First sequel story to an episode of the show! This one is a sequel to Oliver's Find.
Enjoy!
"The Abandoned Manor"
Starring
The Peel Godred Branch as Oliver
MainlandStudios as Ryan
Donald9andDouglas10 as Toad
and
Victor Tanzig as Sir Stephen Topham Hatt
The line at Hawin Lake had been restored into a branchline. The Sodor and Mainland engines, Neil, Clive, and Matthew, would be running it from now on.
The engines and road vehicles involved in the restoration were all chatting with the guests and crew attending.
Sir Topham Hatt spoke to Henry and Oliver who were by the station.
"Henry, Oliver, I would like to thank you for your help in the restoration of this line. Old Bailey is very thankful." Sir Topham Hatt said thankfully.
"We were happy to help sir." smiled Oliver.
"I'm just glad I can come down this line without anything bad happening." Henry said fondly. "Or spooky."
"Indeed. Now then, I must get back to the celebration." Sir Topham Hatt said.
And he walked away.
Oliver looked at Henry. "Henry? I'm sorry I didn't believe you about a ghost haunting this old line." he said.
Henry smiled. "Ah that's alright Oliver." he said gently. "I was the same when Edward first told me the shorter version of the story. Though it was after my very first time down here at night that I started to believe."
"Up until Old Bailey told you what was really going on?" Oliver asked.
"Exactly." the big green engine replied. "And of course I didn't think there was a ghost… up until a few nights ago…"
"Indeed." said Oliver. He chuckled. "You know… after such an experience, I was reminded of what happened to me years ago."
Henry was surprised. "You mean you've encountered a ghost before? But then why didn't you believe in this one?" he asked.
"Guess I repressed the memory as the years went by." Oliver chuffed. "And I suppose this one brought those memories back. Do you remember when I took the mail train and ended up finding that old station in a crash?"
"Oh right, all because you shunted those trucks into the turntable well," said Henry, eyeing Oliver.
The auto tank blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry about that… again."
Henry smiled. "Ah it's all in the past Oliver." he said. "And I get it those trucks can be a pain in the buffers."
Oliver felt better. "Well then, after my accident down there Sir Stephen Topham Hatt was planning on restoring the line." he said. "And that's when it all happened…"
1998:
It was a sunny day on the Island of Sodor.
Sir Stephen Topham Hatt was driving his car down the road towards the Little Western Branchline. He had some news to share.
At the sheds, Duck, Oliver, and the Scottish Twins were getting fired up for work when Sir Topham Hatt arrived.
"Ah splendid. You're all still here." he said as he and his assistants exited the vehicle.
"Good morning sir." said Oliver. "What brings you down here?"
"The restoration of an old line Oliver." The Fat Controller replied.
"Which old line sir?" asked Duck.
"Old Manor Station." Sir Topham Hatt replied.
"Kind of on the nose, wouldn't ya say sir?" asked Donald.
"Unless the manor was already old by the time the station was built around it." joked Douglas.
"That was what it was called by the time I took control of the railway." Sir Topham Hatt said. "Anyways, I've got the paperwork taken care of, and it will be restored as a teas house. And the station and shed will be restored as well."
"That's wonderful to hear sir." Oliver puffed. "Who will be helping out with the restoration?"
"You will Oliver." Sir Topham Hatt replied. "I trust that won't be a problem?"
"Not at all sir." Oliver promised.
"Excellent. You and Toad can collect some supplies from the Docks." Sir Topham Hatt said.
"Yes sir." Oliver chuffed.
Later Oliver was arranging the trucks he would be using to carry the supplies.
Mike was shunting some ballast trucks under the chute for Douglas to take later.
"You seem to be in a good mood Oliiver." the red engine remarked.
"I'm helping out with the restoration of the line I found last week." Oliver said.
"Oh yeah, the one you found after crashing into the shed." Mike snarked.
Oliver rolled his eyes. "Yes… well the manor is gonna be turned into a tea house." he said. "It will be a nice tourist attraction too."
Sigrid of Arlesdale pulled up on the line next to the shute.
"Just be careful Oliver." the blue diesel said. "I hear that that old line was abandoned because of some strange events."
"Strange events?" snorted Mike. "What you mean like ghosts? Don't tell me you actually believe in that nonsense."
"Mike is right." said Oliver. "All that ghost nonsense is make-believe."
"You never know…" Sigrid said as she rolled away.
Later, Oliver was taking a train of supplies to Old Manor Station. Toad was his brake van, per usual.
