Caroline Browning – Introduction 2016

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afterlife, Afterlife Institutions, Browning Memorial Hospital, Caroline, death, Fiction, goth, horror, Knightshade, Knightshade Manor, Spirits, supernatural

Caroline Browning

Stepmother of Aaron and has returned from a long duration of fieldwork, as she is the most human looking of all of the Knightshades, she chose to be the first point of contact for many, quite similar to the reason for using Jessica, the look of death didn’t appear as easily as it does on the others of the Knightshade family. Her blonde hair, and milky white skin, and eyes of violet, entranced all who came into contact with her.

Having been married to Simon a few centuries earlier, she had taken on the role of the matriarch of the current generation of Knightshades. She is close to Alfred as he is the manager of her hospital and she trusts him implicitly as to who shall work and reside within her facility. The various staff members who work within the hospital are quite fond of her as she is genuinely concerned and easily approachable in regards to hospital issues.

During the course of her lifetime, she had been an administrator and had managed several successful organizations and facilities a few of which were hospitals and universities. It is with this background that when the afterlife institutions function were decided upon, she opted for a medical facility and preferably a teaching hospital. She spent several months deciding on the design and chose the flexibility of which the Manor is capable, adapting to the current needs of the patients and hospital staff.

During her lifetime, she has been a wife, hostess and mother to her children. As she was the matron of a large household, she spent every waking moment preparing for guests, and parties to support the Knightshade reputation. As well as volunteered on several community boards and administration staffs so that she could learn to run any corporation, which proved lucrative in her after-life.

Her after-life occupation began once she left Howard Place, she was nominated to be the Lead Administrator and owner of Browning Memorial Hospital. She can be found in all areas of the hospital; she returns to her chambers at Knightshade Manor when she desires to rest. Her office is located on the first floor of BMH and she relies heavily on Alfred and Jessica to keep her informed of new arrivals. She does go to crash sites to ascertain the changes she needs to create; in the hospital in regards to capacity and services required by current patients.

She is often quiet and observational, she can be firm as the need arises; and compassionate as well as flexible. With the goal of moving the patients on to the next institution they choose, she is ever diligent of clues as to where they desire to go.

Deep sultry voice befitting a tall woman, whose narrow waist and shoulders , Mother of Dena, she wore her blond hair short, her skin pale white piercing blue eyes, rigid posture, square shoulders, wore long dresses, Characteristic of Victorian Times.

She rode in a carriage on a stormy night, and the road was on a cliffside leading to their home in the mountains. The wheels locked and the horses and driver all were killed in the crash as well, she would often hear their screams in the night. The team of horses resided in the stable at the Manor, she would often bring them sweets and apples.

Interests include Art, Music, All the talents people use to remind themselves they are alive.

Knightshade Manor is where she resides; her chambers are found in the South end of the first floor. As it is furthest from the lobby, and keeps most of the staff and guests from disturbing her. As with all of the staff she can appear by thought and can go to any area within the Manor instantly.

Caroline can go to Kerringer Castle whenever one of her patients wishes to see her. Shje madkes it a point to often visit the children of parents who may want an jupdates as to how the children are faring in the afterlife. It gives her great delight to see the once sickly patienst full of energy and enjoying their afterlife.

She has no real business at the Justice Hall.

She is a patron of the Arts; she desires beauty over all else. She can be found walking through various galleries, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend or two. It is due to her photographic memory that she knows where every thing is located within the Browning Memorial Hospital and she selects artwork based on color schemes and design already within the hospital. She had befriended Lord Byron several years before and would find herself outside at an outdoor cafe,where the two of them would exchange banter on witty sayings while eavesdropping on the people around them. She with her Chai Tea, and he with his preferred Cafe du Jour. The hours spent relaxing in the sun, helped clear her mind of the drudgeries of her past. When the Shelley’s came round the stories started and if it not for the oncoming of evening and a chill breeze, none of them would go home.

Whenever her duties called her to Howard Place she often found herself intrigued by the otherworldly creatures who helped maintain the fog and facilities of Howard Place. The ability to be invisible around the newly dead was an asset for this highly transitional abode. As she walked around the lobby seeking the ones that were going to be at Browning Memorial Hospital she loved to probe the memories of the one’s who were waiting in this way station of the after life Howard Place had appeared one day fully staffed without any preparation as it was staffed by paranormal palace denizens, the initial familial connection was lacking, as well as the psychic connections the other so relied upon.

At The Abbey, Caroline would visit with Sister Grace and discuss the elements of Catholicism that lacked in explaining the existence of the Afterlife Institutions. A shadowy alliance existed between the two women, as one refused to acknowledge the failings of the living world to prepare for the Afterlife Institutions, while the other was quite aware of those very failings, as her institution was overcrowded. The continued isolation of the Head Abbess contributed to her own inability to move onto the next incarnation.

In Paranormal Palace, reside the spirits that so fascinate Caroline, however due to the chaotic environment and the need to maintain human attributes, she has been advised never to go to that institution.

The need to visit Yarborough station arises when her stepsons, or ex-husband is in residence and she has to have a conversation with one of them. When Octavius was first returned from Dark Highways, was one such occasion.

In conclusion, Caroline like all of the other staff members is obligated to serve within her chosen afterlife institution for the duration of her continued disillusionment that she is not ready to face to prepare for relocation to her next lifetime.

