Crescendo of Darkness
[image error]Music has the power to soothe the soul, drive people to obsession, and soundtrack evil plots. Is music the instigator of madness, or the key that unhinges the psychosis within? From guitar lessons in a graveyard and a baby allergic to music, to an infectious homicidal demo and melancholy tunes in a haunted lighthouse, Crescendo of Darkness will quench your thirst for horrifying audio fiction.
HorrorAddicts.net is proud to present fourteen tales of murderous music, demonic performers, and cursed audiophiles.
Please enjoy an excerpt below from Crescendo of Darkness.
“Lighthouse Lamentation” by R.A. Goli
A lighthouse keeper helps a mysterious guest, but the stranger’s haunting sea shanty might drive him mad.
1925, Somewhere off the coast of England
Harrison cringed, hunching his shoulders as the wind swirled around him. The south-easterly squall brought with it a few drops of rain and he watched as the billowing storm clouds headed toward him. He had windows to wash, the structure to check for damage, and general maintenance to do before his six-month stint at Black Lighthouse over the winter. He knew from previous seasons it was best to get the outdoor work done within the first few days as the weather would only get worse. He inspected the windows as he cleaned, running his fingers over seals and looking for cracks in the glass. Next, he checked the steps, railings, and walkways, tightening screws and replacing steps when needed. He moved downward, checking for missing or damaged bricks and examining the doors. Once at the bottom, he looked for cracks in the foundation, then walked the grounds. It was hard work, but it was all he knew and he loved it. He’d do it until retirement was forced upon him. Harrison figured he had another thirty years at least, to enjoy it.
Satisfied with the job he’d done, he climbed down to the catwalk and stared out to sea. He’d often refer to the water as his mistress. She had been Harrison’s longest relationship to date. No woman had been able to beat the ocean’s record.
He did a final lap around the tower and then glanced back toward mainland. During winter, the land connecting Black Island to the mainland was submerged, which meant it was accessible only by boat. His supplies were plentiful and he had Morse code equipment should an emergency occur. Maintaining the lighthouse kept him busy cleaning lenses, refilling tanks, and trimming wicks. What free time he did have, he spent reading or watching the water. Harrison didn’t mind, in fact, he welcomed the solitude.
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Heavy knocks startled Harrison as he sat by the hearth in the small cottage attached to the lighthouse. He put down his book and listened, trying to hear anything other than the pelting rain. The wind squealed like a banshee as it whipped around the building. He was about to resume reading when the knocks came again accompanied by a shout.
“Help!”
He rushed to the door and yanked it open. The visitor, drenched and covered in seaweed, collapsed against him. Harrison half carried, half dragged the man into the living room and sat him in the chair in front of the fire to warm up, then fetched towels and a glass of rum. When the man was dry, Harrison led him to the spare bedroom, the room the summer keeper’s daughter used, and tucked him into bed. The man was delirious, coming in and out of consciousness, unable to provide Harrison with any answers.
Black Island had been separated from the mainland for at least a month, so what ship had he come from? Were there other survivors?
Harrison let the man rest and sent a signal to the Coast Guard, but didn’t get a reply. After writing in the logbook, he returned to check on the man and found him sleeping soundly, so he retired for the evening.
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To read the rest of this story and thirteen
other horror music shorts, check out:
Direct link: https://www.amazon.com/Crescendo-Darkness-Jeremiah-Donaldson/dp/1987708156
Edited by Jeremiah Donaldson
Cover by Carmen Masloski
HorrorAddicts.net Press
Let music unlock your fear within.
