arms tumbled toward the Baron, who shifted enough that Rutter's forehead struck the edge of the marble fountain.

Hall shifted to his knees, grabbed the back of the man's neck, and forced him over the side to plunge the man's head under the water. The gardener clawed at the Baron's hand with one hand as he tried to push up with his other.

"Die with some dignity," the Baron snarled as he leaned forward and placed his free hand on the man's back. His struggles slowed, then stopped but the Baron pushed harder. He had no plans of letting go until he was sure the spy was dead.

"Good heavens," a voice called out. "My lord must be careful. You'll catch your death out here so early in the morning."

The Baron straightened up before pushing up on the fountain's edge. His legs shook from the effort, and the dull ache returned. He wished he could pinpoint the issue, but it seemed everything hurt. Turning to his butler, Hall offered a slight bow of his head.

"Ah, thank goodness you've arrived Risewell," the Baron said, the words slurring together as he neared the end. "It appears I need help to get back to bed."

As he spoke the last words, the Baron tumbled forward into his butler's arms and his world returned to darkness.

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Monday morning list of movies to watch this Columbus Day.

Let's get the big whoops out of the way...I forgot to post Friday. After making a big deal on collecting my daily horror movie suggestions on Facebook to share on a weekly list, I forgot. My note to remind myself was buried in a sea of papers as I scramble to get the next book ready for print.

Now if you can't wait, and want to read it now you can. I am working on putting my first serial together in novel form for those who don't want to read it on the site. However, to do it justice, I'm going to have to add some more to it. Then I'm going to need to smooth it all out, and finally, make sure it's ready for print. I'm shooting for a late November or early December release.

I also am working on some more extreme horror stories, more in line with the first two books. This third book is actually the first of a series set in Victorian England. While it is horror, I lean towards mixing it within a good mystery. Think Sherlock Holmes(but nice) meets the Old Gods. But of course, if you've already read the posts you know that.

So here I am going to list the first 9 movies for October movie watching...hope you find some new ones or are inspired to go back and check out one you've seen before.

Oct 1 is Final Girls - a horror-comedy that looks at slasher movies in the 80s as it focuses on the unicorn that is the "Final Girl". Watch for free on Directv streaming or rent it Amazon.

https://youtu.be/zreNh78kTjg

Oct 2 is Sinister. A failing writer is searching for his next big box after years of living on a popular true crime novel. His fix is to rent the house of a murdered family and try and piece it together...little does he know exactly who or what is in the house. Watch for free on Peacock.

https://youtu.be/hI1yZF6kn3Y

Oct 3 is No One Lives. A group of criminals decides to mess with the wrong man. Luke Evans is fantastic as the psychopath. There are spots of corny dialogue, but you can forgive it as the rest of the movie is well done. Stream for free on TUBI or IMDB(through Amazon)

https://youtu.be/E46le6Jtny0

Oct 4 is Night Watchman. A funny look at being night watchmen when a horde of vampires sweep through your town. This trailer is not safe for work(seconds of nudity), but for some reason is the only one I can find online. Stream on TUBI.

https://youtu.be/YncvbNauRJI

Oct 5 is Green Room. Patrick Stewart is the leader of a Skinhead group. This movie is intense and the cast is fantastic. Stream it on Netflix.

https://youtu.be/yKdVYUXyBzU

Oct 6 is The Descent. A girls' trip turned nightmare as a group of adventures decide to go spelunking...the caves are not uninhabited...love the movie, love the cast, and love the director. Must see horror movie... Stream on TUBI and PlutoTV.

https://youtu.be/CSYg7Z1KS_I

Oct 7th is The Burning. An early entry to the slasher/horror genre. All I need to say is Jason Alexander with hair... You can buy on Blu-ray(I have and it cleans up nicely & the special features are pretty good), or you can rent/buy on Fandago Now...that's the only place.

https://youtu.be/lbBCP7VKM-E

Oct 8 is the House of the Devil. While this movie was made in 2009, it is the perfect representation of the early 80s. You would think it was filmed in 83 it's so perfect. Stream on Amazon Prime.

https://youtu.be/oM3NAtGR2qc

Oct 9 is You're Next. A new take on the home invasion movie. Great cast and atmosphere makes this a very fun horror movie. Stream on Peacock.

https://youtu.be/Ez0YcXsWL8I

That's it for now. I'll get you movies 10-16 on Friday...hopefully.

October is the perfect time to read a new favorite horror novel. The Pope Lick Monster and The Shadow Within are available now for Kindle and Paperback. Pick them up and let me know what you think.

The Pope Lick Monster
The Shadow Within

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 6

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 6 contains Chapters 11 & 12.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Faster," Tanner cried out as he crashed through the forest towards the horses.

