Thread by @jburneko

“Victor Danforth’s Last Play”

Act I

Scene I

It was late 179- when I heard the name “Elaine Bartlett,” a local woman executed for witchcraft. Unable to resist a thrilling a tale I decided to go up to the manor where she once lived. There, I was told, all that remained of her things was her father’s military service saber.

The moment I touched the thing, the winds began to pick up and it was suddenly as if the very trees had come alive! As I fled from the manor a branch lashed out and cut me upon the arm. Surely, a forest can not fight on its own?

Act II

Scene II

Upon returning to town, I was dismayed to discover that I was not alone in my disturbing experience in the forest.

With only an old military saber to go on, I decided to explore the ruins of the abandoned keep. I was disappointed I could not find anything useful among the bones of the dead.

But then I noticed a cat, that appeared to stare at me almost with human intelligence gleaming in its eyes. I followed the creature and it lead me to a loose stone behind which I found some old letters addressed to a “Dr. Bartlett.”

It was then that I heard the scream from the nearby marsh! It was unmistakably the fading cry of dying mans last breath.

I ran to the marsh and there I had my worst fears confirmed. There, sinking into the mud was the bloody corpse of Magistrate Kroft. The very man who had sentenced Elaine Bartlett death.

I had only a moment to mourn a stranger’s death when I heard a great crashing sound and turned my eyes back toward town. The trees! The trees were marching upon the town itself.

Then, much closer, I heard a keening and spied ghostly sentries upon the battlements of the abandoned keep. I somehow knew this redoubled force of supernatural activity was brought on by the Magistrate’s death. I must find a way to put his soul to rest!

In that moment, my resolve failed me and it was all I could do but stumble back toward town. My body trembled with anxiety as an all too familiar feeling shivered down my spine.

I knew. I knew, that somewhere, out there, she was gathering strength.

I managed to make it back to town where I quickly took refuge in Doctor Manning’s office. I found his disposition surprisingly comforting.

We became fast friends and discovered that under stress the good Doctor is not against having a stiff drink... or four. It was late into the evening when he confessed to me that he regretted giving testimony against Elaine Bartlett.

Just as I was saying my goodbyes, a distant scream let out. Doctor Manning cried, “That sounded like Lady Hanbrook!” Remembering the fate of Magistrate Kroft I quickly ran in the direction of the distress!

By the time I’d reached the crossroads I realized all too late that something was terrible wrong... The trees! I’d forgotten about the trees. One of the arboreal horrors raked me across the chest and I fled, bloodstained, deeper into the olde woods.

As I took a moment to catch my breath. I remembered Doctor Manning saying that he had testified at Bartlett’s trial. I knew then that I had been tricked. Called away to leave the doctor vulnerable! As if in response to my thoughts there the specter of the doctor rose before me!

“Begone! Begone! Go forth unto your proper rest and let mortals avenge your death!” I cried with all my strength. The apparition passed through my body, chilling me to the bone, just before it dissipated into the nether realm. With the spirit vanished, I fainted.

Intermission.

Act III

Scene III

I awoke, screaming. I was surrounded was spectral soldiers and I flailed about before falling harshly out of bed. I still do not know if they were a dream. I gathered up “bell, book and candle” before heading out to confront the darkness once more.

I headed out into town knowing there was a grim task ahead of me.

A storm was gathering...

I entered Doctor Manning’s office and pulled the corpse I knew I’d find there up upon the table. With his own tools I set about my work.

Covered in gore I looked up to see the mysterious cat I’d met back in the abandoned keep. The way it looked at me told me that this dark drama was coming to an end.

At that moment a young boy burst into the office, calling for the doctor. He looked upon the body with shock and horror. When I asked what was the matter he said that Lord and Lady Hanbrook were dead. I thought once more of the cat.

I calmly, too calmly, entered the church. I prayed, but it was a hollow meaningless act. I asked Reverend Harding if he thought he was up to the spiritual challenges that lie ahead. He confessed he was afraid. More afraid than he’d ever been in his life.

I sat next to the Reverend in silence. Soon I heard scratching. Scratching at the windows. Scratching at the doors. It was high pitched screechy kind of scratching. It was the scratching of trees.

Game Over (I lost).

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