Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 461) Went Too Far
As Laszlo tells his story, Stephen begins to think about the small trunk of letters he found in the basement of the gatehouse. He remembers wondering why his grandmother would have written letters to his deceased grandfather, now he realizes they were from her relationship with Laszlo. She must have tucked them away in the basement since grandfather was too ill to navigate the steps.
“She was unhappy, said she married for money, but I do not believe that is how it always was. I do feel they loved each other at one time.” Laszlo pauses to catch his breath and to find the best way to explain what follows.
“Stephen, your grandmother was different from most women I knew. She was very strong-willed and when she wanted something, she made sure she got it. She read many books and mixed herbs for various medicinal purposes but she went too far.” He looks at Klara but again, the old woman remains silent as she stares straight ahead as if this conversation is boring to her.
“One day she had me meet her in the woods, she was so excited about something she read that she wanted my input. I could not believe what she was saying to me. We have all grown up hearing of folklore and tales and spooky stories to make sure little kids stay in bed at night but. . . she wanted to summon a demon to kill your grandfather!” He blurts this out and the expression on his own face is one of shock.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 460) Bit Of History
“So what happened?” Stephen asks now very intrigued in hearing this bit of history.
“What happened was. . .” Laszlo repeats just under his breath. “She, your grandmother,” he looks at Stephen, “she began writing me letters, leaving them in jars on the steps of my house, dropping them in my pocket when she was near. All of this was right under your grandfather’s nose but I didn’t have the heart to tell him.”
“So you had an affair?” Zsofia questions honestly.
“Yes,” he answers quickly for he cannot deny it, “and I am not proud of it because I betrayed my best friend. If he had ever found out, it would have crushed him and I know it was wrong, but. . .” He does not finish his statement.
“I remember her being around the house, slipping in to talk to you. I never thought anything of it but now, it all makes sense.” Zsofia confirms.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 459) This Home
“We had one daughter, your mother.” Laszlo nods at Zsofia and tears begin to build in his eyes and hers as well. “But she fell ill shortly after Tamas was born and you were only four when your mother passed.” He looks away as he wipes the tears from the corner of his eyes.
“You and grandmother took us in but then she too became ill and passed away just before I turned six.” The memories of losing her mother and grandmother are painful to Zsofia and recognizing this, Stephen puts his arm around her as they wait for the details of the story to continue.
“It was around that time, just months after my wife’s death that Stephen’s grandfather and grandmother moved into his family’s home.” He stops and looks around the room, “this home.” He looks over at Klara who is quietly listening. “Your grandfather and I had lost touch for several years and upon his return was the first time I realized who he married.”
“Your first love.” Zsofia says softly.
“Yes, I was surprised to say the least, but I had grown beyond that relationship and most importantly, I was thankful to have my childhood friend back in my life.” He smiles as he glances at the fireplace. “It was like being a kid again, we would meet for drinks and I helped him work on the manor when they began to update rooms or make repairs. Those days were very good to us.” His voice fades as he looks down at his fingernails.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 458) Fond Memories
“Your grandfather and I grew up together,” Laszlo states, “we were the best of friends and never a day went by that we did not spend time with each other. His family had money, mind did not, and that was never a problem within our individual households.” Laszlo looks up at Stephen.
“When he turned fifteen, he was sent away to school but we wrote letters and stayed in touch and he would come back twice a year to visit. It was around this time that I met your grandmother, Stephen.” The elderly man grows quiet for several seconds. “We, well. . . we fell in love.” He states as he looks down at his hands.
“We were very young and our time together was short lived because she and her family moved away a little over a year after they arrived in town. A year later I got word she married and was expecting a baby, so I moved on.” He grins as his memories filter into his mind.
“I was blessed in finding the beautiful wonderful woman who meant everything to me; this was your grandmother Zsofia.” He looks her in the eye. “We married and were very happy.” He smiles for these are fond memories and it is obvious to everyone in the room that he truly loved his wife.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 457) Story To Tell
“I do not understand. What have you done and how was my grandmother involved?” Stephen asks of Laszlo as he grows more impatient that they are wasting valuable time. “We need to be looking for Tamas, not sitting here dredging up the past!”
“I agree with Stephen, we are wasting time and whatever happened in the past is in the past. I’m going to look for my brother.” Zsofia says as she heads for the door.
