Archer House, Parlor - Night
Aaron Hotchner dour and always sweaty, takes a seat by the fire, joining William and the three other elders. A pretty servant, Sarah, brings a pipe cradle while Lady Archer sets down food. Spencer is standing.
"That will be all, ladies." William waits as they exit. "We are joined by Doctor Aaron Hotchner, Constable. And to his left are Reverend Hankel and our able magistrate, David Rossi, both keeping order in their own ways."
Spencer notices the three men. He trusted the Doctor seeing that they probably had the same ideas about science. The magistrate seemed to be a trustworthy fellow because he had a mug in one hand and a pipe in his mouth. But there was something about the Reverend that made him feel nervous especially with that constant look of disapproval.
"I myself am in charge of financial matters and the regulation of currency in our commonwealth. And lastly, this fine fellow is Jason Gideon, our Notary."
Spencer notices that he is the oldest, with one eye pale and blind.
"An honor, gentlemen. In time I will need every detail of the three murders you've had, but for now, I ask is there any suspects of who this killer might be?"
"Excuse me?" Hotchner asks confused.
"Are there any one person, suspected in these acts?"
"I was afraid of this."
David shoots a look at William. Spencer notices that there is obviously angst amongst the elders.
"Well, Constable…are you aware…to be honest, you are not what we expected. We sent for the militia."
"The militia?" Spencer asks stunned.
"Why not tells us what you have heard? Hmm? How much have your superiors bothered to tell you?" Hankel asks.
"All I know is three are slain, their heads found severed from their bodies."
"The heads were not found severed. The heads were not found at all." Hankel corrects him.
"Taken. Taken by the Headless Horseman. Taken back to Hell." Jason Gideon tells Spencer.
"Pardon me?" Spencer asks.
"You have not been well informed of our troubles, sir. If you would…"
William gestures for Spencer to sit and William lights his pipe.
"The Horseman…he was a Hessian mercenary sent to our shores by German princes to help keep Americans under the thumb of England. However, unlike his compatriots who came as muscle in trade for currency, he came willingly. For love of carnage."
1778 American Battlefield - Day
The Hessian Horseman rides his black steed into a gory, close-quartered clash, his cloaked uniform adorned with edged weapons. He cuts down Americans left and right.
"He was infamous for taking his horse, Daredevil, hard into battle…chopping off heads at full gallop."
He dismounts, hoisting a battle axe. With sword and axe, he annihilates. Blood gushes and bones crack.
"Just to look on him made your blood run cold, for he had filed down his teeth to rapiers…to add to the ferocity of his appearance."
The Horseman lets out a war cry. Jagged teeth. Grotesque.
Forest Battlefield. Winter 1779. - Day
Winter. Cannons can be heard booming from afar. Daredevil lies dead in red snow.
"He would not finally meet his end till the winter of seventy-nine, when New York City was held by Henry Clinton and Washington occupied West Point. It was between these two places, not far from here…"
The Horseman flees, cloak flowing and chased by five rag-tag Revelutionary soldiers. Ahead, a steep, rocky area prevents escape. A soldier aims a rifle and fires. Blood explodes from the Horseman's arm as he runs. His sword falls from his now functionless hand.
Another soldier grabs the sword.
At the rocks, the Horseman faces the men. Another Rifleman raises his rifle. The Horseman reaches over his shoulder to grasp a sheathedd knife and throws it. The rifleman jerks back, the knife is in his eye socket.
The Horseman readies an axe. The Revolutionaries move in with swords. They battle, steel against steel. The Horseman fends off blows from all sides.
The third soldier lunges and stabs his blade deep into the Horseman's side. The Horseman roars and brings his axe down with breaks the sword at the hilt. An upward stroke sends the soldier's head over heels in a fountain of blood. The Horseman staggers, howling , trying to pull the blade from his ribs. The remaining soldiers close in.
Archer House, Sitting Room - Night
Pipe smoke wafts from David's mouth. "Cut off his head with hisown sword. It's a legend told for twenty years."
"But only recently has the Headless Hessian been seen prowling the Hollow, in search of a head to suit his shoulders." William tells Spencer
"Just a moment…" Spencer sits back, incredulous. "Are you saying it is he?"
"When a goblin leaps from the nether world, others follow. Poltergeists of the air, water and earth follow cheer his desecrations!" Jason said loud and aggravated. He bangs his cane on a table and William puts a calming hand on his shoulder.
"No one knows why he chose to now to climb out from his grave." Aaron informed Spencer.
"It is very clear why. Citizens here have long tried to hide sins behind closed doors. Their failed faith has saturated the soil and called forth one of Satan's own." Reverend Hankel told the group.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but…who has seen this Horseman?"
"Many have." William answered Spencer's question.
"Then, name one person who has seen him with their own eyes."
There was no reply from the elders and Spencer rises from his chair.
"While I will do everything I can to find your assassin, I will look for a man of flesh and blood. Not some goblin-demon from hell."
These elders are shady aren't they? Tell me your thoughts by reviewing or PM me.