Sanctum Arcanum

by Alexander Kautz

  “It’s Harry--,” It whispered through a barely audible voice and bad connection, “Tim sends his regards—and Peggy does, too….”

  Placing a hand upon the cross that now hung about my neck, I swallowed hard, “Don’t call here anymore—you are not welcome, do you understand?”

  “Well now—you sound frightened--,” It whispered while no longer resembling my old friend, “And, I see that you have closed and locked the front gates….”

  My hand began to tremble and I almost dropped the phone. Resisting the urge to part the curtains and peer out, I looked over at the black bird. It appeared calm and reserved as its crimson eyes blazed in the deep shadows. Silently watching, it was apparently aware of what now waited for me upon the telephone.

  “The gates are closed to you--,” Attempting to gather what courage I could, I spoke firmly though quietly, “And you are not welcome—and will not, cannot enter my house and home….”

  “We shall see--,” It chortled, the voice growing distant and shrill, “For I am the night and death—and have come for all of you….” It whistled and wailed, becoming the sounds of an icy storm! As howling with such force that it became deafening, I thoughtlessly pulled the receiver from my ear and slammed down the telephone! Every single telephone in the entire house began ringing all at once! The sound was terrifying as it echoed and awakened everyone!

  “What’s happening?” Caitlin shrieked as she leapt up with both hands upon her ears.

  “Oh dear Lord—help us!” Eva gasped as I rushed into the room and she gazed up in horror, “It’s happening again….”

  Rich had embraced and held Maya tightly as the ringing suddenly ceased, “It’s going to be alright.” He informed them, “We fixed that bathroom window today, and have closed the main gates. So there isn’t anyone or anything that can get into here.”

  “You went out there—in the darkness?” Caitlin looked to me, the fear shining brightly in her eyes.

  “I wasn’t alone--,” I motioned as the raven took its place upon the mantel, “We didn’t have any choice. There wasn’t time…”

  “It can’t harm us!” Eva moved closer as Caitlin joined her among the blankets upon the couch, “As long as we remain calm. Just close your eyes, my darling.”

  “The powers now gather in this place--,” The raven spoke in the echoing voice of a boy whom I had once known, “Things are happening that may sway the balance of space and time. It had not expected, contemplated such things—and now seeks to destroy all involved….” I had not looked to the bird, but merely listened as Marlowe had suggested. None were any the wiser, unaware that it had even spoken.

  “You are safe on this night—though others do not fare so well….” It spoke, “There is much to do—much to do to finish what has begun here…”

  “This is becoming a sanctuary--,” Rich muttered as he looked between us all, “It’s all starting to make sense now. I don’t know what happened in the past—or to any of us. But maybe—just maybe, we’re finally getting things right?”

  “We are all going to be alright--,” I promised Caitlin and the others, “Rich is right about this—as long as we hold together and keep our faith—nothing can harm us here.”

  “Then why am I so scared--,” Maya wept, as clutching at Rich, she whimpered, “I’m sorry, I just can’t handle this—it’s all just so much.”

  “We were all fortunate to have come together the way that we did--,” I explained, “We’re growing strong together, and learning to deal with this nightmare.”

  “Nothing can harm us if we don’t allow it--,” Rich held her close and spoke softly as he gazed into her eyes, “It’s just trying to scare us into making a mistake.”

  “Like poor old Norman.” Eva sniffled, drawing a handkerchief and wiping the tears from her eyes.

  “Yes—exactly like that.” Tossing another log into the hearth, I knelt and tended to the flame, “As long as we just stay focused—all that it can do is try to frighten us, nothing more.”

  “Is that why most people never encounter these things?” Maya had looked toward Rich with tearful eyes, “Because they don’t know about these nightmares—or simply don’t believe that they exist?”

  “In most cases that would make sense--,” Moving back to the couch and taking my place beside Caitlin, I looked back to Maya, and said, “As long as they remain part of the flock, and pose no threat to the balance of things, I suppose that they’re of little interest.”

  “And if they make the mistake of becoming one for any reason--,” Rich stared somberly into the flames, “They become a statistic, missing person, a freak accident and unexplained death….”

  “So, do we have to stay in this house for the rest of our lives--,” Caitlin gasped, placing a trembling hand before her mouth, “And never leave?”

  “We’re safe during the day—and, as long as we avoid dark places.” Explaining as calmly as possible, I said, “The molecules of this reality travel faster in the form of light. It’s disruptive to anything that travels between alternate dimensions.”

  “So—although these things exist all of the time--,” Rich clarified with the others, “Their powers are limited according to the light.”

  “That’s why the attacks are always worse after dark.” Agreeing, I reached for a cookie and nibbled nervously, saying, “I don’t have the answers to everything, but at least we have some basic understanding.”

  “Will these charms really protect us?” Maya played with the necklace we had given her.

  “The symbols are like keys to other dimensions--,” I pointed to the circle upon the floor, “They invoke protective forces and form a barrier against the dark powers.”

  “There is power in wisdom—and strength in faith--,” Marlowe’s voice whispered from every corner of the room, “Fear nothing—for you are not alone….”