“You will do no such thing!” Klara states in a low tone as she grits her teeth before slamming her cane across the threshold like a gate. “Your grandfather has a story to tell and he needs you to hear it.” She closes her eyes as to not be so demanding and Zsofia turns around and looks at Stephen.
“Istvan, come. . . sit.” Klara says as she walks toward Stephen and motions for him and Zsofia to sit together on the sofa across from Laszlo. “Carry on, Laszlo, you have a captive audience.” She says as she walks back to her post near the open door.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 456) Feeds Her Fear
“What has happened and what is going on with you, grandfather? What is it that Klara knows?” The concern in Zsofia’s voice is obvious as the nervousness of the unknown feeds her fear.
Sitting slouched on the sofa, with his hands folded in his lap, Laszlo looks up at his granddaughter and then over at Stephen. Both are standing near the fire and Klara is intently watching from just inside the threshold of the doorway.
“It is all my fault.” Laszlo states but is quickly corrected by Klara.
“No, it is not all your fault, but you are partly to blame and definitely more involved than any of us in the room.” Her straightforward attitude seems stern yet necessary.
Laszlo looks up at her, much as a child would if caught in a lie. He runs his hand through his thick white hair and takes in a deep breath in preparation of his next statement.
“Stephen, your grandmother and I. . .” He pauses and looks at Zsofia then back down at his hands. “You have to understand, I did not realize the level she was going to. . .” he looks over at Klara as if waiting for approval but she does not say a word. “And now my selfishness has come back at me and because of it, Tamas is in danger.”
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 455) This Chaos
“You were part of this and kept it secret all these years.” Klara says in her Hungarian tongue to Laszlo. “Why did I not see it before?” She glances down the hallway. “It is your responsibility, not Istvan’s and not your grandchildren!” Klara states in a stern manner. “The chaos belongs to you Laszlo Eszes, and it is you who will set it straight.” Zsofia overhears this last statement.
“What is it he is to set straight?” Zsofia asks as she steps away from Stephen to walk back to the doorway.
“Stay inside; we must not disturb the entrance.” Klara says as she continues to hold her cane up as a barrier.
“Alright, but we are wasting time. We must find Tamas.” Zsofia says calmly. “Grandfather?” She questions for she does not understand what is happening and he will not look her in the eye.
“He will be released from this game, won’t he Laszlo.” Klara states firmly a she lowers her cane.
Without saying a word, Laszlo steps across the row of salt on the floor and walks to the center of the room, where two sofas sit facing each other near the fireplace. He slowly sits down on the one to his right. With the storm raging outside, Stephen begins to build a fire to take the dampness out of the room. There is no talking amongst the group, only the occasional cleared throat and then Zsofia speaks up.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 454) In Place
Stephen cautiously steps over the line of salt and into the room, which is now spotless compared to how it was when he was last here. Numerous candles are flickering with light and are strategically in position around the room. Four lamps, two on the mantle of the fireplace and two near the sofas, offer a low yet consistent glow to the deep burgundy tones of the space. Zsofia and her grandfather begin to enter together but Klara will not allow it.
“No, one at a time and you dear girl, you go first.” Klara smiles as she puts her cane up like a gate behind Zsofia to keep Laszlo in place.
Zsofia walks directly to Stephen and touches his back in a caring way causing him to turn toward her. Watching his eyes, and without a single word, she reaches out to him as he pulls her into an embrace. They are unaware of the conversation starting up just outside the doorway.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 453) You First
The four adults walk as fast as they can down the hall and to the spiral staircase where the west and south halls convene. As they carefully navigate the steps, the pace is slow and deliberate which they did not anticipate. However, they are moving nonetheless.
Stephen can see the severe worry on Zsofia’s face as she helps her grandfather maneuver the steps and Klara keeps looking back is if watching for a follower. Oddly, Stephen does not see the Guta but he feels increasingly unsettled and confused by the statements made and the hurried actions the group is taking. As they approach the second floor, wind and rain begin to pelt against the windows of the stairwell.
Stephen wishes Tamas would call to them so he can bring him to safety. He glances at Zsofia, who is looking at him, and he knows she is thinking the same thing. Nodding his head to her in an understanding way, they silently press forward. They exit onto the second floor hall and walk east, until come to the suite Stephen has chosen to be his room.
