Chastening of the Witch, Part 11
Date: 4/12/98
From: AngeliqueBouchard

**Note- please picture Thomas Elder as Don Briscoe.

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Angelique and Barnabas' room at Collinwood

Angelique had been privy to many obscure mysteries in this and in previous lifetimes, but nothing amazed or shocked her as much as Nicholas' revelation. "You? Brought Judah Zachary back to life?"

Nicholas contorted his face at the memory of the humiliation he endured at Judah's hands. He forced himself to recount the events to Angelique. "Approximately twenty years ago, according to time as you understand it to be as a mortal, I became obsessed with the legend of Judah Zachary. I reasoned that if I could reunite his body and head and restore life to it, I could use him to do my bidding."

"Obviously, you were mistaken," said Angelique flatly.

"I was a fool to think I could," Nicholas admitted. "Finding the head and body proved much easier then I anticipated. I believe I was guided by an unseen force."

"Judah?" Angelique asked.

"No. After being with him when he was brought back to life, I'd know his presence anywhere and that was not what guided me," said Nicholas.

Angelique nodded in silent agreement. She too knew the frightening feeling of Judah's presence. It was unmistakable: putrid, evil, wicked.

Nicholas continued, "I used an ancient incantation to endow his body with his life-force. Afterwards, he made it quite clear that he was the master and I the servant. He subjected me to degradations for his own pleasure which I do not care to discuss."

"Nicholas," Angelique began.

Nicholas cut her off, "No! I will not, I cannot help you!"

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Judah Zachary opened the front doors of Collinwood and waltzed inside just as the grandfather clock struck 3:00. He was preoccupied with deciding on whose body to infuse his black soul. He needed to make a choice before the ceremony which would be held in the next few nights. Judah hungrily anticipated that night where his son Barnabas would receive his own black baptism by the devil himself. Miranda too would be the recipient of greater power than she would comprehend and he would take her as his bride of darkness.

Judah came upon young Quentin in the drawing room attempting to steal a taste of the brandy which always sat available. Quentin stood, eyes wide and mouth opened at the sight of his "cousin".

Judah looked on Quentin clutching a small glass, no doubt wanting to see for himself why the adults of the house were always drawn to the forbidden liquid. Judah smiled and patted Quentin's head, "What a mischievous little boy."

This unexpected reaction left Quentin speechless. He was ready to give a reasonable explanation to escape impending punishment, but now did not know how to respond. He simply put the glass down and walked out of the room not taking his eyes off of "Barnabas".

"I think I will allow that one to live," Judah mused. "He will make a fine replacement when my new body is no longer useful." Alone in the drawing room, Judah looked out the window and said aloud, "Who shall I choose?"

As if in answer to a demonic prayer, Thomas strolled by the window with his wife Sarah on his arm. Judah studied his form, his handsome face, and his question was answered.

TO BE CONTINUED