Ephraim glanced over his shoulder, dark shapes chased after them. Deep growls filled his ears as they pulled closer to the men. Aware he was unarmed, Ephraim cursed his lack of foresight when a shot rang out. A yelp sounded behind him, but Ephraim focused on the horses now in sight.

They pawed at the ground, pulling and tugging on their lead, desperate to get free from the post.

Another shot fired, and Ephraim quietly thanked God for Tanner. At least one of us had their head on straight. A third shout sounded as Ephraim slid to a halt next to his horse. He patted her neck, offering soothing noises although he was well aware that he was in no shape to calm anyone.

Tanner fired once more before grabbing the reigns and scurrying into his saddle. Ephraim followed suit as the two horses bolted. The howling and snarling faded as they pulled away. Ephraim held on for dear life, drawing on every lesson he ever had on horsemanship. The trees whipped by, slapping and slicing at both mount and rider, and he wondered just how long they could keep up this pace.

Another howl sounded off to the right which was quickly answered from their left. As long as we can I guess. Ephraim pressed closer, fighting the urge to shut his eyes as the dark of night gave way to the morning light, turning the forest gray.

The two riders burst from the forest. We've done it...it should be a straight shot. A loud snap and the screams of Tanner's mount interrupted his thoughts as it tumbled to the ground. Ephraim pulled up, guiding his horse to turn around.

Tanner's limp form tumbled over the ground and came to a stop a few yards from the still shrieking animal. Howls sounded, much closer than Ephraim expected. He drove his heels into his mount, springing towards Tanner. He tumbled from the saddle and did a quick inspection of the unconscious man.

Nothing broken, breathing shallow but regular, and the man's pulse is steady enough. All these thoughts flew through his head as he glanced back towards the injured horse and the edge of the forest. No time to waste. He slipped his arms under Tanner and lifted. Ephraim stumbled forward a bit before gaining his footing and balance. He slung Tanner over the back of the horse and followed up. It took a moment to situate himself in the saddle and set Tanner in a position that Ephraim could hold on to.

Ephraim glimpsed back at the sounds of snapping and snarling. Four large canine shapes circled the felled horse, only causing the creature's cries to intensify. They offered him a glance before deciding he wasn't worth the effort and attacked the mount, ending its cries in short order. Ephraim dug his heels into the horse's flank wanting to be long gone before they finished.

As he glanced back one last time, an enormous wolf stepped from the forest. Shocked, Ephraim almost fell from the saddle. The beast walked upon two legs.

CHAPTER TWELVE

As the sun burned away the darkness, Ephraim slowed the horse down. He knew she wouldn't last much longer, her neck shined with sweat and her breaths came in labored gasps. Ephraim checked one last time behind them to make sure none of the wolves followed and pulled the mare to a stop. He slipped from the saddle, careful that Tanner stayed in place.

After a bit of situating, Ephraim was able to walk next to her without Tanner falling from her back. He let her guide them since the horse seemed to know where they needed to go; and they were moving away from the pack. At least I hope so, won't do at all to meet up with those beasts again on foot. He shuddered at the thought before saying a small prayer for Tanner's horse. Nothing deserved to die that way.

As he followed the mare, Ephraim realized they were lost. He assumed she would lead them back to the church, but it now appeared they traveled away from his brother.

Ephraim checked on Tanner, but he was still unconscious. Shaking his head, he wondered how close the nearest doctor might be. A series of deep barks pulled him from his thoughts. Ephraim's head shot up as he searched for the four-legged attackers.

"No worries, Soldier," Lady Farkus called out as she stepped out from behind a rise. Two mastiffs loped beside her as she strode towards Ephraim. She wore her dark hair loose, and her clothes were as vibrant today as the first time they met. She offered him a worried smile as she arrived at the mare's side.

The mastiffs continued around the horse, pausing to sniff around Ephraim before pressing their faces against his pants. He stayed still, afraid any movement might end up with a part of him in either creature's mouth.

"Don't mind them," she said offhandedly. "You'd be dead if they had any doubts."

"Good to know," Ephraim replied while continuing to stay still.

Lady Farkus let out a light, bell-like laugh, as she glanced over to him. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and he wondered once more exactly how close she might be with his brother.

"My home is just around those hills," she said, motioning with her head as her eyes stayed locked on Tanner. "I'll have the doctor look him over. While we move him, perhaps you can fill me in?"

Ephraim heard the question in her voice, but it was a question in politeness only. He hesitated before deciding he had no reason to hold back with her. At least not yet. Lady Farkus took the reins and started back the way she came. Ephraim waited a moment too long leading the mastiffs to begin to poke and prod him to follow her. He let out a yelp as he stumbled after her.

