Subj: DS:Legend 3
Date: 2/12/02 4:12:56 PM Central Standard Time
From: Aesgaard

As soon as the storm broke, Isaac, Ben and Joshua unloaded three horses and supplies and rode down the coast to file the deed to the land. Along the way, they didn't see a trace of the so-called bloodthirsty natives that reported already lived the land. They talked about the redskins and the rumors of them along the way as they reached the surveyors and assessors of Boston.

"Frenchman's Bay ?" Magistrate Samuel Stokes (louis edmonds) checked the maps north of the colonies. "It's never been claimed, Mr. Collins."

"And with good reason," Samuel's brother, Aloysius (thayer david) hovered nearby. "The Penobscot Indians say the land is cursed. Nothing can live up there."

"Curse ?" Joshua scoffed as he broke into the giggles.

"The indians say the dead walk there." Aloysius continued. "It's never been surveyed because every surveyor has vanished. Some have seen a spectral ship on the waters and heard unearthly wails on the cliff called manacheo - the widow's cry. Men who go there never return !"

"That means we're dead." Joshua kidded with Ben. Isaac ignored his best friends as he turned back to the Magistrate.

"Really," Ben grinned. "You look good for a dead man."

"Well, thank you."

Aloysius Stokes ignored the irreverence as Isaac signed over the deed for the land. Ben and Joshua signed as witnesses knowing their wealthy friend had promised them land as well. He was after all the only one with the power and clout to obtain it.

"How much land does this allow me ?" Isaac signed his name.

"Oh," The Magistrate rolled his eyes whimsically. "Go in as far as you can. We'll have it surveyed after the King's aides approve the transaction. I see no problem."

"Why so far up there ?" Aloysius started again. "I hear they're building in a tiny hamlet called Amity on the island. Why not here ? You doomed to bad luck if you go up there ?"

"My destiny is that land !" Isaac stood up proud as his comrades copied his pose in jest and mimicked his gestures. "Heaven and earth may not budge me. It will be named Collinsport !"

"Good name."

"Port Drew." Ben faked a cough.

"Harridgetown." Joshua followed in same. The two of them smiled to Isaac. He was such a fudge away from England.

"May God have mercy on your souls." Aloysius stared at them. "I'd prefer to cut off my own head than go up there."

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.