Maego's Curse

By Hurstel Edward Begley esq.

Ed is a janitor at a grocery store in southern Ohio & a former professional fighter a descended from a Cheshire blue blooded family. After several similar dreams he goes to see his friend Pat a fortune teller, to help translate or give meaning to them. After leaving her he is attacked by a creature, which he manages to fight off; after He is found the next morning by a Lawyer Mr. Mascy, who informs him his great uncle had passed away leaving him a manor house that was brought from England to Kentucky. He soon realizes the attack left him with more than a wound & a family curse stretching back to the MiddleAges.
As he transcends into darkness his eyes open to the ghostly world & he must learn to battle a pack of mastiffs called Maegos & try to beat the clock for a cure, before time runs out & he must embrace the pack. Along the way he discovers the mythical world is real & he meets a strange new family & friends who appear to help. Maegos Curse is based on the arthors family tree & his own lifes experiences supernatural & otherwise

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 11, 2010
• ISBN: 9781609845025

Book preview

Maego’s Curse

By

Hurstel Edward Begley esq.

A family saga of horror dipped in blood

Maegos curse first copyright 2003 and December 20 2007 Tau 3-346-320 library of congress

Art work by Rod Ackerman.

eBook edition 2011 ISBN 9781609845025

A word from the author

Most of this story is based on true events; I will not elaborate on what is fact or what is fiction, for this I allow you the reader to interpret and judge; as with beauty truth is in the eye of the beholder and what they perceive to be the truth. I warn you this story is intense and will challenge your perception of that very nature of truth; you may ask why? Because most of what you read you will believe is not true; the scary thing is this… that one part you write off as a figment of my dark mind unfortunately and most likely is true.

‘’Oh that I were a dog, so that I might not call no man my brother.’’

Epitaph of General Charles Lee revolutionary war veteran

Maego’s Curse

Death is the grim specter with his cold scythe in hand, always smiling his bleached tooth grin at us. Our day is appointed our blind date with death we are all guaranteed. We all unfortunately, shall taste his cruel kiss, the particular brush of bitter cold lips, which leave us full of lost dreams & loves.  There is no escape and one family in particular he seems to crave their bloodline.  This unfortunate family's name is Bayguley, and they have been craved, by the untimely reaper since the darkest of times. Their blue blood is savored by the very ground they walk upon & their grave dust is a seasoning for the dark harvester. Can one really alter their fate? Can one put off the appointed day? Death is easy but being forced to live & see the demise of your entire line well that might be a curse; especially if you crave them. This is the story of the cursed Bayguley family from present to past.

 Ed is the newest in the line of this ancient cycle, stretching back to the middle ages. Some believe if the truth be known to Cain, the brother of Able, who received the mark or the curse for his sin of murdering his own brother in a fit of jealousy. Ed was an interesting fellow, He had been trained as a professional fighter and because of that he had a roughness to him.  A roughness that was rounded off by the shy smile that graced his face, but however this was deceived by the clouds in his eyes. This man had seen his share of pain and as well as happiness. Not to say that he was a depressing fellow, but more like a gentle tiger, a stalking shadow, that would never dream of violence, but would bite if attacked. Curling, around his face, and his head was his pride and joy.  The length of his hair that could put most grown women’s to shame. Few men could pull off that hairstyle. However, the hair seemed to suit him and without it, his whole personality would clash.   He would just not be Ed that everyone knew and loved. His body spoke of his training, which not too many men would challenge him.  A couple of left hooks to the face can back off even the most sassy of lot that he worked with.  He was renowned for being trained by a former junior welter weight champ Aaron Pryor and he also enjoyed his other love, creating music. His song was released in a horror movie, and it was one of the many reasons why his eyes twinkled.  Not too many people could say that the man did not have talent.  Also the few that did think that, kept it to themselves. He carved out a living in southwest Ohio, as a janitor, at the local grocery store. He believed working there is a mixed blessing, because it kept him hungry.  Also, if an opportunity happens to arise for his beloved band Tattoo Billy, then there is no fear of dropping the job, throwing up caution to the wind, and running out the door if something remotely decent would arise. Ed was leaving his job, and the moody unpredictable Ohio weather had a gloomy feeling, like a New England autumn. The day was about to turn to dusk, the sun was starting its escape and the moon was about to begin its nightly reign, taking its rightful place in the sky. Walking through the automatic door, Ed was greeted with a cold wicked breeze that blew crisp dry leaves into his long silky hair. Ohio had unpredictable weather, which is what Ed despised about this state. One moment, it could be hotter than the pits of hell and the next day Ed could awake to find snow on the ground. Rain could fall on one house & then completely miss the next house. Even the weather here, felt like fate had a hand in its doing & nothing seemed to be left to chance. Just yesterday, Ed was debating on wearing shorts and now he was glad that he had brought a light jacket. The weather was as fickle as most of the women he had dated.  Wanting one thing yet was never satisfied. That was the story of his life. Believing he was constantly crapped on not only by society, but his own fellow human beings who always were` hurting him.  He had been around the block and he grew up having to defend himself in one of Hamilton’s not so popular neighbor hoods the knob. He was not all brawn & was considered almost a prince among thieves respected for his chivalric behavior in all things & the ruddy faced little knobers where always looking to him to lead their territory battles & be the champion for the neighborhoods honor. The one on one conflict was crucial for the neighborhoods reputation; it pitted the toughest guys of both hoods against one another. Some of these fights became near mythical when there prelude was rambled out of the alcohol tainted breath, of those who witnessed or was involved in the deeds. Even as a teenager he remembered over hearing another boy described to his friend how big & tuff Ed Bayguley was….he is six feet 2 inches tall. Men were always surprised before a fight with him, in almost shock would say ‘this can’t be Ed Bayguley.’’By the end of the fight men knew it was him & knew better to challenge him next time. Ed not only Boxed but wrestled eight years & was an athlete since seven years of age. When he boxed he represented his second home Winton terrace projects, he was the only white fighter in the area and so you might say he had guts. Lately his greatest opponent has been in the dream world & a reoccurring one at that. His best friend was Pat. She was a teller or better known as a fortune teller or a reader of palms. On the exterior he tried to show no belief in such things, for he was a simple straight forward man. However, deep down inside his cracked soul he knew. He knew that something was wrong. Ed believed in her, and knew she could help him. Maybe, he pondered in his mind's eye, she could give a meaning to his dream. If anything she could give a basic interpretation of the dream. At this point in time, Ed was getting serious, which was rare for him.

