Cryptic Wars: The Creature

By Zachary C Sanford

About the Book
After graduation, a group of friends took off, no notes, no goodbyes. After almost a year away, Stanley, Reed, and Richard have returned home to eliminate the cryptid terrorizing their hometown in the forests of Appalachian Pennsylvania. Unknown to most in town, the three have been on national and international news under the pseudonym The Eagles, a mercenary crew dispatched across the globe. The Eagles now take this opportunity back home to grow their numbers and enter a new generation into the crew, using the cryptid as their first test.
About the Author
Zachary C Sanford is a high school social studies teacher. Outside of work, he loves to play video games, and has a particular fascination with mythology and cryptids. He and his wife live with their wonderful cat Milo.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Dec 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890276056

Book preview

Chapter 1

Collision Course

Nestled neatly in the contours of a valley within the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania lay the small town of Morganville. Even under the best of circumstances, it was relatively tiny, and the last week had been anything but ideal. Ten days ago, a phone call was made to the local police department reporting a massive creature in the skies above the town, and the calls have not stopped yet. Worse still, three days later, two people vanished, followed by an additional two only four days after. These were further punctuated with a final disappearance yesterday. In only ten days, the arrival of this creature had taken this quiet town and forced it into stunned silence. Families flocked to nearby communities hoping to protect their children, and individuals followed in a panicked mass exodus. Now only the diehards, foolhardy, or those without any other option remained, a miserable quarter of the town’s population.

Two of those that had refused to leave were Joshua Pride and Sebastian Price. They concluded that this whole situation was a hoax and that they could use it to get a leg up turkey hunting this year. So, the pair had set out early in the morning into the forests of Brown Hill, a popular hunting spot just north of town, in search of a big catch. However, the afternoon sun was quickly turning to twilight, and their time was now running out.

All day and not a single bird, Sebastian complained to break the silence that filled the air.

Listen, I thought we were guaranteed something, Joshua mused. This spot usually produces the best birds in the county, and no one else has touched it this year.

I get that, but I’m willing to bet that’s just because of how many people are usually here, they probably scare them into one another. Sebastian thought. Can we just get back to the truck? I don’t think I can take this disappointment any longer.

All right, all right, one more clearing, a few more calls, and we’ll head back to the truck. It’s only a couple hundred yards away anyways, promised Joshua.

Sebastian grabbed Joshua’s shoulder and laughed. You’ve got to stop living in your old football days. Man, nobody measures things in yards. Besides, you said that same thing before the last clearing. Let’s just head out now.

I’ve got a good feeling about this, though. Joshua shook the hand from his shoulder. How about this? I’ll sweeten the pot if we get a turkey in this next clearing, then you buy Bell’s tonight. If there isn’t, I’ll pay.

Now that’s a deal I can get behind. Sebastian smiled as he readjusted the strap for his Mossberg 500 shotgun he had slung over his shoulder. The pair quieted down as they approached the last circle in their pattern and got ready. Joshua slid his Remington 1100 off his back and chambered a shell before looking at Sebastian and giving him a quick nod. Once again, the silence of the forest was shattered, but this time by a turkey call. After a few seconds, they got the response they were looking for. Nearby, a large thicket began to shake violently for a few seconds.

Call it again, Joshua whispered, kneeling on the ground and bringing the Remington to his shoulder. Sebastian quickly followed orders and once again called for a turkey, answered promptly by the same thicket’s shaking. Slowing his breathing, Joshua aimed and fired into the thicket, bringing the vibration to an abrupt halt.

Standing, he quickly slung his shotgun back over his shoulder. He secured it as he backed toward the thicket smiling at Sebastian. See, I told you I’d get it. Looks like dinner’s on you, my friend.

Yeah, yeah, I get it. There’s no reason to gloat, Sebastian replied, stepping quickly to join his friend. Sebastian very promptly stopped in his tracks, and his eyes went wide while Joshua watched.

What are you— Joshua started as he spun around, stopping immediately when his eyes set upon the creature rising from the thicket. Standing in front of the pair was a tall grey humanoid about seven feet in height. Its body was sleek with few discernible features across it. Of those features, the most prominent were its eyes, massive saucers glowing softly in the darkening evening, accentuating their blood-red coloring. Below them were two vertical slits representing its nostrils, with a third horizontal slit below those stretching across most of its face. Protruding from its back were two massive wings covered in thick owl-like feathers, partially encasing its form.  

