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"In
the summer of 1970, a small team of student archaeologists have a field trip
for ten days to the ruins of Hobbs Abbey - an ancient place steeped in legends
and tales of the paranormal - mostly about the Devil and his demons. Local
folklore has whispered for centuries, that the Monk's of Hobbs Abbey were
always specially selected; to guard a terrible secret hidden about the Abbey
grounds. But this summer is special: It is the 666th Anniversary of the Abbey's
founding and has something sinister come to celebrate?"
Episode may contain the following warnings:
“All incidents and dialogue, and all characters with the exception of some well-known historical figures, are products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Where real-life historical figures appear, the situations, incidents, and dialogues concerning those persons are entirely fictional and are not intended to depict actual events or to change the entirely fictional nature of the work. In all other respects, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Author’s notes about this episode:
[1] ***Plot spoiler***
A little extra warning: this episode contains strong language and VERY strong sexual references. It also contains references to Devil worship, witchcraft, Demons and human sacrifice!
[2]
The original Title for this episode was: ‘HOBBS ABBEY: THE DEMON’S LEGACY.’
[3]
A ‘Jericho Tibbs’ original story.
[4] "HOBBS ABBEY AND THE DEVIL'S GRAVEYARD.” This episode, was conceived and written by the author. Copyright © 2011-2025 Stephen Williams. No reproduction of any part without written permission. The episode's illustration is an original drawing created by the author. It is copyright ©2011 - 2025 Stephen Williams. No reproduction of any part without written permission.
[5] There is an 'ALEXANDRA' series adult extended version currently available entitled:
"ALEXANDRA AND THE ARCHEOLOGISTS."
Important Note: This version of the episode is quite different from 'The Temporal Detectives' version appearing here! I put it down to 'Parallel Universe's and different dimensions.....Well, I would, wouldn't I!
Episode details:
Concept
date: 3rd March 2017
First
published: 4th November 2018
Status: COMPLETED & PUBLISHED.
Location: BOOK SERIES 1 – EPISODE 7.
Revisions: 5 [last revised February 2019]
Version:
Final.
Published
Episode No. 07
Previous
episode: “Betrayal at Gettysburg.”
Next
episode: “Cordless, Cordless &
Fraser (Solicitors.)”
Age
recommendation: 15+
Average
reading time: Approximately 75 Minutes.
Angel-in-charge: Margret
Team Assigned: Team 74
Mission: 11 - 307112 - 3 - 1970
Human Times:
Episode in full:
1. CONVOY.
Clare started to brake slowly as the blue flashing lights appeared to grow larger in her extended; driver’s side door mirror, [fitted because she was towing a caravan] and Dave peered out the passenger side window, but couldn’t see past the drab, olive coloured caravan. He called up the other two cars on the crackling 'walkie-talkie', telling them about the police vehicle.
"I think the bloody batteries need changing." Dave muttered and wondered where they could find a plug socket in the middle of nowhere. At least they had purchased extra batteries from the Army Surplus store in York before setting out.
Clare stopped on some gravel, which was thrown around a Farmer’s padlocked gate and waited; “I’ll bet ten shillings that the coppers think we’re bloody gypsies!” Dave laughed and certainly wouldn’t take that bet. He knew how the police liked to harass travellers and grunting, he managed to get the rusty passenger door open, then stepped out and now could see two Constables walking towards them.
Dave glanced up the tight country road and could see that the Professor and Doctor Shaw were making their way back to join them on foot. Clare joined him on the verge, clutching her little red Driving License and searching her crocheted, flowery handbag; “I know the bloody M.O.T. and Insurance is in here somewhere.” She muttered, but Dave laughed;” You’ll probably find a Dining table in that thing, you've got so much crap in there.” The pair looked like a couple of hippies, but were dressed like most young people were; in this summer of 1970.
The two Policemen gave the pair a curious look; “They don’t look much like bleeding Gypsies.” The younger Policeman said quietly and pulled his little black notebook out and copied down the vehicle registration plate.
The much older Policeman just nodded and pushed his cap back; “Bloody
students.” He said simply and sighed. Professor Theodore Hemmings now joined
the little group and introduced himself to the officers, with a smile and
handshakes. The two policemen listened with very little interest, as the
Professor explained about the ten-day field trip for his Archaeological
students, until he mentioned Hobbs Abbey Ruins. The older officer stopped the
Professor in mid-sentence and didn’t appear to be happy about them digging
around the ruined Abbey.
“I’ve been around here all my life, born in Hempstead village, some ten miles down that road, and I wouldn’t dig around those ruins for a gold-plated bed!” The old policeman shook his head and rubbed his chin as Dr. Shaw asked for the quickest way to the ruins. Constable Jones sighed and shrugged his shoulders; “You know the stories about that place and so it’s on your own heads.” He then gestured down a dark, leafy lane that forked left by the rusting bus stop. "That’s Bell’s Lane, run down that for a couple miles and you’ll come to Hobbs Wood. Beyond that lies the Abbey, There’s good ground north of the ruins for your cars and the caravans. But if you take my advice, you’ll head back home now and forget about all this.” He advised with clear reluctance in his voice.
The Professor thanked the Constables, and everyone returned to their vehicles and the little convoy now headed down Bell’s Lane towards the Abbey. The Morris ‘Oxford’ estate car bumped and swayed down the rough little lane and Clare gripped the wheel tightly, while Dave kept an eye on the little caravan, who was rolling like a ship at sea; “I bet Max loves all that bumping about, he had quite a hangover this morning.” He grinned and pulled a packet of ‘Players No.6’ from his Safari shirt pocket and lit up a cigarette.
“He shouldn’t be asleep in there; it’s dangerous; what if we had an accident, that caravan would fold up like paper.” Clare could see the brake lights coming on in front of her; “We must be there by now.” She added, realising that the woods were unusually dark, with little of the late afternoon sunshine, filtering through the dense trees. She actually shuddered a little; “I’ve got bloody goose-bumps, give us a fag Dave.” The two cars and the Bedford J4 van driven by ‘Little Mickey’ formed a circle on the good ground and everyone started to unhitch the caravans and push them into shaded positions.
