SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART SEVENTEEN

Will you be fighting tonight Sherlock? Came the gruff cockney accent belonging to the well built proprietor in a friendly, yet humorously menacing tone. Seemed like a decent sort of man. I'd sparred with him on many an occasion, finding him a bit soft despite his enormous muscle power. He really was no match for me. Do we have a newcomer? I asked raising my brow as an exciting new challenge was just what the doctor ordered. He nodded. Yes we have a new one all right. His eyes glinted almost spitefully which further raised my adrenaline.I inhaled my pipe languishing in a feeling of euphoria.It's contents not quite as potent as usual for sleep was not welcome. My man in Bermondsey had given me a good supply of opium. That was the true reason for returning to London apart from the blasted book which was full of errors and not the original copy as I had once thought. I happened to meet one of the so called cave dwellers earlier on around noon. He stole some food from the kitchens and ran off so fast that I barely caught sight of his face. Nobody chased him. It was a regular occurrence apparently. They're a bloody nuisance. Said the cook. A huge red faced man called Stanley as he crossed the carpeted bar room almost knocking a table over. Scared the life out of me he did. Has he gone? Oh hello Sherlock. I didn't know you was staying here. I rarely get out of the kitchen these days. You fighting tonight? Yes Stanley I am indeed, and looking forward to it. Now who is this new fighter? Should I be afraid? I have no idea Sherlock there's new boys coming in every week from all over the country. Your joking with me ain't you? You ain't scared of nobody.I can see that smirk, like your laughing in secret. You know me too well Stanley. Grinning I had to admit it. He raised his thick eyebrows awaiting some important task. In all seriousness. I began then hesitated enjoying his attention, not because I liked him in any way good grief no,but because I was rather hungry. My stomach was rumbling.whilst he stood open mouthed and waiting. His grubby blood soaked white apron in his hands. Get me one of your delicious pies. I said noting the disappointed sigh, his body deflating. Is that all? Coming up. He turned back to the kitchen and I wondered where the blood on his apron had come from. Following him into the kitchen unseen I watched him prepare dinner.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART SIXTEEN

The blood of a hundred men was needed to make a dagger so powerful it was able to send a man into another dimension according to ancient legend which also promised everlasting life to those wounded by it.I tried to total the body count so far.It wasn't far off the mark.
Stuff and nonsense of course. Blasted stupid book encouraging murder the author should be incarcerated at the very least. Who is he now! Hmm some Spanish chap probably long since died. Holmes had said that the book was written by the devil himself with a face so serious that I almost believed him. It's pouring down with rain and the wind is howling upon the Windows but I know that silent request for assistance is going unanswered. Although he's not here physically Holmes presence can be felt in these rooms such is the spirit of the man. Makes me feel quite guilty to feel comfortable here despite the cosy homely atmosphere . Catching site suddenly of my reflection on the window pane I noticed that I appeared quite ashen faced and my hair much more grey than before. The street below was glittering in the twilight, everything looked so clean and vivid that I threw up the window sash and took in some fresh air . There was people rushing about trying to get out of the rain and there I saw Her Maria. Hurrying along with her umbrella. Such a nice girl we usually have tea together around this time and I'd completely forgotten. Maria wait for me I'll be down in a bit. I called. She waved pointed toward the teashop. I'll meet you there John. She smiled showing perfect white teeth. I really didn't know her very well but was hoping that she would one day be the new Mrs Watson. She told me how she grew up in Chislehurst. Which I thought quite a coincidence. Many men have gone missing over the years . She said. I was worried. There could be many daggers.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART FIFTEEN

Poor girl was fretting so much for my safety that she refused to tell me where I could meet one of these unusual creatures until I offered her a very generous tip swaying her irresistibly. One of the many wells in the woods would be sufficient apparently. After dark of course. I shrugged off the faint cloak of dread and became resolute.
Doctor Watson I brought you breakfast. Mr Holmes left a message for you. He said the dagger is almost ready! Whatever that would mean. I don't understand you two gentlemen no sooner do you get home than your up and gone again. The housekeeper rambled on while Watson puzzled over her words. He left very early this morning. Our Mr Holmes. She smiled kindly wiping her hands on her apron. A faraway look in her eyes. He said he had a train to catch. She seemed so cheerful and upbeat that I could of pushed aside the awful darkness that was welling up into my solar plexus and the COLD shiver that ran down my spine. He'd gone back. Yes He's quite fearless going back to that place so soon. I sometimes think that he's not human such is his gall. Now what does he mean about the dagger. Better look it up. I'll be in the study please don't disturb me. I sank into my chair and buried myself into reading glad to be home. There after much study I found the underlined pages of text in a dark arts book the answers that I was seeking. Holmes must have spent the early hours of the morning reading. Always two steps ahead as usual.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART FOURTEEN

