The Yellow Pages
Episode 01: A Scary Story Told in the Dark
Episode 01: A Scary Story Told in the Dark
The Yellow Pages
"The Book Bazaar has one of the widest selections of novels avalible. Short on cash? Check out our used book section. We have an incredible back catalog, including classic western author Louis L'Amour, fantasy authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, Michael Moorcock, Terry Brooks, and Robert Jordan, a Harlequin romance section, and every work of the famous horror author H.P. Lovecraft. Take advantage of our paperback book exchange, swap out your old paperbacks for new dime novels and stories you've never read. Remember the Book Bazaar."
"The Book Bazaar has one of the widest selections of novels avalible. Short on cash? Check out our used book section. We have an incredible back catalog, including classic western author Louis L'Amour, fantasy authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, Michael Moorcock, Terry Brooks, and Robert Jordan, a Harlequin romance section, and every work of the famous horror author H.P. Lovecraft. Take advantage of our paperback book exchange, swap out your old paperbacks for new dime novels and stories you've never read. Remember the Book Bazaar."
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
It was a dark and stormy night. The moon was up, and dark grey clouds filled the sky. It had the feel of a rainy night, with thunder and lightning and wind and the smell of ozone. Yet, the sky gave up no rain. Perhaps the world was all the better for it. Morte, the eldest of the Nightingale children, had picked up a book of scary stories from the local Book Bazaar, and was reciting it to his brothers Marshall and Mono. He embellished the story he'd read, adding his own twists taken directly from a nightmare he'd had. He gave the recount in first person, to make it all the more scary.
It was a dark and stormy night. The moon was up, and dark grey clouds filled the sky. It had the feel of a rainy night, with thunder and lightning and wind and the smell of ozone. Yet, the sky gave up no rain. Perhaps the world was all the better for it. Morte, the eldest of the Nightingale children, had picked up a book of scary stories from the local Book Bazaar, and was reciting it to his brothers Marshall and Mono. He embellished the story he'd read, adding his own twists taken directly from a nightmare he'd had. He gave the recount in first person, to make it all the more scary.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"The sun began to slowly sink below the horizon. In the faint twilight, I could see it, the fabled Nameless City found only in dreams..."
"The sun began to slowly sink below the horizon. In the faint twilight, I could see it, the fabled Nameless City found only in dreams..."
Mono Nightingale
"This is getting scary. Maybe we should just go to bed, Marshall!"
"This is getting scary. Maybe we should just go to bed, Marshall!"
Marshall Nightingale
"It's just getting good, Mono! Let him finish the story. Don't worry, I won't let any little nightmares bother you."
"It's just getting good, Mono! Let him finish the story. Don't worry, I won't let any little nightmares bother you."
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"And then I was reminded of that strange couplet written by mad Arab Alhazred that read,
'That is not dead which can eternal lie,
And with strange aeons even death may die.'
Headless to the warning, I travelled even deeper into my dreams, crawling into the very city itself..."
"And then I was reminded of that strange couplet written by mad Arab Alhazred that read,
And with strange aeons even death may die.'
Headless to the warning, I travelled even deeper into my dreams, crawling into the very city itself..."
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Morte continued the story of "The Nameless City" found only in nightmares. Needless to say, the two younger brothers were both quite scared by the end of the story, wondering if they might be unfortunate enough to meet the mad Arab Alhazred, or perhaps even visit the Nameless City themselves, should they fall asleep...
Morte continued the story of "The Nameless City" found only in nightmares. Needless to say, the two younger brothers were both quite scared by the end of the story, wondering if they might be unfortunate enough to meet the mad Arab Alhazred, or perhaps even visit the Nameless City themselves, should they fall asleep...
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Morte had left for his own room, and the two brothers curled up under the sheets of their bunkbed. They tossed and turned, trying to fall asleep, but worried what might happen if they did. The wind blew, causing a tree branch to scratch against the glass of their bedroom window.
Morte had left for his own room, and the two brothers curled up under the sheets of their bunkbed. They tossed and turned, trying to fall asleep, but worried what might happen if they did. The wind blew, causing a tree branch to scratch against the glass of their bedroom window.
Mono Nightingale
"Marshall, did you hear that?! It's the mad Arab Alhazred coming for us!"
"Marshall, did you hear that?! It's the mad Arab Alhazred coming for us!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Don't be so scared, it was just the wind."
"Don't be so scared, it was just the wind."
Mono Nightingale
"No, it wasn't! Look at the window!"
"No, it wasn't! Look at the window!"
Marshall Nightingale
"No way, what is that thing?!"
"No way, what is that thing?!"
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
As the two looked out their bedroom window, it wasn't a tree branch scratching at the glass that they saw.
As the two looked out their bedroom window, it wasn't a tree branch scratching at the glass that they saw.
Mono Nightingale
"Let me hide under your bed," Mono jumped from the top bunk and climbed into Marshall's bed, hoping for protection.
