Subject:  A Return to the Shadows part 41
Date: Sun Oct 14, 2001 7:55 pm
From: KimD

When Vicki returned to Collinwood she found Quentin sitting alone in the drawing room. He looked up at her when she entered as if trying to gauge her mood. "Good afternoon," she said and walked closer to him.

"Good afternoon," he repeated. He looked her over with interest. Uncomfortable with his scrutiny, she took a step back. Her eyes were now clear instead of dim. Her actions were no longer automatic, and she no longer had the marks on her neck. "Are you feeling better?"

"What do you mean?" she asked wondering if he had found out what happened to her.

"You no longer seem to be under the spell of Barnabas Collins."

"How did you know about that?" she questioned, surprised he had found out about that.

"I saw you both together a few nights ago."

"Does he know that you saw him?" She sat down beside him, concerned for him.

"Yes. But so far he hasn't done anything."

"He will," she said with fearful certainty. Quentin gave a little laugh. "What's funny?"

"You. You're so worried about me, but have you stopped to think about the danger you're in yourself." He grew very sober. "You seem to be completely healed. What happened?"

"I don't know. But it happened a few hours ago."

"What are you going to do when night comes and he realizes that something's happened?"

Vicki looked vulnerable. "I don't know. I haven't thought about that yet."

"I won't leave you alone tonight."

When Barnabas awoke that night he noticed a difference. He no longer felt a connection with Victoria. He went up the stairs calling for Willie.

Willie recognized the urgent tone Barnabas used. He had heard it several times before. It meant trouble. If it would have done any good he would have ran. "Yes, Barnabas," Willie said, meeting him at the top of the stares.

"Has something happened to Ms. Winters."

Willie was relieved it wasn't worse. "No, I don't think so. Why?"

"I no longer feel her."

"Do you want me to go over to Collinwood and see if something's happened?"

"No. That won't be necessary. I'll go myself."

Laura stood alone outside with the two twine figures she created. She had just started a large fire. She held the one of the figures up the flame and said

"There has been unfairness done to me
I summon the elements
I envoke them
I conjure them to do my bidding
The four watchtowers shall lay their eyes and minds
there shall be fear and guilt and bad blood
there shall be submission and no pity
I point the threefold law against thee
against thee it shall be pointed
threefold, a hundred fold,
is the cost for my anger and pain
Thou shalt be blinded by the fear
blinded by the pain blinded by me
blinded by me Cursed by me
So mote it be!"

As Daylight faded Roger stumbled through the door of Maggie's home. He was sweating. She knew he would be coming, it was part of Laura's spell. She went to him, and put her arms around him. She could feel him trembling as she guided him to her bed. He laid down and murmured, "Thank you."

She leaned over him and touched his warm face. She turned from him then picked up the phone. She would get Vicki to help her. Vicki could interrupt Laura with a feigned emergency concerning David. She dialed the number to Collinwood. Mrs. Johnson answered the phone then got Vicki on the line. "Vicki, I need your help."

"Of course. What do you need."

Maggie could feel intense heat, but continued to talk to Vicki. If she could interrupt Laura's spell it would give her more time. "I want you to find Laura." As she spoke she could hear the line crackle, and then nothing. She tried to call again, but her line was dead. The heat became suffocating. From the corner of her eye Maggie could see a bright orange glow. She turned and saw a small fire had started in the corner of the room. She stared at in surprise and fear for a long moment before backing away. She turned to the door, but it spread there. Looking around the room in desperation she saw the fire had spread all around the room, and was climbing the walls. Maggie sank to the floor in hopelessness. Tears ran down her face as she realized they would both burn to death here. She hadn't been able to do anything to stop it, even though she knew something was coming.

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.