An American Halloween Story
by
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Within the curious world of the legend lies a place considered popularly among those of the present passed down from those of the past, a mysterious world regarded as historical but not verifiable. Within the realm of folklore often legends disappear or change with time. They can adopt new meaning or importance to the point where one would hardly recognize their original state. Sometimes, the winds of fortune blow our way, and lost tales of antiquity are rediscovered, returning from oblivion, as in the case for An American Halloween Story.
This legend to which I refer I found from a source of papers in a locked chest that lay for years quietly undisturbed. The chest was hidden in a secret room in a building that at one time was a grand mansion finely built with a good deal of handcrafted detail and care. A Mr. Castle had built the old manor in 1799. He placed a small sign on the entrance door that read, “They don’t build them like this anymore.” Mr. Castle was a recluse, and it’s a pity not much is known about him—other than he had become a successful sea merchant. It is also not known where he obtained the old papers, which originally date back to the middle seventeenth century. After his house was abandoned, people claimed it was haunted. Maybe it was, but eventually the risk of confronting ghosts was outweighed by the thrill of exploring the old building.
Since the parchment of these manuscripts had in places blurred and paled over the years, it was left for me to try my best to translate the stories as accurately to the original as possible. Hopefully, I have honored the source. The old manuscripts had a collection of work in small stories placed together. These stories lead to one larger text signed under the pen name “Raven Black.” So far, tracing this name back historically, I could find no record or hint of the actual identity. Hopefully in time this too will be discovered.
Ever experience something that you can’t rationally explain? Ever been in the dark and seen something you weren’t sure was there? Ever hear a knock on a door, only to open it to find no one? Strange events happen to us all, some of them quite disquieting. Often we find rational explanations. Sometimes logical explanations aren’t easily explained. The mind can play tricks, even on the courageous. Your heart races; your thoughts wander. What nameless horror awaits you from the unknown?
So, without further ado, I shall present the fascinating tale to you.
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One day, the devil traveled to
An American Halloween Story, classic in the telling, legendary in discourse, shows how the will of good and right must prevail over wanton evil and the fear of the dark unknown. The story is well crafted and defiantly suited for the spirit of the Halloween holiday.
About the Author
Michael Antonio DeBernardin, born 21 March 1961, writes under the pen name M.A. DeBernardin, is an American writer and author of An American Halloween Story. During his life, he has developed many works in the various fine arts. An American Halloween Story is his first published fiction work, which includes his illustrations, a wonderfully imaginative debut. Mr. DeBernardin has published a poem entitled “Worlds End” with the International Library of Poetry and with Nobel House of London. His poem Worlds End can be found in Centres of Expression published by Noble House.
Also, a prolific and talented musician singer/songwriter, he has entertained audiences throughout the American Midwest. Currently, Mr. DeBernardin is working on a collection of original short stories, under a working title Tales of Mad Raven Black. Mr. DeBernardin is also currently working on a children’s story, which he originally developed for his two sons from some of his thoughtfully crafted bedtime stories.