"I've never been down this line before Mr. Oliver." Toad said.
"Well Toad now you can." Oliver said. "It did look spooky at night. But in the daytime it is quite nice to look at."
They soon arrived at Old Manor Station. Oliver looked around. The station and shed were covered in vines and plants all around it. The manor and workshop still looked abandoned and desolite. But all in all, it was peaceful.
"This place does look a bit eerie Mr. Oliver." Toad said nervously. "It's kinda scary."
"I will admit it's a little creepy, especially at night." Oliver admitted. "But hey once the restoration starts, it will be a splendid sight for tourists."
At that moment, Ryan the GNR tank engine pulled up with some coaches.
"I brought the workman!" he called. "They're ready to start."
"Thanks Ryan." Oliver said.
It wasn't long until the workman got to work on the restoration. The old lines were replaced with new track.
The nature growing over the buildings was cut off.
And inside the manor and workshop, new furniture was bought.
A week had passed as the restoration progressed. Sir Topham Hatt was talking with the foreman.
"How long are we looking until the area is restored to its former glory?" he asked.
"We're looking at about a couple more weeks." the foreman replied. "Still gotta work on the electricity, piping, and then the walls and paint."
"Excellent." Sir Topham Hatt said.
The foreman looked at the manor. "Say sir, might I ask you, when exactly did this old manor become abandoned?"
Sir Topham Hatt looked back at the building. "I would have to say around when my grandfather, Sir Topham Hatt I, the Fat Director, was in charge." he replied. "I don't recall my father Sir Charles ever telling me about this place back when I took charge after he retired. I'll look into it more when I'm not busy with other means."
One evening, Oliver was picking up passengers in Isabel and Dulcie at platform 4. Ryan was at platform 5 dropping off packages.
"So how's the restoration coming along Oliver?" the purple tank engine chirped.
"So far going good." Oliver replied. "If it all goes to plan, the tea house will be in good business by summertime. The workshop attached to it will too. It can be used to make spare chairs, couches, tables, and more for the house and station."
"I can't wait to see it!" Ryan said excitedly. "I like exploring new areas on Sodor."
At that moment, Sir Topham Hatt arrived.
"I need an engine to pick up some more supplies from Brendam Docks and take them to the workman at Old Manor Station." he said.
"I'd love to sir but I have to get these passengers to the Little Western for the last tour train for the day." Oliver said.
"I can take them sir!" Ryan piped up. "Daisy has the Arlesburgh branch line under control. There aren't any more good needed."
"Excellent." Sir Topham Hatt nodded.
Later Ryan was at the docks picking up the supplies train. Cranky lowered some crates onto the trucks.
"Have fun running on the spooky line at night Ryan." Cranky said. "Try not to run into any ghosts."
"Ghosts?" Ryan exclaimed, taken aback.
"Oh yes ghosts." Cranky laughed. "Think about it; abandoned line, creepy buildings, it's like you're gonna puff straight into a horror movie."
"Don't listen to Cranky." said the manager. "Anyways, you're all ready to go."
"Thank you!" said Ryan and he puffed away.
The purple GNR tank engine puffed down the line as the sky got oranger.
By the time he reached the station, the sun was already setting. The workman got out of the coach and got to work.
"I gotta say this line looks pretty nice at night." Ryan said. "Maybe I could spend the night in the shed."
"Sorry Ryan but you'll be needed back at Arlesburgh tomorrow." said his driver.
"Oh well." Ryan hummed. He looked to the right. "What's with all that dirt?"
"I hear that a garden will be put there." said his fireman. "Lots of flowers and some vegetables for the new owners living above the dining area."
"Sounds clever." mused Ryan.
Ryan glanced up at the manor as the workman continued to go in and out with repairs and maintenance. While it did look homey, the old structure did give off an eerie vibe.
The workman worked until the sky was dark and the stars shone brightly. The workman came down from the manor to the station.
"We're all done here." said one. "We'll be ready to do more tomorrow."
"Sounds great!" said Ryan. "Hop in the coaches and I'll take you home."
But just as the workman began to board the carriages, they suddenly heard what sounded like a door slamming.
"What was that?" asked Ryan.
"Sounded like a door." said the driver. "But no one opened the coach doors…"
"Did one of you slam the station door?" asked a workman.
But they all shook their heads.
Then, Ryan spotted something at the manor. Lights were flickering through the windows.
"Uh… did you guys leave the lights on?" Ryan nervously asked.
"No." said a workman. "We turned off the power so we could work and not get electrocuted."
