Mr. Dove and the Pipes of Creation

[davedove]

Scene 42

The Wrecker could see the concern on my face as I scanned the cloudbank ahead of us.

“What is it?” he asked.

“That bank of clouds ahead,” I replied. “It’s the leading edge of a reality storm. The Pipes of Creation are being used to overwrite reality again.”

“What’s that mean for us?”

“It means we’re in for a rough ride. Everyone, fasten your belts,” I said to my companions. “We’re about to go through another storm and I don’t know how hard it’s going to be to fly through it.”

“Can you avoid it?” Steven asked.

“It’s too big and moving too fast. All I can do is try to punch through it as fast as I can.”

I flew the plane straight towards the bank of clouds and quickly plunged into the clouds. All around us I could see lightning flash and the sound of pipes was almost deafening. Winds buffeted the plane so hard the controls were almost jerked from my hands several times. The Wrecker grasped the copilot’s controls to assist me, yet it was still hard to keep my grip.

Rain pelted the craft, soon followed by hail. One exceptionally large hailstone struck the windshield and a large crack appeared.

“What’s going on?” the Wrecker asked. “This storm is worse than any I’ve ever seen.”

“When the pipes are used to change reality,” I explained, “the border between the different realities is hit by these storms. It’s like the old reality is fighting the new one.”

Outside the plane, the lightning flashed in all the colors of the rainbow. The hail changed into raindrops, then globs of mud, and then to hail again. Winds hit the plane from every direction imaginable, yet we kept flying.

“We’re almost through,” the Wrecker announced as the clouds began to thin.

At that very moment, a large bolt of purple lightning struck our aircraft, shearing off the right engine and propeller.

The Wrecker and I struggled to maintain control as the plane rocked violently and began to descend. We left the clouds and saw the open water below us.

“We can’t stay airborne, we have to put it down,” I told him.

“Let’s do it,” he replied.

Together, we used all of our combined strength to keep the plane level and in a controlled descent. We approached the surface of the water faster than either of us wanted.

“Brace for impact!” I yelled back to my companions as we struck the water.

[davedove]

Scene 43

I moaned as I regained my senses. I had struck my head on the controls of the plane when it struck the water.

I looked out of the windshield and saw that we were afloat on a wind-tossed sea. Large waves, at least ten feet in height, crashed against our aircraft as it bobbed in the water.

I quickly unbuckled myself and moved over to check on the Wrecker. He had also hit his head and was slowly regaining consciousness.

‘I’m okay,” he said to me, so I moved back to check on my other companions.

I found Steven cradling Deena in his hand. I could see the small pixie shivering as he held her.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

‘I don’t like this place,” she choked out. “It’s so cold and dark. The magic here has no life in it.”

“All will be well, small one,” Steven reassured her. He turned his head to me. “I don’t know what it means David, but I feel it too. I don’t want to sound superstitious, but this place feels evil.”

He was right, I felt it too. I moved to the window and looked outside. There was enough light to see our surroundings, but that was about it. I could tell it was daytime, but the cloud cover made the world seem to be in twilight.

“Can we still fly this craft?” Steven asked.

“Not anytime soon,” the Wrecker said from the cockpit. “We’re missing our starboard engine. There’s no way we can fly without replacing it.”

I noticed something out the window. A light could be seen about five miles across the waves.

“Can we start the other engine?” I asked.

“I suppose, but what good will that do?” the Wrecker asked.

“If we can get the plane to move, we need to travel over there,” I said, pointing in the direction of the light. “I think I see a building or something. That means a shoreline and habitation.”

The Wrecker returned to the cockpit and worked to start the engine. After only a few moments the propeller began to turn. As he pushed forward on the throttle, the plane began to move forward in a tight curving pattern.

The Wrecker struggled with the steering. “It’s going to be tough, but if we both work to hold the flaps, we should be able to steer it.”

I went up to join him in the cockpit. “Let’s do it then.”


The people in the disable aircraft didn’t notice the large eyes that had been watching. As the plane moved across the water, the eyes dipped back below the water.