When he started to doubt his own sanity about the world around him that meant it was time to call in the Calvary. Ed pulled into the isolated parking lot where Pat worked her craft. The only thing around was a corn field on the right, which opened up to rolling hills and trees that encompassed everywhere else.  There was a lone gypsy wagon that stood frighteningly on the blacktop parking lot. The sunlight was coveted away by the night who finally claimed her prize. Ed knew that he would not be home until the middle of the night, but this was the only time Pat would work her voodoo.  Creepy fortune tellers always had to have the atmosphere of moodiness around them. Ed knew that this was only for effect, yet at this point in time it made no difference to him as long as he could obtain an answer. Ed parked his car and walked into the wagon's door and was greeted by the familiar sound of ringing bells.  Inside the caverns that held the wagon, the wind picked up blowing foliage and small limbs across the window. Hey Pat, are you decent? he called into the depths of the room. He coughed slightly to himself, as a polite man would.Yeah, I’m as decent as a wicked witch can be! Pat's voice responded with a fake laugh, and topped off with an equally forced witch's cackle. Ed walked into the backroom doorway that was covered by beads.  So how's business, Pat?It's a boon Bagel, with all saints day around the corner," she responded in her naisily tone. No matter what time of year it was, Pat always seemed to have a slight cold. Pat sat around a small round table with a crystal ball sitting in the center.  She said she did this mostly for the tourists, but the feeling she gave off in the air was awe inspiring.  She completely mastered the role in which she was playing. Not only did Ed firmly believe, that she was a witch he hoped and prayed she was one. She was the real deal that is she was beautiful. Beautiful, yet there was a fragileness to her that seemed to draw Ed towards her. Always she had been his friend, yet there was a connection that spanned words.  She, in his mind was delicate, mysterious, and completely out of reach. Her hair was as dark as a Nefelheims heart and her skin was as pale as the whitest alabaster.  She moved with the grace that few on this earth could ever hope to achieve.

Her movements were almost like whispers, soft spoken words that lovers tell each other in the middle of the night & in some cases regret with the rising of dawn. Each flutter of her long eye lashes, or a casual brush of a wayward strand of hair, seemed to put the grandest ballet dancer to shame. He could not help but feel the flush in his cheeks, as he knew he was staring, for after all he may be a gentle tiger, but he was still a man even though it was awhile since he had known the pleasure of it. She sat by the table in a black dress, with sable lipstick and asked for him to sit down.   She seemed to be laughing at him.  Giggling at some unseen joke, which caused him to feel shame for being there.

How can I assist you, Edward? Her voice in Ed's mind almost seemed to purr at him in a teasing way. Ha, ha very funny, Ed responded.Funny, you can't help me with all your hocus pocus any way.He turned to leave feeling insulted by her joking manner to his dream problem.