"We used lanterns for light." said another.
Suddenly, the doors and windows burst open and a howling, eerie wind began to blow around the area.
"Ok.. this is getting scary!" Ryan said nervously. "I think we should-"
"Ryan look!" shouted his driver, pointing towards the shed.
Ryan looked and went pale.
There, emerging from the dark, empty engine shed, was what looked like a middle-aged man. He was dressed in what looked like old-fashioned clothes from the 1910's… but they were torn, disheveled, and dirty.
"W-W-Who is that…?" Ryan asked, his frames shaking in fear.
The figure began to slowly walk towards him, breathing shakily, his glare not disappearing.
"Who are you?" Ryan asked, shaking at the man's presence.
The man stared at Ryan fiercely before stopping in place on the tracks.
"Leave…" he whispered darkly.
"L-Leave?" Ryan stammered. "W-What do you-?"
"Leave this manor…" the man whispered loudly, his snarl twitching a bit. "You don't belong here…"
Suddenly, he disappeared into thin air.
Ryan gasped in shock. As did his driver, fireman, guard, and workman, all who had been watching the scene before.
"It-It-It-IT'S A GHOST!" Ryan screamed. "GET ME OUTTA HERE!"
"Don't have to tell us twice!" his driver said.
The workman ran into the coaches and Ryan's driver put the reverser in full gear and Ryan sped away down the line, whistling fit to burst.
Arlesburgh Sheds:
The next morning, Ryan was still shaking in his shed. The scary encounter with that creepy man left a bad impact on him.
Sir Topham Hatt was talking with him.
"Your driver and fireman said that you saw… a ghost. And that's why none of you are working today" he said cryptically. "Now Ryan are you sure you weren't seeing things?"
"P-Positive sir." the purple tank engine stuttered. "I-I wouldn't make it u-up even if I t-t-tried…"
Sir Topham Hatt was silent for a moment. "I see… well Ryan I'm not sure what to say about this… after all ghosts aren't-"
"I'd hate to interrupt you sir," Ryan said, trying to keep his cool despite still being shaken. "But why would all of us make it up? Especially if we're still… shaken by it… I wouldn't lie to you about any of this sir, honest!"
"I believe you Ryan… I'm just not sure if I can believe any of this… especially since the workmen with you last night are refusing to work anywhere near the manor." The Fat Controller said.
"I don't blame them sir." Ryan muttered. "I-I'm still shaken myself…"
At the station, Oliver puffed in with a freight train with Toad at the back. Daisy was taking on oil in the sidings.
"I brought the ballast." Oliver said as he spotted Daisy. "Fresh from the Arlesdale Railway."
"Oh good." said Daisy. "I'll take it as soon as I'm all fueled up."
Oliver and Toad were taken aback. "But I thought Ryan was in charge of the goods work Miss Daisy." Toad said in confusion.
Daisy grunted. "Ryan's off work today due to a big fright he had last night." she replied. "So I'm doing double work duty. Thankfully I have experience doing both jobs at once and the passengers have all gotten to their destinations for the day."
"So what scared Ryan last night?" asked Oliver.
"He said it was a 'ghost'." Daisy replied, rolling her eyes. "Honestly I don't know what he and his crew and the workers saw last night. Might've just been children playing a prank. Sneaky little devils…"
"A…ghost?" Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow. "Doesn't Ryan know ghosts don't exist?"
"That's what I said this morning!" Daisy said as she was finished being filled up with oil. "But I wasn't able to convince him otherwise as I left to pick up my passengers. Oh well… seaking of picking up, I'd better get the break vanI brought earlier and get this train down the line."
And the diesel railcar left.
Oliver was perplexed. "A ghost haunting Old Manor Station? I find that hard to believe." he muttered as he uncoupled from the trucks and ran around to retrieve Toad.
"I dunno Mr. Oliver, that line did look very eerie when we went there yesterday." Toad said as he was uncoupled from the ballast train. "And how much do we really know about the old line anyway?"
"Only that it was abandoned years ago and its manor is gonna be a tea house and its workshop will make just about anything on the side." Oliver said as he coupled up to Toad and took him away from the train as they went to the water tower. The NWR's Number 11 needed to top off on water before heading back to the Little Western. "I'm sure Ryan saw nothing and neither did his crew and those workman. I bet the dark of the night was playing tricks on them all."
"I highly doubt that." Toad said skeptically.