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Ariel – Introduction 2016

Tags

afterlife, death, Fiction, goth, horror, Knightshade Manor, spirit, Spirits, supernatural

Ariel

A Banshee who resides within the caretakers cabin on the edge of the forest, it enables her to keep an eye on the creatures within the forest, as well as the temporary bungalows for the arriving children.  She spends part of her time at the Manor, at Kerringer Castle, and the rest of her time guiding or losing souls through the fens of Northern Europe.

Her family had all gone on to their next lifetime, her memories of lives spent with the kindred spirits of whom she called brother were many, and she often used the games and stories to entertain the children with whom she played in the forests of Knightshade Manor grounds, and in Kerringer Castle on days that weather prevented egress. Having an elder sister had greatly affected her and she often talked to her sister via the dreams of the living girl.

Having died as a young schoolteacher due to an outbreak of smallpox epidemic of which eternally tied her to Dr. Geoffrey Shaw, M.D. She had spent a majority of her time with children, and still sought every opportunity to teach, and learn as this was her most familiar occupation.

As characteristic of any who transform into Banshees in their afterlife, her moods tend to switch at a moments notice, predominately she is soft-spoken and delightful, while other times she is screeching and enraged with no means of calming herself without disappearing from the area to collect her thoughts. Hence her habitation alone at the edge of the forest was a necessity that Aaron and Dena had determined when she had first arrived to the Manor.

Her Irish heritage reflected itself in her pale milky toned skin, and her flaming red hair which could be seen the most vibrant on cloudy brightly lit mornings. Her green eyes were alluring and saw through to one’s soul. Often with an expression of curiosity, or disbelief depending on who she was interacting with at the time. Her rage often showed a reddening of her cheeks and her eyes melted into a deep black color. Having lived during a time of minimal food available she had maintained a thin physique but a strength that developed from churning butter, and winnowing the fields during harvest time. She was of short height which enabled the children to be comfortable in her presence.

Her mistake in life that led to her death was the trusting of Dr, Geoffrey Shaw M.D, who had misdiagnosed a disease and sent a child to her classroom. It was in the recognizing the illness and her subsequent exposure as she carried the child back to the M.D.s office, that was the beginning of her end. Knowing that she was now going to die, she focused on caring for the sick as an impromptu nurse with minimal training from the Doctor, and memories of remedies taught to her by her holistic healing mother, who had learned from her mother.

Her interests in life, included science, biology, botany, technology, and she had tried to learn all that she could so that she was an excellent teacher. Her interests allowed her to conduct field trips and laboratory experiments in the after-life. Versed in several species of animal and plant, she had chosen to reside on the edge of the forest so she could observe and work with the animals who found themselves wandering through the coniferous forest that surrounded the Manor. The various plant species were of varieties that were not often found in the same ecosystem, but that didn’t surprise her, she knew it was part of her illusion and provided an excellent background for the animals and children to exist.

Ariel prefers to reside in Knightshade Manor Forest, she convinced the Marians to build her a cabin on the edge of the forest. Her front door leading to a path that ended at the manicured rolling fields of Knightshade Manor, Her back door led through her small plot of manicured lawn aligned with shrubs and gated area when her vegetable garden and flowers garden were lovingly cared for beyond the gates was leading to the forest were various earth paths winded through the ancient trees.

Marians she convinced them to take on the shape of Irishmen laborers so that one could feel more at home, while she told them how she wanted her house.

She rarely set foot in the Manor as her guests were often housed in tree houses and bungalows the children. While the animals roamed free through the forest, in manicured pastures or lived in barns equipped with fully-stocked climate-control stables.

Kerringer Castle is where she spent time when the weather turned foul, hours and hours of playing in the various chambers and halls of the castle, she loved to teach her words dress up by using their imaginations and seeing the paintings of the residents of the hall. She did have a home in the west tower. If she decided to stay.

Justice Hall was only visited by her when she sought a child who was incarcerated often she would breeze into the front lobby and demand the front desk to release her hold.

Howard Place As is often the case she would be enraged, so her red hair flying about her face, well her green molten eyes faded to shiny black and her pupils dilated. Her nails would grow into claws, and her feet would lift and disappear undo her green skirt, her white blouse, embroidered with red flowers.

Salisbury Town to bring her worlds to Salisbury Town was an exciting time, She loved to walk through the gallows, and teaching painting of the seaside to the children. She rarely was distraught in Salisbury Town she met many artists; authors, creative persons.

The Abbey she does not go to this institution.

Paranormal Palace is where many of her friends reside. Being half-human she can gain access that other may not. Her screeching can be heard as she competes with the were-monkeys and other such creatures. Her brother who had become a will o’ wisp would accompany her to the fens, they would take pleasure in confusing travelers late at night.

Yarborough station is not a place the she goes to, as she has no business there.

In conclusion, Ariel has no sense of time, she is very aware of the new arrivals and gets very excited to introduce new children and animals to the games. When a child was ready to move on, she also grew very excited, however she did become melancholy after they left, but never so they could see her. Dena who was aware of the effects of having a depressed banshee in the manor would send a Marion to retrieve Ariel’s brother so that he could draw her to the fens to keep her busy. Jessica was on lookout for new arrivals.

