The Night of the Night Watchman

[Kit]

Yes I wrote a Halloween story . Thanks to my Beta Pet who found lots of mistakes. All final mistakes are my own.


The Night of the Night Watchman

It was a dark and stormy night... How cliché that thought was but it was true so true. Lighting struck in the distance and the wind howled across the plain. Artie pulled his slicker up around his neck to try and stem the flow of water down his back. He lost his horse about an hour ago when a bolt of lighting split a tree not 5 feet from him. He hoped his horse was somewhere safe for in the blinding rain once he had been thrown he lost track of her. He had to move had to keep moving so he pushed on through the muck and the mud wondering just when this assignment had gone to hell.

Flash Back...

Artie read the note attached to Henrietta's leg “Meet Agent Pike in Asheville”

“So a simple assignment huh, Artie?” Jim smiled.

Present...

“That was it, right then and there...” Artemus wiped the water out of his eyes “if I get outta this alive I am going to make sure Jim never speaks again.” A clap of thunder rumbled so loud it shook the ground “Why are you doing this!!! Jim said it not me.” he yelled to know one in particular and nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a voice in his ear.

“Trust me friend yelling at the storm won't help.”

Artie turned and looked at the figure of a man standing next to him. The stranger was a dark silhouette in the storm. Artie reached for his gun and pulled it on the stranger “Who are you?”

Lighting flashed as the stranger answered “I am known as the Night Watchman, follow me.”

“Where?”

“A port in the storm. Unless you wish to stay out here?”

Reluctantly Artie nodded “Lead the way” he kept his gun up and trained on this Night Watchman.

>>>>>>
In town Jim was getting nervous Artie was supposed to have arrived over an hour ago. Pacing on the porch of the hotel Jim stepped out into the rain and headed to the Livery. He was saddling his horse when a young man came up.

“Can I help you mister?'

Jim shook his head as the boy spoke again “Wouldn't be wise to go out in the storm mister.”

“I have a friend who is over due.”

“If your friend is smart he has hold up somewhere. Best if you stay here with the flooding it's not safe.”

Jim spun on the young man “What flooding?”

“Look out the door mister.”

Jim did and was shocked the street was covered in water now he understood why the town was built higher than normal, even the stable had needed a ramp to allow access by animals.

“But my friend?”

Jim heard a raspy voice and he spun gun already drawn “Your friend is safe.”

“What, how do you know that?”

“He is at the hotel, you missed him in the heavy rain, now let the boy do his job and tend the animals.”

Jim spun holstering his gun and headed back the way he came. Once in the hotel he was directed to a room next to his. Knocking on the door it swung open he stepped into the darkened room “Artie?” Looking through the room and finding it empty except for Artie's wet clothes, he headed down stairs thinking maybe he was in the saloon.

>>>>>>
The Watchman lead Artie to a town that was mercifully dry. Artie wasn't sure when the rain had stopped but here the sun was now shining, he could see the storm clouds all around and spoke “A Port in the Storm.”

“That is right sir, no need for that gun here we are all friends. If you would like there is a room at the Hotel for you.”

“But how?”

“I am the Watchman and this is my town. We pride ourselves on taking care of travelers lost in the storm.”

Artie wasn't sure why but he put his gun away “Thank you.”

“You are welcome sir, let me know if you need anything else.” The Watchman tipped his hat and headed toward the Sheriff's office.

Artemus made his way to the hotel and as promised a key was waiting on him “Welcome to Paradise Hotel, sir, you will find your room to the top of the stairs on the left along with some dry clothes.”

“Thank you.”

“Yes sir.” the hotel keep nodded and returned to his duties.

Artemus wearily walked up the stairs, he hurt all over and he was soaked to the bone. After a change of clothes he felt better and decided to go find something to drink a good stiff belt that would warm the bones.

>>>>>>
As Jim found his way to the saloon the rain was still coming down, the street turned into a fast flowing river. Stepping into the saloon he saw a familiar hat on the table but looking around there was no Artie. Jim walked purposefully to the bar and lay down a coin, the barkeep poured him a beer, Jim walked to the table that held Arte's hat and sat down.