"Oh don't tell me you believe in this ghost nonsense." Oliver scoffed. "Ghosts, vampires, witches, none of the sort exist Toad. It's all just silly make-believe for spooky stories on Halloween."
Toad sighed. Arguing with Oliver was pointless at this point.
Later, Oliver was at the yards on the little Western to pick up some flatbeds for more supplies to take to the station.
Duck was nearby at the ballast hopper to pick up more ballast to take to Wellsworth.
"They're still working on the station even after Ryan's little fright last night?" Duck asked.
"Sir Topham Hatt got a new set of workmen to work." Oliver replied. "I'll be picking them up in the old works coach to take with my train down there."
"Be sure no ghosts try to get you." Duck teased.
"Oh please! No ghost will be out tonight because they aren't real." Oliver snorted.
"I would still be careful Mr. Oliver." Toad said nervously. "Even if Mr. Ryan was possibly seeing things, that line still creeps me out."
"Don't worry Toad we'll be ok." assured Oliver.
"I hope so." the brake van said solemnly.
It was evening as Oliver puffed down the line. The workman's coach was attached behind him, followed by the flatbeds, and then Toad.
He made it to the junction and stopped at the signal.
"Boy it feels like yesterday I stopped here with the mail train and the signalman slept on the job, not setting the signal to clear, and switching the points to the right line, leading us to the station." Oliver chuckled. He paused. "Whatever happened to that signalman?"
"I heard he was let go." his driver replied. "Good riddance if he can't handle the night shift."
The signal turned to green and Oliver puffed down the line.
He arrived at the station. As soon as he stopped, the workman got out and got to work.
Oliver looked all around the area. It was calm and peaceful and a few birds chirped in the trees.
"You see Toad? Nothing to worry about here." Oliver said.
But Toad wasn't so sure. "I mean, the weather is nice, but I still feel eerie about this place." the posh brake van replied.
Oliver rolled his eyes and uncoupled from the train to rest in the shed to get out of the sun. Oliver decided to nap a little bit since he wasn't needed.
Night soon came upon the Island of Sodor. Oliver puffed out of the shed and coupled back up to the train.
The workman came down from the manor.
"Only a few more days and I think this manor will be ready in time." said a workman.
"People will love all the tea and pastries served here." said another.
"All in all today was a success." said the head workman.
Oliver grinned. "Ya hear that Toad? Today was a success."
"I suppose it was." Toad hummed thoughtfully. "I guess there was nothing to worry about."
Suddenly the shed doors suddenly slammed shut.
Everyone jumped.
"Who shut the doors?" asked the driver.
"Wasn't us, we're all here." said a workman.
Suddenly the wind began to howl around them all, whistling eerily.
"I don't like this Mr. Oliver." Toad said nervously.
Suddenly, the windows of the manor opened all at once and the lights flickered inside. The lights of the station flickered as well.
"What's going on?!" Oliver cried.
"Uh… ask him." the fireman said timidly, pointing ahead.
Oliver looked ahead. There, standing in front of him, was the same ragged man Ryan saw.
He stared coldly at the group before him.
"Who-who is that?" Oliver asked nervously.
"Leave… my… home…" the man said coldly, barley above a whisper.
He began to trudge closer to Oliver. His hands began to stick out as if he was gonna try and get him.
"S-S-Stay away from me!" Oliver cried in terror,
"Leave him alone!" a workman shouted, throwing his hammer at the figure… only for it to go through the man's body, who snarled back at them all as they paled, realizing what this man was.
"Bust my buffers, it's a GHOST!" Oliver yelled in fright.
The man began to walk closer and closer to Oliver. His breathing intensified. He suddenly jumped at Oliver, grabbing onto his face and smokebox.
"BEGONE!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Oliver screamed. "GET ME OUTTA HERE!"
The workman ran into the coaches and Oliver's driver put the reverser in full gear and Oliver sped down the line, screaming in terror.
The ghost man fell off of Oliver and stood on the tracks, glaring at him fiercely before disappearing into thin air.
Oliver sped down the line as fast as he could.
"Is the ghost gone?!" Toad called.
"I don't know!" Oliver cried, shaken down to his wheels.
Oliver continued to speed down the line in fright.
"Uh Mr. Oliver I think we're far away from the manor!" Toad called.
But Oliver wasn't slowing down. He sped down the line, almost falling off at the bends.
"Mr. Oliver slow down we might derail!" Toad yelled.
Then there was trouble. A sharp bend looked ahead. Toad quickly applied his breaks. Sparks flew from under the brakevan's wheels as he struggled to bring the frightened runaway under control.