“We are here.” Klara states as she opens the door and holds her hand out to stop them. “There is salt along the threshold,” she says as she points down. “Do not disturb it; be careful and mindful as you step over it.”
She looks at the three of them for a few seconds as if allowing the instructions to set in. She then drops her hand to allow them to pass but points at Stephen.
“You first.” She commands.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 452) Stay Back
The actions and statements of this old woman frightens Stephen because Klara has proven to him, during his interactions with her, that she is indeed in touch with the mysterious hidden world around them. Trying to focus his eyes to see deeper into the murky corners of the hallway, he frantically looks around to see if he can catch a glimpse of the creature Klara obviously feels is near them.
“You stay back you demon of sorrow!” Klara yells as she stands firm in her footing. “I know your abilities and I know what you seek.” She mutters something that Stephen cannot decipher as she reaches into the small bag tied with a leather string around her neck.
“I bar you from us, you cannot come any closer.” She tosses salt up into the air letting it rain down upon the group. “We must be quick; I have prepared a room downstairs, on the second floor, where we will be safe.”
“But, what about Tamas?” Zsofia asks as she begins to panic at the thought of her brother helplessly held by something he cannot see.
“I know he is up here, I heard him calling out!” Stephen states as he stands his ground.
“Not any longer!” The old woman says angrily as she stomps her foot and cane on the floor at the same time. “He is no longer where you thought him to be.” She looks at Stephen, her bottom lip protruding with anger as if trying to force him into a trance. “Now move quickly.” She whispers.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 451) Shed The Burden
“Yes, she is right.” Laszlo states with a less labored breath than before. “Klara came to us this morning, talking about Tamas and the danger he is in. She has much concern for you as well.” Laszlo begins to stand up and Stephen reaches out to assists.
“The boy is here, he is here.” The old woman says about Tamas as she turns to look behind her. “It is here as well,” she says and the turns back to face them as she whispers, “it is watching.”
Stephen scans the darkened corners to see if he can pinpoint where the Guta is hiding but nothing catches his eye, yet he feels the oppressive and strong presence of the beast.
“He came here, with it.” Klara says as she steps up closer to the group. “He came willingly, to keep you from harm.” She points to Laszlo who instantly begins to weep as the words leave her lips. “It was coming back for you and you know why.” She turns around as she too looks into the shadows of darkness.
“What is going on? What do you know about this, grandfather?” Zsofia questions with much confusion. “What are you talking about, Klara?”
“It’s not my place to say; for he must shed the burden he carries.” Klara continues to look away from the group and now she takes two steps back, bumping into Stephen as she grabs his arm in a tight clinch. “Do you see it?” She whispers with urgency without moving her head or looking around.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 450) Facts
“Mr. Eszes, I’m. . .” Stephen starts to say but Laszlo raises his hand to stop him.
“No,” Laszlo says as he holds his hand steady. “I owe you an apology.” He says before taking in two deep breaths.
“An apology, but why?” Stephen questions as he once again glances down the hall hoping he will hear Tamas so they can free him.
He cannot shake the feeling of being watched and how did they not see the Guta standing here when they walked up? He then realizes, of course not, they do not seem to bear such a curse as he does, where the monster shows itself freely. He does know, however, that Tamas carries this trait as well and it frightens him to think of the things the young man must be going through alone.
“He has kept important facts from you.” Says a woman with a dry crackling voice, Stephen recognizes it immediately as belonging to Klara.
Stepping out of what seems to be a haze hovering in the hallway is the old woman, her cane tapping on the floor with each deliberate step as she draws closer. She is clothed in all black with just the tips of a white lace shirt showing at the end of the sleeves and the top of the tall neckline of her fitted jacket.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 449) This Gesture
Stephen, now holding himself to the wooden frame with both hands, tucks his head down in anticipation of the forceful strike he is about to take. In hearing quick movement above him, he can only imagine what fate holds for him, but to his surprise, he feels hands at his wrists pulling him up.
“Stephen, are you alright?” Zsofia asks hastily as she and her grandfather pull him to safety.