2. THE ABBEY RUINS.
The ruins of the old Abbey dominated the skyline, and it looked quite beautiful in the evening sunshine. Clare grabbed a couple of her cameras and snapped away, then slowly she lifted her eyes from the camera and stared across at the Abbey.
Dave caught the strange look upon her face and tapped her shoulder: “What’s
up?”
Clare lowered the camera and looked puzzled; “I thought I saw someone standing by that old wall – where the remains of that gateway are - but there’s nothing there.” Dave turned to Dr. Shaw and asked if she knew where the gateway went.
“Monk’s old burial grounds.” She replied and continued to unhitch the caravan from the Professor's Rover P7 car. Clare and Dave exchanged glances and then both chuckled. “We’ve been here bloody ten minutes and already seeing ghosts!” Clare smiled and replaced her cameras upon the car’s rear seat, which was strewn with camera boxes, packets of film, lenses, bags of clothes and tinned food – not forgetting ‘Jester’ - Clare’s large fat cat.
Dave peered in and shook his head; “Why did you bring the damn cat?” with some puzzlement in his voice. Clare sighed and reaching in, stroked the big cat gently; “My neighbours are on holiday in Scotland, and they normally take him when I do field trips, so he’s having a field trip of his own this time!”
‘Little Mickey’ was dumping the digging gear, surveying equipment and canvas
covers upon the ground, heaving them from the back of his van with little
effort. Doctor Shaw was checking them over with a careful eye and penciling
items in her little red notebook. The professor had lit his pipe and stood
watching the last of the day’s sunshine playing upon the Abbey ruins.
“That young copper said there was a pub down Gallows Lane that did good food in
the evening, and it serves a decent pint of Guinness.” Dave spoke with some
enthusiasm, realising he hadn’t eaten since the two fried egg sandwiches this
morning. It was universally agreed that a trip to ‘The King’s Head’ was a
really great way to start the field trip.
Max had climbed from Clare’s caravan and stood stretching and yawning; “I’ll
have a quick wash and brush up and be ready A.S.A.P.” He grinned, and then
asked Dave if he could lend him a couple of quid for the night, oh, and could
he bum a couple of cigarettes also.
Maxwell Richard Alexander Victor Halls-Canton was the second son [the spare one] of the 9th Duke of Sommerton and looked and dressed like a penniless hippie. The fact was, Max normally didn’t have a penny to his name for most of the month [until his father’s allowance cheque cleared at the Bank] then he was flush and very generous to his mates for about a week. Then back to student poverty and handouts from friends. But the cheerful and helpful Max was well liked by all that met him, and he could certainly be described as ‘a character.’
The group had piled into the now partially empty van and ‘Little Mickey’ took the happy crowd to the ‘King’s Head’ for Sheppard’s pie and Guinness. ‘Little Mickey’ always did the driving on pub and party runs simply because he was ‘Tea-total’ – he had never touched the stuff since - as a child, he watched his father disappear into bottles of whisky and emerge a monster; a big, abusive and violent monster.
The dark memories of his awful childhood would always appear in his mind and he
would never touch alcohol. He towered over his friends and colleagues and was
often referred to as ‘The gentle giant’. He represented the University in
wrestling and had been approached by several mangers and agencies to turn fully
professional; but he wanted to complete his studies without too many
distractions. Quiet spoken and cheerful; ‘Little Mickey’ was always well respected
by those who encountered this big man.
3. UNEXPECTED VISITORS.
As the van pulled back onto the camp site, Dave pointed out the side door window; “Hey! There’s torchlight in the ruins!” Everyone could see a yellowish white glow coming from the Abbey and Mickey pulled the van up by the caravan’s and the van’s headlights showed open door’s, lights on and contents strewn about the grass.
“We’ve been fucking robbed!” Dave exclaimed and everyone emptied from the van with Clare running towards her caravan shouting; ”I don’t give a shit what they have nicked, as long as they didn’t hurt Jester; I left him asleep on the bed!” Clare leaped through her open door and found the inside a complete mess; but a big fat cat sitting on the oven – safe and sound - She grabbed the cat and cuddled him. “The buggers don’t appear to have taken anything; they even left this behind.” The Professor held up a large brown envelope stuffed with Pound notes – the expense money for the trip - Max joined them and reported none of the dig’s expensive equipment appears to be missing.
Clare wondered if it was local kids having a laugh at their expense, but it was little Mickey and Dr. Shaw’s shouts that pulled them outside; they were coming back fast from the ruins; their torches swinging wildly in the dark. The pair joined the group panting and shaking, finally Dr, Shaw gathered her wits together and spoke quietly with clear emotion in her voice; “Someone has dug up the old Monk’s burial ground!” Everyone looked about and the Professor shook his head; “That’s impossible; we’ve only been absent for a couple of hours.” But Doctor Shaw insisted, and the entire group headed for the old Monk’s burial ground and shone their torches over the graveyard. They stood in silence until Clare said quietly; “They look like mole hills.”
Everyone could see the large mounts, about seven of them, at the Western edge
of the cemetery and Max gripped Dave by the shoulder and said, “Moles burrow
out of holes: But what the fuck burrowed out of these graves?” Everyone turned
to him in silence and after a few seconds the Professor coughed nervously and
lit his pipe; “No ghost stories please Max; let’s go back and tidy up as best
we can. In the morning we’ll do a proper check to see if anything is missing
and then we’ll take a close look at this mess.” He gestured towards the
graveyard and the group walked back to the caravan’s.
They could see and hear the motorbike approaching and grouped about the
caravan’s, as the big bike pulled up next to Clare’s car. The rider jumped from
his bike and pulled up the goggles; “What the hell happened here?” His soft
Italian accent clearly apparent and Clare embraced him with some emotion;
"I'm really glad to see you Rollo, someone trashed our caravan’s but took
nothing.” She slipped her arm through his as he unbuttoned the old RAF Trench
coat and shook hands with Max.