>>>>>>
Artemus made his way to the saloon and sat down at a table taking off his hat he ordered a whiskey and downed the liquid. He had downed another when he heard a commotion outside, grabbing his hat he headed into the street and saw the Night Watchman saddling his horse, which he noticed was black as night with sparkling blue eyes. Hazel eyes turned to meet deep chocolate ones.

“I trust you are enjoying your stay.”

“Yes your town is very lovely. But what is the commotion?”

“We have another lost traveler coming, and I must go find him before he is lost.”

“Do you need help.”

The night Watchman looked to Artemus with a glint in his eye “I thank you sir, but this is my job. Stay here and enjoy our hospitality. Soon enough you will be able to move on."

The Watchman mounted his horse in a motion so smooth Artemus was sure Jim would be envious. The Watchman road off toward the dark clouds in the distance and a young woman stepped up beside Artemus. “You should rest. The hotel serves dinner at 6pm by then Father should be back.”

“So he is your father?”

“Not really but he has brought all of us out of the storm and those of us who stay call him father.”

Artie looked at this young woman “So you have a choice to leave?”

“Oh yes, Father only makes sure we are safe and that the darkness stays at bay.”

“The darkness?”

She smiled at him a warm vibrant smile “My name is Sarah Thompson.”

Artemus couldn't help but smile back at her “Artemus Gordon, it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Thompson.”

“Please call me Sarah.”

“Only if you would agree to have dinner with me.”

“I would love to Mr. Gordon....”

“Artemus.”

“Artemus, I will meet you at the hotel at 6.”

He tipped his hat “I look forward to it.”

She bowed and went her way. Artemus headed back to the hotel where he found some much needed rest.

[Kit]

>>>>>>
Jim heard a commotion and rushed out into the street to see the stable boy being swept down the street. The old woman was yelling “Some one help him. The Watchman will get him if we don't.”

Jim was about to jump into the street which had now become a raging river when the boy slipped under the rapids, hearing spurred boots and feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned and looked up into the dark eyes of a sheriff. “Thank you sir, But I am afraid the Watchman has struck again.”

Jim Sat up “The Watchman?”

“The Night Watchman takes our families our friends, he has haunted this town for a long time.”

“Is there nothing you can do?”

“We don't know who he is, but I have an idea.”

Jim stood “James West.” He extended his hand and the sheriff took it.

“Jack Night.”

Jim looked back to where he had last seen the boy “Who was he?”

“An orphan boy, he was a good boy, his name was Joseph.” the old woman answered.

Jim wished he could have helped the young man and on his way back to the saloon he realized Artemus could not be in this town because had he been here he would have come during the commotion. He looked back into the saloon and the hat was gone. Maybe it hadn't been Artie's after all. But something strange was going on in this little town but he couldn't place it. As much as he wanted to go search for Artie he knew that he would not be able to get out of town nor track anyone in the storm. He was trapped.

Looking up into the dark sky Jim realized that this storm had been raging for hours at least since he had found his way here that morning, and still no break in the clouds no sign of the sun. Jim knew that in places like Montana in the winter you could go weeks without seeing full sun but the clouds were high and thin and some light managed to break through. This this was dark as night, darker even, lit only by the occasional streak of lighting followed by a deep rumble. He made his way back to the hotel only to find the old woman waiting there.

“Thank you for trying to save the boy.”

“I wish I could have done more.” He started to walk past when a gnarled bony hand grasped his.

“Why are you here?”

“I was on an assignment and the storm blew up separating my partner and I.”

“You are too good to be here.”

Jim's green eyes looked at her as she spoke “This town is curse by the evil that is known as the Night Watchman. He takes those from us whom we love. He comes in with the storm and leaves with it. “

“Does he take people who are not part of the town.”

“He takes all those lost in the storm. Legend has it that once the storm is over they are lost forever.”

Jim looked at her “Help me save the boy?”

“Ma'am, I am sorry but the young man is dead.”

“No no he isn't he can still be saved if the Watchman is stopped.”

Jim placed a calming hand on her shoulder knowing this woman was full of grief he spoke “I will do what I can.”