[davedove]

Scene 44

A small group of people waited for us at the pier as the plane approached, despite the pounding rain. The Wrecker and I did our best to guide our disabled craft closer and managed to avoid crashing into the dock.

As we looked out of the windshield we could see a small fishing village. Several small boats were tied to the pier to ride out the storm.

As we opened the door, one of the men threw a rope to Steven and we used that to pull our plane the final few feet to the dock. When we were close enough we stepped out onto the wooden pier.

An older gentleman stepped up and extended his hand in greeting. “Welcome to our village,” he said. “Please, come with me and we’ll get you out of the storm. The men will look after your boat.” I noticed his accent seemed British, but a bit archaic, possibly Victorian.

“Thank you,” I said to him. “Our engines were disabled by lightning and we happened to see the lights of your town.”

“That is why we keep the lights burning,” he replied, pointing to the small tower near the shore. I could see that there was a large light in the top of the tower, letting it serve as a lighthouse.”

“Do you get many boats coming in from storms?” I asked.

“You would be surprised, there are almost always two or three a week.”

“Two or three a week, are the storms that frequent?”

“You must not be from near here to ask that. This region is known for its storms. Where do you hail from?”

“It’s a long story,” I said.

“Then I would love to hear it,” he said as we approached a gate. Beyond the fence was a small house next to the church. “But first I must ask you to open the gate, each of you, in turn.”

I was puzzled at this request as I looked at the gate. Both the gate and its latch each had a cross engraved upon it. I reached forward and opened the latch.

“Thank you,” he said and watched each of us work the latch. Only Deena was not watched as she lay hidden in the folds of my clothing.

“I’m sorry for the suspicion,” he said, “but I do not wish to invite undesirables into my home.”

We continued up the walk and entered the small house.


At the pier the two men were finishing the job of securing the strange boat. “What do you make of this craft Jack? That looks like a boat propeller on the side even if it does sit out of the water. I suppose there was another on the other side where it’s damaged. But what is the purpose of that large structure across the top. It almost looks like a wing.”

“I don’t know and I don’t care Tom. All I want is to get out of this blasted rain. I’m soaked through.”

Tom laughed at him. “Yes, you do look a bit like a drowned rat. I can finish up here. You run ahead to my house and get the spirits ready. Then we can both warm up our insides with that and warm our outsides by the fire.”

“You’re a good man Tom,” said Jack as he turned and trotted into the village.

Tom laughed to himself as he finished tying the final rope to the strange boat.

Unfortunately, the driving rain kept him from noticing the black tentacle that stretched out of the water and wrapped around his leg. Before he could let out more than a short scream, he had been drug into the water and disappeared from sight.

[davedove]

Scene 45

As we entered the small house we were immediately greeted by the priest. “Ah, welcome, welcome, do come in out of the rain. My name is Father Trefor,” he said in a Welsh accent. “Here let me help you with those wet cloaks. Please, have a seat by the fire and warm yourselves.”

As the priest took my cloak, he looked at me as if he recognized me. “Pardon me,” he said, “but you look remarkably like someone I know. Are you by any chance related to a Father David?”

I smiled a bit as he asked. “You might say he’s a bit of a distant cousin, Father.” I kept to myself that I also knew one of the priest’s ‘cousins’, the man I knew as McClef.

“Well, he is a good man, very well respected by the church.”

As we sat by the fire, I continued the conversation. “How do you know Father David?”

“He and I worked together, before my accident.” He reached down to rub his thigh as he said this.

“Your leg?”

“Taken by a dark beast one night. I may have lost the leg, but Father David saved my life. Since I was no longer able to move like before, I now shepherd the village here.”

Just then a younger man walked through the door from another room. He carried a tray with several steaming cups on it. I couldn’t help but think that he looked strangely familiar, even if I couldn’t figure out exactly why.

“Ah, Gerald, thank you,” said Father Trefor. “Everyone please help yourselves to the hot toddies. They should warm your bones.”

We each took a cup and sipped the hot, whisky-spiked drink. “Does your small friend in your pocket not want any refreshment?” Trefor asked.