"Let me hide under your bed," Mono jumped from the top bunk and climbed into Marshall's bed, hoping for protection.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Not a second too soon, as Mono jumped under Marshall's covers there was a loud *CRaSH!* as a huge hand busted into the window and felt around the top bunk. Marshall grabbed his brother, and rolled off his own bed and under it. Again, with less than a second of time to spare, the huge hand came down and began searching the bottom bunk. The hand seemed confused at not finding any children there to grab. It was only a matter of time before that huge hand decided to search under the beds, as well!
Not a second too soon, as Mono jumped under Marshall's covers there was a loud *CRaSH!* as a huge hand busted into the window and felt around the top bunk. Marshall grabbed his brother, and rolled off his own bed and under it. Again, with less than a second of time to spare, the huge hand came down and began searching the bottom bunk. The hand seemed confused at not finding any children there to grab. It was only a matter of time before that huge hand decided to search under the beds, as well!
Marshall Nightingale
"We need to get out of here," Marshall said very quietly from a tangle of sheets and bedding beneath their bunkbed. "Sneak down to Mom and Dad's room."
"We need to get out of here," Marshall said very quietly from a tangle of sheets and bedding beneath their bunkbed. "Sneak down to Mom and Dad's room."
Mono Nightingale
"Alright, but you go first," Mono's voice was no louder than a mouse.
"Alright, but you go first," Mono's voice was no louder than a mouse.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The two brothers slowly slid from their bed, careful to not make the slightest noise. As they opened the bedroom door, the faint creeking of the hinges sounded like thunder in their ears, making their blood rush and hearts pound faster. They tip-toed to the staircase, and began to descend. The shadows themselves seemed to come alive, filling the stairs. Was it just their imagination, or were the shadows really trying to claw at them?
The two brothers slowly slid from their bed, careful to not make the slightest noise. As they opened the bedroom door, the faint creeking of the hinges sounded like thunder in their ears, making their blood rush and hearts pound faster. They tip-toed to the staircase, and began to descend. The shadows themselves seemed to come alive, filling the stairs. Was it just their imagination, or were the shadows really trying to claw at them?
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
At the bottom of the stairs, the two Nightingale brothers had a clear view of the kitchen and living room. In every window, they could see shadowy figures trying to look through the windows.
At the bottom of the stairs, the two Nightingale brothers had a clear view of the kitchen and living room. In every window, they could see shadowy figures trying to look through the windows.
Marshall Nightingale
"There's something strange about Them."
"There's something strange about Them."
Mono Nightingale
"They are made of shadows! I once read they are called shadow people, fetches, or black masses. They are from another dimension, according to folklore. A sinister twin world that lives in the Earth's shadow."
"They are made of shadows! I once read they are called shadow people, fetches, or black masses. They are from another dimension, according to folklore. A sinister twin world that lives in the Earth's shadow."
Marshall Nightingale
"Whatever They are, we'll never reach Mom and Dad. Look, one's in the kitchen!"
"Whatever They are, we'll never reach Mom and Dad. Look, one's in the kitchen!"
Mono Nightingale
"Morte's room is the other direction, let's go get him first. He'll know what to do."
"Morte's room is the other direction, let's go get him first. He'll know what to do."
Marshall Nightingale
"Alright, but let's grab some stuff to protect ourselves."
"Alright, but let's grab some stuff to protect ourselves."
Mono Nightingale
* Mono nodded in agreement. *
* Mono nodded in agreement. *
Mono acquired a flashlight!
Unknown to the two brothers, this flashlight was previously empowered by the Light.
Unknown to the two brothers, this flashlight was previously empowered by the Light.
Marshall acquired a fire-poker!
This fire-poker works well as an improvised club.
This fire-poker works well as an improvised club.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The two brothers swiftly took a few things from the living room, including a flashlight and an iron fire poker. They passed into the side hallway that included a doorway to a bathroom. There was another door, but the two brothers couldn't quite remember what was on the other side. It had a poster of Hello Kitty hanging from it.
The two brothers swiftly took a few things from the living room, including a flashlight and an iron fire poker. They passed into the side hallway that included a doorway to a bathroom. There was another door, but the two brothers couldn't quite remember what was on the other side. It had a poster of Hello Kitty hanging from it.
Hello Kitty Poster
"Mina sako arigato, k-k-k-kawaii!"
"Hello Kitty, Hello Kitty!"
"Hello Kitty, you're so pretty!"
"Mina sako arigato, k-k-k-kawaii!"
"Hello Kitty, Hello Kitty!"
"Hello Kitty, you're so pretty!"
"!retsaM kraD eht evreS !nataS liaH" | "!em ekil tsuj eB !em ekil ,ytterp eB" |
Marshall Nightingale
"What the heck is up with that poster? It's almost like it reads two things at the same time."
"What the heck is up with that poster? It's almost like it reads two things at the same time."
Mono Nightingale
"It's... that's, uhm... you know, our... Ugh!"