“Thank you.” she patted the hand on her shoulder and Jim shivered “You should go change and rest. It will be tomorrow before the storm even starts to recede.”

Jim took his leave of the old woman and made his way to the room next to his to check it one last time. As he opened the door he heard snoring. “Artie” Walking to the bed he noticed it seemed as if someone was under the covers. He pulled back the covers to reveal nothing.

>>>>>>>>>>>
Artie had fallen into a deep sleep and though he heard a door open but looked up bleary eyed and saw nothing, turning back over he was soon back to sleep when he felt his covers pulled off. Raising up he noticed them flung back and pulled them back over himself.

>>>>>>>>>

Jim watch as the covers were moved back up as something fell back on the bed, He pulled the covers off again and watched a repeat of the action only this time the covers tucked themselves around the body of what seemed to be air.

Jim suddenly felt very tired, looking down he noticed a white fog that quickly enveloped him.

>>>>>>>>

Artie had grown agitated when the covers slipped off again and he tucked them around himself not noticing the white fog creep over the bed and envelope him.

>>>>>>>>>

When Artemus awoke from the strange dream he dressed and made his way downstairs. He saw Sarah at a table in the dining area and he walked to her. “I am sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“It's alright Artemus, You have had a long journey here.”

Outside the window they saw the Watchman return with a young man who was laughing and smiling. They came into the diner and he stopped to look at Artemus and Sarah “I would like you to meet Joesph. He will be with us only a short time before moving on. He has better things to look forward to.”

Joesph smiled as he spoke “The Watchman found my parents in the last storm and now I get to go see them.”

Sarah smiled “That is wonderful Joesph.”

The Watchman tipped his hat and steered Joseph to a nearby table and ordered him a meal. “Once the storm passes Joseph I will take you to them.” Turning his head as if to listen to an unseen sound the Watchman nodded and left.”

“What was he doing?”

“Father spends a lot of time away from town during a storm he seems to know when there are those in need of him.”

Artemus ordered their meal as he sipped the wine as he spoke “So how often do these storms come?”

“Once a year,” she smiled at him her green eyes shining as if she could think of no better place to be.

Artemus smiled back at her she certainly is a beautiful woman he thought but there was something about her he couldn't place. He noticed the sadness in her eyes then. “Sarah what is it?”

“The storm will blow over tomorrow and as it passes I fear for the Watchman and us. He is not as youthful as he used to be. And the Darkness is coming.”

“What is this darkness?”

“It's a way of describing the sheriff of a neighboring town, his name is Jack Night he comes here on the edge of the storm and tries to take over our town.” She wiped a tear off her cheek and he lay a hand on hers hating to see any woman cry.

“Sarah, I will do what I can to help.”

The waiter came to refresh their drinks and spoke “Sarah, The Watchman will not accept the help.”

“He has to Samuel, he is growing weaker and Sheriff Night stronger.”

“Don't get me wrong sir, we can use the help.”

Artemus smiled and then became grim “I will just have to convince him.”

>>>>>>

Jim awoke a few hours later in his room, sitting up quickly he looked around his room. His room how had he gotten here? He remembered being in Artie's room but what he remembered made no sense to his fumbled mind and he dismissed it as a dream. Straightening his vest he pulled on his jacket, boots and hat then headed down stairs. The old woman was waiting on him.

“Sheriff Night would like to see you he has a good lead on the Watchman.”

Jim walked into the sheriff's office “Sheriff.”

“Ah, Mr. West good to see you. I trust you rested well.”

“Yes.”

“Good, Good.” He holstered his gun as he spoke “I want to ask if you could come with me. I am headed into the next town I have heard the Watchman is there and I'd like to catch him before he leaves.”

“Leaves? Can't you track him?”

“No he will leave with the storm allowing the last of the rain to cover his tracks.”

Jim checked his gun, remembering his promise to the old woman, as they both stepped back out onto the porch. The rain had turned to a mere drizzle the raging river in the street a small stream. In the livery Jim saddled his horse and turned to see the sheriff on the most beautiful dapple gray he had every seen. Jim mounted his horse and they headed out into the muddy street.