With another laugh, she glanced back and whistled. The two dogs surged forward, leaving him to catch up. Just what did you get me into dear brother?

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Ramblings on a Monday in October...

I have a feeling this is going to be actual ramblings...

I don't have much to add to today's blog post. 2020 has been a bummer for a lot of reasons, but my main issue would be there with or without a pandemic. As I noted at the beginning of the blog, one of the main things I was aiming to do was help my son in his battle with Crohn's and Colitis. COVID or not, this is something we, as a family, face every day. We have our ups and downs, and I think October is just starting in a downward direction.

The good news is it is October, and there will be plenty to distract us if we allow it. I can only hope that we get some good news and positive vibes soon to help swing everyone back in an upwards direction.

So with that said I have a few things to share and will hopefully find my Halloween spirit soon so I can overwhelm you with spooky offerings from here on out. If you are interested in the day to day stuff, you can send me a friend request or like my page on Facebook. I post a few things daily, with focus on scary and funny items...and of course all the animals roaming the house.

First up - Adam Sandler is back as another lovable loser with a weird accent in Netflix's Hubie Halloween. By now it's pretty simple, if you like Sandler and his line of humor check it out...if not have a few drinks then check it out...

https://youtu.be/kY3SuNvqQPw

Should be up for streaming on October 7th.

Something I've done on my Facebook page in the past was to suggest a horror movie a day. I tried to focus on obscure or forgotten classics but on occasion a popular one would pop in. I lost that account earlier this year to hackers, so I'm starting over with my new page. If you want to get them daily, follow the above link and send me a friend request - extra points if you let me know you're doing it from the website - or you can wait for Friday to see a list of all the movies I've suggested from the week before. That way you can get your weekend viewing ready.

So this Friday will cover Oct 1-8...but here's a sneak peek...

Oct 2nd's movie is Sinister. It has a very simple, yet brilliant set-up: Washed-up true crime writer Ellison Oswalt finds a box of super 8 home movies in his new home that suggest the murder that he is currently researching is the work of a serial killer whose work dates back to the 1960s.

Ethan Hawke does a fantastic job as the writer struggling to find that next big thing while trying to keep it all from his family.

This movie has the perfect amount of tension, jump scares, and creepiness to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

The reason I'm sharing this one now is simple. You can stream for free on Peacock or PlutoTV (both with Ads) or you can purchase it on Amazon's streaming service for $5. I'm not sure how long the sale is going on...

https://youtu.be/1wHOsphaw8c

See you Friday for more suggestions.

October is the perfect month to check out my horror novels, The Shadow Within and The Pope Lick Massacre. You can get them in Paperback and for the Kindle/Kindle App.

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I want to thank everyone who checks this out every week, who's just joined us today, and those that pop in every once in a while. I appreciate all your support and wanted to let you know how important you are to me.

See you Wednesday for the next installment of The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Awakening. Catch up by clicking here .

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 5

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 5 contains Chapters 9 & 10.

I appreciate your patience in this week's delay.

CHAPTER NINE

The room was dark when Henry gently shook Ephraim awake. A single candle offered a bit of light, and Ephraim recognized concern on his brother's face.

"Whatever is the matter?" he asked as he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Mr. Tanner is here," Henry whispered as he placed the candlestick down on the dresser before leaving the room. "I'm afraid there's been another attack."

Ephraim stood, dressed, and stepped to the bureau. He filled the basin with water from a pitcher and quickly washed his face and teeth. Another attack and since Tanner is here...another body left behind? At the very least, some type of evidence must be present. The thoughts rushed through his head as he slipped on his coat and grabbed the candlestick.

He moved to the kitchen, walking towards the only other source of light other than his own. Ephraim found Tanner and Henry sitting at the table. A cock crowed from outside.

"Awfully early for such unpleasantness," Ephraim said as he leaned against the kitchen wall. Henry nodded at his declaration but said nothing.

"Ye couldn't be more correct," Tanner grumbled as he stood. The scowl on his face deepened, emphasizing his scars and giving him a most sinister appearance. As he moved to step outside, Ephraim put out his arm and slowed the man. He studied him for a moment before offering a nod.

"Friends or family?"

"Both," Tanner said as he slipped from the house to disappear into the darkness.

"You need to hurry," Henry said with a grimace. "Once the location is discovered...you won't be allowed to investigate."

Ephraim stepped outside and found Tanner waiting on horseback. He held out the reins to the horse Lady Farkus had loaned Ephraim. He patted the mare on the nose and whispered a few words of comfort before swinging up and getting settled.

The men rode in silence, following the country path with the moonlight's help. After arriving where Ephraim met Lady Farkus, Tanner led them off the path and straight into the trees. Once they entered the forest, Tanner stopped and slipped from his horses back.