"She... uhm, college... Why can't I remember?!"
"It must be some type of subliminal text, meant to affect our minds and make us forget!"
"It's... that's, uhm... you know, our... Ugh!"
"She... uhm, college... Why can't I remember?!"
"It must be some type of subliminal text, meant to affect our minds and make us forget!"
Marshall Nightingale
"We'll have to figure it out later. Let's keep going."
"We'll have to figure it out later. Let's keep going."
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
At the very end of the hallway was the door they sought, the door to Morte's bedroom. A big sign on it read:
At the very end of the hallway was the door they sought, the door to Morte's bedroom. A big sign on it read:
'Keep Out!'
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The two brothers could hear a deep, dark voice singing. As they approched Morte's bedroom, they never even got a chance to knock. The door opened slowly. Morte was standing in the doorframe, but he looked different. Like something had gotten to him. The shadows were so thick, and black as ink, that Morte could barely be seen within them.
The two brothers could hear a deep, dark voice singing. As they approched Morte's bedroom, they never even got a chance to knock. The door opened slowly. Morte was standing in the doorframe, but he looked different. Like something had gotten to him. The shadows were so thick, and black as ink, that Morte could barely be seen within them.
etroM kraD
| Dark Morte
(singing):
Exit light,
Enter night...
Take my hand...
We're off to
...ytiC sselemaN eht
| Dark Morte
(singing):
Exit light,
Enter night...
Take my hand...
We're off to
...ytiC sselemaN eht
Mono Nightingale
"Oh, no! The little nightmares got him! He's one of Them, now!"
"Oh, no! The little nightmares got him! He's one of Them, now!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Maybe not. We can save him. We have to try, he's our brother!"
"Maybe not. We can save him. We have to try, he's our brother!"
Dark MorteetroM kraD
"Did't you read the sign? You should have minded your own business, and fled when you had the chance."
".sdnuohlleH eht ot meht deef dna ,tuo seugnot ruoy raet dluohs I" They are taking over everything, one little nightmare at a time! Soon, we'll all be one of Them."
"Now I'll have to take you both to the Thin Man for your re-education process..."
".sdnuohlleH eht ot meht deef dna ,tuo seugnot ruoy raet dluohs I" They are taking over everything, one little nightmare at a time! Soon, we'll all be one of Them."
"Now I'll have to take you both to the Thin Man for your re-education process..."
Marshall Nightingale
"Quick, get him!"
"Quick, get him!"
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The three brothers were in a down and dirty scuffle, and Morte was by far stronger than the other two combined. Fists hit ribs, elbows hit stomachs, knees hit nuts. Mono blinded Morte with the flashlight; the light itself seemed to hurt the shadowmen, and push away the little nightmares that had taken ahold of Morte. Marshall took the chance to scramble free, and bonked Morte on the head with the firepoker. Morte was knocked out. Mono opened the bathroom door, and Marshall pulled Morte inside.
The three brothers were in a down and dirty scuffle, and Morte was by far stronger than the other two combined. Fists hit ribs, elbows hit stomachs, knees hit nuts. Mono blinded Morte with the flashlight; the light itself seemed to hurt the shadowmen, and push away the little nightmares that had taken ahold of Morte. Marshall took the chance to scramble free, and bonked Morte on the head with the firepoker. Morte was knocked out. Mono opened the bathroom door, and Marshall pulled Morte inside.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Ugh, what happened..." Morte said in a groggy voice, rubbing at his head. "I have a splitting headache, what happened? Why am I in the bathtub?"
"Ugh, what happened..." Morte said in a groggy voice, rubbing at his head. "I have a splitting headache, what happened? Why am I in the bathtub?"
Mono Nightingale
"The little nightmares took you over, Morte! Just like all the lost people of the Nameless City!"
"The little nightmares took you over, Morte! Just like all the lost people of the Nameless City!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Huh? That was just some made-up story. You really believed there was some Nameless City that existed only in dreams? And I'd been there? Like, for real?!"
"Huh? That was just some made-up story. You really believed there was some Nameless City that existed only in dreams? And I'd been there? Like, for real?!"
Mono Nightingale
"It is real! Your subconscious probably made you think it was all just a made-up dream to protect itself, 'cause you're too old and stubborn to believe in the supernatural!"
"It is real! Your subconscious probably made you think it was all just a made-up dream to protect itself, 'cause you're too old and stubborn to believe in the supernatural!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Mono is right! The little nightmares are real, we've seen Them!"
"Mono is right! The little nightmares are real, we've seen Them!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Mono is only 10, I understand why'd he'd believe all that bedtime story nonsense. You're practically an adult, you should know better."
"Mono is only 10, I understand why'd he'd believe all that bedtime story nonsense. You're practically an adult, you should know better."
Marshall Nightingale
"We're not making this up! You went all Linda Blair from the Exorcist, I had to knock you out with the fire-poker. Just look for yourself, They broke in the house. One of Them is creeping around the kitchen right now, keep your voice down."