  Surprised with the sudden appearance of the mystic, I refused to look into the mirror, having learned from the previous experience.

  A sudden pounding and shrieking hammered through the house from the front door, sending us all back into our seats as we turned toward the sound!

  “It’s not possible—there isn’t anyone out there!” Rich bellowed, “Now depart this door—and leave us alone!” He formed the symbol of the cross upon his breast and spoke several words in a Latin prayer. The wind howled like monstrous wolves from all about the house as the storm had returned!

  I had grabbed Merlin, as terrified, he had attempted to creep beneath the couch! Slipping the frightened animal back into the pet carrier, I placed him within safe distance of the hearth.

  The pounding came again, even harder than before! But rather than sharing in the growing fear, Rich had extended his hands, and calmly asked, “Can I ask everyone to join hands in prayer with me now.”

  A sudden hammering like thunder came from the roof and walls around us, the floors and very foundations seeming to shake with the violent assault! But as frightened as we all were, we had just joined hands as Rich spoke the words to the 23rd Psalm.

  The howling became almost deafening as we all repeated the words, following as Rich continued without interruption. I thought that the house would burst into broken timbers and torn lumber as the hammering and pounding grew even more furious! But it held fast, as gathered together, we held hands and with closed eyes repeated the prayer.

  “Upon the gates and within wrought iron you must place the protective seal--,” Marlowe had whispered through the unrelenting madness and prayers, “One must be placed in either corner, the faces looking inward as well as without. You must do this by the light of day and before the coming of the next full moon….”

  I had listened without looking, and resumed the prayer with my friends. The pounding had suddenly ceased as we had spoken the Psalm for the third time. Somewhat apprehensively we released each other’s hands while slowly peering about the room.

  “A great evil has been committed on this night--,” The raven suddenly spoke in that h
aunting and child-like voice, “Though it cannot breach the sanctity of this place, the enemy has many among its ranks. You must remain strong no matter what may come….”

  Having closed my eyes as it spoke, the others were spared the horror of the revelation.

  “It’s gone away.” Rich sighed deeply, his featured long and drawn but less fearful than before.

  There had been a sudden stillness as the storm had faded and vanished back into the night. And before anyone could utter a word, the power returned as the windows suddenly became filled with colored lights!

  “What’s going on out there?” Caitlin moved from the couch and I gently caught her by the wrist, “Don’t my love—let me go and have a look.”

  There had been no argument as I had cautiously approached the living-room window and ever so slightly parted the heavy drapes. As through the flashing beacons of several police cars and their head-lights, I saw the nightmare that caused me to step back with the horrific sight!

  An enormous flood-light was suddenly raised as the shape now became painfully clear: Hung from atop and suspended between my main gates was the twisted form of Harry, having been crucified upon the long iron spikes! The corners of his trench coat blowing like the wings of some dark angel, descending as he bid farewell for the very last time…..

  It appeared as though he had been dropped from out of the air. The spikes penetrating into his back and through the palms of his hands had erupted outward and through the top of his skull. Disembowelled, his steaming entrails distended and dragged, his life nothing more than a crimson river, flowing into the steaming snow.

  “God in heaven, have mercy--,” I fell to my knees before the window, pulling down the draperies as the police cut their way through the padlock and chain, “Not Harry—not like this.....” The tears blinded me. Bowing upon the carpet, I beat my fists upon the floor, “Oh My God, no……”

  Rich had moved to the window, and with one glance, dropped down beside me. As kneeling and clasping his hands together, he trembled and wept as he prayed for Harry’s immortal soul….

  Chapter TWENTY

  Gordon Simms had apprehended and arrested me on charges of suspected manslaughter. But the charges having only been allegations and highly unlikely due to the questionable circumstances, I was to be released under my own recognisance.

  “I know that you had no part in this--,” Detective Raymond Emerson stood before my cell, his knuckles turning white as he clasped the bars, “What happened out there—for the love of Christ, please talk to me.”

  “Something is hunting us--,” I motioned in gesture to my breast, “The talisman can only protect you as long as you wear it all of the time.”

  Instinctively throwing a hand to his throat, he gawked, his eyes huge, “What is it—that thing that we encountered at the old asylum?”

  “I’m afraid that it’s something far worse--,” I could see the dawn through the tiny window of my cell, “What about Caitlin and the others?”

  “Don’t worry--,” He promised, “They’re all safe—I made sure to bring them all down to the station with me. You’re going to be released shortly. They’re just doing the paperwork now. Then I’ll take you all home.”

  “I don’t want you to become any more involved than you already are--,” I felt obligated to preserve my friend’s position and integrity, “But, I appreciate everything that you have done, more than you will ever know. Thank you for keeping them safe.”

  “I’m not going to let anything happen to any of you--,” He cursed under his breath, “Badge or no badge--,” He reached through the bars and extended a hand, “I’m so sorry about your friend, and I just want you to know that no matter what happens, I’m with you all the way….”

  I took his hand firmly, the words breaking my heart as tears for Harry’s loss and the entire situation finally ran freely, “Thank you, Raymond—you truly are a God-send.”