Alfred Knightshade – Introduction 2016

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afterlife, Afterlife Institutions, Alfred, Alfred Knightshade, death, Fiction, ghosts, goth, horror, Knightshade, Knightshade Manor, Spirits, supernatural

Alfred Knightshade

Alfred is one of the elder males of the current Knightshade generation. His mother is Caroline Browning and his father is Justin Knightshade. His uncle is Simon Knightshade and his cousin is Aaron Knightshade and sister is Dena Knightshade. While his cousins are Jessica Knightshade, Raven Knightshade, Kevin Knightshade, Louis Knightshade and others who can be found at the various afterlife institutions. Few of the younger Knightshades know much about Justin as no one speaks of him. The dispute between Simon and Justin reaches far back in time to their lifetimes and no one is certain as to when that really was. It is understood that the dispute arises from several slights and a true reconciliation will never come to bear, because neither will rescind their opinion.

During his lifetime, Alfred was an accomplished renaissance man who admired and pursued the study of art, music, science, languages and medicine. Born in the second half of the 19th century in London, England he maintained the mannerisms and speech that was the mark of a member of high society during that auspicious time. His boyhood had been filled with opportunities to exercise his intellect and revel in the possibilities of invention and alternative lifestyles. At the tender age of 22, he earned his doctorate in Medical Science with a specialty in neurological science. During the course of his lifetime, he allied himself with the biological school of psychology and mentored several up and coming psychologists and became an accomplished surgeon, who participated in several breakthroughs in the fields of surgery and neurology. A patron of the arts, he preferred to visit Salisbury Town during his free time. Many of the local artists and art galleries were the beneficiaries of his expertise and generous donations.

His role as Chief of Staff of the hospital was one that he coveted and focused all of his professional expertise to form the idealistic illusion required for the patients housed in this afterlife institution.  Although, as to his ethics and methodologies he was deeply interested in working with patients, and conducting groundbreaking surgical procedures of which were too advanced when he was alive. His support staff who included his general manager Jonathan Carter were all too eager to fulfill the administrative requirements while allowing their jovial superior bring the hospital to prestige and recognition among the afterlife institutions.

Alfred as with most of the men of his family tended to be opinionated, well-educated and would often argue an issue to the point of exhaustion. Many evenings of debate and conversation were spent with a few select colleagues in his personal study on the top floor of the hospital, where his personal quarters were located. His colleagues and friends would gather in his study, the dark wooden walls lined with bookshelves holding all texts that he had collected during his lifetime. A fire often crackled in the fireplace illuminating the leather couches and tables upon which glasses partially filled with the finest whiskey and bourbon available in the afterlife.

Being a man of science and medicine, he had maintained his body in superior physical condition. Preferring to workout each morning with a 5 mile run during which he clears his mind of the ample liquor consumed the night before and assessing the upcoming days events.

His build was athletic as he pursued sports and games at every opportunity. He favored cognac and cigars intermingled with expensive cologne with a faint hint of musk. A purveyor of the fine things, his brown eyes surveying the room of which he had recently entered. His skin ruddy from his life of excess. His brown hair finely trimmed with a purposeful dishevelment.

He tends to shift his weight from foot to foot as he stood. When he was hosting an event or conducting a meeting, he gave the sense of a large beast about to pounce. His aggressive personality required that he hold everyone in suspicion until they proved otherwise. His expensive cologne was derived from oils he had discovered while on holiday in the Orient. His love of fine cigars led to an endless pursuit of experiencing all varieties from the past, present and future. He often sent liaisons to the living world to expand and maintain his collection of cigars, liquor and foods.
His deep baritone was music to one’s ears. He preferred to whisper to his family and friends. However, when excited or angry when dealing with insubordinate staff his voice could be heard throughout the corridors.
He does possess sex appeal, regardless of his larger than life height and weight. His pursuit of lovers is continuous as he finds lovers easily. Admittedly his appetites were and continued to be voracious. He rarely pursued anyone for any significant length of time, his charming guile and intellectual wit seduced many and he rarely slept alone. Bisexual, he found attraction in men and women, and extending from his first encounter in the afterlife with Raven, he desired her perpetually.. The sexual tension added to their amusement and relationship, neither were really inclined to push forth and become lovers. Their friendship went beyond lust and momentary satisfaction, their love was eternal and had no time limitation. The three Knightshades were often seen together as they attended many events together, like in the tale Aaron’s Pond.

As stated previously, Alfred had been a medical doctor in life, as well as an accomplished surgeon. However, as with everyone who resides or works within an afterlife institution, Alfred has a dark past and had committed wrongs in his life. In his case, he had several patients die or develop diseases because of negligence. Imitating a few of his colleagues and mentors, he had regrettably conducted several procedures while intoxicated. His drugs of choice were alcohol and cocaine which he believed aided in mental acuity and alertness. The inevitable joke “what happened to my watch,” joke can be traced historically to an actual mistake Alfred had made while performing a surgical procedure during his life.

His mother Caroline Browning was the heir to the hospital, she deeply trusted her son’s expertise. As with most mother’s she overlooked mistakes in the past and championed him actions in the hospital to any doubters. With the Knightshades, she was more assertive as he is the love child of Caroline and her brother-in-law, Justin; Alfred he had never been accepted by her husband Simon, hence he avoided going to Knightshade Manor as often as possible. However, his administrative duties required that he attend meetings called by the staff in which they discussed the guests that would be transferring to the Hospital. His interactions with the staff at Knightshade Manor can be read in the Saloon chapters.

Alfred adores his mother, and loves working in the environment of which he is accustomed. Often, he once again operated on those patients that he had killed while that patient came to terms with their death. He experiences no remorse as he went through the actions that led up to the deaths of his patients. Part of the reason he stills works as a surgeon. His role as manager of the hospital requires a frequent interaction with administration from the various afterlife institutions.

