Chastening of the Witch, Part 6
Date: 3/31/98
From: AngeliqueBouchard

Barnabas slowly came to consciousness. What had happened? The last thing he remembered was Judah Zachary introducing himself at the Blue Whale. His sister told him to meet Judah there at 8:00 and true to his word, Judah was there waiting for him. Barnabas had proposed to put Judah in his place right there and then in front of everyone. He tried to remember what had prevented him from doing what he intended. The eyes, it was his eyes. Barnabas recalled how he started to drift away into blackness the moment he met the eyes of Mr.. Zachary.

Objects began to come into focus. He made out the shape of tall trees and thick bushes illuminated by the yellow glow of burning torches. His ears tuned into the low hum of men and women chanting something in a language Barnabas had never heard before.

Barnabas forced himself to sit upright. There before his eyes stood Judah Zachary in a long dark robe. "Welcome to my circle of followers, Barnabas," Judah gestured to the surrounding men and women who made up his newly formed coven. "I hope you can understand the necessity of moving to this location. I feared you would not judge me fairly if I were not free to demonstrate all I can offer you."

Barnabas rose to his feet. "I want nothing from the likes of you. The only reason I wanted to meet you was to forbid you from corrupting my sister. If you ever try to see her again, I assure you that will be the last day you spend in Collinsport."

"Barnabas, you must admit that you are a tad curious about me," Judah said.

"Curious? I know everything I need to know about you, Judah Zachary," Barnabas retorted. "You are an aging perverted man who likes to prey on innocent young girls. You made a poor choice in trying to victimize my sister, for I will see to it that your pathetic life is even more miserable."

"Is there nothing I can do to convince you of my genuine affection for both you and your sister?" Judah pleaded.

"Nothing," Barnabas replied adamantly.

"Even this?" Judah said waving a hand past Barnabas eyes. Barnabas immediately went into a trance. "Have a little knowledge of my power and the pleasures that can belong to you." Barnabas' eyes grew wide in amazement. Slowly a smile began to curve on his lips as the ecstasy of Judah's spell touched his mind. "Do you still find me to be your enemy?"

"No," Barnabas replied in a monotone voice.

"I will share a secret with you Barnabas, so you understand my persistent interest in you." Judah stared deeply into Barnabas' eyes and said, "Know me."

Barnabas' face changed as if he learned a profound mystery. "I understand."

"I will bequeath unto you an invincible power. You will be renowned because of the potent force within you." Judah lowered his voice to a whisper, "I have a special need for you to fulfill before this can come to pass."

*********************************

A few hours later at Collinwood, Miranda sat on her bed leafing through the elementary magic book Judah had given her. She looked up with a start at the sound of her door creaking open. Barnabas entered. "Why Barnabas, have you been to see Judah?"

Barnabas walked over to Miranda wearing a strange intense look on his face which Miranda found to be a bit unnerving. She rose from the bed and asked with a quavering tone, "Barnabas what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong with me my dear Miranda." Barnabas slowly raised his hand and began to finger one of Miranda's long blond curls. "Do you find me attractive, Miranda?"

Miranda's eyes widened, "Barnabas... you are my brother!"

"What if I was not?" Barnabas said as he inched his face closer to hers. "What if I were someone else? Someone with great power who could teach you all you desire to know?"

"No... it cannot be..." Miranda stammered. "Are you saying...?"

Barnabas seized Miranda around her waist and pulled her body up against his, "Yes," he hissed. "It is I, Judah Zachary, who now controls this body."

"What have you done with Barnabas?" Miranda asked in a tiny voice.

"I assure you that he will not he harmed. He is in a place of great pleasure. I have rewarded him abundantly for granting me the use of his body." Judah pressed his lips hard against Miranda's.

Miranda struggled with the conflicting voices in her head. She knew she shouldn't be allowing this man to touch her like this. Regardless of the fact that Judah was now in control of Barnabas, this was her brother! Judah was an evil man, but also a powerful one. This is what attracted Miranda. Power as she had never known before embodied in Barnabas' flesh. She melted as he ran his hands up and down her body. Miranda began to return the kisses as passionately as they were given. Judah lay Miranda down on the bed and ripped open the bodice of her dress.

I voice called from the hallway, "Miranda I wanted you to see this." Abigail entered through Miranda's bedroom door which was left slightly ajar. "Ohh... my..." Abigail stood in horror at the sight of Miranda and Barnabas in the throes of passion on the bed.

Miranda stared not knowing what to say or do. Judah raised his head and sneered at Abigail, "Care to join us, Aunt Abigail?"

Abigail turned and ran from the room as if the devil himself were chasing her.

TO BE CONTINUED