“They also trashed the old Monk’s graveyard.” Max said unsmiling, as the Professor clapped his hands together; “It’s been quite a night, so let’s get our heads down and start early in morning.”
Everyone returned to their caravan’s; except Mickey and Dave who crashed out in the van. Dr. Shaw was sharing with Clare and, of course, Jester the cat. Whilst Max and Rollo shared the smallest caravan; the Professor had one all to himself – he was a professor after all - and no-one else could fit in with all his books, maps and manuscripts. Not to mention the damn smell of his big pipe!
As lights went out amid shouts of ‘goodnight’, a quiet darkness descended upon Hobbs Abbey ruins. But deep within its fallen stones, broken gargoyles, silent Angels and empty doorways; something was moving.
4. A GRAVEYARD DEMON.
Jericho walked quietly over the broken earth, squatting down by the old Monk’s burial ground wall and examined the heaps of soil thrown up. He glanced around and saw Alex a few paces behind. He had to chuckle; she clearly wasn't dressed for messing about in an old cemetery - late at night - but it did make him smile; Alex had a mini-dress on and a flowery white lace blouse. "Alexandra, if that skirt was much shorter, you would be wearing just a belt. But I do like the bright red Wellington boots.” Jericho gestured to her footwear and just had to grin.
She stared at her boots and shrugged her shoulders; “I thought they were perfect for wandering around a graveyard in the middle of the night. If I fell into a bloody big hole; I could use them to signal for help!” Alex grinned broadly and joined Jericho peering into one of the holes.
After a few seconds, Jericho rubbed his chin and nodded to himself; “Ceebrus.” He and Alex held their small torches over the hole. “What would bring such a Minion of the ‘Dark one’ to this place?” She asked looking about the ruins of the old Abbey. “It’s not exactly a cornucopia of human souls ready for stealing.” She added and looked towards the vehicles and caravan’s parked north of the Abbey.
Jericho stood up and pointed to where Alex was looking; “Maybe someone there is
the answer to our Demonic friends visit – Archaeological students from York
University, here for a week or so.” He looked back at the holes and muttered;
“Ceebrus.” Alex glanced back at the quiet caravan’s and said, “Two of my
descendants are among that group and one does have connections with the
Church.”
Jericho nodded and pulled a small glass orb from his coat pocket and held it out; he watched little red streaks appear around its circumference and sighed; “Quite a strong signal Alex – It’s a Minion that could take Souls and Ceebrus fills the bill.”
Alex nodded her agreement and shone her torch towards the Abbey ruins; “Quite beautiful, it must have been something special in its heyday; apart from when the devil dropped by.” Jericho had to agree with that.
Then Alex tapped his arm and slowly backed into the shadows cast by the old
wall; “There’s someone watching from those tree’s over there.” Jericho also
melted into the shadows, and both switched off their small torches. They could
just make out the figure amongst a clump of bushes, it quickly moved away;
backwards into the thick foliage and disappeared.
“It’s human.” Jericho whispered and relaxed a little. Alex agreed and pointed
to the student’s parking space; “They just opened a door on a caravan there, it
must be one of them. Do you think they saw the torchlight?” “Probably;
back to the office for now I think, we may have to ask for a Guardian on this
one; if not a Knight.” Jericho pulled his mirror out and the pair vanished.
5. DEAD MEN WALKING.
Father Rollo Cappanni gently pulled open the caravan door and eased himself inside, pulling off his jumper and loose boots, he lay on the small sofa that doubled as a bed and lit a cigarette. He smoked for some minutes before extinguishing it and then pulled his thick, red notebook from his discarded coat pocket and started to scribble notes with a half pencil.
Rollo had a pretty good idea that the Devil’s Minion; Ceebrus was abroad and quite possibly, was using the Abbey for his own evil ends. Father Roland Cappanni worked for [in secret] a small department of the Vatican called ‘The Prayer of Liberty’ – he was an Exorcist and investigator of the Paranormal - that concerned the Church. Rollo had been dispatched to watch over the Abbey ruins during the excavations by the student Archaeologists; the place was well noted in Vatican records.
But he wondered who the young couple were and why are they poking about the Abbey ruins in the middle of the night; had they trashed the caravan’s and for what purpose? Was it a warning?
The thoughts swamped his head, but no conclusions were reached because
he fell asleep where he lay, clutching the precious notebook bound by a thick
rubber band. He had a troubled and dark dream, and it was Max moving about the
small room, that woke Rollo from his disturbing sleep. “Come on Rollo; Clare’s
knocked up some breakfast and we’re invited!” Max was combing his long hair and
smiling with anticipation of tea with bacon and eggs. Rollo blinked at the
sunlight streaming through the large window and realised he had slept for
nearly five hours. He coughed loudly and made for the small bathroom, telling
Max that he would join him at Clare’s caravan after he had a ‘wash and brush
up’.
Rollo stared at the face in the mirror and pulled two pill bottles from his
shaving bag and unscrewed the lids slowly. Just six months left; that’s all he
had to go; six months and then a terrible end to suffer. He groaned loudly and
pushed the pills into his mouth and swallowed hard. Six months was all that
remained of the Priests life and the ‘dark nights of the soul’ plagued his
thoughts constantly. He took several deep breaths and started to wash and shave
without any enthusiasm; but he must keep up appearances for his kid stepsister:
Clare, until he found the courage to tell her of his dreadful fate.
Max and Dave had settled in around the small table and tucked into bacon, eggs
and beans with fresh tea and a slice of buttered bread. “Clare, if I could
afford it, I would marry you tomorrow!” Max smiled broadly at her - she simply
rolled her eyes in mock despair- and slapped eggs onto plates.
Dave laughed between mouthfuls and actually giggled; “Christ! You two should
get married; you’re the same class with both dads’ aristocrats – what’s your
father Clare? - he’s a bloody Count, isn’t he?”