Within Kerringer Castle, Alfred worked with Marina Kerringer when a pediatric patient was ready for release from Browning Memorial Hospital to the afterlife playground Kerringer Castle, where all one’s childhood dreams come true. The staff from Kerringer Castle would visit the Hospital to determine whether the children were ready to leave. Ariel would take them through the forest and play games while introducing them to the other residents of Kerringer Castle. Claire and Marie would observe as their counselors to determine their transitions to another afterlife institution or return to the living. The twins would accompany the children to the castle or to the world of the living to show them where they could spend their afterlife.

As per agreement with the afterlife institution, Knightshade Manor, the caregivers, Aaron, and Dena would periodically visit the Hospital to determine whether any of the patients would be checking into the Manor after they had healed from their injuries.

The agreement with Justice Hall were that anyone whose life consisted of supporting or breaking the law of the living would eventually reside in Justice Hall. Alfred worked exclusively with Chief Justice Jarod in transporting criminals back and forth between their institutions as if a spirit imagined an injury, they would be sent to the hospital via ambulance and healed. After which, they would be returned back to the prison.

Alfred spent much of his leisure time as a supporter of the Arts, his favorite citizen was Claude.  He often purchased artwork from the local artists to display in the corridors of the hospital. As well as keeping with lifetime passion of artistic support by attending gallery openings and open air markets one of which is alluded to in the short tale Aaron’s Pond.

At the Abbey, Alfred worked with Sister Grace, although they have an agreed upon mutual hatred.  He preferred to meet with Ocean, as she was more eclectic and fitting to his tastes. He had an off and on again relationship with Ocean and her spiritual and hippy ways allowed for his infidelity and allowed for stability when he sought it.

At Paranormal Palace, his interactions with the various non-human creatures that reside happily within that domain are limited to those who have contact with his patients and employees.  He has never had need to travel to that location, as they all are welcome to enter the hospital as any sightings will be construed as a hallucination and a bad reaction to medication per the patient that mistakenly views one of the creatures traversing the halls.

At Yarborough Station, his work consists of interacting with patients and military personnel who have been injured in the act of duty. They often find themselves at Browning Memorial Hospital upon their deaths as their memories consist of their bodies being injured but not of their deaths as their deaths often happened faster than their brains were able to register the fear or pain surrounding their death. It is upon their healing process and completion of the repair of their bodies the individuals who decide to return to military duty are transferred to the Station. The commanding officers and higher-ranking personnel often appear and ride with the patient back to the compound and prepare them for reintegration into military life or in this case death.

Alfred Knightshade is one of the main characters in Browning Memorial Hospital hence his tales will be found predominately in that afterlife institution.

In conclusion, Alfred has been one of the caretakers of the disenfranchised dead for well over a century and his hospital is in the best condition it has ever been since hospitals began and the dying sought a reflection in the afterlife that eased their transition into the afterlife. The facility is of the highest standards and development of innovative procedures to parallel what is happening in the living world to maintain the illusion required to exist in the afterlife institution of Browning Memorial Hospital.

 

Knightshade Manor The Fifth Floor Chaos Reigns Supreme

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Afterlife Institutions, death, Fiction, ghosts, Kevin, Knightshade Manor, Louis, supernatural

Fifth Floor – Chaos reigns supreme

This Floor is dedicated to the individuals who committed crimes and atrocities against others, and it is in these corridors and meeting halls where the caregivers interact with the sociopaths who are forbidden access to their victims as they are still working through the illusions they held onto after death, and the illusions brought forth by their caregivers to inspire them to move onto the next destination beyond the afterlife institutions. There are more rooms on this floor, that are being held for special guests, one’s who have left such a wide swath of victims in their wake that these residences tend to be filled for extended lengths of time beyond that of the usual guest.

Room 501

Arnold, a serial killer who preyed on young boys and is a favorite of Kevin to interrogate, Louis of course loves to assist. His victims are all housed in Room 301a – af.

Room 509

Eric, a troubled young man who began a short lived career in murder, killing six young college girls, he wasn’t contracted or encouraged to take up this profession, he did it out of morbid curiosity.  It was the only way that he could satisfy his inner desires for the women of whom he made daily contact.  Before the mortal authorities were able to put an end to his exploits; it was the first night that he was incarcerated that the desires within developed their own voice and forced him to kill one more time.  The guard heard him arguing aloud with his mental tormentor and when the young man tied a rope from the cell ceiling, a rope with which to silence the voices within his head, the guard failed to stop him.  As a result of his deeds and premature death, he found himself residing on the fifth floor of Knightshade Manor.

Knightshade Manor The Fourth Floor:

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afterlife, Afterlife Institutions, death, ghosts, Knightshade Manor, Spirits

Fourth Floor – Illusions Dance
This floor is dedicated to the delusional, confused, frustrated, and euphoric guests who maintain the illusion of their lives to such an extreme that other spirits are not able to function within their domain.  The except of course, are the caregivers who can dwell within any aspect of the afterlife institutions.

Fourth floor Atrium West

An early American town inhabited by guests that lived in the same town, and due to their illusions, have envisioned their afterlife to be in the same town.  They kept a secret.

Fourth floor Atrium East

A medieval town within the valley of the Carpathian Mountains, highly suspicious and superstitious, their afterlife consisted of battling these fears.  Vampires, werewolves, mischievous imps, and variant forms of malevolent beings coexisted within the village.
Room 401

A bored working class woman, unhappily married, mother of two sons, frustration at not getting what she wanted to out of life, she creates a new life for herself within the Manor after dying in the plane crash.  It is up to her caregiver to remind her that she lived the life she truly did.  She is the first guest to be placed on the newly built fourth floor of the Manor.  Debbie desires a new life, and through death, gets it.