"Best to do this on foot," Tanner said over his shoulder. "The horses know the way but better safe since the dark..."

Ephraim hopped down and followed the man as they made their way deeper into the woods. The trees overhead obscured the moonlight, but the darkness slowly began to melt into the gray of morning. Another hour and the sun would be up.

As they pushed deeper into the forest, Ephraim realized they were on another path. There was no undergrowth in the way; each step clear of all forest debris.

"So is this a poacher's trail?" he asked wondering if Tanner would tell him the truth.

"Aye," Tanner replied, offering nothing else. Ephraim smiled, not sure if he was more amused by the honesty or the lack of any explanation. Not only was poaching frowned upon here, but it was also a capital offense. Something the landowners wouldn't hesitate to carry out. Of course, that never discouraged anyone.

Tanner stopped at a post, cleverly cut out of a felled tree. Ephraim followed his lead and secured his horse. Producing a lantern, Tanner lit the wick and held it out for Ephraim before lighting a second one. He patted the horse once more before following Tanner through the forest on foot.

As they slipped through the trees, the stink of death grew stronger and Ephraim found he had to concentrate to stop from gagging. An opening in the trees above allowed the waning moonlight to illuminate the forest floor, and Ephraim gasped. They stood at the edge of a slaughter.

The two men stepped into the clearing, lanterns held high.

CHAPTER TEN

"What am I looking at?" Ephraim asked not actually expecting an answer. The clearing was a ten by ten square, the ground cleared away except for the occasional pile of leaves. A fire pit sat in the middle, a circle of blackened stones around its edge. A makeshift spit leaned over the pit. As Ephraim moved closer, his stomach tightened.

A young boy, stripped of his clothes, hung from the spit. Ephraim let the light sweep over the child, refusing to linger on the open wounds or charred flesh. Red hot coals still smoldered in the pit. A deer carcass lay off to the right, covered in deep slash marks and gouges. Its belly torn open, chunks of its stomach and intestines lay on the ground. He leaned closer, noting the bite marks on the innards and around the beast's neck.

Tanner stayed near the edge. Ephraim wondered if it was out of deference for the deceased or unease from the amount of blood soaking into the earth. He hadn't seen anything like this since Alma...except in his nightmares.

"Three...no four bodies, torn to pieces and scattered," he said to Tanner, more a statement than a question.

"Aye," Tanner replied, his eyes staring blankly ahead.

Ephraim returned his attention to the carnage. His lips pursed, something wasn't quite right. He clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth as he glanced at the remains. Their faces are unmarred. He shook his head at the thought. That can't be right...the level of pure violence here and to somehow miss damaging all the faces...impossible.

Each body had the limbs ripped away; the torsos covered in rents and gouges. Two of the bodies were missing their heads, but the violence done to the other two stopped before reaching the chin. Ephraim stumbled across the two missing heads, thrown off to the side and resting near the clearing edge; while one had been gnawed on the back, neither had any damage to the faces. A warning or a simple coincidence?

"You found them?" Ephraim asked although he was sure of the answer. A soldier like Tanner may not be totally numb to violence, but his reaction reflected a familiarity that made Ephraim sad. No one deserved to discover families or friends in such a state.

"Aye," Tanner said once again, and Ephraim wondered if the man had slipped into shock. "I warned tem to skip tonight, that we'd make do with what we had but tey insisted. Said tey'd be protected."

Tanner spit off to the side, his scowl deeper than usual. Ephraim nodded, he understood Tanner's distaste. No matter what faith you took with you on the battlefield, it didn't take long for you to realize it was all a roll of the die. Maybe when it was all said and done, you returned to your faith but in the back of your mind, the questions always lingered. Fate, faith, or dumb luck...which really kept you alive on that field of carnage?

"I assume they were out here to actually poach," Ephraim said keeping his voice neutral, understanding the touchy nature of the subject. "Whose land are we on?"

Tanner stepped closer, "Aye. We try to wait for the beasts to slip over to Lady Farkus's land as she doesn't care, but there are times we have no choice and come here to the Baron's property."

"It's time to pay the Baron a visit," Ephraim said with distaste in his voice.

Tanner shrugged and stepped back to the edge, "No man did this."

Ephraim shook his head. He was fully aware of the terrible things Baron Hall was capable of...glancing around the square he shuddered. This would be the least of it.

As they stepped from the clearing, the howls began.

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

A little delay

There will be a slight delay in the next 2 chapters of the Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening. Life decided to get in the way and I won't be finished with it until later tomorrow or Thursday. I promise to have it out asap.

Until then enjoy a picture of Kittle the Husky.

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