"We're not making this up! You went all Linda Blair from the Exorcist, I had to knock you out with the fire-poker. Just look for yourself, They broke in the house. One of Them is creeping around the kitchen right now, keep your voice down."
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Someone broke in the house?! Why didn't you just say that."
"Someone broke in the house?! Why didn't you just say that."
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The three brothers crept out of the bathroom and peered out from the hallway. Across the living room, several of those black masses in the shapes of men were skulking around the kitchen. Beyond Them, down the kitchen hallway, was their parents' bedroom. A strange, bright light played across the night-time shadows, as if someone, or something, was prowling about their parent's room.
The three brothers crept out of the bathroom and peered out from the hallway. Across the living room, several of those black masses in the shapes of men were skulking around the kitchen. Beyond Them, down the kitchen hallway, was their parents' bedroom. A strange, bright light played across the night-time shadows, as if someone, or something, was prowling about their parent's room.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Ah, hell no! Time to crack some skulls. Give me that thing."
"Ah, hell no! Time to crack some skulls. Give me that thing."
Morte acquired the fire-poker from Marshall!
This fire-poker works well as an improvised club.
This fire-poker works well as an improvised club.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"I don't know who you two chuckleheads are, and frankly, I don't care. I'm gonna turn you two into Kibbles-and-Bits!"
"I don't know who you two chuckleheads are, and frankly, I don't care. I'm gonna turn you two into Kibbles-and-Bits!"
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
As Morte raced across the living room, fire-poker raised above his head, the two black masses looked back and took pause. It had been a very long time since anyone had been brave enough to confront Them. A shiver of fear passed through Their old, twisted bodies, but before Morte could lay hands on Them, that same strange light appeared above Morte. Suddenly, the eldest brother was held fast in place, unable to move. Slowly, he began rising off the floor, as if being pulled up by a giant meat hook.
As Morte raced across the living room, fire-poker raised above his head, the two black masses looked back and took pause. It had been a very long time since anyone had been brave enough to confront Them. A shiver of fear passed through Their old, twisted bodies, but before Morte could lay hands on Them, that same strange light appeared above Morte. Suddenly, the eldest brother was held fast in place, unable to move. Slowly, he began rising off the floor, as if being pulled up by a giant meat hook.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Something's got me! I can't do anything!" Morte kept rising toward the ceiling, towards a tunnel of light that seemed to blast a portal through the roof.
"Something's got me! I can't do anything!" Morte kept rising toward the ceiling, towards a tunnel of light that seemed to blast a portal through the roof.
Mono Nightingale
"Paranormal levitation! Quick, grab him! Grab him!"
"Paranormal levitation! Quick, grab him! Grab him!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Watch out, the Shadowmen are coming for us! I'll get Morte. Hit Them with the flashlight, Mono!" Marshall grabbed ahold of his older brother, trying to pull him back to the ground.
"Watch out, the Shadowmen are coming for us! I'll get Morte. Hit Them with the flashlight, Mono!" Marshall grabbed ahold of his older brother, trying to pull him back to the ground.
Mono Nightingale
"Have a taste of the Light, you old wrinkled shadow blobs!" Mono cried out, flicking on his torch and shining it on Their faces.
"Have a taste of the Light, you old wrinkled shadow blobs!" Mono cried out, flicking on his torch and shining it on Their faces.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The light seemed to sizzle Them like bacon on a hot pan. Just like a vampire, except They didn't combust into flames or burst into dust. It seemed to push the Shadowmen back, like a powerful fireman's hose blasting out a stream of water at full speed. Whatever it did, it kept Them at bay, for the time being.
Marshall pulled with all his might, but the levitation started to take them both away. With one last final tug, using all his body weight and athletic prowess, Marshall managed to pull his brother Morte free of the light-vacuum-vortex-thing. The two collapsed atop each other on the wooden floor.
More of the Shadowmen scratched at the windows and clawed at the doornobs, trying to get inside. With enough of Them, They could simply overrun the Nightingales, despite the flashlight. Mono looked about with worry, realizing the growing danger.
The light seemed to sizzle Them like bacon on a hot pan. Just like a vampire, except They didn't combust into flames or burst into dust. It seemed to push the Shadowmen back, like a powerful fireman's hose blasting out a stream of water at full speed. Whatever it did, it kept Them at bay, for the time being.
Marshall pulled with all his might, but the levitation started to take them both away. With one last final tug, using all his body weight and athletic prowess, Marshall managed to pull his brother Morte free of the light-vacuum-vortex-thing. The two collapsed atop each other on the wooden floor.
More of the Shadowmen scratched at the windows and clawed at the doornobs, trying to get inside. With enough of Them, They could simply overrun the Nightingales, despite the flashlight. Mono looked about with worry, realizing the growing danger.
Mono Nightingale
"There's too many, I need help!" Mono cried out.