Room 402

An author from the past who finds herself in the future via a time machine, leaving her life to find herself in the future.  Her Victorian background and attire is confused by the museum patrons wherein she steps out of the time machine newly brought forth in a transportation exhibit.

Room 403

Martin transgender male who dressed up as a female and worked for tricks at night.  While convincing his family and friends that he was working as a security guard at multiple sites, so that he could never tell them where he might be during the night.

Room 404

Cody is a young man who is obsessed with sex and the opposing gender.  He had several woman on the line, or so he thought.  He was delusional as to his own abilities to attract females.  It was this illusion that brought him to the fourth floor, as none of his females had died nor had he as a result of heartbreak.  He had found himself caught up in the pimp lifestyle, which led to his death.
Room 405

Omar is a Hispanic man who lived in a world of illusions.  His delusions included his attractiveness to the opposite sex, his machismo attitude towards all females, and his value within his social community.  His misplacement on the values in life, led him down a dark path.
Room 406

Celia is a Hispanic woman who also lived in a world of illusions, she was one of the females that had interacted with Omar in the chamber next door.  Her manipulative ways led her to conceive a child with him.  Her ability to turn a blind eye on the faults of Omar, as well as the faults of her other children, who were prostituting, drug dealing, killing, stealing cars and stealing other’s personal possessions.  As for her purpose of residing on the fourth floor.; she needed afterlife lessons for her as well as the man that she refused to lose even after death.  Her suicide should have brought her to the Bus Stop 5 where she would ride for an eternity.  However she had somehow exited the bus and acquired the room exactly across from her man, to his disappointment.

Room 407

Veronica was an anxiety psychological patient who missed out on life.  Her obsession with herself closed her off from multiple opportunities and relationships.

Room 408

Aaron a young man in his twenties had spent most of his adult life learning how to meditate, working towards an acupuncturist doctorate.  He worked for several charitable organizations.  He had an illusion of reaching enlightenment.  However, he didn’t realize that enlightenment was quite further away than he expected.  His personal attachment to material possessions and pleasures of the flesh were continuous challenges.  He arrived at the Manor after a long bout with AIDS acquired during one of his sessions of acupuncture.  The man in response to bronchial pain had coughed into Aaron’s face and eyes.  It is in Caroline’s hope that he is able to recover and apply at Browning Memorial Hospital, as he was a proficient acupuncturist.

Room 433

Two elderly people – lives (experience of old age and death) and not ready to leave their perfect contentment of their previous life.

Knightshade Manor The First Floor

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Aaron, afterlife, Afterlife Institutions, Fiction, goth, horror, Kevin, Knightshade Manor, Louis, Raven Knightshade, Simon, Slurgh, Spirits, supernatural

This dear readers, is a glimpse of the first floor of the Manor, these short paragraphs outline the hospital often referred to as a hotel for the benefit of maintaining the illusion of our guests. Please read my introductory letters for each volume for further information.  Which leads me to the next concern, some of these tales are dispersed in various volumes that were released periodically in 2005.  As a result, I have kept the references to which volumes they can be found, as many of you may already possess copies of the fanzine and not to disappoint, but the tales in the book are richer in detail and more graphic in their portrayals of what transpired within each room.

First Floor

An introduction to the hotel, its staff and tenants; the hotel is quartered into sections and each floor consists of four sections that are portioned off from one another, according to the disorders of the guests.  The only exception to this rule is the first floor where the caretakers and housekeeping staff reside.  There is the entry hall where the reservations desk is located; this is the only portion of the floor that is open to the guests.  Most of the interview sessions that occur between guest and caretaker occur in their room.

Within each of the staff member’s quarters are a sleeping chamber, a private bath, a sitting room, an office and whatever else they may desire.  As each staff member is eclectic in his or her own way, each quarter is completely unique, including the structure and furnishings.  Each chapter that contains a scenario where you the reader are invited to listen in on a conversation deemed appropriate for the public, take notes for you may need to know this staff on a more intimate basis at a future date.

As it is a rare occurrence any of the outbreaks amongst the Staff and the Marians that file is primarily included in the first floor documentation.  However the most recent strike involved releasing the residents of the fifth floor into the rest of the Manor.

Aaron’s quarters

Aaron takes a stroll through the unused corridors of the fourth floor, where he encounters a homeless alcoholic, four made men watching their bank robbery, and takes a stroll into Atrium West to commence interaction with the inhabitants whose tale is continued in the file Fourth Floor Atrium West.

Ariel’s quarters

A Banshee born of the Irish countryside in a time where fairies were alive and active amongst the human residents. Where the residents heeded wee folkes and the voice of the wind that often warned of danger.  Her inability to bear children in life, led her to being a caretaker of animals wild and domestic species and was trained as a schoolteacher.  In her afterlife, she tends to these same beasts or their kin as well as watching the children who may wander into her forest.

Caroline’s quarters

An introduction to the current wife of Simon Knightshade.  She is no longer in love with Simon but as they are bound to one another for spiritual reasons, she still resides within that Manor, for she is the mind and creative force that binds the staff and guests to the Manor.

Clara & Marie  Office Space

The Siamese Twins psychologists have an office within the Manor of which they utilize when children arrive to the Manor to ascertain whether they are to return to life, or continue onto Kerringer Castle. A brief introduction to these amazingly patient staff members.