Looking at both of them with disbelief, Stephen sits on the floor, with his friends by his side, trying to understand what just happened. Frantically, he looks around at the dark hallway for any sign of the demonic creature that he knew for sure would kill him, but to his dismay, Zsofia and her grandfather are the only other individuals here.
“Tamas is here, did you hear him?” Stephen questions as he stands up ready to run down the hall to find him.
“No, we did not hear anything other than the loud vibrating sounds coming from this door.” Zsofia says as she points at the opening to the conservatory.
Laszlo, still very weak from his ordeal, stays seated on the floor, his brow wet with beads of sweat and his breathing labored. He looks up at Stephen as if he wishes to say something, but he only shakes his head and looks back down at the floor. Stephen is not sure if this gesture is to indicate the old man’s lack of respect for him, or if he simply does not have anything to say.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 448) Endless Voids
A loud screeching sound vibrates from the hinges of the door as it moves closer to the stonework of the wall. The Guta dips its head to its chin as it glares at Stephen who is quickly moving towards it. With both hands held out front, the monster clasps them together and raises them up over its head like a hammer.
Stephen knows this can mean only one thing; it will strike him down as soon as he gets within reach. He recognizes this posture for the creature used it to beat his grandfather to death. Now with the momentum of the closing door moving faster than his mind can think, he has no choice but to try to grab hold of the framework.
Reaching out with his left hand, he comes within inches of touching the long gnarled toes of the monster he so greatly fears. With his right hand on the door and his left on the frame, he dangles in the open space afraid to let go of either option. He hears the dry scratchy laugh of the creature standing above him and fearful of what is to come he closes his eyes as he braces for a blow, but nothing happens.
Suddenly his right hand slips from the iron door and his body hits the masonry wall. Just as he reaches up, grabbing the frame with his free hand, he sees the Guta standing over him, arms raised, and very much focused. The darkness of its eyes look like two endless voids and the stench of its flesh is of death and decay.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 447) Perched
Stephen can tell by its mischievous expression that this beast plans to go down the hall after Tamas. It lifts its fingers to its lips and starts gnawing at them as if it is full of nervous energy. The only thing this is doing is stalling time, which Stephen finds to be helpful so he can decide on what to do next. However, it seems the nasty creature knows this as it reaches down to touch Stephen’s left hand.
Letting go of the wooden trim of the entrance to the hallway, Stephen struggles at grabbing onto the slippery metal door as it once again swings him away from the entrance. Not only is he concerned at how he is going to be able to assist Tamas if he himself needs help, but with his unsuccessful attempt at swinging the door far enough to jump back into the hallway, he feels trapped. Now that this gruesome creature continues to stand in his way, he looks around for another source of security that may be more effective.
Far below him, two levels to be exact are various plants, shrubs, and flowers but he knows dropping from this height is not an option. To his left is the second story walkway but he is not sure if he can move himself enough to land on it. Under the stress of his decision, his hands become moist from sweat and again he begins to feel himself slipping.
Kicking his feet back and forth, he attempts to move maneuver himself on the door and surprisingly, this time it begins to swing shut. He will need to react quickly to grab hold of the door frame but the Guta is there, perched like an owl with his prey coming to him.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 446) Challenging
Almost mesmerized by the awkward way this beast walks, Stephen does not realize his own hands are slipping once again leaving him dangerously close to falling to his death. Suddenly, another call for help comes from down the hall and Stephen snaps out of his trance and reaches up to get a better hold on the surface. He recognizes without a doubt, that the voice crying out belongs to Tamas. This plea for help echoes from somewhere down the hall and Stephen knows he must get to him no matter what.
“He needs my help.” Stephen mumbles to himself without taking his eyes off the Guta who is staring directly at him with the blackest eyes. “What do you want from me?” He yells at the monster, which is now standing in the threshold of the door, its toes hanging out over the edge like a bird holding onto a branch.
An evil scratchy laugh exits the Guta’s mouth in a whirling transparent puff as its thin skin clings to its bones. There is banging from down the hall as if someone is pounding on a door and in this case, it is Tamas trying to get out. The Guta turns to look in the direction of the sound and then tips its head to the side as it peers back at Stephen in a competitive almost challenging manner.
