Salem Rising Vol 2

As Jacob and Jonah entered the town, they noticed something was off about the atmosphere. Townspeople were whispering to each other and discretely pointing at folks that hadn’t been in town long as if they were trying to solve some sort of mystery. Jonah looked over at Jacob with an expression that voiced how strange he thought people were acting.

Folks seem a little more on edge than usual to you?

Everything strange that happens in this town gets blamed on the newcomers. I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions.

Jonah shrugged his shoulders as they continued to ride toward the General Store. Jacob kept staring suggestively at all the women in town; even the ones walking with their husbands or fathers. This was making all the men agitated, causing some to place their hand on the gun at their hip to emphasize their irritation. As they passed by one such group, Jacob let his gaze linger a little too long on Emilia, the fiancé of one of the local hunters, Sam. Seeing this, Sam started making his way towards Jacob with a look of territorial rage in his eyes.

You’ve got a lot of nerve looking at my woman like that. You know she’s with me and you still look at her as some kind of whore in a saloon?

Jacob smiled as he turned his attention to Sam.

I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. What were you saying?

Jonah’s eyes got wide as he looked at his brother in shock. Sam had his fists clenched and looked like he was about to swing.

You know what I said, Jacob! Don’t play games with me!

All the commotion had started to raise the attention of the townspeople as they began to gather around. Everyone loved a good fight in a little town like this. One of Sam’s friends and hunting buddies Peter began to flank Jacob and Jonah. Jacob glanced over at Emilia and then turned his attention back to Sam.

I’m sorry Sam; Emilia seems so unsatisfied at times. I felt pity for her and wished there was something I could do.

Sam lunged at him to yank him down off his horse but Jacob kicked him in the chest causing Sam to stumble back. Jacob got down off his horse and circled him like a predator looking at prey before starting to laugh because he loved the reaction he was getting.

Temper, temper Sam. You should really learn to control your emotions better.

Sam rushed in toward Jacob for a second attack. Jonah had seen enough of the display, so he tried to stop the fight.

That’s enough you two!

Before Jonah could get to them Peter slammed into him and sent him crashing to the ground. It caused enough of a distraction though that it did halt Sam’s progress as he stopped short to avoid Jonah. Jacob turned toward Peter with an icy stare.

Taking cheap shots, are we?

Peter turned to look at Jacob and as he did, he was instantly paralyzed with fear as he met his gaze. He wet himself as urine started running down his leg and into the dirt. Sam took the opportunity to strike Jacob while his attention was turned. Jacob grabbed Sam’s wrist in mid-swing without even looking at him. He looked past Sam to see the Sheriff making his way through the crowd.

Move aside, move aside.

Sam was too enraged to notice as he tried to pull away from Jacob’s grasp while trying to swing with his other fist. Doing this caused Sam to be off-balanced which Jacob sensed, so as Sam jerked away Jacob let him go and sent him stumbling back into the Sheriff. The Sheriff grabbed Sam and spun him around.

What in the hell is going on here? As if I don’t have enough to deal with right now without you two fighting in the middle of town.

Sam looked shocked at the accusation that the fight was somehow his fault.

But Sheriff, Jacob was the one that started it. He was staring at my fiancé like some harlot. I was defending her honor. Besides, how do we know he’s not the one that committed the murder? With the way he’s been acting today it wouldn’t surprise me if he had something to do with it.

Everyone in the crowd gasped in shock when Sam implicated Jacob. The Sheriff grabbed Sam and abruptly pulled him in close.

Are you fucking crazy? Accusing a man of murder to win a dispute. I’ve known Jacob’s family for as long as I’ve lived in this town and that boy has never shown any signs of being capable of doing what this monster did. Being a jackass doesn’t make him a murderer.

The Sheriff pushed Sam away with a frustrated look on his face.

Now take Emilia and get out of here. You’ve stirred up enough trouble for one day.

Sam shook his head as he turned and walked towards Emilia and Peter. Sam glared at Jacob the entire time as they walked away. The Sheriff approached Jacob and Jonah.

Is there any truth to what he was saying, boys?

Jacob smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

I’ll admit I was admiring the ladies and I might have allowed myself to look a little longer than I should’ve at Emilia, but I meant no harm. Sam is a lucky man.

The Sheriff shook his head and laughed a little because he knew by Jacob’s answer that he was full of it. The Sheriff and Sam’s conversation had Jonah worried though, so he had to ask.

What did he mean? What murder?

The Sheriff turned his attention toward Jonah.

I’m surprised you haven’t heard; the whole town is abuzz with the news. A patrol found the body this morning in the forest, right outside of town. She was tied to a tree with her throat slit.

Jonah felt nauseous and looked like he was about to throw up. The Sheriff nodded his head in sympathy.

