Microhorror Writing Contest

Dear Brother,

I wish to unburden myself of a secret I have kept from you and our family for nigh on 60 years. I am ready to meet my Maker, and have no reason to lie.

It was the Autumn of 1812. Our family had just taken possession of fertile lands north of Peterborough. Father purchased the lands with the intent of subletting to tenant farmers and building a substantial family estate, what we now know as Rosewood Hall.

I was surveying our new holdings and came upon a small cottage. Weather worn, to be sure, but habitable. It had surely been standing for generations.

I confess I was filled with immense pride looking upon our family’s newest holding.

In the fields beyond the cottage a man arose from the Earth, but the soil did not disturb. He was a spectre. I could see his form, his clothes, his hair and long grey beard. As I saw him, I also saw through him. Through him I could see across the fields to the copse of trees along Rosewood Creek. 

He strode toward me, but his steps made no disturbance upon the ground. As he approached, he became less spectral and more animate. His steps crackled upon the frosted grass near me. I wanted desperately to run, but I was paralyzed by fear and wonder.

Alas, he stood close to me, more or less a fleshed being.

Eyeing me, he spoke, “Who art thou?”

I stuck out my chest, feigning authority, “I am Nathaniel Bannister, son of Henry Bannister, rightful owner of this land.”

“What right hast thou?” His breath was foul and loamy.

Said I, “We have a deed, conveyed just this week.”

“Thou ownest naught! Thou art but a steward. The land is ours.”

He motioned to draw my attention to the fields behind him. Dozens of other spectres had risen from the soil and stood facing me.

He continued, “We that have tilled the soil, reaped the harvest, lived and died upon this ground, we that lie buried here, do claim this land as ours. Take heed…deal kindly with the earth, lest misfortune visit thy house. And if thou shouldst be blessed and laid to rest here, know this… we shall be waiting and welcome thee heartily.”

He turned and walked toward the fields. As he walked, he returned to his spectral state. The field and trees again visible through him. He walked into the soil.

I declare that this encounter made such a mark upon my soul that I did as I was bade. I made sure our family was good to the land and the people that lived there.

Upon my death, which is surely not long now, I will be buried on that hallowed ground. Should you join me, I shall welcome you heartily.

Dear Brother, you may well think me mad, but by Almighty God, I swear the above testament is true. I am now and eternally…

Yours Faithfully,

Nathaniel