Sebastian was the first to act, shakily bringing his Mossberg forward and attempting to take aim. Sensing danger, the creature’s mouth twitched and then shot open, contorting its head to present a dinner plate-sized hole. From its diaphragm, the creature screeched, filling the air and terrifying both men. Sebastian instinctively dropped his gun and raised his hands to cover his ears, barely managing to stay standing. On the other hand, Joshua was forced to his knees, yelling in pain as he tried to block out the beast’s wailing. As the screeching came to an end, the creature stepped forward out of the underbrush. It opened its wingspan, transfixing its gaze into Joshua’s eyes. The opening of its wings revealed precious little beyond what they had already seen, two long legs ending in the feet and talons of a raptor, like a hawk or an eagle. On its upper body, an arm sprouted from either shoulder just in front of the wings. At the end of either arm was what appeared to be human hands, except instead of fingers, more raptor talons protruded from the skin. Finally, embedded in the beast’s chest were the birdshot pellets from the shotgun stuck, having not penetrated the beast’s hide.

Turning, Sebastian did the only sensible thing. He ran, getting a good fifteen feet before realizing that Joshua was not following. Looking back, Sebastian screamed, Joshua, it’s time to go! Still, he did not move. Even as he struggled, those red eyes kept him pinned, unmoving, as it took another step. Sebastian, in an act of desperation, pulled a shotgun shell from his belt and whipped it at the back of Joshua’s head, startling him awake. In a panic, Joshua rolled over and then scrambled to chase after Sebastian. The latter was already running straight through the brush and onto the footpath that led back to Joshua’s truck.

When Joshua had said they were close to the truck, he was not kidding at their top speeds sprinting through the trees. They managed the distance in just over thirty seconds. By the time the pair reached the truck, Sebastian was already in the driver’s seat, turning the key and bringing the red Ford Ranger to life. Looking back at the way they had come from, Joshua could no longer see the creature. Still, as he pulled himself into the passenger seat, he watched as it landed atop the oil tank just in front and to the left of them.

Floor it! Joshua screamed, albeit unnecessarily, as Sebastian was pressing so firmly onto it that he was afraid his foot might go through the floor. Speeding off down the old oil road was bumpy, but neither cared about a smooth ride. They were both so filled with adrenaline and terror that it was amazing they could remember their own names.

What was that thing? Sebastian questioned as they made it to Highland Avenue, the road that would take them down into Morganville.

I think we were wrong about the Creature being a hoax! Joshua wheezed as he opened the glove compartment.

You think!

Yeah, I think. Now keep your eyes on the road! Joshua continued to dig, throwing all the paperwork, hunting magazines, and miscellaneous items from his glove compartment onto the floor. Then he smiled.

Why are you smiling? Sebastian asked as he continued to speed down the curving road.

Because if anything is going to put that thing down, it’s this puppy, Joshua laughed as he held up a one-and-a-half-inch twelve-gauge slug.

Although I don’t think you’re going to get to use it. Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief, slowing down ever so slightly to better match the twist and turns of the road down into town.

You know that’s the type of statement that’s going to jinx us, right, Joshua stated, starting to lose the adrenaline high he was on. Before Sebastian could respond, though, a mass crashed into the roof of the truck. The force was so intense it shattered both door windows and the windshield, sending glass shards everywhere. Before they could even react, the beast’s talons dug their way through the roof of the cab. Then began to roll it, scraping and pulling the metal from the frame until it had a good grip before tearing in the direction of the passenger side. In one swift motion, it ripped the roof off of the truck like it was tissue paper. Accompanying the removal of the roof a screeching sound almost as horrible as the creature’s wail filled the air.

I had to open my big mouth, didn’t I, Sebastian whimpered, speeding up once again to the hopeful safety of town around the next bend. On the other hand, Joshua was busy loading his Remington with the slug, preparing for the worst, which quickly came true. Once again landing hard on the roof, this time onto the back frame of the cab, it shattered the rear window. Leaning forward, the beast opened its mouth to scream, but before it could, Joshua put the barrel up to the creature’s chest.

