The Horror Below, Charles Lankiwicz [free children's ebooks pdf txt] 📗

creatures of the nether world do not work by normal rules. They abhor this and will instantly flee back to where they come from or be destroyed by it.”
“But how could we take it to the monster?”
“It will have to be done at night with a full moon, by dropping it over the trench at Dire Point. It will destroy the creature or cause it to retreat. We will have to rent a fast boat to take it there.”
“But that’s where all the ships are disappearing!”
“This is not without danger–but it is the only way to combat this evil entity. I will need your help. Will you do it.?”
Sue hesitated, then with a determined look said: “Yes!”

Two weeks later, at night with a full moon shining they stood on the dock beside a fast motorboat. The autumn night was cool with a slight breeze full of the smell of the ocean. Sue looked due east in the direction of Dire Point, and it seemed as if a faint halo formed on the horizon in its direction. A slight chill went through her.
“We might as well get started,” said John as he stepped over the gunwale of the motorboat, turning to assist Sue aboard.
She entered with a sense of both trepidation and determination.
The motor started with first a cough then a roar of sound. John cast off the mooring line and then they were off, a white spray forming behind them. The boat vibrated as they headed towards Dire Point, occasionally throwing spray inside the boat.
Dire Point came closer, now outlined against the full moon, looking like a jagged fang upthrust from the earth.
“We must be at the exact spot or we will not succeed,” said John.
“How can we know if we are?”
“As we get closer, we should alert the Shugoth, and he should start coming to the surface. The ships that were lost must have passed right over him to alert him.”
As they proceeded the water became more agitated, and deep below appeared a faint greenish glow that became brighter as they advanced. Then the water became more agitated and Sue had to hold on to the gunwale to keep from being pitched out off the boat. John fought the controls.
“We must be at the spot now! Throw it–“ said Sue.
“Not just yet–we have–“
At that moment a mass of tentacles popped out of the water and the motorboat reared up almost on its end. For a terrifying moment, Sue felt they were going to capsized into the horror that had appeared. But then the motorboat fell back to the water with a huge shock and splash that left them both drenched.
“Now we–“ said John. As a huge, glistening tentacle came into the boat and curled around him. He was lifted, struggling, out of the motorboat. He attempted to say something but could not as the tentacle tightened.
Sue was shocked and speechless, not knowing what to do as she looked in horror at the spectacle. Then she saw the packet that John had brought aboard in the bottom of the motorboat. She reached into it and grabbed the amulet. It glowed brightly and was almost too hot to touch. She pitched it into the sea.

 

Instantly a great roar of sound came and a hugh geyser of water shot overhead. Inside could be seen a mass of tentacles and a face so evil that she closed her eyes in horror.
Then suddenly the water subsided and the green light was gone. She could see John struggling just ahead in the water. Taking control over the motorboat she went towards him and somehow managed to get him half conscious aboard.
He opened his eyes wide and said: “Did you?”
“Yes.”
He closed them and signed.

Later they stood back on the dock with the motorboat moored, looking towards Dire Point. Somehow everything seemed more peaceful and quiet. The night was no longer as threatening as it had been.
“I guess its all over–I’m so glad,” said Sue.
“For now, Yes. But there are many other denizens of the Ancient Ones still intent on preying on mankind. We must always be vigilant.

 

 

THE END

 

 

 

 

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Publication Date: 04-09-2016

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