"There's too many, I need help!" Mono cried out.
Marshall Nightingale
"Dad keeps his huge mag-lite down there," Marshall said while rushing to the kitchen. He reached beneath the sink and retrieved a heavy black metal flashlight. The thing looked more like a policeman's nightstick than a torch.
"Dad keeps his huge mag-lite down there," Marshall said while rushing to the kitchen. He reached beneath the sink and retrieved a heavy black metal flashlight. The thing looked more like a policeman's nightstick than a torch.
Marshall acquired his Dad's heavy mag-lite!
This flashlight has been secretly empowered by the Light. It also functions as a light club.
This flashlight has been secretly empowered by the Light. It also functions as a light club.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Marshall's flashlight drove back Them just as easily as the one Mono carried. The two slowly maneuvered, careful not to get too close, getting around the two of Them in the kitchen. Morte took the opportunity to run past them all, toward their parents' bedroom. By the time Morte reached them, it was already too late. His parents were levitating away, being taken by Them to Their Nameless City of nightmares.
Marshall's flashlight drove back Them just as easily as the one Mono carried. The two slowly maneuvered, careful not to get too close, getting around the two of Them in the kitchen. Morte took the opportunity to run past them all, toward their parents' bedroom. By the time Morte reached them, it was already too late. His parents were levitating away, being taken by Them to Their Nameless City of nightmares.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Mom! Dad! No!"
"Mom! Dad! No!"
Mono Nightingale
"Grab 'em! You can do it, Morte!" Mono had run into the room behind his big brother.
"Grab 'em! You can do it, Morte!" Mono had run into the room behind his big brother.
Marshall Nightingale
"Help him! Grab ahold of Morte!"
"Help him! Grab ahold of Morte!"
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Morte rushed into the bedroom in an attempt to save his parents, but his mother was already gone. He grabbed ahold of his father, pulling against that strange levitating magic as hard as he could. The magic was too powerful, and Morte braced his feet against the window frame. Marshall was grabbing Morte, pulling on his older brother to help, and Mono was behind Marshall, aiding what little strength he could. With all of their strength, the Nightingale brothers pulled, until the window frame cracked beneath Morte's feet and his grip gave out. The Nightingale parents were gone, taken away on a levitating beam of light.
Morte rushed into the bedroom in an attempt to save his parents, but his mother was already gone. He grabbed ahold of his father, pulling against that strange levitating magic as hard as he could. The magic was too powerful, and Morte braced his feet against the window frame. Marshall was grabbing Morte, pulling on his older brother to help, and Mono was behind Marshall, aiding what little strength he could. With all of their strength, the Nightingale brothers pulled, until the window frame cracked beneath Morte's feet and his grip gave out. The Nightingale parents were gone, taken away on a levitating beam of light.
Mono Nightingale
"No!!!" Mono screamed. "They got Mom and Dad!"
"No!!!" Mono screamed. "They got Mom and Dad!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Outside! Maybe we can see where they go!"
"Outside! Maybe we can see where they go!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"I'll grab the car keys!"
"I'll grab the car keys!"
Morte droped a fire-poker!
This fire-poker works well as an improvised weapon, but Morte needs his hands free.
This fire-poker works well as an improvised weapon, but Morte needs his hands free.
Morte acquired his father's keychain!
Dad's old keychain can unlock the house, the family car, and his lockbox.
Dad's old keychain can unlock the house, the family car, and his lockbox.
Morte acquired his father's lockbox!
Dad's lockbox contains some hidden treasures, including some cash and a pistol.
Dad's lockbox contains some hidden treasures, including some cash and a pistol.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Mono and Marshall ran outside their home. Up in the sky, they could see more than just their parents floating away. It looked like practically everyone in the neighborhood.
Mono and Marshall ran outside their home. Up in the sky, they could see more than just their parents floating away. It looked like practically everyone in the neighborhood.
Marshall Nightingale
"Look! They must be taking the whole neighborhood. The adults, at least. I don't see any kids."
"Look! They must be taking the whole neighborhood. The adults, at least. I don't see any kids."
Mono Nightingale
"A mass abduction! I've never even read about anything like this."
"A mass abduction! I've never even read about anything like this."
Marshall Nightingale
"There! I see Mom and Dad. Don't lose sight of them!"
"There! I see Mom and Dad. Don't lose sight of them!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Climb in, monkey boys!" Morte shouted as he drove out their Dad's old 1960 Buick LeSabre from the garage.
"Climb in, monkey boys!" Morte shouted as he drove out their Dad's old 1960 Buick LeSabre from the garage.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The boys jumped into the car and raced off, trying to keep their parents in sight. It seemed as if they were all being drawn off, away from the city, and into the woods and backwaters of the country. A memory of something important whispered just outside their thoughts, like a forgotten memory. A memory of something important to the Nightingale brothers, out in those woods. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't remember.