But eventually Oliver came to a stop just before they reached the bend.
"Toad why did you stop us?!" Oliver exclaimed.
"We almost derailed at the bend!" Toad said. "Mr. Oliver, we're far away from the ghost."
"Oh." Oliver said sheepishly as he looked at his surroundings. "Thank you Toad. And… I'm sorry I didn't believe you about how spooky the line looked."
"It's alright." Toad assured him.
Topham Manor:
Sir Topham Hatt was about to get ready for bed. He was sitting by the fireplace.
Then the butler came in.
"Excuse me sir you are wanted on the telephone." he said.
"Who the heck would be wanting something at this hour?" Sir Topham Hatt muttered.
It was Oliver's driver calling about what had just gone down at Callan station.
Sir Topham Hatt listened, intrigued and concerned.
"First Ryan and his crew say a ghost is haunting the line and now Oliver and his? This is strange." he muttered. "Take the workman to the station and then Oliver and Toad back to the sheds and you can go home." he said.
Later he met his wife in the bedroom.
"Something on your mind Stephen?" Lady Hatt asked.
"Oliver and his crew said they saw a ghost stalking them at Old Manor Station." Sir Topham Hatt said, setting down a glass of water on the end table. "I don't believe in ghosts myself my dear, but this is concerning since Ryan and his crew said the same thing. And I doubt both engines would make it up since Oliver's driver sounded shaken."
Lady Hatt was surprised. "How odd. Well I don't believe in the supernatural all that much. But maybe you can look up the history of that station tomorrow and maybe you might get a clue to your answer." she suggested.
Sir Topham Hatt smiled. "I will indeed, my dear. Thank you."
The next morning, Sir Topham Hatt sat in his office at Knapford Station. He searched on the computer anything about Old Manor Station.
"Let's see here… founding, construction, my grandfather's name… oh. Oh… this might be the answer." he hummed to himself.
He grabbed the telephone and typed a number. "Get me the Little Western Yards and then pass this message onto Arlesburg." he said.
Later, Oliver and Ryan sat at platforms 3 and 4 at the station. Oliver had bright Toad with him.
"How are you both feeling?" asked Toad.
"Better than I was a few days ago." Ryan murmured. "But how about you?"
"I'm still shaken to my wheels." Oliver muttered. "But also confused as to why Sir Topham Hatt wanted to see us."
"I'm glad you asked Oliver."
Both engines and brakevan looked over to see Sir Topham Hatt walk over from his office.
"I asked you here because I did some research in my office today and found out some history on Old Manor Station." he said, holding up some paper. "And I think I know who our ghost is:"
"Wait sir do you you believe us?" asked Oliver, taken aback.
"You and your crews and the workman did sound shaken," the Fat Controller said. "And I could tell that you weren't lying and were genuinely frightened."
"So what did you find sir?" asked Toad.
"Old Manor Station's manor was built in 1914, the very same year that the railway was first opened, back when my grandfather was in charge." Said Sir Rooham Hatt. "It was owned by a Lord and Lady; Dudley and Mae Wintergreen."
He held up a black and white photo printed on a piece of paper. It was a man and woman in early 20th century dress clothes standing before a familiar building that looked like the manor.
Ryan and Oliver gasped.
"That man… he looks like the ghost that came at us, telling to leave!" said Ryan. "But he looks… more cleaner and well kept."
"And more happy beside his wife." Oliver commented.
"That's right." Sir Topham Hatt nodded as he began to read from what he found online.
1914:
Lord and Lady Wintergreen were a wealthy couple during the first days on the Island of Sodor. They would often host parties for rich guests, occasionally the common folk as well when they had the time to give back to the public. But since their home was in a secluded area surrounded by nature, they asked the railway to construct a station and track so engines could drop off their guests. In return, they helped donate money to help build the railway.
Neil had brought materials for the station, and a shed should an engine want to rest after a long journey.
"It was certainly nice of you to build an additional station for our railway after such a generous donation." Neil said.
"Well we do fancy rail transportation." Lord Wintergreen replied.
"And this will make it easier for our guests," said Lady Wintergreen.
Neil then glanced at the workshop being constructed next to the manor. "Might I ask why you're having a workshop built next to your manor?"
"Oh I like to dabble in building things in my spare time." Dudley replied.
"I spend my spare time gardening, at least during the spring and summer." said Mae.
Soon it was all finished. On the day of the first party, various people were invited to their housewarming party.