Clare shrugged her shoulders and sighed; “My father died when I was nine, my
oldest stepbrother Henri is now the Count of Cappanni and I don’t really know
him. But Rollo and I are good friends; he’s always been close to me, even after
my parents divorced and mum and I came back to England to live.”
“Talk of the good man and he will appear.” Max smiled as Rollo appeared in the
doorway and smiled broadly with a cheery; "Good morning, all!” Rollo squeezed through the small door and was greeted by Clare who kissed him
with a big smile; “Good morning big brother; tea or coffee?” She asked as the
large priest eased into the seat next to Max. He asked for coffee and accepted
a plate of bacon, eggs, beans and a large sausage, with two thick slices of
bread; well buttered.
“You lucky bugger Rollo, your kid-sister looks after you alright. Mine wouldn’t
piss in my ear, even if my brains were on fire!” Dave wiped his plate with some
bread and slurped his tea. That made Max chuckle, he knew Dave was right; his
sister Ruth had no real love for her little brother and the pair hardly spoke.
Max switched on the little transistor radio next to the sleeping cat on the end
seat. Jester raised his head, yawned, then stretched and slipped back to sleep
despite the pop music coming from the radio.
Everyone sat chatting, mainly about the coming dig, the strange behaviour of
the old policeman and, of course, the caravan’s being trashed; but nothing
taken. Rollo offered cigarettes around and they were accepted by all except
Clare. Max managed to ‘bum’ a couple of extra ones for later!
Rollo commented on the election of Mr. Ted Heath as Prime-Minister and Clare
pointed out that Mr. Heath was one of just a handful of British
Prime-Minister’s that were bachelors. Dave [being a die hard Labour supporter]
expressed his opinion that Heath was as sexually attractive as a “Toads arse” –
So little wonder he was still single – even Clare chuckled at that; but the
conversations were ended by the arrival of Professor Hemmings to brief them on
the day’s activities.
He told them that Doctor Shaw had gone to the village, to report the incident
with the caravans, and pick up some more supplies. Little Mickey had
volunteered to drive her. He accepted a welcome cup of tea from Clare and lit
up his pipe which quickly cleared the small caravan, even Jester the cat
shifted to the bedroom to continue his napping.
Rollo stood outside in the warm morning sunshine and smoked slowly, half
listening to Dave and Max moaning about the Professors smelly pipe, when the
radio news started playing on the transistor that Max had switched on. He held
up his hand to silence the chatter and everyone listened to the news, including
Clare and the Professor. A dead body found in Catcall Lane was being
investigated by Police; Dave rubbed his chin and pointed south of the Abbey; “I
think Catcall Lane runs at the rear of the bloody abbey!” He shouted and
everyone started to head for the Abbey ruins and the small road which lay
behind it.
But the little group came to a stop as Mickey’s van appeared from Bell’s Lane, followed
by a black Police van which in turn was followed by a dark blue Ford Zephyr
Mark IV. “CID.” Max said simply and Father Cappanni started to walk to the
vehicles with the Professor. Clare gripped Max’s arm and whispered; “You don’t
think the body and the raid on our caravan’s are bloody connected?” Max nodded;
“Yeah, and I bet the coppers think that too.”
Little Mickey jumped from his van and walked over to Clare, Max and Dave,
leaving the Professor, Dr. Shaw and Father Cappanni to speak to the two CID
officers. “What’s up big man?” Max asked quietly and the visibly shocked Mickey
spoke quickly and softly.
They [him and Dr. Shaw] had been stopped by Police officers as they turned down
Bell’s Lane and questioned about the body lying in a small rainwater ditch,
near the roadside. Apparently, the old Policeman had recognised the dead man as
a local farmhand come poacher; who had been savagely attacked and killed;
despite carrying a loaded shotgun!
“They think it could be some escaped wild animal; the poor bastard was torn up
badly.” Mickey added and accepted a cigarette from Dave, who wondered why the
dead poacher hadn’t given the unknown beast both barrels of his shotgun.
Wilson and Alex stood by the old wall of the Monk’s burial ground and watched the police activity; “The Collector put the call in this morning – that poor bugger wasn’t supposed to die for another three years - and of course; no Soul was found to collect.” Wilson pushed the mirror back into his jacket pocket and folded his arms. Alex nodded and said softly; “Ceebrus.”
6. HUNTING THE DEMON.
Oscar chuckled and took a swig from his hipflask: "Well, I've tangled with old Ceebrus a couple of times over the centuries, but never did discover where the bugger made his home." Oscar the Guardian gripped his staff and followed Alex and Wilson into the old Monk's cemetery. The little glass orb he held out immediately showed small red streaks. "He's about somewhere." Oscar muttered and then smiled, as Jericho and Owen appeared through the gateway and joined them at the edge of the cemetery.
Oscar greeted them both with real affection; Jericho had been his old temporal
Inspector, when Oscar was a sergeant in the Temporal Directorate. "I've
borrowed Inspector Ali's local human agent; he knows Ceebrus only too well and
he'll assist us." Jericho informed the group and pushed his mirror into
his coat pocket, adding; "We'll meet him at the gateway in the old South
wall."
As the group headed for the south wall, Owen spoke softly to Alex and Wilson, about
being privy to the conversation between their Jericho and Inspector Ali;
regarding the local human agent. "He's well experienced in demonology, the
'Dark One' and most things supranational; well, supernatural to living humans
anyway!" Wilson chuckled at that and jerked a thumb to towards the
gateway; "Looks like he's here." Then smiled at Alex; "Could
this be called a family reunion?"
Father Rollo Cappanni stood in the old gate way and watched the group of
Temporal Detectives approach; he extinguished his cigarette and threw the butt
down. Inspector Ali had told him about his ancestor; Lady Alexandra Mary
Cappanni and he smiled, she was easily as beautiful as her portrait showed; the
artist had certainly painted what he saw.
Jericho shook his hand firmly; "Do I call you father or Rollo?" He
asked and Rollo just smiled; "Rollo will do nicely Mr. Tibbs."
