King Wendiscott and the Demon Ghost

 King Wendiscott and the Demon Ghost
by D L Kaiser

King Ferdinand Wendiscott’s chariot hastened towards the castle of Duke George of Inglethorpe. The king had decided to take this castle and the lands for himself.  He barely knew this Duke, but no matter.  He had decided to prosecute him for treason on some made up pretext.  It was easy enough to set it up with his entourage of spies.  Soon he would be situated here amongst this beautiful oasis.  He sighed with pleasure. 

Duke George knew of this King Ferdinand only too well.  His informants had passed on the information about the king’s desire for his lands. He had a plan, and it only amounted to a small adjustment to the king’s visit.  He clapped his hands and gave his commands to his servants.

King Ferdinand strode in to the great chamber and the Duke bowed before him.

“I am pleased that you graced us with your presence, your grace.”

“Then let us dispense with the formalities, George.  I have several favors to ask of you. “

“All that you ask is yours your grace.”

“I wish to stay at your abode for a fortnight or more until the winter ceases.”

“Easily done!”

“I will commence here for rest immediately.”

The duke’s servants guided the king to his chambers.  The two servants bowed to the king, asked if he required anything, and rushed out of the room.  The king raised his brow at this behavior, but dismissed it.

As he lay in repose, the bed curtains quivered, and then blew around him.  He sat up to observe.  The wall opposite him began to look as if it were growing a dark black moss, and it was spreading by the minute.  He felt a chill in the air until he could see his breath.  His face bore consternation as he glanced at the fireplace burning brightly.

Suddenly a loud wail filled the room.  The king jumped out of his bed and decided to investigate.  What is this sorcery?   Two steps forward and he was thrown into midair by unseen hands.

“What do we have here?  Royal robes? Who art thou?”

“Unhand me! You are speaking to none other than King Ferdinand Wendiscott!”

“Royalty has been the bane of my existence.  You shall suffer.”

The king was thrown across the room and landed hard on his bottom.  He yelled loudly for his servants, but then remembered that he had sent them out to scout out people that had been wronged by the duke.  He yelled again for the duke’s servants.  They did not heed his cries for help.

“This is no king.   Where is thy courage?”

“You shall see it!” 

The king pounced on his only weapon, a sword that had served him well in battle.  He had no idea where to aim his swings.

“You call me coward? Show yourself!”

“Fine then.”

A mist thickened until there stood a man at least 8 feet tall with a broad chest, four arms, and two heads.  The king felt faint.  Perhaps I have been too hasty?  I may not win this battle against a demon!

“Tell me, what and who are you?”

“I am what was born of the Legend of Inglethorpe, told so many times that I have become manifest.”

“I do not know it.  Before you slay me demon ghost, tell me of this legend.”

“I will not delay you into the hereafter oh great king.  I have vowed to take you in battle!  Prepare to meet your maker.”

The ghostly demon lifted the king high in the air and prepared to throw him through the window.

“Halt oh Theo of Inglethorp!”  A voice commanded.

King Ferdinand landed unceremoniously after being dropped on the stone floor. 

George ran to the king’s side and pulled him out of the room, amidst loud cussing from the ghostly demon.

“What is the meaning of this?”  The king demanded.

“It seems our local ghost has targeted you.”

“I was preparing to die in battle!”

“I will explain.  But first, let us dine and recover.”

So they dined and afterwards they spoke alone.

“What is this ghost demon’s story?”

“You really have no knowledge of this?”

“Why do ask me again? No, I say!”

“Very well.  The ghost has haunted this castle for over 600 years.  He died defending his lover from the advances of a king.  At the time of his death, he promised his fiancée that he would blight out all the kings.”

“Not a very forgiving type, your ghost.”

“No, your grace, he is not.”

The king was interrupted in his next comment by the sound of his men arriving from their journeys out into the lands of Inglethorpe. 

He excused himself and met his men in private.

“What have you to report?”

“The people of this land are fed well, and none lack for the duke’s support.  We have failed to find one person who would speak out against him!”

“Go then. Rest, and go out tomorrow to search again!  I will not fail!”

The king turned and privately sighed relief.  Perhaps he would save his own pride if his men failed him somehow.

That night, he requested another room, but the ghost followed him there. 

“Demon, won’t you concede that all kings are not the same?”

“Do you take what you want without asking?”

The king hesitated just a bit too long, and then the demon ghost attacked him several more times.  King Ferdinand sent his men out early that morning on urgent business.

They came back in haste. 

“What have you to report?”

“We travelled to the next lands west and there we found ill treated men and women. There were many complaints of the Duke of Yenkleshire.  That is the extent of our knowledge your grace.”

Ah! So I have my escape from this haunted hell of a place!

“I bid you farewell Duke.  There is urgent business I must attend to in Yenkleshire.”  Perhaps his castle won’t be haunted!

“It is my pleasure to serve you your grace.”

The duke smiled as the king rode away.  The story about the wronged lover was a clever ruse.  Good thing the king had no knowledge of the Legend of the ghost servant of the Castle of Inglethorpe! 

THE END