Among them was the original Fat Director himself, Sir Topham Hatt.
"Mr. and Mrs. Wintergreen I am honored you invited me and my wife to attend your housewarming party tonight." he said. "I look forward to your dining and generous hospitality for us all."
"The pleasure is all ours Sir Topham." Lord Wintergreen said. "Come on inside, the food is fresh and edible."
"Excellent." The Fat Director grinned.
Throughout the years, Lord and Lady Wintergreen lived a happy life, hosting parties with their friends, traveling the railway, much more so after the war, and even raised a family of three kids.
But then… it happened.
In June of 1937, Mae Wintergreen became ill. She was bed-ridden for days before she sadly passed away.
Dudley Wintergreen became lost in his way after that. He became distant. He never held any more parties for friends and family alike. He barely even left the manor. It was all he had left.
And then in January of 1938, money was not going so well for Lord Wintergreen as he found out in the mail. Ever since he became distant from everything, he wasn't focusing on any payments. He was gonna end up losing his home. Everything was going in a downward spiral for him.
One winter day, two bankers had come to see him to discuss the money problems. They rang the doorbell and knocked on the door. But no one answered. Which was strange because his car was parked nearby. They looked through the window to make sure he was alright.
And that was when they saw him… lying on the floor, sprawled across the rug in his living room.
They called the hospital and they arrived. They pronounced Lord Dudley Wintergreen dead at the scene. Finding his hand across his chest, they concluded he had died of a heart attack. First his wife, then his home and money, and his life.
After the funeral, the family split the manor's belongings amongst themselves. But they already had homes, so they didn't take the manor. Not after their parents had passed.
The line eventually became abandoned. The plants in the garden died, the stationmaster transferred to another location, and the rails became weak and rusty. With no business, Sir Topham Hatt closed the line.
Then in 1945, not long after the second world war ended, Sir Topham Hatt had been thinking of reopening the line after over 5 years. He was looking around the area with his assistants to see if the land was stable enough.
But as he did, he couldn't help but feel a slight chill in the air.
"That's strange… why did it get a little cold all of a sudden?" he asked.
He then felt like someone was watching him. He turned around. Nothing. Sensing something was amiss, he began to walk closer to the manor. But as he did, he began to hear the windows rattling a bit. Suddenly the door flung open, making him jump back in alarm.
"Hello? Who's there?! This isn't funny!" he boomed.
No one replied.
Sir Topham Hatt peered into the manor. It was bare and empty, only covered in cobwebs and dust.
The controller was confused as he tuned around and began to walk back towards the station when he heard the door slam, making him jump.
He spun around. No one was there.
Frowning, Sir Topham Hatt met up with his assistants at his car.
"Whaddya think sir?" One assistant asked.
"Something about this place rubs me the wrong way." Sir Topham Hatt said. "I don't think it's a good idea to do any sort of restoration right now."
"Are you gonna have it torn down?" the other assistant asked,
The Fat Controller was silent as he glanced back up at the manor. He looked at the workshop, the station, and the shed.
"I think it's best we leave this part of the island… alone." he said firmly.
And they all left.
Present:
Oliver, Toad, and Ryan were surprised by the story.
"You got all of that from the internet?" Ryan asked.
"That and part of some old papers my grandfather kept in the office." Sir Topham Hatt replied. "Some had trespassed on the area They say that the ghost of Lord Wintergreen haunts Old Manor Station, clinging onto what he had left in life after Lady Wintergreen died. He tries to scare away anyone who he feels like is trespassing on his property."
There was a long silence from the two engines and brake van.
"Bust my buffers… what a sad story…" Ryan said sadly.
"So, ghosts exist after all…" Oliver murmured. "And we're dealing with one who's territorial even after death."
"Can you blame him Oliver?" Ryan asked. "The man lost his wife, then his money since he was depressed, then he was gonna lose his home before he lost his life."
"That is true." Oliver wheeshed. "Did anyone try to help him?"
"He wouldn't let anyone due to his distant nature after Mae's death." Sir Topham Hatt replied sadly. "Not even my grandfather's. I suppose when he closed the line he still left the buildings intact since the Wintergreens helped finance the railway's construction and threw fine parties… he wanted to leave a piece of them intact on the island."
"So what's gonna happen sir?" asked Toad. "Are you gonna shut down the restoration of the entire place?"
Sir Topham Hatt sighed. "I wish I could Toad. But a lot of money has gone into this project. I doubt the Mayor of Sodor would believe that a ghost is stalling the project. I mean it sounds ludicrous despite your encounters and my research."