Jericho introduced his team and Rollo gripped Alex's hand and grinned;
"You certainly are as beautiful as family legend always described. I can
see a little of you in my kid sister Clare; she's considered very pretty."
Alex kissed him on both cheeks with real affection; "You certainly have
inherited the male side of the family; it always produced big, strapping
handsome boys and men. I am so pleased to meet you. I would love to meet Clare,
but that would take some explaining I think!" They both laughed, and Alex gripped his arm firmly; Yes, she could indeed see
her oldest son Philippe in the big man. Same eyes, smile and same dedication to
what he believed. Seeing Father Rollo bought back the unhappy thought that her
all her children had been dead for many, many years. But she still smiled at
the priest.
Rollo turned to Jericho; "I have researched the Abbey thoroughly. In pagan
times this was a site for pagan rituals, including human sacrifice. The church,
as usual, to show dominance over false gods raised a house of God here. But
this Abbey was special. Local legend tells that the devil himself charged one
of his minions; Ceebrus to watch over the old sacred ground. It is said that
God sent a Knight to slay the beast and that he drove it underground."
Father Rollo coughed into his hankie and Alex [being a doctor] knew that sign
was bad; she had glimpsed fresh spots of blood on the cloth.
He continued; "The Abbey was supposedly built where this divine battle
took place and to secure the ground for God - for good. But the devil is a
cunning foe and he buried Ceebrus in a special place and made the promise to
raise the creature when six hundred and sixty-six human years had passed. That
anniversary came about this very year of our lord 1970." Everyone nodded;
they now knew why Jericho had borrowed this priest from Inspector Ali's human
team.
"It's also part of the reason; we have the legend of Saint George and the
Dragon. That story is made up from various fights between Knights of God and
the forces of darkness over the centuries." Owen added and Wilson patted
him on the shoulder; "Spot on baby brother."
Rollo waved a hand at the Abbey ruins; "Over the centuries everyone
believed that Ceebrus lay within the confines of the Abbey, but my research
points to somewhere very different, simply because Ceebrus was worshipped as a
pagan deity - a tree spirit - that 's what he's called in old manuscripts and
texts."
"So where is the little bugger?" Oscar asked and gripped his Staff of
Moses. Rollo smiled and turned a full half circle and pointed to Hobbs Wood;
the ancient forest that was protected by law. "He's in there – somewhere -
That's how come the poacher fell victim to him so easily. The man walked
straight into his lair. That is the Devils Graveyard." Everyone stared at
Hobbs Wood; dark and foreboding.
"Then, that's where we have to go." Jericho looked quite grim and
consulted his mirror. Rollo coughed again; "I think it would be very
unwise to march into the demons lair, where it is fully prepared and waiting.
There is a better way to tackle the monster I think." Father Rollo
explained his plan to an astonished - and a little surprised - audience.
7. BLOOD SACRIFICE.
"You alright with this Alexandra?" Jericho asked – again - she
smiled; "Well if it brings that bloody monster out into the open, then it
has to be done." Wilson checked his orb and lowered himself behind the
thick clump of bushes and watched the dark forest carefully; "No sign of
the bastard; yet." He smiled broadly at Alex, as the group all hid behind
the small trees and bushes. "You OK Alex?"
"I'm bloody stark naked under Jericho's frock coat, apart the flowers
around my head. No, I'm not really alright, but if it lures him out, then it’s
worth it." Both Jericho and Wilson smiled broadly; Alex was one of a kind,
brave and willing to face real danger, if needs demand it. Father Rollo flicked
through his little notebook, reading with a small torch. "We'll start over
there, by that old oak tree stump. We'll light a small fire and put lamps
around it." He rummaged in his coat pockets and produced a dagger and a
small gold chalice - he had borrowed that from the local church - but the old
dagger was his own.
He also produced a small flute and blew a couple of notes, then coughed again.
"Alex, dance around the tree stump with plenty of waving arms, like we
practised this afternoon. I'll keep time with the flute." He produced a
dead rabbit from his canvas bag which made Alex grimace, he smiled at her;
"Blood is blood to a demon. That dead poacher had it in his bag and I sort
of borrowed it from him." He slit open the dead animal and squeezed blood
into the chalice; apologising to God as he did so.
Owen was sulking a little; he had been designated as 'back-up' and would be the
only one carrying a mirror. He would locate a little away from the group,
should things go badly wrong. "I won't be able to see the dance or
anything interesting." He grumbled and Wilson slapped his back; "None
of us can carry a mirror out there, so we have to depend on you, my little
pervert. That beast can practically smell them and we've nowhere to hide the
fuckers!"
"We won't be disturbed by the students. They have all gone to the pub in
the next village. I told them I would watch the caravans and do some urgent
letters to Rome. I gave Clare a couple of quid to buy some drinks. They won't
be back till well after midnight."
"It may come as a shook to your kid sister to find her big brother - a
priest - stark naked and performing pagan rituals in the middle of the
night." Wilson chuckled and asked Owen the time. "Ten minutes to
midnight." He said simply and made for his hiding place - reluctantly.
Everyone looked at each other and Jericho grinned; "Well, let’s get it
done."
Oscar chuckled; "first time I've tackled a demon in the buff with only my
staff for cover." The group of five then removed their coats and headed
for the ancient tree stump. Alex was actually well surprised by Jericho's
physic; he must work out in secret, she thought and then glanced at Wilson. Her
eyes looked at one part of the big man and wouldn't look away; until Jericho
started the fire.
"Bloody hell Wilson; have you a license for that?" She giggled and
took up her position in front of the stump. Wilson just smiled and shrugged his
shoulders; "My wife Rosie always said it was the best part of me."
Alex had to agree with that; she had been one lucky woman!
Father Rollo set up the 'black alter' quickly, he looked up at the full moon
and whispered; "Let’s start, it’s almost midnight." He started to
play the flute, whilst Jericho, Wilson and Alex joined hands and began to dance
slowly around the stump. Oscar held aloft the chaise and dagger. In monotonous
tones he started to praise the 'Dark Prince'; reading from Father Rollo's
little book by a small, flickering lamp.