“You leave him alone!” Stephen states forcefully as he stares at the mysterious and repugnant creature.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 445) Preparing
Stephen stops in his current position for he is now in a slight state of paralysis suspended between the safety of the building and the slippery metal of the door. He is so close to being safe, but now all he can think about is, which fate is worse? If he falls, he will probably die, but if he finds himself face to face with the Guta, he may suffer horribly for days but he quickly realizes the end-result will be the same.
He knows this, it is almost a fact with him and to be honest with himself, he does not care either way. Tears well up in his eyes under the pressure his body is working under and he snickers at the irony of finding himself in this position. He actually laughs at having to weigh these options but his humor fades as the Guta steps out of the shadows.
As it creeps closer, the hideous grin upon its face fills in with rows of wrinkles across its cheeks and forehead. The sickening red color of its skin looks fresh and raw as it rubs its hands together much like a starving man preparing for a holiday feast.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 444) Come To Play
Stephen’s hands are extremely slippery now from perspiration as the muscles in his arms begin to twitch under the stress of holding himself to the door. Off in the distance he again hears what sounds like Tamas yelling out for help making his efforts to get back to the hallway all the more urgent.
“Oh come on you stupid door!” He grunts as he once again presses his foot against the large stones of the wall and this time, the hinge of the door swings freely.
As the metal door gets closer to the opening, Stephen reaches out grabbing hold of the floor trim yet at the same time; his right hand continues to cling to the door. Hanging by his fingers his body presses against the wall of the contained garden as he takes in a deep breath. Hoping this will calm his nerves and give him strength as he tries to concentrate on releasing the door and pulling himself up into the hallway. Just as he gets his chest up level with the floor, a horrible sound fills his ears.
“Isssstvaaan,” The gravelly yet childlike voice hisses from the darkness of the hallway. “Have you come to play?” It states as the voice drops an octave half way through the question.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 443) Slipping
Without looking, Stephen sprints to his left forcing open an iron door to the conservatory. Just before he steps through the threshold, he realizes the platform is broken and hanging sideways. Grabbing at the door his foot slips as he tries to step back to avoid falling three stories to the thick plantings below. Holding on with all his strength, the door swings wide, as far as it can go and he is hanging onto it for dear life. He feels his hands losing their grip as they start slipping on the moist surface.
None of the phantoms that have haunted him in his lifetime compare to the fright he feels at this very moment. The clarity of everything around him is remarkable as if he has a second sense of the smallest details. The cold green tone to the iron door, the bolts of the landing hanging out of the wall, the loud rushing sound of rain on the glass above are all flashing rapidly in great detail to him.
Looking at the opening to the hallway he just stepped from, he knows he must push himself hard enough to swing the door all the way back. He must get close to the doorway to jump onto solid flooring and he is beginning to wonder if this is even possible. As he slips down even further, his legs are now dangling below the bottom of the door. He kicks off from the wall but he does not build enough momentum to make the door swing far enough for him to access the hallway.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 442) Trepidation
With hurried determination, Stephen races toward the south hall only stopping as he enters the small towering room of stairs. Again, from a floor or two above, he hears the voice calling out and now knows for sure it is Tamas.
“Tamas!” Stephen yells as he looks up, “I hear you!”
Hastily, Stephen begins to climb the iron steps and about half way up, he feels something tug at his pant leg causing him to trip. Catching himself on the rail, he looks down just as a thin reddish colored hand pulls back and out of sight from a lower step. Instantly a rush of terror develops which almost paralyses Stephen as he struggles to stand up. Did he just see the bony thin hand of the Guta? Is it here, in the manor, following him? Is that what happened to him last night? Did the Guta attack but for some reason choose not to kill him?
A loud ringing in his ears begins to build as the thought of becoming the target of this demon becomes real. It is this fear, this horrible trepidation, which causes him to bolt forward as he uses everything he has to sprint up the stairs, skipping one after another, until he reaches the second floor. However, he does not stop there, his fear is too great as he presses on to the third floor where he exits the stairs and runs out into the hallway unsure of where he is going.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 441) Flicker And Dim
“That sounds like Tamas.” Stephen says to himself as he looks up. “Tamas!” He yells hoping for a quick return but again the voice goes quiet. “That has to be him, but where the hell is he?” Stephen says as he steps from the noisy conservatory into the dimly lit hallway.