“You know she’s there?” I asked a bit sheepishly.

“Yes,” the priest laughed, “but not because she isn’t hidden well. The reason I fought alongside Father David was because of my gift to see hidden things. It came in handy when rooting out the creatures of the night.”

Deena poked her head out of my pocket. “It’s okay?” she asked.

“Of course, little one,” the priest laughed. “I see no darkness upon you.” He paused in thought. “I would say that whisky is probably not to your liking, but how about a spot of sweet mead?”

“Yes, please,” Deena said with delight.

“Gerald, please bring some of the sweet mead for our small guest. You should be able to find a tiny glass for her.”

Just then an urgent knock came at the door. “What is it now?” Trefor said to himself as he went to the door. He opened the door and ushered the visitor inside. “What is it Jack?”

“It’s Tom, Father Trefor.”

“What about him?”

Jack paused a bit. “He didn’t come in from the docks, Father. I think something has happened to him.”

“What do you mean?” Sudden realization came to the priest’s face. “You left him alone?”

Jack hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry, Father, but I was so wet and cold. Tom told me to go ahead and get the whisky ready while he finished up.”

“And you left your friend alone at night!” Trefor said loudly. “His act of kindness probably cost him his life!”

“What is it?” I asked from across the room.

Father Trefor paused a moment to compose himself. “One of the villagers has disappeared,” he said. “I fear he may have come to a dark end. We need to go search the docks. Will you help us? There is safety in numbers.”

We quickly agreed and gathered our cloaks before once again setting out into the rain.

[Livingston]

This doesn't sound good. Is there no rescue? Looks like I'd better get the popcorn going for this one.

[unaspenser]

mmmm mead! I think that will go nicely with popcorn.

[davedove]

Scene 46


We pulled our cloaks close to keep out the wind and rain as we searched the dock for the missing man.

Father Trefor was kneeling to examine the boards of the pier. “They have almost been washed away by the rain, but there are definitely marks here. It looks like Tom was dragged into the water there.”

“Is there any hope to find him?” I asked.

Trefor shook his head sadly before speaking. “No, the beast has taken him. See the dark slime that remains. That is a sure sign that the beast took him to feed on. No one has ever been recovered from one of the beast’s feedings. Prayers will be said for his eternal soul tonight. He had no family here, but he will be missed.” He stood and turned to Jack. “Jack, I want you to stay with me tonight. It wouldn’t be good for you to be alone tonight. Gerald will make you up a bed.”

He turned back to the others who had joined the search. “Go back home and pray for Tom. And stay in pairs to be safe. The beast has fed and will be still for a few days, but we all know that other dangers wait in the darkness.”

After we had returned to Trefor’s house and the others were sleeping, Trefor and I were sitting by the fire. “What is the beast Father?” I asked my host.

“A dark creature,” Trefor said. “No one knows its true form, but many say that it is a giant octopus or squid. And it may have been that at one time, but I believe it is something much darker now.”

“Like what?”

“A creature of evil, possessed by an evil spirit, driven to feed on humans. You were lucky to get into port when you did. Its hunger could have driven it to attack your boat while you were still at sea. At least here on land we can keep away from the shore and stay out of its reach.”

“But the villagers still fish in the sea?”

“They must, they have families to feed. And they know no other life. They were fishermen before the beast arrived and they are still fishermen.”

“Can’t anything be done about the beast?”

“What would we do, try to hunt it down? It lives in the ocean depths and only comes up to feed.” He finished his drink and stood from his chair. “But, we should dwell on this no longer tonight. We are safe within the walls of this building. No creature of darkness would enter the dwelling of a man of faith.”

[Livingston]

This could get very interesting. Can't wait until next weeks installment.

[davedove]

Scene 47

I awoke with a start, fear coursing through me from some unknown danger. Although the room was cool, the blankets of my bed were soaked from sweat. I quickly rose and looked around only to find Father Trefor coming in the door.

He must have seen the fear on my face. “A dream?” he asked, as he took the chair beside my bed.

I nodded as I tried to calm myself. “Yes, but I can’t tell you what it was about, only that I was terrified.”