I’ve got you this time! Joshua yelled as he pulled the trigger. The confined gunshot nearly deafened him and Sebastian. Joshua also took the stock to the right side of his face as the bouncing truck mixed with recoil forced it off his shoulder, giving him a black eye and a minor concussion. It at least appeared as though the creature took the worst of it, though. The sparks from the muzzle flash caught its dry, leathery skin on fire wherever it hit, and the force of the slug forced it off balance, sending it tumbling backward. Its momentum carried it down into the truck bed, where it bounced and slammed into the tailgate. The force of that hit tore the tailgate from the truck, sending it and the creature skidding several hundred feet down the road as the truck limped its way into town.

Taking a left at the bottom of the hill onto Main Street and following it about half a mile before he killed the truck just in front of Bell’s Place, one of their local haunts. Both, out of breath and in shock, gradually worked their way out of the truck through the passenger side, as the driver’s side door was too smashed to open. Then slumped down against the side of the destroyed truck, staring at the entrance to the bar as patrons started pouring out to see what was going on.

What in the world? one asked, while he stared slack-jawed at the destroyed pickup truck in front of him.

Are you guys okay? another wondered, kneeling on the curb next to a very shellshocked Joshua and Sebastian.

What could have even done something like this? a third individual finally asked.

The creature, Joshua mumbled.

What creature? the woman kneeling next to them questioned.

Of Brown Hill, Sebastian managed, while struggling to point north toward where they had been hunting. The crowd was in shock, unsure what to do with the two men or the information that a beast with the power to tear apart a full-sized pickup truck was currently just outside of town. Murmurs and worried gasps filled the air as onlookers talked about how they had thought it was a hoax or just some kind of misidentification.

It’s right there! one woman cried as she scanned the ever slowly darkening skyline. Sure enough, when the rest of those outside looked up, they saw a massive creature flying over the forest just outside of town. Panic quickly began to take hold over the loose crowd of bargoers.

Everyone, look at me! a voice called from behind them. Standing directly under the neon sign with the bar’s name on it stood the owner, John. A six-foot-four mountain of a man with short wispy blond hair holding the keys to the bar. I know tonight has been more exciting than you were expecting, but it’s time you went home and saw your families!

But John, I haven’t paid my tab yet, one man whined. The crowd quickly nodding in agreement, not wanting to miss what was likely the most exciting event the town has seen in over a century.

I know that, John replied. But we need this place to be calm and orderly while we take care of our friends here. John pointed in the direction of Joshua and Sebastian—the pair now being assisted inside by two of the bartenders.

I didn’t even get to finish my drink, another complained.

John let out an exasperated sigh. You know what? If you get out of here right now, then your tab is covered, but when I say now, I mean now, not when you finish your drink, not after you get a to-go container, I mean now. The previously apprehensive crowd went from intrigued at the goings-on in the town to ecstatic about the idea of free drinks, quickly gathered their things, and dispersed into town.

John, what would you like us to do? one of the waitresses asked, sticking her head out the door.

Make sure all the patrons are out and start locking doors. I’m going to take the boys up to the hospital myself. Just make sure you and the others get home safely. Also, call the station. They need to know how bad things have gotten, John answered; the commanding tone he had used sending away his patrons was now gone, replaced by a more worried, morose one.

Will do, she promised before stepping back inside. John turned toward the truck and shook his head in frustration.

What are the odds the very topic of our conversation rears its ugly head during our meeting about it? a man questioned as he stepped next to John, a Bible clasped in his right hand. He was younger than John, about in his thirties, with short-cropped brown hair and standing an entire foot shorter with a stocky build.

Honestly, not as low as you would think, Father Gregory, John stated. This beast has overtaken the town. I think it’s time for my kids and me to take a trip away from here. Every night is a new sighting or another disappearance.

I see why the town’s typical priest was so concerned; I had thought that maybe he was exaggerating the problems. But it appears that he was somehow underselling it, Gregory responded as he placed his hand on the still-warm hood of the truck.

Everyone is in a panic, and we aren’t sure what to do, John admitted. I hate to say it, but I don’t think you’ll be able to change that. Honestly, I still don’t quite understand why you are even here. Until that thing is gone, there is going to be no salvaging this situation.