The boys jumped into the car and raced off, trying to keep their parents in sight. It seemed as if they were all being drawn off, away from the city, and into the woods and backwaters of the country. A memory of something important whispered just outside their thoughts, like a forgotten memory. A memory of something important to the Nightingale brothers, out in those woods. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't remember.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Near the woods, the Nightingale brothers came across a small farming town. Amongst the buildings were giant things as tall as buildings. They towered over the barns and farm houses, moving between them, and reaching inside. They resembled the fetches, those shadow people, but were something different, something alien. Certainly more terrifying and dangerous. When the fetches came to perform Their mass abductions, it weakened the Veil between the Worlds of Other Dimensions, and allowed the Tall Ones in...for a time. The Tall Ones always took the opportunity to scour the Middle World for innocent souls to devour, fueling Their nightmarish and unholy powers.
Near the woods, the Nightingale brothers came across a small farming town. Amongst the buildings were giant things as tall as buildings. They towered over the barns and farm houses, moving between them, and reaching inside. They resembled the fetches, those shadow people, but were something different, something alien. Certainly more terrifying and dangerous. When the fetches came to perform Their mass abductions, it weakened the Veil between the Worlds of Other Dimensions, and allowed the Tall Ones in...for a time. The Tall Ones always took the opportunity to scour the Middle World for innocent souls to devour, fueling Their nightmarish and unholy powers.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"What are those things, Mono? They are massive! I doubt we could defeat Them."
"What are those things, Mono? They are massive! I doubt we could defeat Them."
Mono Nightingale
"They look almost like huge Shadowmen. I wonder if light bothers Them, too."
"They look almost like huge Shadowmen. I wonder if light bothers Them, too."
Marshall Nightingale
"Beyond the town, I can still see Mom and Dad floating away."
"Beyond the town, I can still see Mom and Dad floating away."
Mono Nightingale
"That one on the left has something in it's hand. It looks like a kid!"
"That one on the left has something in it's hand. It looks like a kid!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Dear Lord, its eating 'em. Those Tall Ones are eating the people!"
"Dear Lord, its eating 'em. Those Tall Ones are eating the people!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"We need to get through this town without getting noticed. The main highway goes straight through town, it's the only way. I'll just have to hit the gas and hope we're too far away before They notice."
"We need to get through this town without getting noticed. The main highway goes straight through town, it's the only way. I'll just have to hit the gas and hope we're too far away before They notice."
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Morte slammed down the gas petal, and they went racing off. It was a straight shot through town, and the Tall Ones were so busy fishing through the houses for poor souls to eat that They didn't notice the zooming car until it was already out of town. A few of Them began walking after the car, but seemingly in no rush. There was still easier prey to be found amongst the barns and farm houses. Huge pine trees began to wall in the highway all about the Nightingales, blocking the Tall Ones from view. However, all around them, the forest seemed alive with shadows of its own.
Morte slammed down the gas petal, and they went racing off. It was a straight shot through town, and the Tall Ones were so busy fishing through the houses for poor souls to eat that They didn't notice the zooming car until it was already out of town. A few of Them began walking after the car, but seemingly in no rush. There was still easier prey to be found amongst the barns and farm houses. Huge pine trees began to wall in the highway all about the Nightingales, blocking the Tall Ones from view. However, all around them, the forest seemed alive with shadows of its own.
Marshall Nightingale
"Just our luck," Marshall exclaimed in exasperation, "All the people are floating into that big grey cloud. Wait, I can almost see something. It's huge, coming out of the clouds!"
"Just our luck," Marshall exclaimed in exasperation, "All the people are floating into that big grey cloud. Wait, I can almost see something. It's huge, coming out of the clouds!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Whoah! It makes the Tall Ones look like ants. Where's the mouth, I bet it could eat a whole city in a single bite!"
"Whoah! It makes the Tall Ones look like ants. Where's the mouth, I bet it could eat a whole city in a single bite!"
Mono Nightingale
"Its like the Eye of Sauron! It must be one of Their leaders, manifesting itself to peer into our World-Dimension."
"Its like the Eye of Sauron! It must be one of Their leaders, manifesting itself to peer into our World-Dimension."
Marshall Nightingale
"Too late! Our parents just disappeared with all the rest of the abducted adults into that portal of light in the clouds."
"Too late! Our parents just disappeared with all the rest of the abducted adults into that portal of light in the clouds."
Mono Nightingale
"I have a very bad feeling about this."
"I have a very bad feeling about this."
Marshall Nightingale
"The Eye in the Sky, its looking straight at us! We gotta get outta here!"
"The Eye in the Sky, its looking straight at us! We gotta get outta here!"
Mono Nightingale
"That's horrible English. Its 'We have got to get out of here,' enunciate each word."
"That's horrible English. Its 'We have got to get out of here,' enunciate each word."
Marshall Nightingale
"Shut up, Mono! This ain't no English class!"
"Shut up, Mono! This ain't no English class!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"That's it, I'm turning us around."
"That's it, I'm turning us around."
