Episode 10: Return From Nowhere

Written By Karl White

Just after midnight...thunder rumbled as a storm raged. Rain battered the roof of Black Manor. In the West tower, Banerjee and Veera learned of the stranger’s identity...on the other side of the estate, Joseph waited quietly in Reginald’s former study, doing absolutely nothing.

He’d been assisting in the search for answers regarding Orem, and the Book of Amar. But as Banerjee and Veera left, the pursuit was put on hold. Aimlessly wondering around the room, Joseph shuffled papers and organized unread journals -- idle hands, as they say...

As a fly landed on the stack, Joseph swatted the insect away, knocking the pile over. Sending papers and diaries to the ground.

On the floor, Joseph gathered Orem’s writings and notes. Picking up a page with lines of Latin scribbled out, boredom and curiosity piqued his interest. Eyes scanning, mouth moving, he would silently read. But finishing the last word, Joseph disappeared in a black puff of smoke...

As the page floated to the floor, Joseph re-appeared on the other side of the room, wearing a look of pure astonishment. Rushing back over he’d scoop up more notes and a candle.  

In the far corner was Orem’s makeshift bed. Joseph made himself comfortable, looking through the writings. As another fly BUZZED him, he’d swat it, and settle in further.

But leaning against Orem’s dingy pillow...Joseph's eyes widened. Feeling the cushion, there was something inside. Ripping the fabric revealed the heavy, leather-bound Book of Amar.

He stared at the thick volume...knowing he shouldn’t be holding it. He knew he should hurry and get the others. But the tangled vines of temptation wrapped around his mind. What was one little peek?

Cracking the grimoire, a dark vapor billowed from the pages. Dozens of flies surrounded Joseph. Then, the eerie smoke enveloped him, seeping into his soul...  

Joseph possessed by the Book of Amar - © 2025 Headless Horseman Productions, LLC

Joseph arched his back, trying to scream out, but couldn’t. The veins in his neck bulged. His body trembled, possessed by some dark, otherworldly power. 

His hollow eyes drifted down to the book. The pages fluttered, turning of their own accord under the influence of some spectral will. Stopping on a section with deliberate intent, titled -- PORTAE TENEBRARUM, “The Gates of Darkness”.

Joseph recited the invocation, slowly, clearly...

JOSEPH: Regnum lucem a tenebris...

A bright light began glowing in front of him. The air, the environment, existence itself, bending.

JOSEPH: Libera qui quaero...

The glow crescendoed to a blinding flash. As the light faded, Orem Black fell back into this world. His appearance was similar to when he disappeared, despite long hair and a matted, unkempt beard...but there was something different about him.

JOSEPH: Orem?!

As Orem’s eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he looked at his old friend. 

OREM: Joseph...I was told you’d bring me back. I never thought I would live to see the day.

JOSEPH: You disappeared in the parlor earlier this evening. Don’t you remember?

OREM: That was lifetimes ago.

On the other side of the estate, talking with Broderick Zayne...Veera suddenly felt a disturbance, through his mind’s eye. 

VEERA: We must get to the study immediately!

Downstairs, Fredrick Frost made his way through the shadowed foyer of Black Manor, his cane tapping softly against the marble floor with each step. He’d come to aid in the investigation of Orem’s disappearance, but the hour had grown late, and weariness clung to his bones. He longed only for the quiet of his own hearth.

Sounds from above would draw Fredrick’s attention. Footsteps, rapid and unsteady, echoed down the east staircase. Joseph appeared, descending in haste with Orem close behind.

FREDRICK: Joseph...Orem?

Seeing Fredrick, Joseph clutched the book tightly to his chest.

JOSEPH: Father...what are you doing here?

FREDRICK: What is that you have in your hands?

Joseph turned away, attempting to hide the book.

OREM: We seek no trouble from you Master Frost--

FREDRICK: --Quiet young man, you’ve caused enough chaos...

JOSEPH: Father, please. You must let us pass.

But Fredrick grabbed his son by the arm, his look volleyed between Joseph and Orem.

FREDRICK: My carriage awaits, we must leave at once before anyone else knows what’s happened.

But from the west staircase, Banerjee, Veera, and other members of the Order of Wormwood, emerged. Seeing the trio attempting to leave, Veera would raise his hands to his temples, using his powers to seal the large entry doors, cutting off their escape. But Orem answered, shooting strong blasts of energy from his hands.

Banerjee and Veera scrambled for cover. Behind them Hui Chen, and other “HAND” members mobilized. The two sides squared off, casting bolts and gleams of magic back and forth.

 Hearing the supernatural battle, Broderick Zayne peeked out from atop the stairs.

Orem unleashing his dark powers on the Order of Wormwood - © 2025 Headless Horseman Productions, LLC

But Orem, having had enough, and marked by malevolent power, unleashed violent bursts of raw dark energy. The chamber trembled. Stone cracked. Sections of the ceiling crumbled and collapsed. Zayne was crushed under falling rubble.

One by one, Orem turned his fury on the others. Blasts tearing through the hall, hurling bodies. Some left stunned, others fell lifeless. Banerjee reacted conjuring a forcefield around he and Veera -- but he wasn’t powerful enough to shield them from Orem’s supernatural attack. 

His soul burning red...Orem gave a thunderous clap of his hands, and the air split. Time staggered. For a heartbeat, all was still...then an intense wave hit Banerjee and Veera with a painful surge of energy.

As reverberations of the blast faded, Veera and Banerjee were gone, no trace left. The remaining members of the Order lay scattered across the chamber, defeated.

Seizing the moment, Fredrick stepped forward from the shadows, ushering Orem and Joseph through the shattered corridor, to his waiting carriage outside, making their getaway.

For Banerjee and Veera, there was only blackness. Cast into the Abyss by Orem’s dark magic.

A faint shimmer, Veera began to take shape. He stumbled forward, his voice small against the endless hush.

VEERA: Uncle Banerjee? Can you hear me?

To his left, the darkness bent..a pale light flickered, soft and steady, radiating from Banerjee’s outstretched palm.

Veera and Banerjee lost in the Abyss - © 2025 Headless Horseman Productions, LLC

VEERA: Uncle, are you alright?

BANERJEE: I’m fine. Still in one piece.

VEERA: We’re in the void...how do we escape?

BANERJEE: My hope is the Order can piece together what Orem’s done. But we shouldn’t count on that.

VEERA: As we were brought here, I projected what was happening to Master Chen. I hope he heard me...

BANERJEE: That’s my boy. Keep broadcasting your thoughts.

Veera turned back...hearing unnerving sounds...things stalking the darkness all around them.

BANERJEE: Pay no mind. It’s meant to wear us down. Stay focused.

But staring into the unending black, Veera would wear an uneasy look. 

TO BE CONTINUED…