Owen could see the figures a little by the light of the fire and cursed himself
for not bringing binoculars! "I won't get a better chance to see Alex than
now, and I fucked up." He whispered to himself and the suddenly saw the
little orb starting to turn red. "Sweet Jesus! It’s fucking working!"
He said aloud to himself and checked his mirror, his finger just above the
emergency Travel App. From the dark edge of the ancient forest something was
emerging; it was Ceebrus.
"Everyone kneel, but you keep on dancing Alex; remember he is a male demon,
and you need to show him what's on offer." Father Rollo whispered, and
everyone obeyed. Ceebrus was in human form, but with some scales on his legs
and torso. He had the human body of an athlete and was nearly seven feet tall.
He stood at the edge of the forest; watching Alex dance.
"A bloody demon with a six pack and looking like a young Apollo." She
whispered to herself, as she squatted and turned on the damp grass, lifting her
bum to him and wiggling it quite provocatively. "It’s working; he's erected."
Father Rollo spoke softly, between blowing on the little flute. "He wants
her; he's accepted the gift."
Oscar had his staff close to his hand - covered with thick, smelly foliage to
prevent Ceebrus from detecting its presence - as he knelt and watched carefully
the approach of his old adversary; "You’re in a for a surprise you little
bastard." Ceebrus stopped some yards from the fire and everyone could now
see him fully. If he was human, he would be a magnificent specimen with a
handsome rugged face and dark black eyes. Most human women wouldn't think twice
about jumping into bed with him. He watched as Alex rolled over onto her front
and lifted her bum into the air, pulling the cheeks of her arse apart - as
Father Rollo had suggested - Rollo knew that the demon simply wouldn't be able
to resist an offer like that.
Ceebrus groaned loudly and pushed both hands through his long dark hair which
was piled around his broad shoulders. He spoke in the ancient tongue, Aramaic. "I
accept this woman as a gift to our Master and will take her fully. Place her
upon the tree alter." He pulled the little golden loin cloth off, exposing
his large erect penis. Jericho and Wilson lifted Alex and placed her face down
upon the stump; she again lifted her bum to him.
The demon smiled and gripping his penis made for the stump slowly. "Now
Oscar!" Was all Father Rollo shouted and threw the dagger into the torso
of Ceebrus. He grabbed up his notebook and began to read aloud; the incantation
for throwing demons back to hell. Oscar jumped over both the stump and Alex,
his staff gripped in both hands.
"You’re gonna get fucked old friend, but not the way you hoped!"
Oscar shouted and the two squared up, whilst Wilson grabbed Alex and the pair
ran for the little clump of tree's, where their clothes were and more
importantly, their mirrors lay.
Father Rolland had never actually seen a demon and a Guardian of God fight
- few living humans would had done so - It was violent and vicious, but
Oscar had the upper hand; his staff had been supplied by the 'BOSS' [God]
himself and the demon had no answer to it. Had the demon been a Tier One - the
outcome would have been very different - only the Knights could tackle them and
'Dark Angels'. But Oscar was well up to this task and Ceebrus disappeared; back
to his master to lick his wounds.
They joined Alex and Wilson back at the clump of trees and pulled on their
coats. Owen joined them; grinning broadly; "Now that's what I call a job
well done." He congratulated his colleagues but was disappointed that Alex
had Jericho's coat firmly wrapped around her.
"It’s not over yet, we need to find his lair whilst he licks his wounds
and destroy it. He won't be able to return; ever." Father Rollo spoke quietly,
and everyone nodded. "But that can wait until morning." He smiled and
the victorious little group headed back to the caravans, where Jericho arranged
to meet Father Rollo at the south gateway again, in the morning. Rollo fell
into his caravan and swallowed down some whisky and drifted off to sleep -
still partly dressed - on the small bed.
8. THE DEMON'S LAIR.
The team assembled by the old Monk's graveyard; just as the sun was rising and Jericho checked his mirror as everyone stood about chatting and sipping hot coffee from plastic cups. Oscar had returned to the Demon Ingress Office to fill out his report; but he did have an invitation to dinner. Wilson was teasing Owen about missing a naked Alex, while he hid in the bushes. Alex made the pair laugh, as she re-enacted some of the moves, she had to perform to lure the demon out.
She kept finding herself looking at Wilson; she couldn't get over the sight of his large penis - and that concerned her - and it wasn't even erect. She sipped her coffee and smiled at Wilson, then realised that she was flirting!
Father Rolland joined them, smoking and reading his notebook, he could not see that Clare, Max, Dave and Micky were all watching him from the North wall. They couldn't, of course, see the temporal detectives and were most concerned to see Father Rollo apparently talking to himself; complete with gestures and pointing!
Well, everyone except Clare was quite concerned. She just stood and stared in
total silence. Max turned to Clare and sounded quite puzzled; "What the
fuck is Rollo doing?" Dave sucked on his cigarette and coughed; "It
looks like his having a conversation with himself - the poor old buggers finally
gone mad - I put that down to too much celibacy."
Micky folded his arms and stared at the priest; "What's being famous got to do with it?" Everyone just laughed, except Clare and she turned to the others and spoke quietly; she would have a word with her brother - and she really did sound concerned - now. "He's been coughing a lot and I'd swear that I saw specks of blood on his hankie." She confided to Max. They watched as the priest made off towards to Hobbs Wood - deep in conversation with himself - apparently. "Come on Max." Clare said softly, and the pair set off for Hobbs Wood as well.
Father Rollo stopped by an ancient looking tree and started to pull away the undergrowth around its base; Wilson and Owen helped. Everyone was a little astonished to see the carving that was revealed, a dove. "Little bit of a joke by the 'Dark Prince’s' minion; a dove - the symbol of peace covering the lair of a demon. I always thought that the dark bugger had a real sense of humour." Rollo muttered and they stood back; looking at the magnificent old tree.