Dena’s quarters

A brief introduction to the eldest of the current generation of Knightshades.  She is the wisest thus the least tolerant of the indiscretions of her family members nor the guests.  A private person, she often finds that she inadvertently discovers all of the secrets held within the Manor.  Her stoic mannerisms are the only means she can maintain to avoid being assigned family drama which is above and beyond what she desires.  She deals with Marion’s cleaning around the living, and another dissention amongst the demonic staff, as the amount of guests have increased, and they desire to import more cousins, hiring of the damned.

Dr. Geoffrey Shaw M.D. Pediatrics’ Office

As with the other Staff Members who work at the Manor and reside elsewhere, he has an office set up with the variant tools, supplies and machines that span the centuries and adapt to the needs and illusions of the current guest.

Jessica’s quarters

A brief introduction to Jessica, a new arrival to the Manor.  Her recent death allows for her to still look like one of the living and as a result she is one of the first staff members most guests interact with upon reaching the Manor. A meeting with her cousins, and her first impressions of the Manor are shared in this short description.
Jessica’s Chamber and Lobby

As the sun set Jessica is summoned to assist with the guests that just crashed into the afterlife and realm of Knightshade Manor.  After receiving orders from Dena, and is informed that she is to welcome new staff as well as several new cases; she is properly introduced, as she invites in new staff members, to assist with the temporary overload of cases, along with her Siamese twin.  Two other male Knightshades also arrive, with the intention of a temporary visit, of course it develops into an extended stay for all concerned.

Kevin’s quarters

A brief introduction into the chambers of preferences of Kevin Knightshade a cousin of the siblings that reside within the Manor. His afterlife is spent mostly on the roads seeking renegade spirits who are avoiding their final destination.  Many of his tales can be found in the upcoming book Dark Highways.

Louis’ quarters

A brief introduction into the life and chambers of newly arrived Louis, whose focus is working with guests who were the victims of the renegade spirits who afterlife cause further destruction once they are no longer trapped in a physical body.  However, they reek havoc on the lives of those who they harmed in life, until they are caught by the trio of Bounty Hunters.  Like his brother, Kevin, many of his tales also can be found in the upcoming book Dark Highways.

Marion or Mary quarters

This is an area in the Manor that houses the housekeeping demons and porters found throughout the afterlife institutions. A short story concerning the daily lives of a few members of this elite housekeeping service.

Raven’s Quarters

Having recently returned to the Manor after several months in the field; she has interacted with several patrons and donors of the Manor.  Her primary goal was to steer the living away from the Manor, and even visited other sites that would provide better accommodations for some of the living who have chosen to leave their lives at an inopportune time.  She has returned to the files, and as before, is clearing out the patients and their misfortunes as quickly as possible, for more guests are arriving each night.  My primary goal was to interact and interview potential guests as a means of convincing our patrons that the Manor provided specific services and that their financial contributions were indeed utilized to their fullest potential.  My personal primary goal was to seek out the competition and determine if perhaps our guests would be provided better accommodations for some of the living who might be erroneously placed in our care.

Simon’s Quarters Volume 1

This is an introduction to Simon, the current owner of the Manor and his son Aaron, a typical evening for the undead caregivers housed within a psychiatric hospital.

Simon’s Quarters Volume 3

This is the beginning of a tale of a meeting between Simon and Dena, and the delegation of responsibilities.  The main characters are Dena and Simon.  She has asked him to check in on one of their oldest inhabitants, someone he is familiar with due to his personal experience with the Moche.  Their choice of worship led a few of the sacrificed to the Manor.  One of the priests, finds himself linked to his victims, and is brought to the brink of madness each night.  This tale is continued as Room 337.

Simon’s Chambers Volume 6

This is an introduction to Kevin Knightshade who meets with Simon; Simon has a vision, with the following symbols.  Castle, guard forced to watch a young Simon, high-pitched tones a staircase, rusted chains, torture chamber
Slurgh’s domain

The Head Demon who oversees all of the Marions and Marians that work within all of the afterlife institutions. He acts as a liasion between the staff and the demons.

Banquet room

Dena meets with Louis, discusses his responsibilities.

Kitchen/Dining Hall

The demons revolt, causing the usual uproar.  This sets the staff on edge, Dena handles and after awhile, so does Simon.

Dining Hall

Slurgh offers new twist about the demonic investigation on meat market.

Lobby, First Floor Halls, Gardens

A plane crashes, bringing several guests to the manor. Volume 3 is where a majority of these tales can be found.

 

Knightshade Manor Grounds

Tags

Aaron, Darkness, Fiction, ghosts, goth, Knightshade, Knightshade Depot, Knightshade Manor, Raven Knightshade, Simon, Slurgh, Spirits, supernatural

This is the summary of the tales you will find in the upcoming book Knightshade Manor.  This is the directory with little tastes of the tales and the characters you will encounter once you leave this world and decide to take up residence in the afterlife institution Knightshade Manor, a psychiatric hospital for the dead disguised as a turn of the century mansion functioning as a bed and breakfast.

Staff members

Manor Grounds: Aaron’s Pond

Aaron hosts a garden party with variant guests from various afterlife institutions, and while standing with his cousin, he sees a beautiful guest.

Manor Grounds: Coniferous Forest

Is a place where children and animals live and play.  Ariel and Dr. Geoffrey oversee Forest maintenance and occupant activities.  Ariel was a schoolteacher who upon death became a Banshee at the Manor and became responsible for leading wayfaring travelers through the forest to the Manor.  Dr. Geoffrey was an M.D. who was unable to save Ariel’s life nor the lives of several children within the isolated colonial town situated in the Midwest.