The room at the Crown was excellent with flocked wallpaper, a huge roaring fireplace and an enormous four poster bed. Here sitting by the fire in a overstuffed armchair and being served tea by a wonderful maid by the name of Lilly was most comforting . She chatted away whilst doing her duties. Have you heard about the murders Sir? She asked, bringing one right down to Earth. Yes of course . I replied bluntly not wanting her too disturb my thoughts too much... Maybe she knows something. Who do you think is at the bottom of this ? She turned as though to say something then stopped herself with a sigh. I really don't know why your asking me. As if I know. I became irate. Her actions told me she was lying so I raised my voice. Come on girl you know something now spit it out? A lot of men are dead don't you care? At that she burst into tears. Covering her face with her hands. I know Sir my brother was one of the men gone missing. Really? Why didn't you say? Because I'll be next if I talk. What's it to you anyway Sir. I'm investigating this case Madam now do tell all before there is another death.. Lilly was in her early twenties. A kind girl who had not married and lived with her huge family. My brother went missing weeks ago nobody's heard nothing from him. He was in the fight club. At first we thought it was the other's but now I'm not so sure. Most of those boys went to school together. Now I think it's the cave people who are responsible. They're a law unto themselves everyone's scared of them. What do you think Sir? She pleaded with such sad eyes. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting them yet Lilly. Perhaps you could introduce me to one of these chaps. You must be blooming joking Sir. They're savages will eat you as soon as look at you. Bad people they are. Yes maybe, that remains to be determined. I brushed her paranoia away not understanding the fear she felt. Just tell me where I can find them. Inside the caves late at night or you might catch one on the thieve around the shops. Nobody stops them, they're all too scared. They don't look Human they are like the little people you get in fairy tales only much uglier. Violent too, do be careful Sir. The fear on her face made me almost want to laugh after the terrors of the last few days. Could the imps really be so hideously awful or was it some kind of gross prejudice against possibly innocent outsiders that bravely refused to conform. I'm going out now Lilly tell me where I can find one of these cave people exactly.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART THIRTEEN

I adjusted my cap and buttoned my coat as I stepped off the train. It was much colder outside of the city but the air was fresh and as I took a sharp intake of breath my nerves felt much more settled. I was looking forward to solving this enquiry with renewed optimism. I had spent some hours mulling over why these murders were taking place after visiting the police station where the suspects were held and listening in on the interviews. None of the men would speak even after thorough grilling where threats of brutality was raised and in some cases given. They kept silent as though they were one awful mind. The fellowship looked no different from any other Englishmen apart from the eyes which were shiny black as glass beads and a similarity of features, flat nosed, cauliflower ears which stuck out pointedly and thin cruel lips. I guessed these people to be low in intelligence and at one point wondered if they were even human. Someone was controlling this strange tribe and it may well be the devil himself. I chose to stay at the Crown inn this time. It was friendly with excellent food and a much better view of the common. Here I can keep out of sight from prying eyes. Tonight I will be incognito once more. In the guise of a Lady Martha. A fine upstanding woman who is as deaf as a post. With hair of deep auburn.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART TWELVE

