"Perchance To Dream" (Chapter 8)
When Abbie and Ichabod arrived at the archives, they found Jenny and Frank Irving busy researching the latest threat. Jenny was on the laptop. Frank was poring over one of. the large reference books ..
"What's up?" Abbie asked.
"Residents have been reporting hearing and seeing some strange lights and sounds over at Henner's Folly." Frank replied.
"Henner's Folly?", Abbie said "Wow, I haven't heard anyone mention that name in I don't know how long".
"It seems like the disturbances started three nights ago with the new Moon." Frank added.
"What is Henner's folly?" Ichabod asked.
"It's a small island about a mile from here. I remember hearing that the place was cursed when I was a kid."Abbie said.
"Well, the actual history is pretty interesting." Jenny explained, pointing to the information on her laptop.
"It seems the original inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow, the Weckquaesgeek, believed the island possessed strong spiritual power. It was considered sacred land. The elders of the tribe believed the island was enchanted and had the ability to increase the potency of any magic practiced on the island, good or evil. They believed it was the duty of their people to safeguard the island and keep it out of the wrong hands. Unfortunately, the island was "appropriated" by the town of Sleepy Hollow in 1802 and that's when the problems began.
The town attempted to construct an Armory on the land in April of 1802. Several construction workers were seriously wounded while trying to build the armory. In addition to the accidents, the men reported hearing strange noises at dusk and in the early morning. When the men would finish one section of the armory, they would return in the morning only to find the work from the previous day destroyed. This went on for several months, until finally the town decided to abandon the sight and build the armory elsewhere. The local residents believed the land might be cursed and the island sat idle for over a century."
"That was until 1923 when a wealthy Paper manufacturer named Joseph Henner decided he wanted to build a "Dream mansion on the island" for his new wife." Frank said, pointing to a large book titled "Sleepy Hollow: A Pictorial History".
"Now the Town Board did try to discourage Henner from the purchase. Henner, however would not be deterred. He offered so much money, the Board finally acquiesced.
A series of setbacks plagued the construction of the huge mansion, including the deaths of three of the building crew. Problems continued until one day, the accidents and delays ceased. There was a rumor that Mr. Henner was so hell bent on building that house, he sold his soul for the privilege. The house was finally completed in 1926. It was magnificent. 10 bedrooms, 12 baths, marble floors, Tiffany windows, a massive English garden. It was an architectural wonder."
"Yeah, one that Henner and his wife never really got to enjoy." Jenny said, picking up the story.
"When Winifred Henner moved into the estate, she was 4 months pregnant. The Henners were overjoyed their first born would soon be joining them in their opulent new home. The couple had a special nursery designed by one of that decade's most famous interior decorators, Syrie Maugham. The Henners spared no expense. The nursery was said to be an Art Deco masterpiece.
The happiness the Henners experienced in the house was extremely short lived.
Poor Winifred died in 1927, giving birth to their stillborn son. Joseph was devastated.
He fired all his servants and became a recluse. His business failed in 1930, due to the Depression. He could not find a buyer for the estate, which had become a constant reminder of his sorrow. Joseph Henner committed suicide on Christmas Eve, 1931.
The house has remained vacant ever since."
"And you say mainland residents have been reporting strange sounds and light on this island?" Ichabod asked.
"That's right. And the reports have not come from a bunch of teenagers. No, we've been getting reports from homeowners who live on the waterfront. Henner's Folly is easily seen from the south side of the docks." Frank answered.
"Roger Willet, who owns the Hardware store on Main Street, described the sounds he heard as "inhuman", and said the lights had an unnatural, eerie glow. He was shaking when he talked about it." Jenny added.
"Wow! Nothing unnerves Roger." Abbie observed.
"It is certainly in the realm of possibility to believe these disturbances are being caused by demons who escaped Purgatory." Ichabod stated.
"Definitely, looks like that could be the case." Frank agreed."The problem is we just don't know how many we're dealing with. According to the Legend, the island can actually magnify the power of any magic practiced there 3 fold."
"Could just be old Joe Henner.", Jenny added, "Maybe he really did sell his soul. Now he's back wreaking havoc."
"Anything's possible", Frank agreed.
"Hey, I remember hearing Ash and Frank, the Shaman, talking about the island years ago. I think they may be able to help. We should go back tonight and get their take on this. I'll call Ash and tell him we're on our way." Abbie said.
Ichabod couldn't help the frown that was forming on his face as he entered the car to return to the Hunters.
"More time for Ash to fawn over Abbie", he mused.
In actuality, Ichabod had nothing to worry about.
Abbie Mills had made a discovery when she kissed Ash that night. She realized that the only lips she truly desired belonged to the suddenly, sullen man sitting in her passenger seat, Ichabod Crane.
To be continued...
Notes: So sorry that it has been ages since I updated this. Thank you so much for taking the time to read one of my stories.