Bungalow 9

Jeffery is a young boy who was one of a set of twin boys aged 8, and a victim of the plane crash, which brings Marie and Claire to the Manor.  A set of Siamese twins, the two women had counseled several children at the Manor, preparing them for return to life, or transition to Kerringer’s Castle, a heaven for children.

Manor Grounds: Serendipity Pond

Sam was always afraid of the water, he never wanted to be near that water.  His brothers always teased him about it, and would often throw him into the pond in the backfield.  They thought it was hilarious.  Until the one day, he was grabbed by something under the surface, the boys watched as he shot above the surface screamed once, and was pulled underneath, a fountain of red splashed into the air.

Manor Grounds – Knightshade Depot

Jessica finds herself stationed behind the reservation counter of a train station that appeared as the result of a phenomenal train wreck which involved an automobile and a locomotive on it’s daily route between Los Angeles and San Diego, California.  As with all major disasters, the less morose and lively looking staff members are pulled to the front to handle the newly arrived guests.  Caroline Knightshade has arrived to the Manor, she has taken over as the administration at the Manor due to Simon’s departure to locate his father Octavius, it is her first day working within the Manor.

Manor Grounds: Desert Sands

Elixir of life

The revenge of a small village that was encountered Mr. Smith, who had installed a water drainage system…drawing their water from their village, the women of the village gather around him and the means of which the company appeases the locals.

Netherworld wanderings

Mike found himself walking in a barren landscape, the oranges and yellows formed a haze blinding him.  His throat was dry, more dry than he had ever remembered it being.  The dunes formed before him as he reached the top of one, another formed.  In the arid desert time stands still.

Manor Grounds: Serendipity Pond

Tags

Accident, afterlife, Afterlife Institutions, Cold, Darkness, death, demons, Knightshade Manor, Serendipity Pond

Sam was always afraid of the water, he never wanted to be near that water. His brothers always teased him about it, and would often throw him into the pond in the backfield. They thought it was hilarious. Until the one day, he was grabbed by something under the surface, the boys watched as he shot above the surface screamed once, and was pulled underneath, a fountain of red splashed into the air.

Serendipity Pond

Sam had been playing in the field taking care not to be visible to his brothers or the pond.

He had his favorite action figure and was engrossed in a game of “spy.” Amongst the weeds, which when he was sitting down made him invisible to the world. He was observed by three demons that were variant in form but all had the same appetite. The delivery truck had not come by for a week and their stores were low. (For reference please read Volume 2 Room 315 for reference to the roadside demons that killed mortals for meals…apparently the three in this field were delivery customers). The eldest brother, who resided in the pond, was all tentacles and preferred the image of a giant squid had begun to emit a low moan that could be heard, throughout the countryside, which worried the brothers. They did not need to be exorcised out of their new home; they had searched far for their ideal residence. The youngest brother was of the air, he was capable of becoming any air elemental imaginable. He preferred the butterfly today.

The middle brother was of the earth, and was able to flow through the soil, plants, and stones that maintained contact with the earth.

As Sam played with his favorite possession, he felt a butterfly dip past his ear; he brushed his hand at it to make it go away. The butterfly had the urge to bite him, but unable to do so dipped towards his face. Startled Sam pulled back, and sucked in his breath. Then he saw how beautiful the blue and black pattern in the shape of eyes flickered on its wings. Losing interest in his previous game, he began to follow the butterfly, if he could catch it, he could bring it to show his mother. The butterfly staying just out of his grasp flew a zigzag pattern right to the edge of the pond.

At the same time, the middle demonic brother had located Sam’s older brothers, and he whispered in the grass, “Sam’s afraid of the water, Sam’s afraid of the water.” With this taunt in his ears, his eldest brother stood up and looked around the field, he could see Sam rapidly walking through the grasses towards the pond. His brother stopped and stood up as well. He had heard the whisper too. Both boys began to stealthily creep through the weeds towards their unsuspecting brother. Smiles formed on their faces, as the image of him flailing at the water’s surface flashed through their imaginations. It was a few minutes that passed as they trekked softly through the grass all weaving their way to the pond.

“Gotcha” the eldest yelled as he tackled Sam.

“No” he yelped but it was too late.

He saw the pond out of the corner of his eye. He felt himself lifted into the air. And the coldness of the water embraces him. Then he felt the scrap of coarse marine skin wrap around his leg. He kicked to the surface, but was unable to fight off the beast that sought to dine on him. The soft press of the slippery skin, the pinching of his arms and legs from the tentacle suckers, and finally the noxious smell of the demons’ breath as he was pulled in head first into it’s gaping maw, the sensation of piercing as the teeth sank into his neck, severing his head from his body. He was still conscious but was not longer able to scream, visions of the inside of the beasts mouth and esophagus were his last visions.

Through the thickness of the skin, he could hear his brothers scream through the crimson waters above him. The boys upon the shore were screaming and crying; confused as to what they were to do. Through all of the activity, they were unaware that the other two demons had transformed into their true forms, and salivating as they stood on the edge of the pond, watching the aqueous display. Unfortunately for the boys, they were invisible. With an easy gait both demons, walked behind the boys leaning towards the water and screaming, and shoved them both into the water. Knowing full well, that their eldest brother was satiated, he would drown the two boys, and hold them with his tentacles. The demons grinned, dove into the water, and began to feed.