"So does that mean we have to continue renovating that area despite the fact a ghost is haunting it?!" exclaimed Oliver.
"Even if the three of us and the workmen refuse to go back, other engines and staff may have an unpleasant encounter with that territorial spirit." said Ryan.
"Unless someone knocks some sense into him." said Toad.
Sir Topham Hatt looked firm. "Then that's exactly what I'll do." he said.
The engines and brake van were shocked.
"Sir are you crazy?!" exclaimed Oliver. "You didn't see what that ghost did to scare us!"
"I'm aware Oliver. But I won't stand by and let a ghost scare my engines and staff when they have done nothing to him when he was alive." Sir Topham Hatt replied. "Neither of you or those workman deserved the frights you got. It's time he moves on."
"But will you even be able to stand up to a ghost sir? I mean that sounds insane." said Ryan.
"I have to try." The Fat Controller replied. "It's my job as controller to look out for my engines and staff. And no one, not even a ghost, will hurt any of them. And that includes you lot."
Oliver, Toad, and Ryan smiled, but were still worried.
"Thank you sir. That is very kind." said Toad.
"Of course Toad." Sir Topham Hatt smiled before growing stern. "Right. We will settle this tonight."
That night, the group set off.
Oliver road ahead with Toad coupled up behind him with Ryan bringing up the rear. Sir Topham Hatt road in the brakevan.
"I really hope you know what you're doing sir." Ryan said nervously.
"I have to try Ryan." Sir Topham Hatt replied. "My father didn't let what Dr. Beeching was planning fully effect the island and I won't be letting this ghost do the something similar, even if it is to just one part of the island."
"I must respect your bravery sir." Toad complemented.
"My father and grandfather would've done the same." Sir Topham hatt replied.
The group turned down the left line and it wasn't long until they arrived at the station.
Sir Topham Hatt got out of Toad and stepped onto the platform.
"Good luck sir." said Oliver. "Please be careful."
"I will Oliver." Sir Topham Hatt said. "You three wait here. If something happens, run as fast as you can until you reach safety."
Without another word, The Fat Controller walked down the platform onto the path leading into the manor, stopping to take a quick peak in the shed to make sure no one was in there. Seeing there wasn't thanks to the faint light installed, he made his way up to the manor.
Sir Topham Hatt looked around the landscape around the manor and workshop. The moonlight partially shone down through the clouds. He looked around, trying to spot anything out of the ordinary. The air began to grow cold around the controller. But he did his best to remain calm. He had to do this for his engines and staff and everyone who was trying to restore a piece of Sodor's history.
Then he began to hear some footsteps. The Fat Controller quickly turned around, just in time to see a ghosty figure emerge from the trees. He immediately knew who it was. It was Dudley Wintergreen. His clothes looked similar to the ones he wore in the picture Sir Topham Hatt had found. Both men stared at each other, Wintergreen's dark and cold.
But before he could say anything to make Sir Topham Hatt go away, the Fat Controller spoke up.
"Hello Lord Wintergreen. Yes I know who you are. My grandfather knew you back when you were alive." he said politely but firmly.
Wintergreen stared at him.
"It would seem as though even after death you still won't leave your manor." Sir Topham Hatt continued. He glared at the ghost. "And in doing you you have scared my engines and workmen who have been trying to restore it to it's former glory like it was back when you lived here. You're causing confusion and delay."
Wintergreen glared at the controller and attempted to come forward but Sir Topham Hatt was firm.
"Don't think you can scare me." he said. "Listen… I know your story. I know that after Mae died you became distant and depressed. And I am terribly sorry you went through that. But this haunting must stop. This isn't your manor anymore. It's been abandoned for decades. Your family gave it away. We want to make it open to the public like you used to for your parties. Yet you still haunt it and terrorize my engines and staff even though they did nothing to you before your time. My sympathy goes out to them as you scared them silly. This behavior must stop. I want you off my railway. You should be with your loved ones. Not haunt the innocent living. Those you felt did you wrong are long gone. Leave and never come back!"
Wintergreen stared at Sir Topham Hatt angrily… until his words seemed to circle in his mind. His expression began to soften.
"You understand what I'm saying? Good." Sir Topham hatt said approvingly. "Besides, I believe there is someone else who wants you elsewhere than here."
He pointed ahead.
Dudley turned around and saw something that made the spirit freeze.
There, right before him… was the ghostly figure of a woman.
But not just any woman.
Mae Wintergreen.