Marshall Nightingale
"That's something Mom would say, 'I'm turning this car around if you two don't quit fighting.' Sheesh."
"That's something Mom would say, 'I'm turning this car around if you two don't quit fighting.' Sheesh."
Mono Nightingale
"Dad would just smack us upside the head, probably. Or, at least, say he was going to."
"Dad would just smack us upside the head, probably. Or, at least, say he was going to."
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"No, you two chuckleheads. I'm talking about escaping. There's no saving Mom and Dad tonight."
"No, you two chuckleheads. I'm talking about escaping. There's no saving Mom and Dad tonight."
Mono Nightingale
"What about the Tall Ones, They are still back there!"
"What about the Tall Ones, They are still back there!"
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"We'll have to risk it for the biscut. We have a lot better chance against the Tall Ones than whatever that huge Eye in the Sky is attached to."
"We'll have to risk it for the biscut. We have a lot better chance against the Tall Ones than whatever that huge Eye in the Sky is attached to."
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Morte tapped the breaks and put the car into a fish-tail. In no time, they were racing back the way they came. The giant Eye in the Sky was growing more distant in the rear view mirror. The Nightingale brothers took a breath, feeling a measure of safety for the first time in hours. Mono should have paid better attention to his instincts, for up ahead was anything but safe.
Suddenly, two of the huge pine trees came alife. Long, thin branches reached down and tried to grab ahold of the car. No, not trees. It was the Tall Ones. Those two that tried following them must have been keeping at it this whole time. Standing perfectly still in the shadows, They had blended in with the forest of pine and spruce trees that fenced in the highway. A huge hand came down and rocked the car out of control.
Morte tapped the breaks and put the car into a fish-tail. In no time, they were racing back the way they came. The giant Eye in the Sky was growing more distant in the rear view mirror. The Nightingale brothers took a breath, feeling a measure of safety for the first time in hours. Mono should have paid better attention to his instincts, for up ahead was anything but safe.
Suddenly, two of the huge pine trees came alife. Long, thin branches reached down and tried to grab ahold of the car. No, not trees. It was the Tall Ones. Those two that tried following them must have been keeping at it this whole time. Standing perfectly still in the shadows, They had blended in with the forest of pine and spruce trees that fenced in the highway. A huge hand came down and rocked the car out of control.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Morte managed to bring the car safely to a stop. The headlights were aimed perfectly at the Tall Ones. They flinched and reeled back, protecting Their eyes. The light seemed to boil shadowy tendrils from Their skin.
Morte managed to bring the car safely to a stop. The headlights were aimed perfectly at the Tall Ones. They flinched and reeled back, protecting Their eyes. The light seemed to boil shadowy tendrils from Their skin.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"You were right, Mono. The light hurts Them, too. We have a fighting chance!"
"You were right, Mono. The light hurts Them, too. We have a fighting chance!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Look, the sun's coming up! We just need to survive a few more minutes and get out of the shadows of this forest."
"Look, the sun's coming up! We just need to survive a few more minutes and get out of the shadows of this forest."
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Buckle up, we're taking this off-road," Morte fastened his seat-belt and turned the wheel sharp.
"Buckle up, we're taking this off-road," Morte fastened his seat-belt and turned the wheel sharp.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The other two brothers followed suit, buckling their seat-belts. Like a bat out of hell, the Nightingales drove the old Buick LeSable through the woods, constantly swirving between trees and fallen logs.
The other two brothers followed suit, buckling their seat-belts. Like a bat out of hell, the Nightingales drove the old Buick LeSable through the woods, constantly swirving between trees and fallen logs.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The car came ripping out of the woods, into the same plains surrounded the small farming town. More of the Tall Ones were still there, devouring Their victims. At the sight of the car blazing toward Them, They too charged toward the Nightingales, eager to destroy the one thing that dared defy Them this night. On the horizon, a glint of twilight sun could be seen.
The car came ripping out of the woods, into the same plains surrounded the small farming town. More of the Tall Ones were still there, devouring Their victims. At the sight of the car blazing toward Them, They too charged toward the Nightingales, eager to destroy the one thing that dared defy Them this night. On the horizon, a glint of twilight sun could be seen.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
One of the Tall Ones caught up, and grabbed ahold of the car. The roof buckled under the strength of its massive fingers. The wheels spun fruitlessly, unable to budge the sheer mass of the creature. Morte had to buy some time. He pulled the keys from the ignition, reached over, and opened his father's lockbox. Inside was their father's old Glock G17 9mm pistol. He quickly loaded it, unbuckled his seat-belt, and leaned out the car window.
One of the Tall Ones caught up, and grabbed ahold of the car. The roof buckled under the strength of its massive fingers. The wheels spun fruitlessly, unable to budge the sheer mass of the creature. Morte had to buy some time. He pulled the keys from the ignition, reached over, and opened his father's lockbox. Inside was their father's old Glock G17 9mm pistol. He quickly loaded it, unbuckled his seat-belt, and leaned out the car window.