  “I’ll get this all sorted out and have you guys out of here shortly—,” He fought back the emotions and sniffled, wiping at his nose with a sleeve, “Everything will be just fine—you just sit tight, my friend.”

  And with that he had hurried back down the hall. I had slumped down onto the metal bed frame, gathering the woolen blanket about me while shuddering with a sudden chill. It was an experience that I had never known before. We had previously been apprehended, but I had never been jailed. The cell was cement and comprised of rows of cinder blocks that resonated a steady and numbing cold. The floors were painted a deep gray and the walls and ceilings were an off white. It smelled of cleaning supplies and urine, and though there was a small stainless steel toilet, I dared not go near the thing.

  At times a door would slam, echoing in the stillness as someone would mutter something incomprehensible from somewhere. My only companion was the steady and annoying hum and pale neon-glare of the fluorescence lights

  It was little more than an antiseptic stone-vault, where alone with their conscience, prisoners might consider a lifetime and their reasons for being there. Although I had never considered myself entirely innocent in this world, my incarnation was entirely unjustified. I lay down upon the bed, and covering my face with my hands, remembered Harry and silently wept….

  “There will be many tears and worlds of suffering through what is yet to come.” Marlowe whispered, “As it has been and shall always remain, as the forces of light and darkness sway in balance. Know this—,” There was a strange and compassionate tone as he spoke, “That the suffering ends with wisdom—and peace comes through faith, beyond this physical realm….”

  “Harry should not have died like that--,” I whispered, “Dear God—Harry, no….”

  “There yet remains hope for the other--,” Marlowe spoke as though fearing to be over-heard, “The one that you call Tim. Be still—be quick and you may yet spare him….”

  “But—I thought?”

  “Hush now—lest you draw prying eyes and ears--,” Marlowe warned, “Nothing evil may pass into the house of the dead—for sacred symbols, and the Grim guard over them….”

  “House of the dead--,” I suddenly sat up, “The funeral parlor…”

  Wednesday, December 25, 1974.

  9:15 a.m.

  Raymond had been correct in his assumption, as shortly after eight that morning I had been released. There had not been any formal charges without evidence, but I was still a suspect. Strangely enough, they hadn’t discovered any prints in the snow at the scene. My own had been covered earlier that night, and the coroner had designated the time of death as being within the hour.

  The entire affair had become another hideous addition to all of the unexplained deaths, but the police had already verified that it was impossible. There was simply no possible way that any single person without some kind of motorized assistance, or leaving physical evidence, might have done such a thing.

  In retrospect, it would have been ludicrous for anyone to believe that a 250 pound man had simply levitated, and been dropped onto that spiked gate. But as bizarre as it might have seemed, it was the absolute truth….

  Raymond had promptly taken us all back to my home, and insisting upon remaining, spoke as we shared breakfast. Maya and Caitlin had assisted Eva in the preparation, and we had all soon sat down to eat.

  “I realize how upsetting this has been for everyone--,” Raymond stirred cream and sugar into his coffee, “But off the record, and as a friend—I really need to know what happened if I’m going to be able to help you.”

  “We aren’t even completely certain of everything ourselves--,” Attempting to simplify the matter, I thought briefly, “We know that whatever this thing is—that it’s followed us through dimensions in time. And hunting us over lifetimes in some struggle between good and evil, it’s attempting to alter the balance in space and time.”

  Raymond had almost choked on a mouthful of scrambled eggs, politely shoving a napkin before his mouth, “Hunting us—what, some kind of ghost?”

  “A ghost woul
d attribute some kind of human aspects to this thing--,” I sipped at my tea and looked around at my silent companions. They ate with little appetite and just silently watched, “What we are dealing with is truly ethereal, but has the ability to manipulate physical things, and affect the human mind. It uses the energy generated through fear to manifest the most terrifying and unspeakable things.”

  “We discovered some symbols and prayers--,” Rich produced the talisman from upon his neck and motioned to the crown moldings above, “The house is filled with them—as well as the new building. It doesn’t seem to be able to cross this barrier, but it tried to frighten us—make us run from the place, and to where we would be more vulnerable.”

  “It took Norman--,” Eva sniffled, using a napkin to dry the tears from her eyes, “Because he panicked and opened the door to them.”

  “Them?” Raymond appeared even more confused.

  “It has the ability to influence the dead as well as the living--,” Rubbing at my eyes, I put down my fork while attempting to explain, “As long as we remain calm and don’t attempt to escape, nothing may pass through the sacred barriers. But, if even so much as one person allows their fear to breach a single window or door in this place, it seems to open a portal and somehow breach the sanctity of these symbols, and the evil is permitted entrance.”

  “It used the telephone to contact us--,” Rich swallowed hard while staring blankly, “It used Harry’s voice in an attempt to fool and separate us last night.”

  “Can I ask what made you so sure that it wasn’t really your friend?” The scrutinizing Detective in Raymond began analyzing things.

  “Because there wasn’t any power going to the telephone--,” I had quietly replied, “I had previously unplugged them all due to these calls….”

  “And how was it attempting to separate you?” He nervously tapped his fingers upon the table as he looked between the two of us.