She wore a dress similar to the one in the picture.
She had a small, kind, warm smile on her face as she held out her hand as if to say, "Come with me honey. Let the living have our manor. We have a new home now."
"Mae…" breathed Wintergreen.
The ghost approached Mae and they held hands. He looked back at Sir Topham Hatt and smiled before he and Mae walked into the trees and disappeared into thin air.
The Fat Controller was silent for a moment before he tipped his hat made his way back to the station.
"Well sir? How did it go?" Oliver asked.
Sir Topham Hatt smiled. "I think we're gonna be ok." he said. "All of us… including Lord Wintergreen."
"You mean you saw him?" asked Toad.
"Did he try to attack you?" Ryan nervously quizzed.
"It looked like it… but I was able to get through to him." the controller replied. "Then a certain someone came to take him home. His new home."
The evenings and caboose had an idea of who their controller was referring too.
"So she was there too sir?" Toad guessed.
Sir Topham Hatt nodded as he climbed on baked Toad. "I think it's safe to say this manor and station are not longer being haunted." he said. "Come along. Let us go home and get some sleep. This manor won't finish renovating itself."
Agreeing with their controller, the two engines reversed down the line, happy and relieved that the haunting was over.
It took a few more days before the manor was redone as a tea house. It was under new management by a wealthy couple who lived on the second and third floors who served tea and other refreshments and treats on the first floor to visitors touring around the area.
The station was also modified so people could wait around for their rides and the stationmaster was friendly.
Oliver and Ryan were always happy to have a chance to take any tourist trains up to Old Manor Station. They never forgot their encounters those nights. But they are happy that the people at the manor are happy and not being haunted by a ghost.
Present:
"And since then there wasn't any sign of Dudley Wintergreen ever since." said Oliver. "And Old Manor Station remained safe. The tea house was a success with tourists enjoying their complementary meals, the workshop made furniture for said manor and any other places, the garden still grew fresh fruits and vegetables for the owners, and the shed would be used for any engines taking tourists there to rest."
Henry was amazed. "Wow… so all of that happened back in the 90's? That's pretty crazy." he said. "And you forgot all about it?"
"It had been about 30 years." Oliver replied. "A lot of stuff has happened since then. I suppose the experience all slipped my mind."
"I suppose that's true." Henry wheeshed. "I wonder why Sir Topham Hatt's father never told us this when he was in charge."
"My guess is he probably thought the rest of you wouldn't believe it." Oliver puffed. "And he probably didn't want to risk people abandoning the manor again because of a 'ghost problem' and it would have to be closed off after all the money that was spent. Decades later, still no ghost."
"I can see that." Henry mused.
"And I suppose my experience with the ghost of Hawin Lake brought those memories back." Oliver added.
Henry was silent for a moment. "Well now we know that there are different kinds of ghosts; the ones who haunt out of spite, the ones who are kind and helpful even after death… and ones who are lost."
"Indeed." said Oliver before chuckling. "That sounds like something Edward would say."
Both green engines laughed just as Jack pulled up.
"Hey you two come by the sidings! Old Bailey's telling us a story," he said as he drove off.
Henry and Oliver made their way to the sidings.
After two experiences with different ghosts, Oliver never dismissed the idea of the supernatural again. He knew that there were ghosts out there. Those who were with him during those encounters would agree.
As for Lord Dudley Wintergreen… he never did return to haunt the station or manor. Though some say he may still roam around the area, not to haunt, but to watch over the people there, happy that his old home is still useful to many.
I think he's finally moved on.
Don't you?
CAST
(In Order of Appearance)
Sir Richard Topham Hatt - GreatNate8345
Henry - Thomas1Edward2Henry3
Oliver - The Peel Godred Branch
Sir Stephen Topham Hatt - Victor Tanzig
Duck - Waltsland1912
Donald and Douglas - Carson08022000
Mike - EnterprisingEngine93
Sigrid - Avery Dillon
Toad - Donald9andDouglas10
Ryan - MainlandStudios
Cranky - Jonathan Asiamah
Daisy - TobyandMavisForever
Lady Hatt - LizProductions5784
Sir Topham Hatt - WildNorWester
Neil - Thomas1Edward2Henry3
Mae Wintergreen - TobyandMavisForever
Jack - NWR1991
Other voices by me
Yes I know Ryan was introduced in 2017 but given that the Thin Clergyman was in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure with him, like NWR1991, I decided to have him around during the earlier Sodor years.
Rate and review and I'll see you all soon!