He nodded in understanding. “It happens to everyone at some time. The dark forces are trying to influence you, infect you with their spirit.” He nodded towards the other bed in the room, where Steven was tossing in restless sleep. “It is happening to your friend as well.”

“Is he having the same dream?”

“Most likely, no, but whatever he dreams will terrify him as well. Your large friend, Michael, had a dream too. He is sitting in the common room now, worried about going back to sleep.”

“Why, does the dream return?” I asked, with a bit of worry in my own voice.

“Often it does; the dark forces do not rest. They try to claim all who they can.”

“Claim? To do what?”

“They seek to bend you to their will. The fearful dreams are the first step. Sometime in the future you will encounter the subject of your dreams, although you won’t remember what that was until then.”

“So, we have to face the object of our nightmare.”

“Exactly, and you will be afraid then just as you were in the dream. But the dark forces are devious. You will be given an escape, but that escape comes at a price. You will have taken a step deeper into their control.”

“How do you fight it?”

“Faith and eternal vigilance are the only weapons. But even victory is sometimes costly.” I noticed he was rubbing his leg again.

Father Trefor noticed my attention and realized what he was doing. “Yes,” he acknowledged. “The price I paid was my leg. But it was a price I would pay again. The alternative was to sacrifice the life of a young man and quite possibly my soul.” He paused in thought for a moment and then continued. “That young man has since grown and married. He has two beautiful young children of his own, a boy and a girl.” His lips turned up in a small grin. “The boy’s name is Trefor.”

Steven had begun to toss fitfully in his bed. “Go join Michael in the common room and let me talk with Steven when he wakes.”

[davedove]

Scene 48

I awoke to Father Trefor’s hand on my shoulder. He shook me to gain my attention. “David, please wake up!” he said urgently.

“What is it?” I asked, forcing myself awake.

“It’s Jack. He’s missing. I’m afraid he’s done something dangerous.”

“What do you mean?”

“The guilt he’s feeling about his friend Tom, I’m afraid it may have caused him to do something that will take him into harm’s way.”

“Like what, suicide?”

Trefor shook his head sadly. “No, something far worse, something that will cost him his very soul.”

I was confused. “What’s worse than taking your own life?”

Trefor looked at me with both fear and concern on his face. “I’m afraid he will do something that will turn him into one of the very dark beasts I have sworn my life to defeating. Hurry, we must find him before it’s too late.”

I rushed to put my clothes on as Father Trefor woke the rest of my friends.

When we had gathered to leave, I noticed that Trefor had a large bag slung over his shoulder. He also wore something very uncharacteristic of a priest; he had a revolver holstered at his hip.

“Let’s go,” he said to us urgently. “We have to find him quickly.” I noticed he was barely limping on his leg as he rushed us out the door into the murky twilight.

“Where would he go?” Steven asked.

“There is only one place he would go, to the Baron’s tower,” Father Trefor answered him.

“Why would he go there?” I asked.

“It has been rumored that the Baron has made a pact with dark forces, or that he is a creature of darkness himself. Although I have never seen any proof, the story is that the Baron can restore life to the dead. Jack’s guilt may be driving him to seek the Baron’s aid.”

“Can this Baron really raise the dead?” the Wrecker asked in disbelief.

“No,” Trefor answered firmly. “No one can raise the dead. But if the tales have any truth to them, the Baron may be reanimating the bodies of the dead. That is a dark practice which does indeed raise the body of the dead, but inhabits it with a dark spirit.”

“But you said the beast fed on Tom,” I said. “There would be no body to raise.”

“Indeed,” Trefor said as he nodded somberly. “But Jack is not thinking clearly. He is only thinking of his lost friend and the loss he feels. His guilt and grief are driving him towards dark forces that seek to deceive him and claim him.” I noticed his face take on a determined look. “I must not let that happen!”


The young man watched as the small group headed towards the Baron’s tower. He kept hidden in the shadows so they could not see him, but followed in their path. He had been waiting for the one that was called Dove for many days now and he would not lose him now.