#3 Cemetary Terror

CEMETARY TERROR In an area, barely even marked, anylonger, there lies a cemetary, with a long past. According to most legends, the cemetary was created by eastern colonists. Some legends say that the cemetary was started when a wagon train got caught, in a blizzard and half of the settlers died. Other legends say that the settlers began fighting, among themselves, over possessions, such as food, or companionship. Still other legends say that the settlers were ambushed, and sacrificed, possibly to Satan. Over the years, and centuries, since the cemetary was founded, locals have held a healthy respect for the old place. It is said that the iron perimeter fence was erected in the 1600's, after a settler allegedly drove over some graves. (Whether it was deliberate, or not, history does not say). All that history says is that, once the offending wagon was removed, from the cemetary, that a wood, and barbed wire, fence was erected, until the permanent iron fence could be installed. What no one seems to know is when the old church, next to the cemetary was built. Local records show that services were performed there, since the 1600's. As to who built it, or why, there are no surviving records. All that anyone knows is that the church has stood watch over the cemetary, for centuries. According to legend, though, each October, it is said that the church seems to arch its body, as if watching for, or over, something. Every October, the churches shadow seems to fall more over the cemetary than at any other time of the year. What has been baffling locals, just as much, is the yearly rash, of vandalism. Sure, there were tricks, right from the start, but the real trouble began when many of the original wooden markers, which were decayed and falling to pieces, were replaced with headstones. Each year, by November 1st, head-stones are smashed, and seem to be hurtled about. There are, also, reports, of yearly "parties". Some legends say that, each October, the spirits, of the long dead, come out, for a month of nightly parties. Some say that the parties can get pretty wild. Sometimes, gun-shots (or is it champaign corks) can be heard. Some say that it sounds like a group, of drunken sailors, having a good time. Then there are reports, of deep, throaty, growls being heard, as well as laughter, which would make ones hair stand on end. The police have gotten used to the usual reports, of glowing ghosts, banshee's, and even a few fire-breathing demons. Tall, short, and everywhere in between. There have been those, either brave of heart, or totally stupid (depending on ones point of view), who have braved the mist, of the October nights, for a first-hand look at what goes on. In each case, though, the observer is found....dead. Are there, actually, werewolves, vampires, and even witches, buried in this place? Only the dead (or, perhaps, the un-dead) have the answer to this mystery. As for what it is, which is seen gliding silently, across the October night sky, no one is willing to reject that it might be either a local witch, or the spirit of one, who was put to death, centuries ago. The cemetary has no alarm system, since none will operate, in this ancient place. The same is true, of the church. the only building, in the area, without electric lights. For centuries, the church has been lit, by candle-light, and so it may be, forever-more. All that anyone will say is that, if one wants to watch the "festivities", inside the cemetary, it is best to observe from the far side of the road. It is also best not to use a favorite car, since it is said that some sprites love to hurtle pumpkins, and other items, over the iron fence. whether their target is a paint job, or a tire, they can be heard laughing as pumpkin innards, or other objects, smash against an un-wary car. What is said to make the sprites especially happy is when they hit, and break, windows. Some sprites are known to jump 15 feet into the air, when glass is heard breaking. This is why it is best to take an old clunker, for any stake-out. How old is the cemetary? No one knows. How long will it last? No one can say. What is the truth, about the old church? If anyone knows, they are not speaking up.