Mercy Brown

Colliding with the ground, the force of the horse’s hooves disturbed the layer of fresh snowfall concealing the lane ahead. Gliding swiftly through the bleak stillness, a phantom black carriage rode steadily; nimble light darted from the swaying sliver lanterns illuminating the gloomy path.

A distinguished gentleman rested his prematurely graying head on long deft fingers, gazing forlornly out of the carriage window. Well-used, a black leather medical bag was placed on the seat next to him. Illnesses were a common occurrence, now however the small town of Exeter was being afflicted by a mysterious wasting disease. Inexplicably healthy men and women were dying rapidly, entire families were being extinguished.  Dr. Brown could not stop the tidal wave of death.

Unexpectedly the horses reared back in terror. The driver pulled hard on the reins to keep the carriage from toppling into the ravine below. Jarred from his morbid contemplation, Dr. Brown unbolted the carriage door and stuck his head out into the cold austere evening. Furious he opened his mouth to protest and then froze.

Movement was visible beyond the outer perimeter of the lantern. With unnatural movements a pale figure dragged itself into the light. There was something very familiar about the young woman who drew closer. Long brown hair shrouded her face; a thin full length lace gown barely brushed the ground as bare feet padded onto the path in front of the horses.

Once again the horses reared back in sheer terror, their eyes rolling. Crimson droplets dripped onto the virgin snow as the figure stood in front of the horses.  Dr. Brown gasped in horror as her head slowly rose revealing deep pools of black nothingness; rivulets of blood spilled from her mouth.Even though five years had passed since her death; Dr. Brown would never forget the face of his beloved daughter, Mercy.