Alex looked about and saw Clare and Max approaching; she smiled broadly; her
descendant could pass as her younger sister!
Owen tapped Alex's shoulder; "Jesus Alex, she's certainly inherited a large chunk of your beauty." Wilson and Jericho nodded their agreement with that. Rollo turned and hastily pushed his notebook into the folds of his coat. "I'll deal with them; you know what is required." Jericho nodded and the team disappeared into the lair that was contained in the old tree. They found a stunning cavern with tapestries, pictures and priceless furniture; Ceebrus had lived well in his little lair, for centuries. Owen found a gold box containing many bones and Alex identified them; as all being from the little finger of numerous human hands; each finger from a separate human. Jericho closed the box slowly; "The little finger from each of the female sacrifices he was given. He fucked them and then killed them; no doubt they were souvenirs."
Owen, quite unintentionally, broke the grim mood; "Christ, why didn't the
bugger just collect dirty panties, like normal men." Everyone chuckled and
Wilson slapped him on the back; "Right up to your usual standard, my
little perverted brother."
Alex stared at the gold box and shuddered at the thought; considering how she
had danced to attract him. The terrible thought, of all the previous young
girls and woman given up to the beast over the centuries, made her feel sick.
She pulled her hipflask out and took a good swig. "Bastard." Was all
she whispered. She straightened up and started to look around the demon's
abode. That's when she noticed the ornate, gilded writing desk.
She rummaged through the papers scattered over the desk and pulled up a yellow
parchment; it contained a list of names - written in blood - Alex called
everyone over and they gathered around the desk. Jericho read the document
carefully and did not smile at what he found. "It appears to be a current
list of our friend's followers and some of them are interesting." He
looked up and passed the sheet around. "A local policeman, a Magistrate,
the fucking local Liberian; a Miss Ester Rands, two wealthy farmers, some girls
from the local school - and their dad's - and...." Owen stopped speaking
and showed it to Alex; "Isn't that the bloody archaeologist running this
dig?"
Alex nodded; Doctor Janet Shaw. Little wonder that Father Rollo had been
dispatched by the Vatican to oversee the dig. Dr. Shaw would have made sure
that nothing interfered or threatened her master - but she hadn't counted on
Temporal Detectives being assigned to the case - and a Guardian of God turning
up.
Wilson handed Alex another piece of paper and spoke solemnly; "The date
and time of another gift for the demon; to mark the 666th anniversary of
the Abbey. Dr. Shaw wanted him to be very happy with the choice and she chooses
her team here with great care." Alex stared at the paper; the human
sacrifice was named as Miss Clare Cappanni. She swallowed hard; the date was
tonight.
Wilson smiled; "Talk about going to the wire. The bugger must have
wondered why the ceremony was a day early. If it had reservations about turning
up to our little party, he soon forgot about them, when you offered your arse
to him. Father Rollo was right; he simply couldn't refuse the chance to fuck it
- most men or demons - couldn't resist that." He smiled again and joined
Owen poking about the Gothic fireplace.
Jericho spoke directly to Alex; "I have no doubt that one of Doctor Shaw's
devil worshipping friends trashed the caravan's; but what were they looking
for? They had to trash all the caravans, but I suspect whatever they were
after, was in Father Rollo's or the Professors caravan; but what?" He
rubbed his chin and wondered what they were after. Still, it didn't really matter
now that the demon was vanquished, and they had hard evidence against a
cell of Devil Worshippers.
Owen called them over to the fireplace. Wilson had found what they were looking
for; a small, ancient wooden chest and Jericho nodded that this was what they
had come for; they left the ghastly place for the world of living humans.
Meanwhile, Clare and Max joined Father Rollo by the old tree and stared at the
carving. But Clare had gone strangely quiet and gripped Max's arm. Rollo could
see and sense that she was frightened. He gripped her shoulders and smiled;
"It’s just a Medieval carving Clare." But Clare shook her head;
"I know..." She slightly hesitated and pulled away from Max and whispered into
her brother’s ear. He was astonished, surprised and amazed at her soft words.
9. UNWANTED REVELATIONS.
"Who are they...I've seen the woman before; in a painting at Cappanni
Palace." She spoke quietly and turned to Max; "Please let me and
Rollo have a few minutes, in private please Max." He nodded and made for
the edge of the old wood and waited. "You saw them, Clare?" Rollo
sounded quite stunned by this revelation. Clare nodded; "The woman looks
like our ancestor; Lady Alexandra Cappanni; the 'English Countess' as she was
known. She died in 1801, so how the hell is she standing here!"
Rollo looked back to the tree; the Temporal Detectives had returned; Wilson was holding a moldy little wooden casket, no bigger that a cigarette case, gently in his big hands. "We have it." He said simply. Clare nervously whispered; "Rollo, are you going to introduce me to your strange new friends?"
Jericho smiled and removed his hat; "Good morning, Clare, I'm Jericho Tibbs and these people are all members of my team." He gestured to each in turn and introduced them to the young woman; he left Alex to last – deliberately - Clare managed a smile; "It’s nice to meet, a quite famous ancestor - in the flesh, so as to speak - Lady Alexandra, I have read quite a bit about you and your husband; you were also my mum's favourite. A real character and a brave woman for the times you lived in."
Wilson and Owen exchanged a strange look; they both knew that 'Lady Alexandra' had been a Doctor in London; in 1901. They knew this was fact by the chance meeting of a certain Nurse Alice Hadden, when they investigated Doctor Alexander Harris in 1916, during the First World War. But neither made any comment on the matter; for now. [See episode: 'Doctor Alexander Harris and his battle with God.'
Rollo took the Detectives to one side as Alex and Clare chatted and asked to see the casket. Very carefully, he instructed Jericho to prise it open - no living human could open the casket - and survive. Finally, with great care, Jericho lifted the lid, and everyone stared at what lay inside; apparently wrapped in a piece of old shrivelled human skin.
