Post by fan4 on Mar 9, 2007 9:05:06 GMT -5
Ghost Rider #5
History Lesson
History Lesson
Written by Mike Bowen
Edited by Aaron Martel
1623
It didn’t take long for Noble Kale to cross Salem’s town center and race up the steps in into Dr. Stanson’s house. He didn’t even announce himself or knock before he burst through the door, interrupting Stanson’s examination on one of the town’s young pregnant women.
“Doctor, I have need of you quickly,” he said between ragged gasps of breath. He had run all the way from his family’s homestead on the North edge of town. “It is my wife. She is having another one of the fits. You have to be able to do something for her!”
The young woman quickly covered up and Dr. Niles Stanson rushed over and ushered Kale back out of door.
“I told you Mr. Kale, there is nothing I can do for her,” he said softly. “God has decided it’s her time. There is nothing in the medical books here or back in England that I have found to help us. You have to accept His will, Noble.”
Kale’s face turned red with anger. He was not about to let his wife die without a fight.
“If you can’t help her, Doctor... I’ll find someone who will!” he shouted as he stormed off back across the square and to the North road to his home.
They won’t help her. There has to be some way to help her. I’ve tried praying with the clergy, everything...
His sad musings came to a sudden halt as he passed in front of the residence of Agnes Chamberlin. The yard was overgrown with weeds, the small fountain’s water had turned black and stagnant. The house was dark. Everyone in town talked about Ms. Chamberlin being a witch. The council had been ready to burn her at the stake for years, but needed some proof. It wouldn’t take much, especially not in a town like Salem, but they could never pin anything on Chamberlin to light the fire.
Don’t even think about it Noble. She can’t help you. She’s just a demented old woman.
Even while those thoughts echoed through his head, he found his hand reaching for the gate that led up the path to Chamberlin’s door. His boots sounded like gunshots on the rough stone path. He glanced back to the road, making sure no one saw where he was going. They couldn’t prove she’s a witch, but he still didn’t want to be associated with her if they ever did.
The floorboards of the porch creaked as he slowly walked to the door. He wiped the sweat from his brow as he reached for the chime. But no sooner did he grab it that the door swung open, revealing Agnes Chamberlin standing in front of him with a smile on her face.
“Welcome, Noble Kale. I’ve been expecting you.”
Kale’s eyes went wide. He’d never spoken to Chamberlin or had even seen her for that matter. Why would she be expecting him?
“I need your help, Ms. Chamberlin,” he started without thinking. “I’ve exhausted every other option.”
The woman shook her head and let out a cackle.
“None of those fools will be able to help your wife,” she said. “There is only one that can help you, but his help doesn’t come without a price. A very steep price.”
Noble fell to his knees.
“Please! Anything, just help me save her!”
Agnes put a hand under his chin and hauled him to his feet with amazing strength.
“On your feet, boy! It’s not me that you need to grovel to,” she said quietly, pointing a old, crooked finger over his left shoulder.
Kale spun around, but what he found knocked him back to the ground. Sitting in one of Chamberlin’s chairs was a middle-aged man dressed in all white, his dark hair slicked back. But what had Noble so stunned were the two twisting horns that protruded from his head and his glowing red eyes. In the blink of an eye, the man was at Noble’s side helping him to his feet.
“Ms. Chamberlin has told me you need my assistance, Mr. Kale,” he said, hot breath hissing through his jagged teeth.
Noble jerked his arm away. “I’ve changed my mind,” he said softly, but forcibly.
“Come now,” the demon said. “Don’t let my appearance frighten you. Would you be more comfortable if I looked like this.”
Noble couldn’t believe it. The horns, the eyes, and the teeth all disappeared. The only thing that was left was a handsome gentleman with pale blue eyes, dark hair and a broad smile.
“Now, let’s talk about that wife of yours,” he said.
The transformation stunned Noble, making his knees weak. He struggled for a chair and sat facing the man, his face as pale as a sheet. After regaining his composure, Kale went on to explain the situation with his wife: how there was no medical term or cure for her condition and he could not live without her.
The demon sat with his fingers steepled and listened intently, nodding at different points and shaking his head in condemnation of others. After Noble finished the tale he sat silently with his eyes closed for several minutes.
“What if I told you I could cure your wife. What would it be worth to you?” he said when he finally opened his eyes.
“Anything! That’s why I’m here. I’ve exhausted every other option,” Noble stammered.
The demon nodded. “With a snap of my fingers she’ll be cured and waiting for you. The only thing that I require of you is to become my servant here on earth.”
Noble’s face grew angry. “No way,” he said adamantly. “No deal.”
“Fine,” the demon said. “How about this. The first-born son over every generation hence in the Kale bloodline shall assume the mantle of my servant.”
Noble pondered the offer. I have no children of my own. My wife is dying, so there are no plans for children. What do I have to lose?
Kale nodded. “I agree. The first-born son of every generation hence shall serve you...What is your name?” he said with a smile.
The demon clapped his hands together. ”Excellent. It is done. Your wife is cured. As for my name, you can call me Mephisto.”
Kale nodded and started to rise to leave.
“Oh, and one more thing Mr. Kale,” Mephisto said with a broad smile. “I am happy to inform you that your wife is expecting.”
The color drained from Noble Kale’s face. His plan had backfired. He’d been tricked by this devil into selling his child’s soul into his service.
“How... how is that possible?” he stuttered.
“I’d call it a miracle,” Mephisto said with a booming laugh. “Hurry home, Noble Kale. Tend to your wife. I’m sure we will be seeing a lot of each other very soon.”