13 Chilling Tales
by
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“What’s the most unusual weapon you have ever come across?” Wes wondered.
The old man smiled. “Don’t know if you believe in such things, but take a look at this.” He reached under the table and pulled out a small suitcase. It appeared very old. He unlocked it with an antique key and lifted the top. Each side of the suitcase had fitted compartment
Wes was puzzled. “What the hell is this?”
As he examined it, there was a cross, and wooden stakes, a bottle with a cross emblem, a black powder hand gun, and what appeared to be silver bullets. “Is this like from a movie set?”
Now the old man laughed. “No son, this is for a hunter of vampires and werewolves.”
“Get out!” Wes scoffed.
“I take it you don’t believe?”
“Sorry. I never heard of that, other than in the movies. Where did you get it?”
“I found it in an old barn near the Missouri Arkansas border. I bought some old horse tack, and this was mixed in with it. Judging by the lock, I’d say it could be a hundred-fifty years old. Notice one thing. One of the stakes is missing. I can’t help but imagine that whoever owned this tried his hand at it and failed. Or, then again, maybe that’s the one stake he used successfully?”
“You’re saying this is real?”
“Sure is. You have any expert look at it and whether they believe or not, they will date this around 1850. Son, that’s long before the movies.”
“I want it!” Wes exclaimed. When it came to a unique item, negotiating was not his strong suit.
“I’ll take $200, with the advice of not trying to use it.”
Wes laughed, as just the thought seemed absurd. “Old man, I don’t think we have too many of those critters running around these Ozarks.”
The old man smiled knowingly. “Son, you look like you may know a lot about hunting, but you sure know very little about Ozark’s history.”
“What am I missing?” Wes asked in a sarcastic tone.
“I ain’t no history expert, but there was a time when people had concerns about these things”
“Come on! Why don’t we hear about them now?” Wes questioned logically.
“Simple. Population is the answer. At one time if a person disappeared everyone knew it. Today, a dozen people can disappear and no one will even notice. I don’t know much of these things, but I do know that unlike an animal that makes noise and leaves tracks and can be found in the daylight, these predators are a little tougher to find and that’s if you got the courage to even look.”
“Yeah, like looking for the boogeyman!” Wes laughed.
Wes picked up his new find and as he walked away, the old man yelled, “You take care now!”
Arriving home, Wes laid the case on his table and removed all the objects, closely examining each one. As he fiddled with the interior of this old suitcase, he realized that under the fitted interior was another compartment. As he lifted the velvet opening, he found a few papers, all clearly hand written. They appeared to be instructions. As he examined them, it was obvious that they were very old, by the reddish ink and aged paper. He read on;
Vampire Hunting
One. Always carry and display the cross or crucifix as this repels the beast.
Two. The wooden stake must be driven through the beast’s heart.
Three. The beast may also be killed by beheading.
Four. He may be harmed by using an accelerant and setting the beast on fire. Fire will also repel the beast.
The Vampire is not easily found. As surely as you are hunting him, he will be also hunting you. His speed is unmatched. Let there be no misunderstanding that hunting a vampire is risking one’s life. They retire during the daylight hours and sunlight can destroy them. Therefore, they likely reside in caves or in dark places and are completely vulnerable during the daylight hours. There is little knowledge to be obtained concerning their specific behavior, so always remain on guard and protected. Do not engage this beast in conversation, as vampires are of very high intelligence and can display an evil charm. Never make eye contact!
Werewolves
One. The werewolf only appears during the cycle of the full moon. It is said he is a man and suffers this evil affliction for three days. The werewolf is ferocious and can vary in size, but most always is larger than the average man. During this three day cycle of transformation, he can be tracked. Be aware of anyone within the population that seems to disappear during the moon’s full cycle. Aside from that time, they appear most normal. Make no mistake, this is a mindless animal.
Two. A Werewolf is repelled by fire, but can only be destroyed by a pure silver object driven through the heart. Arm yourself well, for their speed is unmatched by human standards and they have great strength. The cross has no affect, as this is a pure animal as far as intelligence. A silver bullet is the best weapon, as this allows one to keep safe distance from this beast. Once again, should this beast encounter your scent, he will be hunting you. Be aware at all times.
God be with you,
Ezra J. Cunningham May 20th 1859
“You’re kidding me?” Is all Wes could say, as he studied what appeared to be a very authentic set of instructions and warnings. ‘Could it be? Did these things really exist? Could they possibly still exist?’
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About the Book
13 Chilling Tales is a book of original short stories. Most all of these tales were based on concepts that might possibly be expanded to novels. Since the paranormal has many layers of interest, this book samples a variety. We have a vampire, ghosts, a werewolf, the walking dead, a gypsy, a Ouija board, time travel, Bigfoot, and even Death himself. The endings will sneak up on you and are meant to shock or surprise. Many of the characters involved might resemble people you know. It is the author’s intent to take you on a brief journey to visit things that we may never understand. In some cases these places may seem familiar and the settings realistic which, makes it all the more frightening. Many of these stories begin in the world of collectables, where naïve individuals purchase items from people they don’t really know. They could be people who may have hidden motivations lying below the surface. Then again, it might be the item itself. Who was the former owner? Were they good, or evil, and still clinging to this item from the beyond? All too often a person buys an antique or collectable, and gets much more than they expected but when their realization takes place…..it is far too late!
As a bonus there is a 14th story. The author dispels a true urban legend and ghost story. Incredibly it is an urban legend that was created unintentionally by author himself. An urban legend which he learned about 30 years later!
You will read 13 Chilling tales and experience a spectrum of entertainment. Afterward, you may never view a flea market, antique fair, garage sale or second store the same ever again.
About the Author
Edwin F. Becker is 64 years old. Born in Chicago’s inner city, he was the child of a broken home due to an abusive, alcoholic father. He spent years in a Catholic Home for abused and neglected children as a ward of the state. Besides flourishing and achieving high academic standards, he learned Latin as an altar boy.
With the sudden death of his father, he became a professional musician in his mid-teens, helping to support his mother and younger brother and sister. Touring the country, he met his wife of 44 years traveling through Tulsa, Oklahoma. Giving up this lucrative and exciting profession, he attended evening college and entered the early years of the computer industry initially as a programmer technician. . As technology exploded in growth, he rose through the ranks into management and eventually a Corporate Vice president for a national healthcare manufacturer.
With the dawn of micro-technology, he created affordable healthcare inventory management software and simultaneously held the position of President of the corporation’s software division. He was instrumental in assisting the Department of Defense in automating their procurement department in the early eighties.
After suffering a near fatal heart attack, he relocated to Missouri, where for a few years he and his wife ran an antique and collectible shop. He now enjoys the year around entertainment making Branson his home. His interests are numerous and varied, as his 64 years have allowed him to participate in everything from basketball to martial arts. His hobbies besides writing and playing with his guitar collection, range from ballistics, to bible history. His crown jewels are his two daughters and his four grandchildren. He shares the special interest of his youngest daughter [28] who fosters abused children and runs a animal rescue group. He has a son-in-law in Law Enforcement.