"What the fuck is that?" Owen looked bewildered and Wilson said nothing but stared at the strange little thing. Jericho sighed; "It’s a piece of the 'Dark Princes' fingernail; just a tiny shred of one of his fingernails and yet it was powerful enough to manifest a living demon, here in these woods for thousands of years. So just imagine what an entire fingernail could do?"
Rollo instructed that the casket should be consumed by fire and keep well away from it; whilst it burns. Clare gripped her brother’s arm and asked to speak to him alone. Rollo knew it was time to impart his terrible secret to his young sister. The Temporal detectives said their goodbyes and left; Alex was a little emotional at leaving her descendants before they could have 'a proper chat' as she put it.
The team assembled in the Dining Room; Mrs. Harris had prepared the boys favourite; hot beef curry with all the trimmings. Alex sighed but did enjoy her meal - as she always did - Oscar was greeted warmly by his old colleagues and loved the curry, but not as much as the company he now enjoyed. The dinner conversation turned to Father Rollo and young Clare. Alex was a little sad to find that Father Rollo had passed over just four months later. But had already been accepted for training as a Temporal Detective. Wilson commented that Jericho had sung his praises to Angel Margret; so no-one should be surprised by that.
They all knew that Alex's descendant; Clare Cappanni possessed the powers of a 'Passer' - a human who can see and readily communicate with the dead." She definitely has the potential to join this department; when the time comes." Jericho announced as the pudding was served. Wilson turned to Alex and smiled; "Such power tends to run in families; anyone else in the Cappanni bloodline displayed such a gift?"
Alex ate her ice-cream slowly and unsmiling spoke quietly; "I would not call it a gift; more a curse." Jericho switched the conversation to the disposal of the casket, and everyone enjoyed their meal. Alex noticed Jericho kept glancing at her and asked him if anything was wrong. He simply smiled; "No Alexandra, nothing is wrong." But Alex had the feeling that was not true.
Having drinks in the study after dinner, Wilson made everyone laugh - including
Alex - by showing his dance moves to attract demons. Oscar was almost crying
with mirth and joined in. Owen, seeing that Alex was now happy and relaxed,
decided to act upon the thoughts that had bothered him for so long, he joined
Alex by the fireplace and spoke softly to her.
What he asked, made her laugh out loud and she tapped his face lightly; "I'll think about it." She managed to utter, between giggles. She smiled broadly at Wilson and some little erotic thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind; for now. She saw Jericho looking at her as he sipped his wine and spoke softly to Mr. Harris - she knew that he had uncovered her little secret – but how long had he actually known and why no action?
Jericho smiled broadly at her and raised his glass; "Everyone, a little toast to our much respected and loved colleague Alexandra; The lady who will even dance stark naked, in a cold muddy field, to get the bloody job done!"
Everyone cheered at that statement and raised their glasses; "To Alex!" they shouted and started laughing - Alex felt much better and glanced at Jericho - she would really love to know his story and sipped her brandy quietly, as some really odd thoughts about the young man tumbled through her mind. Did she really have such feelings about him?
"The mission was deemed a success; the team had driven the demon back to its master and removed its lair. Hobbs Abbey remains a major tourist attraction and many visitors love the guides tales about the supernatural legends that surround the place; little knowing that most are true!"
SJW.
Clare Cappanni completed her course and became a professional Archaeologist for English Heritage. She left in 1976 and married David Granville Sebastian Halls-Canton - the 10th Duke of Sommerton and Max's elder brother! They remained married until her death from cancer; the same strain that killed her stepbrother, Roland in 1970. She left three children and two grandchildren. Her grandson Maxwell is currently the 12th Duke. Alex and Jericho attended the funeral. Her soul was collected and processed; she now works as a Collector.
Dave Williams never finished his Archaeology course at the University; he dropped out and became the drummer of the Rock band 'Stay Dead' and toured Europe and America for some years. He was found dead in a cheap New York hotel from a heroin overdose: he was 25. His younger sister didn't bother to attend the funeral. His soul was collected and processed.
Professor Theodore Hemmings continued to have many field trips over his years as Professor of Archaeology and wrote several books on the subject of English history. He retired from the University in 1983 and died in January 1992 after having a stroke. His soul was collected and processed.
Doctor Caroline Shaw resigned from
the University and became a TV presenter; covering Archaeological digs around
the UK for a local station. She remained a 'Devotee' of the Dark Prince and
became the subject of an investigation by Team
62 and Temporal Inspector Dawn Daniels. She died in 1981 - in a strange car
accident - and not surprisingly; there was no soul to collect. It remains
missing to this day.
Maxwell Richard Alexander Victor Halls-Canton - Max - completed his course and became the Principal Archaeologist at a big Scottish University. He wrote many books on the subject and even fronted several TV shows on British Archaeology. He was made a professor at a very young age and travelled the world lecturing. He died at the grand age 0f 93, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He had a very good life. His soul was collected and processed.
Constable Frederick Jones was an ardent follower of the Dark Prince and was the High priest of the local Devil Worshippers. it is known that he was involved in two ritualistic human sacrifices [murders] and had abused several young girls in the name of his 'Master'. One of the girl’s father's took matters in his own hands, when his accusations against Jones were 'whitewashed': he stabbed the now retired Jones, several times. Jones died in 1992 and no soul was collected. Temporal Inspector Ali Khan and Team59 are assigned to the case.
Father Rollo Cappanni succumbed to his illness, just months after assisting Jericho and Team 74 at Hobbs Abbey. His stepsister Clare nursed him constantly through the last hard, awful days of his life. Jericho and Alex attended his funeral. His soul was collected and processed. He is now a Temporal Detective Trainee attached to Team 14.
Ceebrus - the Demon - never returned to Hobbs Abbey or his home in the Devil's graveyard. It is understood that he has become a 'Mentor' for new demons and enjoys the privileges afforded by his position, on the personal staff of the Dark Prince. He has been promoted to a Tier 1 Demon. But he and Team 74 were to meet again in strange and unexpected circumstances! [See the episode “Jericho Tibbs and the tablet of creation.’]