Some of the maniacs were beginning to recover from the thrashing that I gave them. Alas exhausted I stumbled my way out before any had the chance to touch me. Watson was outside. He'd brought a whole crowd of policeman judging by the noise. They used batons on stragglers who were trying to slip away. Are you alright Holmes? He asked. Yes fine. Thank God your here. Shame it wasn't sooner. We could have saved the boy! Watson seemed deeply saddened and I sensed the utter pointlessness of it. I felt nothing but a duty so I softened my words for His sake. There there old boy let's go home to Baker street you need a break from this place. He looked relieved so I thought it fair to warn him that this mysterious coven was just the tip of the iceberg and the saga far from over.
Relaxing in my rooms after everyone had gone to bed the traffic noise outside was comforting. We were at least twenty miles away from Chislehurst yet I could still feel a shiver down my spine at the thought of returning. Yet return I must. The thugs had all been caught and locked up. With more suspects out of the way I will search deeper into the enquiry alone. It was on the eight thirty train that I found a helpful lead in the guise of an elderly gentleman who liked the sound of his own voice a little too much. He told me how there were people who were born into witches covens over endless generations. They plagued the countryside like rats, only worse, robbing and terrorising to survive. They were outcasts of normal society. Whatever that is? Legend has it that they live underground in the caves. Oh I have seen the women out at night in the woods. Naked dancing around the trees. Skyclad they call it. Half frightened the life out of me when I saw them. And the poor dog ran away. He seemed to sense they were bad. Evil. You know that feeling. Makes you shudder. Oh yes I do indeed know that feeling Sir...

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART ELEVEN

The coven of witches kept their faces hidden in the shadows of their cloaks as the young bartender and I were bound in chains and gagged. I felt my flesh being torn from my back as they dragged me and am now in considerable pain. I hope that Watson got away, unlike that poor young man who is being sacrificed to some demonic entity whilst I'm forced to watch. They all seem to be male and oblivious to anything other than their dreadful cause. This really was quite unexpected. I know these woods like the back of my hand, or so I thought, this horrid old house with its huge basement dungeons had been kept well hidden by trees and overgrown hedges. Oh God I'm rambling, it's anxiety they're lifting the huge goathead handled dagger. The poor boy. I will not look away as the showers of blood squirted up. I tried to wriggle free of my chains it was relatively easy once I'd forced myself to relax. I darted forward with a mixture of force, fury and terror swinging the very chain that was still attached to one wrist. Whipping the hell out of everything that moved, blinded by tears of rage I lashed out until there was no man standing. I surprised even myself at my strength that's when I could hear voices outside as I stood with the silence of utter shock.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART TEN

The wind whistled through the trees. With barely any light they walked on following the path as it twisted and turned stumbling often. There's someone in the shadows look hooded figures. Watson couldn't see anything but darkness as the wind whipped at his face and squinted eyes.
It was with horror he focused, a cold chill not from the cold ran down his spine momentarily paralyzing his stead. Holmes darted forward fearlessly as the unknown beasts fell on the young man ahead. He lashed out for fear of his life. The two men fought bravely but were utterly overpowered... I Watson watched unable to move forward from shock. Stood unseen behind a large oak tree as my dear friend was dragged away with a speed unexpectedly swift. They were there one minute and gone the next. I pulled out my torch, following the trail of dragged mud. There was a crowd of thirteen shadowy figures of that I'm sure and most certainly a covern of witches. Not that I ever believed in such a thing. It took every ounce of my spirit to keep my feet moving forward ever single step horribly frightening as I kept turning fearing someone behind me. My inner strength began to stir as I realised I was alone. Part of me wanted to dash back the way I had came,But my resolve became stronger as I came across a house, well lit and almost welcoming. My only intention at that time was to use the telephone. There was no answer when I rang the doorbell so I had a look through the windows. At first I saw nothing, looked rather like a temple inside. Then I could see through an open door Sherlock being dragged , unconscious along a passage. Luckily I had my revolver with me but there wouldn't be enough shots for all of them. I had no choice but to go back and call for assistance. I just hope there would be time to save him...

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART NINE

Tonight I will find the killers my senses and intuition are on full alert. All clues lead to the fight club, and yet there is no motive. The red hair is probably a decoy. What do you think Watson? I think it's some kind of voodoo. Really Watson! He sighed You could be correct. Come on there's a boxing match let's find out what happens to the losing contenders.
Punching kicking biting, there was no rules. The men pummelled each other's muscular bodies until a submission or knockout was achieved. Really Holmes I've had enough of this. Wait there's only one left. Despite the aggression the men were not hostile to each other. They all seemed good friends at the end of the fighting. Saying goodnight and shaking hands. Who would be strong enough to overpower one of these chaps? Out in the cold night air the wind whipped up a storm blowing the trees harshly the sound of rustling leaves was quite deafening. I decided to follow one of the young chaps because He was going through the woods alone and if another died I couldn't forgive myself.