He looks to his left, which will take him to the south hall, but he hesitates in moving from where he stands. Lightning flashes close by sending a bright flicker of light into the conservatory as heavy rain begins to plummet down on the building and Stephen nervously reaches for his bottle of pills.
The bottle rattles in his unsteady hand as he tries to turn the lid as another crash of thunder pounds down on the area causing the lights to flicker and dim. The last thing he wants is to have to go into the basement if the storm kicks the breaker off shutting down the electricity. It was cold and damp and he now remembers the odd little room in the far southwestern corner.
Distracting him from his thoughts is the voice he heard only moments earlier. From his location here in the hallway, he can tell the voice is not coming from the bottom floor, it definitely sounds like it is on an upper level. Quickly he runs toward the south hall where in the corner, where the west and south halls meet, is a spiral staircase he can climb to the second floor.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 440) Grow Colder
“Where the hell am I?” Stephen whispers as he slowly opens his eyes. “What happened?”
The bright lights are too much for him and thankfully, he is sitting right below the switches. Lifting his right arm up, he pulls down on the bottom switch and the main lights of the conservatory darken. With the tree lights still glowing up the trunks, and the gray rain filled sky above, the garden takes on a strange misty and hazy atmosphere.
Not only is there a leak next to him, but he can hear several other areas where water is running in creating rhythmic sounds throughout the conservatory. High above him, one of the iron walkways makes a clanging sound as if someone just ran across it to the other side. It is this eerie, unnatural sound, which brings him fully awake causing his memories of the night to come back to him. He takes in a quick breath as chills run across his entire body and the air seems to grow colder within an instant.
Somewhere in the manor, Stephen cannot tell from where, he hears a voice. It is not a conversation, at least he does not think so, and he is unsure if it is coming from the open door to the main house, or from one of the three floors above him. Pulling himself up, he tips his head but hears nothing for the longest time except for the echo’s of rainwater. Just as he starts to leave the conservatory for the west hall, he hears the voice again.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 439) Dazed
With the passing of night, the morning comes with the scent of rain and rumbles of thunder. Tree branches hang heavy with soaked leaves and puddles of water form in low areas of the road and yard. The constant tapping of rainwater leaking through a crack in the conservatory’s frame splatters droplets of water onto the side of Stephen’s face.
Still lying where he fell from the blows he took the night before, the dampness of the area stirs Stephen awake. He moans as he lifts his head and opens one eye. The lights are still on and with the grayness of the sky above, he believes it is still nighttime. Little does he know that he has been unconscious for nearly eleven hours and it is now a new day.
He feels a pain in his back as he rolls from his stomach to his side and finally onto his back. Looking up at the iron walkways above him, he feels dizzy and the room seems to want to spin as it slowly begins to move. Quickly, he closes his eyes to steady himself but even with eyes shut, he continues to feel movement and his stomach begins to gurgle.
“Ah, I’m going to be sick.” He says aloud as he pinches the bridge of his nose with his fingers as another drop of water splashes on the wet floor next to his face.
A low rumble of thunder vibrates through the stone floor as Stephen begins to sit up. With his eyes closed, he slides over to the wall and leans his back against the cool stone. He is dazed and until just now, was not thinking of where he is or how he got here. Most of all, he has no idea about why he was lying on a wet floor.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 438) The Games
Now that Tamas finds himself trapped and locked away in the manor, he feels betrayed and used. Even though his mental state is that of a younger child, he knows and understands fear. He can tell when something is amiss but most of all, he knows the difference between good and evil. At this moment, he realizes just how malicious things can be.
Right now, here alone in a strange darkening room, he is fearful and angry. To make it even worse, he does not understand exactly what it is he is dealing with when it comes to the games and mental abuse of the Guta. However, he knows it hurt his grandfather terribly and he had to draw it away from his family, which was a very mature and tactical thought process.
With quietness creeping in, he stands from his huddled position and tries the door handle for what must be the tenth time. It remains firmly closed, there is no budging the door, not tonight anyway. Stepping over to the bed and its dusty coverlet, he lies down on his side and curls his body up tight in a ball. He misses his sister and is worried about his grandfather and he wonders if he will ever see either of them again.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety:
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com or
CLICK HERE to visit Goodreads.com
StorySmitten 