Morte used the keychain to unlock his father's lockbox!
Dad's lockbox contains hidden treasures, including some cash and a pistol.
Dad's lockbox contains hidden treasures, including some cash and a pistol.
Morte acquired his father's pistol!
Dad's old Glock G17 9mm has seen some heavy use, and at one point or another Dad has taken each of his children out to the shooting range and taught them how to use it.
Dad's old Glock G17 9mm has seen some heavy use, and at one point or another Dad has taken each of his children out to the shooting range and taught them how to use it.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Showtime!"
"Showtime!"
Marshall Nightingale
"Let that sucker have it, Morte!"
"Let that sucker have it, Morte!"
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
Morte pulled the trigger, three perfectly aimed shots!
*blAm!*, **BLaM!!**, ***BLaAaM-Ooo!!!**
Morte blinked, and fired again.
*** blAm!blAm!!blAm!!! ***
Morte let loose on the trigger, and blinked again. The thing had barely even flinched.
Morte pulled the trigger, three perfectly aimed shots!
Morte blinked, and fired again.
Morte let loose on the trigger, and blinked again. The thing had barely even flinched.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Still have that bad feeling, Mono?" He looked at his little brother in the back seat, and tried to smile. No sense frightening the kid. Uh, no sense frightening him any more than... he... already... Uh! This is not good.
"Still have that bad feeling, Mono?" He looked at his little brother in the back seat, and tried to smile. No sense frightening the kid. Uh, no sense frightening him any more than... he... already... Uh! This is not good.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The three brothers looked at each other in disbelief, unsure what to do. The car buckled and flipped as the Tall One lifted it and looked inside. They were doomed.
Just then, a ray of hope came to them. No, a literal ray, made of pure sunlight. The Tall One howled and collapsed to the ground in a cloud of inky smoke-like shadow. The car tumbled out of what was left of the thing's hand. Marshall and Mono were shook up, but alright. Morte was thrown about, having forgotten to rebuckle the seat-belt after firing the gun. His head smashed against the roof, and then against the steering wheel. Morte was knocked out. It took awhile for his brothers to shake him awake.
The three brothers looked at each other in disbelief, unsure what to do. The car buckled and flipped as the Tall One lifted it and looked inside. They were doomed.
Just then, a ray of hope came to them. No, a literal ray, made of pure sunlight. The Tall One howled and collapsed to the ground in a cloud of inky smoke-like shadow. The car tumbled out of what was left of the thing's hand. Marshall and Mono were shook up, but alright. Morte was thrown about, having forgotten to rebuckle the seat-belt after firing the gun. His head smashed against the roof, and then against the steering wheel. Morte was knocked out. It took awhile for his brothers to shake him awake.
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Ugh, what happened..." Morte said in a groggy voice, rubbing at his head. "I have a splitting headache, what happened? Why am I in an upside-down car?"
"Ugh, what happened..." Morte said in a groggy voice, rubbing at his head. "I have a splitting headache, what happened? Why am I in an upside-down car?"
Mono Nightingale
"I knew it, the Tall Ones must be part of the Shadowmen dimension. The sunlight forced Them back to Their own world."
"I knew it, the Tall Ones must be part of the Shadowmen dimension. The sunlight forced Them back to Their own world."
Marshall Nightingale
"Mom and Dad are still missing, along with a lot of other adults. This thing ain't over yet. We need to get home, and figure out how to follow Them to that Other Place."
"Mom and Dad are still missing, along with a lot of other adults. This thing ain't over yet. We need to get home, and figure out how to follow Them to that Other Place."
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Buckle up, I'm driving."
"Buckle up, I'm driving."
Mono Nightingale
"We are buckled."
"We are buckled."
Marshall Nightingale
"And the car's still upside down."
"And the car's still upside down."
Mortimer "Morte" Nightingale
"Whatever. Help me flip it over, we got work to do."
"Whatever. Help me flip it over, we got work to do."
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
With a great heave, the Nightingale brothers got their father's car back on its wheels. The thing was banged up something mighty, but it still ran. The three brothers looked out one last time at the sunrise that had saved their very lives, but who knew when They might be back. There was also the matter of rescuing their parents. No small feat, considering they were trapped in a Nameless City in an alternate dimension of nightmare and shadow.
With a great heave, the Nightingale brothers got their father's car back on its wheels. The thing was banged up something mighty, but it still ran. The three brothers looked out one last time at the sunrise that had saved their very lives, but who knew when They might be back. There was also the matter of rescuing their parents. No small feat, considering they were trapped in a Nameless City in an alternate dimension of nightmare and shadow.
Fableweaver (the Narrator)
The three boys got in the car, and drove off into the sunrise. Morte was right, they had work to do, and only until the sun went down to get it done.
The three boys got in the car, and drove off into the sunrise. Morte was right, they had work to do, and only until the sun went down to get it done.
