Richard Cardenas [Cardenas - Such Wicked Things

SUCH

WICKED

THINGS

RICHARD CARDENAS

SUCH WICKED THINGS

Copyright 2019 by Richard Cardenas

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author or publisher.

Printed and bound in the U.S.A.

Table of Contents

Mistwood Falls, 1884

The carriage rocked back and forth, waking Julian Salazar from his slumber. He waited for his vision to adjust to the darkness and then turned to his fianc, Ezra. He looked so angelic in his sleep, and Julian couldnt keep himself from kissing his cool cheek. The September wind seeped through the windows of the carriage, sending light chills down Julians spine.

If only he wasnt wearing such light clothing hed be more comfortable. But he'd forgotten just how cold it could get back home in Mistwood Falls. In two days, he would be married to Ezra Langston and he had no objections. He was the love of his life and he adored every moment he spent with Ezra.

He also knew that his parents had no objections to his choice of husband either. Ezras family swam in fortune and Julians father seemed to be smitten with Ezra when he learned of his familys wealth. Julian and Ezra had met at Darkmoor Academy and eleven months later they were engaged. Interestingly enough only their mothers objected to them getting married so young, but when they were reminded of themselves getting married at fifteen and sixteen, they instantly changed their tones.

Julian looked down at Ezras beloved pocket watch and clicked it open. The blue fireflies danced around a miniature clock and looked absolutely beautiful in the dark. It was nine in the evening and he was still very tired. He looked out from his window, surveying the woods that surrounded the road. They oozed with darkness and Julian wished that his parents had paid for a more expensive carriage to transport them to Mistwood Falls.

He couldnt help but feel odd staring at Ezra as if he were a prized possession. He had dark brown short hair that curled around his ears, lovely blue eyes, and wore gold wired spectacles. Julian didnt think he was good enough for Ezra, with his mismatched brown and green eyes and the fact that he wanted to become an undertaker after finishing university. He always felt he was too odd for boys to be interested in. But Ezra saw past all of that.

The carriage driver was singing softly into the night, but Julian couldnt place the words. He hadnt heard of such a song and it almost sounded like a prayer. Something loud and heavy began drowning out the drivers voice. It sounded like a drum. Julian leaned out from his window and saw dark figures with torches in hand. Some were dancing, and Julian couldnt take his eyes off of the scene.

It was strangely entrancing. Voices erupted from the figures as they began to dance around a large pit across the road. Julian finally turned and swatted Ezra in the middle of his chest. He woke with a start and rubbed his eyes. Hastily Ezra retrieved his glasses from a long case and sleepily placed them on his face.

Look over there, Julian told his fianc. With a grunt Ezra leaned out of Julian's window and his eyebrows rose in curiosity. Julian peered from above Ezras head. They felt like children at a circus. The people shoveled dirt into the pit that they surrounded. Julian couldnt tell exactly what they looked like, but from what he could see, they were all wearing black cloaks. A few men had brass shoulder pads on and two women were staring at Julian and Ezra through illuminated goggles.

What are they doing? Ezras crackly voice startled the driver. The driver looked over the roof of the carriage and down at the two teenagers.

Its a funeral sir, they are afraid of people who steal dead bodies. They dig the graves on the side of the road to keep the bodies safe and to ward off darkness. the driver explained. Ezra and Julian exchanged odd looks and turned back to the scene as they rode past.

They were all chanting in sharp whispers and it reminded Julian of his mother when she'd cast her harmless little spells when he was younger. Finally, with a jolt, the carriage took off down the road, the voices fading. Ezra looked down at his fianc and kissed him on the forehead.

You are too lovely, he said. Julian blushed and planted a hard kiss on his soft lips.

He couldnt wait to show Ezra his familys manor in Mistwood Falls. Everything would be utterly wonderful after their marriage ceremony. His life was about to change for the good, and he was ready for it.

The carriage came to a sudden halt. Julian leaned out from the window once again and saw a mysterious figure standing in front of the carriage. The mechanical horses stood still in front of the figure, thin billows of steam spraying out from their nostrils.

The figure noticed Julian and advanced toward his window. He shot back inside the carriage, hoping the figure wasnt a robber.

He had never been robbed and he didnt want his return home to be ruined by such a senseless act. Ezra made Julian scoot over and he took his spot, ready if the person was going to attack them.

The figure stopped in front of the window, and took the hood of a blood red cloak down. It was a man, and he was the palest Julian had ever seen. His black eyebrows resembled jagged daggers and his eyes were dark, beady, and menacing.

Can we help you, sir? the carriage driver asked. The man turned to the driver and smiled. It was an uneasy smile, almost sinister. Julian swallowed hard and grabbed Ezra by his arm.

The man just stared at the driver as if he were thinking of something to do to him. The mans face was thin. Dark circles surrounded his hollow eyes, and he was willowy and tall.

In the moonlight Julian caught sight of something. A group of raggedy dressed people were clambering down a hill near the carriage. They looked heavily drunk and strange. He had never passed through these parts on his way in or out of Mistwood Falls. And he would never do it again.

The man looked through the window and winked at Julian. He gave him a smile which made Julian's throat suddenly tighten.

Who are they? Ezra asked when he noticed the group of people heading their way. The man burst into laughter, his raspy voice igniting goose bumps on both Ezra and Julians skin.

The man reached through the window and snatched the blue silk scarf that was wrapped around Julians neck. He felt as if he were being strangled. The scarf gave way and left his neck.

Zombies! the driver hollered into the night. Before Ezra or Julian could say a word, the carriage tore down the road. Julian grew nauseated from the thumping and bumping of the carriage.

Are you okay? Ezra asked.

It felt like hands... touching me. Julian rubbed at his neck.

After a few minutes of rampaging down the dark road, the carriage slowed down. Ezra kicked the door in fury, and the carriage stopped. He opened the door and jumped out onto the road, dusting off his coat and fixing his hair.

Are you mad? You could have gotten us killed! Ezra snapped at the driver. Julian held his stomach as he attempted to calm down.

Do you know what a zombie is? the driver asked. Ezra fixed his jaw and crossed his arms over his chest. He had never heard of such a thing.

Yes, of course. But those aren't around anymore. The regime eradicated the virus years ago, before I was even born. Ezra explained.

These are different, sir. They are dead bodies brought back and controlled by dark sorcerers, and they kill for the hell of it. There are plenty around these parts and if you would get back in the carriage, I will see to it that we get to Mistwood Falls in peace. Ezra turned and watched a cloud of purple fog hovering near a bundle of trees. A chill tickled the back of his neck.