I fear you may be correct, but it is worth a shot. Either way, the bishop sent me here to simply relieve Father Jensen at the church. Still, I do not think I’ll have a congregation long enough to lift anyone’s spirits, the priest agreed.

Well, I at least appreciate the honesty; most people would have come here claiming they had a solution with or without one.

It may seem dire now, but keep your spirits up, John. Someone will come up with a fix to this even if it is not you or I.

John turned toward the priest, looking to begin brainstorming ideas when he caught a glimpse of a figure immersed in shadow in the doorway. Hey, I thought I told you all to leave! he bellowed once again in the commanding tone he had earlier. Then the figure stepped forward into the light. He was young, only nineteen going on twenty, with a slim build, only about five-ten, with curly black hair and a decent amount of muscle. The man facing John looked precisely as he had remembered him except for one key feature: a scar now ran from his hairline down the right side of his face in a straight line. It skipped over the eye socket, continued along the cheek, met perpendicular with his mouth, and finally ended at his chin.

Stanley? John whimpered more than asked.

You look like you’ve seen a ghost, the priest stated, looking back and forth between John and this new individual, Stanley Graham.

I’m sure he thinks he has. Stanley smiled. It’s good to see you, man. Stanley reached out and shook John’s hand.

I feared the worst, John admitted as he tried to regain his composure. When Reed stopped in earlier today and never mentioned you, I thought he might be the only one that made it back from your little adventure.

Glad to hear he made it back safe as well. We took different flights back to the States, so I wasn’t sure if he beat me back here, Stanley replied as he looked at his watch. Listen, I need to get going. I still want to head over and see my parents and Kevin before I crash at Richard’s. Paid off everyone’s tabs as well, don’t want you missing out for being a good guy. If you need anything, call me. I’ll see you later, okay? Stanley stepped past the priest and across the road to a black Ford Mustang sitting across the street.

How much of our conversation did you hear? John called, now entirely in control of his faculties again.

Enough. Stanley chuckled. The guys and I will see what we can do. Oh, and Gregory, was it? I hope you have a great time here. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again. He then slipped into the Mustang and turned the key, filling the quiet night with the sounds of the muscle car.

Is he going to be a problem? Gregory questioned.

Actually, I think him and his friends might just be the solution, John answered.

John had a better idea than anyone else in town had about just how true that statement was. Last June, he drove Stanley Graham and Reed Delano to Pittsburgh to board a one-way flight to somewhere they would not tell him. He had only the simplest concepts of what they were doing from their self-proclaimed tech guy Richard Etkin, who stayed in Morganville. All he knew for sure was that it was only a matter of time with that trio back together. This group that called themselves the Eagles were on a collision course with whatever this Creature of Brown Hill was.

Chapter 2

The Prodigal Sons Return

Stanley, for the first time in just under a year, was on his way to his family home in Garland, about fifteen minutes west of Morganville. This was the drive he had grown accustomed to growing up, the winding road perched on the forested hillsides overlooking the Brokenstraw Creek that winded back toward the Alleghany River below. There was a sense of serenity, and a peacefulness that had always been able to lessen his nerves and put things into perspective, but sometimes nothing can overcome the dread and worry that has built up within a person. That’s how Stanley felt today; he had seen combat both literal and metaphorical in the last year, but nothing could calm his mind about seeing his family again.

After graduation, he and Reed had gathered some of their belongings, set their partner Richard up with the equipment he needed, and then bolted, only telling a mutual family friend, John, about their plans just in case they did not make it back. The pair had sent postcards and letters to their family so as to put them at ease, but most were lies, and with a refusal to answer calls or give any real suggestion of what they were doing, Stanley knew his parents were going to be furious. The only thing that kept his spirits and hopes from completely shattering was seeing his brother again. Kevin was only eighteen months younger than Stanley, so the pair had been incredibly close, and not being there for him was by far the worst thing Stanley had done, in his mind, running off as he did.

Tonight, though, was not the night for reconciliation he thought; tonight he was going to assure his parents he was alive and well, see his brother, and then book it back to Richard’s where he knew his two partners would be waiting. Those were easy goals to plan for, but they only really set in as Stanley pulled into the family’s circle driveway in front of their barn. He had expected some change, something to be different than how he left it, but as things often felt in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania, it was exactly as he had left it. The A-frame wooden barn with a garage jutting out of the front toward