>>>>>>>>

Artemus Had finished his dinner with Sarah and turned to get her wrap when the Watchman walked up. “The sheriff is on his way, I would ask that you all stay inside.”

“Sir, I would like to help.”

“I thank you but I can not allow that.”

Sarah but her hand in the Watchman's hand “Father please let him.”

“Sarah he doesn't belong here, as much as you would wish it. When this passes he will go back to his own life as it should be.”

“I know Father, he is here now however. Please.”

“Very well Sarah” He looked to Artemus “I must ask you to be careful Mr. Gordon, all is not as it seems.”

Artemus nodded as he adjusted his gun belt

Stepping out into the street the sky had become dark, a light rain began to fall. The Watchman looked out into the distance. “He comes but he does not ride alone.”

>>>>>

Artemus thought he recognized the one horse but at that distance and in the rain he couldn't be sure. The storm seemed to be following the riders, lighting striking behind them as if urging them on. Artemus spared a glance at the Watchman and saw him tense when the storm grew closer.

“This is the part of the storm I dread. When he comes wanting to claim what is his. Someday I fear he may just do that.”

“What does he claim to be his?”

“The young man Joseph for one.”

>>>>

Sheriff Night road on, the storm fast on his heels, Jim noticed two figures in the distance.

“He is not alone” He yelled over the storm, Jim vaguely noticed a nod from the Sheriff, as the wind picked up.

>>>>>

A dust cloud rose up to meet the oncoming storm. Jim struggled to see past the cloud. Artemus noticed his view of the riders was now obscured. As the storm grew closer a funnel cloud could be seen dipping out of the black sky. Over its Roar Artemus yelled at The Watchman but he was suddenly gone. Taking cover Artemus headed for the cover of one of the buildings.

Jim saw the funnel drop in front of him and his horse reared back almost tossing him to the ground. Looking for the sheriff he couldn't find him through the rain and the debris so Jim made his way to an outcropping.

The storm raged on for what seemed like hours and when it finally cleared Jim could see the storm had nearly destroyed the town. He mounted his horse again and made his way into the town. His horse stepped over a weathered sign that read Paradise Hotel. The only building still stand was the livery whose door was ajar. Jim dismounted and walked in as the sun began to break up the clouds. He noticed a figure in the corner of the livery as he got closer it was an all to familiar shape. “Artie?!” He rolled Artemus over and noticed a nasty looking knot on his head. He tried again when he heard a groan and smiled “Come on buddy, Time to wake up.”

Artie opened his eyes “Jim?”

“Yeah Artie.” Jim helped him to sit up.

“What happened?”

“A storm blew up and we were separated.” Artie interrupted him.

“I know that, What happened when the tornado struck?”

“The town is gone.”

“Sarah.” he stood quickly too quickly and fell back into the wall.

“Easy Artie. This town doesn't look like it has had anyone living here for years.”

“That's not possible.” He pushed past Jim and noticed the destruction and that it was not new.

Jim came up behind him “Easy Artie, let's get you to the next town and have a Doctor check you out.”

“Good idea.”

He mounted the horse behind Jim and they headed out of town when they noticed a cemetery with a plaque detailing the destruction of this town over a 100 years ago. Jim didn't say anything as Artemus dismounted and walked to the nearest tombstone on it was a simple inscription “Sarah Thompson 1754 -1774 Loving Daughter Killed in the Storm.”

As he turned he saw a sign above the cemetery gate “May the Night Watchman protect the souls who are lost in the storm and keep the darkness at bay.”

Jim had said nothing as he read and inscription on a tombstone next to where he had stopped his horse. This one lay outside the cemetery gates with a few others. “Jack Night- Murderer 1734 – 1762”

“Come on Artie, Let's Go.”

“James, what happened here?”

“I don't know Artie, but I'll feel much better the further away we are.”

Artie climbed back up behind Jim “Me too.”

>>>>>>

On the hill of the Cemetery Sarah stood Next to the Watchman she sighed and he spoke “It's how it should be Sarah, he is where he belongs.”

“I know father, but it gets lonely here.”

“I know daughter but a few more storms and our town will be safe forever I promise.”

She nodded as they both faded with the setting sun.

FIN