I had the same reaction when I saw the body. I don’t know who could have done such a thing, but we’ll find the bastard, you can be sure of that.

He looked over at Jacob and sighed.

Since the question was raised, where were you last night if you don’t mind me asking?

We were both at our cabin most of the night, except for a short time when Jonah and I took Mary and Sarah home.

The Sheriff nodded his head.

Well, you two do what you came to do and head home. We don’t need any more trouble in town today.

Jacob and Jonah both agreed. The Sheriff turned to walk away and deal with the crowd that was still lingering.

Alright, nothing to see here. Move along.

As the Sheriff ushered the crowd along Jacob continued to walk towards the shop, but Jonah kept looking at him as they walked like something wasn’t sitting right with him. He shook his head because he figured that the news of the murder must be getting to him, so he sighed and continued on.

That night Jacob, Jonah, and Isaac were sitting around the table eating dinner. Jonah kept looking across the table at Jacob wondering what made him act the way he did in town. Whenever Jonah looked back down at his plate Jacob smiled, because he knew why Jonah kept looking at him. Isaac watched the both of them until he couldn’t take the suspense any longer.

Alright, what’s going on? You guys haven’t said a word since you got back and you both are acting strange.

Jonah looked over at Isaac.

When we were in town today, we found out that there was a murder the other night in the woods outside of town. They found one of the girls from the saloon, tied to a tree with her throat cut.

Isaac’s interest was piqued, but he showed definite concern.

What!? Did they say who did it?

No. But what’s even more disturbing is that I had a vision of it the other night. A demon was sacrificing her to his dark lord, Melphisto I think.

Jacob laughed which drew the attention of Jonah and Isaac as they looked in his direction. Jonah was a little offended at his brother's lack of concern for what he felt to be a serious matter.

What’s so funny?

Melphisto? Funny name for a demon lord. Sounds like a traveling minstrel.

Jacob laughed some more and shook his head in amusement. Jonah sighed because he could see no matter what he said his brother wasn’t going to take this seriously. He looked back towards Isaac to continue their conversation. Isaac was of course interested and eager to get back to the discussion.

Was that the bad dream you were talking about this morning?

Yeah.

Hmm, it sounds like your gifts are getting stronger. I told you if I continued to work with you it would pay off.

Jacob was getting frustrated listening to the two of them, so he took the opportunity to take another jab at Isaac.

Come on Isaac, we all know the only pay off you’re seeking is in my brother’s trousers.

Isaac’s jaw dropped in shock. Jonah looked at his brother in disbelief. Jacob got up from the table and puts his dishes in the washbasin.

Besides, you can’t even conjure a spirit without almost getting us killed, let alone help induce a vision for my brother. It’s probably your fault he’s having these visions in the first place. You scared the girls half to death and invited something into this realm that doesn’t belong here. Give up this “Isaac the Great” act before you bring the whole town down on us!

Jonah jumped up from the table.

Jacob, that’s enough! What’s gotten into you? You’ve been short-tempered the whole day.

Jacob sighed and attempted to calm himself.

I’m sorry Jonah but I can’t take listening to the boasting any longer. Especially after what happened the other night.

Jacob looked over at Isaac with a look of irritation, as Isaac continued to look at him with an expression of shock. Jonah took Jacob’s confronting Isaac as a perfect opportunity to bring up the altercation in town.

What about earlier? You were acting a little more obnoxious than usual with the way you were staring at the women in town.

Jacob smiled.

Now you’re exaggerating little brother. Besides, Sam was insecure over his own inadequacies. A real man isn’t threatened by admiring eyes.

She’s his fiancé! Why wouldn’t he be territorial?

Isaac snickered in amusement, which brought Jacob’s attention right back to him. He moved aggressively toward Isaac and looked like he was about to snatch him out of his chair.

Something funny oh mighty wizard!

Isaac jumped back in shock as Jonah moved towards Jacob.

Jacob!

Jacob looked over at his little brother and then took a deep breath as he regained his composure once again, and let out a sigh. He threw up his hands in frustration and turned down the hall towards his room.

I’m going to bed. Go ahead and kiss, or cuddle, or whatever you two do when I’m not around.

As Jacob walked away, Jonah started to walk toward him shocked at his brother’s outburst but let him continue to his room. Isaac and Jonah stared at each other in disbelief. Jacob smiled like he was enjoying how much he was upsetting everybody.

That night as Jonah slept another nightmare interrupted his peace. He jumped out of bed, startled awake, screaming in fear, and covered in sweat. Once he calmed down a bit he walked over to the window and stared out into the night.

Why do I keep having these visions? Who are you?

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more installments in the series! If you like what you read please show me some love. Don't forget to share it with friends.