As they finished, Sam’s mother was calling across the yard.

“Boys it’s getting dark, time to come inside.”

The two younger demons strode forth from the water. Taking on the illusion of the two boys they had just eaten; walked towards the house. Across the surface of the pond a tentacle swept through the water, mixing the blood with the water and sediment on the bottom. The moon shone down upon the smooth brown surface.

The above was written in the third person, because the boy’s remains were so completely dissolved that the only reference we have is from the viewpoint of one of their killers. The airborne demon was caught in the investigation of the flesh eating demons ring. He confessed to the above as well as several others. Being the youngest he was the most susceptible to torture. Because they died so violently the spirits have not yet arrived to the Manor, it is believed that are still wandering on the earthly plane. On a side note, perhaps they can warn others to avoid that field. For though we have in custody the youngest, the two older brothers are still at large.

Alfred Knightshade: An Introduction

Tags

Alfred, Caroline, Fiction, horror, hospital, Introduction, Justin, Knightshade, Knightshade Manor, medical, paranormal, Raven Knightshade, Simon

He is cousin to Aaron, Jessica, Raven and the others at Knightshade Manor.  His mother is Caroline.  His uncle is Simon.  No one speaks of his father, for it throws Simon into a rage.  A product of his wife’s infidelity. Thus, no one speaks of him.

During his lifetime, he was an accomplished renaissance man who studied art, music, science and various academic pursuits.  Quite found of Salisbury Town, he can often be found within its multitude of art galleries. His role as general manager of the hospital is one that he adheres to slightly.  His interests lie in other directions hence leaving Jonathan Carter more or less in charge.

 A headstrong man, overweight smells of expensive cologne with a faint hint of sweat and cognac.  A purveyor of the fine things, his brown eyes surveying the room of which he had recently entered.  His skin ruddy from his life of excess.  His brown hair finely trimmed with a purposeful dishevelment.

He tends to shift his weight from foot to foot as he stood.  When he was hosting an event or conducting a meeting, he gave the sense of a large beast about to pounce.  His aggressive personality required that he hold everyone in suspicion until they proved otherwise.

His deep baritone was music to one’s ears.  He preferred to whisper to his family and friends when dealing with staff his voice could be heard throughout the corridors.

He is sexy, regardless of his weight.  He finds lovers easily, though his appetites were voracious.  He rarely pursued anyone for any significant length of time.  He has a crush on Aaron and Raven.  The three of them were inseparable.  They attended many events together, like in the tale Serendipity Pond in Knightshade Manor Book I.

He had been a doctor in life, and had conducted several procedures while deeply intoxicated.  The inevitable joke “what happened to my watch,” joke is attributed to an actual mistake Alfred had made.

His mother Caroline Browning was the heir to the hospital, she deeply trusted her son’s expertise, as he is the love child of Caroline and her brother-in-law, Justin; Alfred he had never been accepted by Simon, hence he avoided going to Knightshade Manor.

Alfred adores his mother, and loves working in the environment of which he is accustomed.  Often, he once again operated on those patients that he had killed while that patient came to terms with their death.  He experiences no remorse as he went through the actions that led up to the deaths of his patients.  Part of the reason he stills works as a surgeon.  His role as manager of the hospital requires a frequent interaction with administration from the various afterlife institutions.

Within Kerringer Castle, Alfred worked with Marina Kerringer when a pediatric patient was ready for release from Browning Memorial Hospital to the afterlife playground Kerringer Castle, where all one’s childhood dreams come true.  The staff from Kerringer Castle would visit the Hospital to determine whether the children were ready to leave.  Ariel would take them through the forest and play games while introducing them to the other residents of Kerringer Castle. Claire and Marie would observe as their counselors to determine their transitions to another afterlife institution or return to the living.  The twins would accompany the children to the castle or to the world of the living to show them where they could spend their afterlife.

As per agreement with the afterlife institution, Knightshade Manor, the caregivers, Aaron, and Dena would periodically visit the Hospital to determine whether any of the patients would be checking into the Manor after they had healed from their injuries.

The agreement with Justice Hall were that anyone whose life consisted of supporting or breaking the law of the living would eventually reside in Justice Hall.  Alfred worked exclusively with Chief Justice Jarod in transporting criminals back and forth between their institutions as if a spirit imagined an injury, they would be sent to the hospital via ambulance and healed.  After which, they would be returned back to the prison.

Alfred spent much of his leisure time as a supporter of the Arts,  his favorite citizen was Claude.  He often purchased artwork from the local artists to display in the corridors of the hospital.

At the Abbey, Alfred worked with Sister Grace, although they have an agreed upon hatred.  He preferred to meet with Ocean, as she was more eclectic and fitting to his tastes.  He had an off and on again relationship with Ocean and her spiritual and hippy ways allowed for his infidelity and allowed for stability when he sought it.

Ariel

Tags

Ariel, Banshee, Fiction, goth, horror, Knightshade, Knightshade Manor

Banshee who resides within the caretakers cabin on the edge of the forest, it enables her to keep an eye on the creatures within the forest, as well as the temporary bungalows for the arriving children.  She spends part of her time at the Manor, and part of her time guiding souls through the fens of Northern Europe.  The animals that were killed before their time reside within the forest.  Ariel’s tales can be found in several of the Afterlife Institutions.  Knightshade Manor, Browning Memorial Hospital, Paranormal Palace, Dark Highways and Kerringer Castle.  Her blood red long hair frames her greenish pale skin as she shrieks to frighten those who do not belong in her forest.