 How can she make jokes, when he needed her help?  Ed was not by any means a ladies’ man, however not to say he was an unattractive man.  He just did not understand women and their ways.  So he never noticed the twinkle in Pat's eye when she looked upon him.  He never realized that she joked with him and him alone, never daring to show anyone else her human side. No, Ed was as ignorant as a lumpy rock found in a pond, swimming with attractive women. Perhaps this is why he did not notice the sharp look of shock when she realized she had slapped at his pride.  Maybe, because he relied on her so much, that her joking manner put him off guard.  Nor would he realize that slight glow in her cheeks was from looking at him and him alone. So when she finally realized that he had come to her with a problem and yes, it was indeed a big problem, her face completely changed From the dull look of someone who just wanted to make a quick buck with a couple of palm readings, suddenly became that of a serious spooky look. Ed knew that she now was meaning business and he better curb his attitude right away. It was time to put up or shut up. She was the only one who could help him. She turned herself around in her chair and faced him .Ed sucked in his breath, taken aback by his feelings.Wait, Ed I'm sorry about all this, I was trying to make you feel comfortable, Pat responded. No, Pat I'm sorry, I haven't had much sleep since my dreams and it's made me an incredible butt head.Well, tell me about them, Pat responded in a curious almost anxious voice, since this was the first time he had confided in her, in their ten year friendship.  Ed looked at her in amazement, at her over anxious manner.Look Pat, what I tell you is between us right? Pat cocked her head sideways amazed that he would think she would break his trust, and responded in mere seconds.Oh yeah Ed, like a priest in confession and don't leave any detail out, because it is vital in your dreams interpretation.  Pat responded, so Ed did not think she was being nosey.Well, Ed began somewhat reluctantly to open up, but with a slight pause, and with a deep breath, he began again. Well, I'm climbing up a huge Oak tree, and as I go I look from left to right and see people. It seems they are oblivious to my presence and converse with one another.  The further I climb the older the clothing becomes on the people, Interesting! Pat responded. Ed cleared his throat, and began again. I climbed into the clouds and I look up into the crest of the tree, and I can see a Lone Knight, with a yellow shield and three blue diamond’s The Knight actually paces back and forth, somewhat like a guard. On his helmet there is a Ram's head.  The Ram's head was colored blue and yellow like a ribbon forming a lozenge shape.I started climbing up to him, and noticed other Knight's spread out and standing on other branches of the tree. The blazon on their shields were similar but were contrast in colors, some being inverted, compared to the Knight on the crest of the tree. The Knight's on the right side of the tree seemed to stand in the light of the sun, and the Knight's on the left branches were in the dark shade of the tree. The light seemingly blocked by those on the right."

Can you draw them?Pat asked.I guess so, if you want, he responded.

I do want.  Pat said handing him pen and paper. Ed began drawing, and finished the dreams description. I continued climbing and upon reaching the Knight at the top, he turned to face me, and then at that moment the Ram's head became animated.  The head began twisting and moving on his helmet, then soon it began to speak in a shaky vibrato, like a sheep's voice. The voice said, beware of this tree, for it is ancient and most of the branches are rotted from worms that have died of treachery!  The voice was so loud that I stepped back, at that moment and suddenly I heard a crack or breaking sound.   Then I felt the sensation of falling.  Ed looked left and right, anywhere but at Pat, and then finally got up the nerve to ask if she understood him.Well, give me a few days! It just doesn't come to me that fast, I need a chance to reflect and even look up the meanings in my books.  Are you all right with that?She responded with her head tilted sideways. Ed wanted to retort impatiently, wanting an answer immediately, but he did not want to be rude and responded in a patient demure voice.Yeah, well thank you very much for your help. I've got to head home now, so I'll catch you later.Don't worry about it Ed, I'll figure it out."Pat responded.’’

 Ed looked out the window to see a huge blood harvest moon, which seemed to cover the sky. Pat's voice interrupted his dream like state.The harvest moon,’’ this is a ancient symbol of death of the old and the birth of new things to come.Yeah.Well, I have to go. I will talk to you later, Pat.See you later!   She responded as he walked out the door, with the bells ringing behind him. Outside, the night became cooler and it felt like snow or rain was blowing in the wind. The wind bit as it sporadically hit Ed's face.  Walking towards, the car Ed heard a rustling sound in the trees. The noise was like the sound of someone walking on dead leaves.  Ed's heart began to beat faster, as two glowing eye's appeared.  Ed stopped and looked, and a lonesome feeling came upon him.  In his head he began to debate whether or not running back to the wagon was a good idea then suddenly a coyote leaped out of the blackness.  The coyote lifted his nose into the air and sniffed, and let out a yelp as it jumped back into the tree line. Ed sighed, Man, I hate those scavengers!He fumbled for his keys in his pocket, and suddenly pulled his hand out with a yell. Damned pen!  The pen was a silver pennant with the emblem of St. George's badge.  It was a good luck charm from his father.  Ed took his finger he had pricked and put the bleeding end in his mouth as he got into his car.  Now the day was officially crappy.   That was just the last dump on his toilet of happiness.

He pulled out of the parking lot as the wind howled against the car.  During the drive, he turned his wipers on, as the rain began to patter more sporadically. Ohio weather was just a wonderful thing, any second the rain could turn to snow.  The snow could melt in the next hour because of the massive heat wave that would follow by another blizzard.

Within minutes he was home, greeted by the familiar sound of gravel under his tires. The wind seemed to pick up strength and a large branch blew off a tree. The limb fell in front of his car, causing him to come to an abrupt stop, which then caused his tires to slide a little, before stopping. Putting the car into park, he grabbed the keys from the ignition and got out into the howling wind.  Ed started lifting the branch from the driveway. Then in the darkness of the trees two glowing red eyes seemed to burn from the blackness of the surrounding tree line.Probably another animal, Ed thought as he heaved the branch out of his way, and got back into the car. Ed drove another minute and pulled in front of his house, but the eyes kept pace with the car.

 Getting out with his keys in hand, he noticed the red eyes again.   They stared from the trees by his