The Picture

Sam was an ordinary teenage boy. Living on a farm in a quiet out of the way village didn't stop him growing up just as out going as anyone from the city. In fact, the solitude earlier in his life had made him wanting attention and particularly susceptible to dares. His classmates knew this all too well and often set him ridiculous tasks, which he accepted gladly in return for their favour. But there was this one kid, David, who was particularly malicious. He hadn't been in Sam's class for long but had quickly made his mark. David was a typical bully and the other boys flocked to his side in the hope of immunity. Unsurprisingly, it didn't work; anyone and everyone were pray to his cruel jokes.

It was fast approaching Halloween, and to keep in the spirit of the event David was desperately thinking of a suitable dare. It had to be good; something that would terrify Sam.... Of course! The hall.

The hall was a large mansion that had been built on a small man made hill. The owner was a lonely millionaire, who was so rich; he was supposed to have owned the village. He was found shot to death a long time before Sam's parents had bought one of his farms. The millionaire had no known relatives and had stated in his will that the house was not to be sold, so it was left to fall into disrepair and abandonment.

"Samuel," David said sarcastically-seductively. Sam hated David using his proper name, but daren't show it. "Oh Samuel." David repeated slightly louder, but still in the same manner. Sam ignored him in the vain hope that he might just get lost. "Oi wanker!" David shouted. It was definitely vain. Sam turned around and looked at David who was quickly walking over to him. "You know what day it is tomorrow don't you?" David asked rhetorically, "the night for jokes and pranks, for fun and laughter, for both the living.... and the dead!"
"Or, to put it less dramatically; it's Halloween tomorrow." a voice said. Sam turned around to where it came from and saw another of his classmates.

Scott was the only true friend Sam had; the others would gladly stab him in the back if David asked them to-or just for a laugh. Scott's loathing for David was just as strong as Sam's, although fortunately for him he had few faults that David could exploit, and thus was rarely the butt of his jokes.
"Come now Scotty, if you can't be dramatic about the night of fear, then when can you?" David replied over-dramatically.
"What's your point?" Sam asked quickly.
"Well, as I said it's night for fun and fear, and I was just thinking that we might be able to get a shot of both if we went to visit the hall...."
"You've gotta be joking!" Scott cried, "don't even think about it Sam!"
"What's wrong, afraid that the ghosts'll get ya?"
"Fuck the ghosts! The place must be a death trap by now. I'm surprised it's still standing."
"Well you could always stay behind, while old Sammy here and me have some fun. C'mon Sam I dare ya!" that was all Sam needed. It was a dare; he had to do it. After all, there are no such things as ghosts are there!
"You're on!" Sam quickly answered.
"I'll meet you at the gates at 9 o'clock, be there or be a tosser!"
"Fine, I'll see you there." David quickly turned on his heels and walked away cackling loudly.
"I don't believe you." Scott said disbelievingly, "You know very well that he's going to do something, but yet you agree. God only knows what he's got planned!"
"He dared me, I have to accept. Anyway, what can he do to me? Shout boo a couple times. Not particularly terrifying."
"Yes, well, I think I'll join you none the less."
"If you want."
"I do, I do. I don't trust him one bit. You might need a bit of backup."

The large Iron Gate creaked as it swung ever so slightly in the stiff breeze. Five figures slowly approached the rusty barrier; two from one direction, the other three from the opposite.
"Who are they?" Sam shouted to the trio. The three removed their masks they were wearing to reveal David and his two heads flunkeys, Philip and Carl.
"What are they doing here?" Scott asked.
"Well, I thought I'd ask around a bit and see if anyone else wanted to join us. These two volunteered to offer us company." David replied slapping Phill and Carl on the back. "Shall we enter?" David gestured towards the gate.

Sam and Scott were just able to open the gate sufficiently for them to squeeze through, Philip and Carl quickly following them and then David. The driveway was long and incredibly overgrown.
"We ain't never going to get through there." Philip said. David looked at him sternly and he sank back cowardly.
"He's right though, we'll get ripped to threads trying to walk up there." Scott added.
"There's always away isn't the Sam?" David said smiling. Sam quickly looked around and found a large stick lying on the ground. He picked it up and hit it lightly against a nearby tree. He looked back up to see David grinning from ear to ear and Scott looking quite disapprovingly. Sam then walked up to the excessive amount of foliage in front of the group and proceeded to hack away at it. The thorny stems were thick and entwined so it was hard going, but he slowly cut a path through. Scott followed closely behind Sam, being careful not to get hit by the stick as he thrashed wildly.
"You could have just turned back you know. There wasn't an obvious way through. You wouldn't have backed down, you could have said that the dare was undoable." Scott said only just loud enough for Sam to hear.
"I couldn't do that. The dare obviously is doable, and David knew it. Anyway, aren't you the least bit curious what it's like up there?" Sam replied.
"Yeah, well, the sooner we get this over and done with the better. It was bad enough with just David here, let alone his stooges. He's up to something back there."

Sam soon got tired so Scott begrudgingly took over. Due to the fact that he is quite a bit stronger than Sam, they soon got up to the front of the house. No one had been this close to the house since its owner died, but now that they were, the boys could see the delicate detail of the statues guarding the steps and the carvings on the walls and huge oak door. The group carefully walked up the steps; trying not to step on the loose stones. When they got to the top Carl tried the normal size door that was set within one of the big ones. He turned the knob squeakily and pushed sharply. It didn't budge-it's hinges must have seized. He quickly gave the door another shove, but still it didn't move.
"Give us an 'and then." Carl called to the rest. The group sighed and tutted but joined him in front of the door.
"Right. On the count of three." David cried, "One.... Two.... Three!" all five of them pushed together as hard as they could. Suddenly there was a large crack and a groan as the lock of the large doors broke and they swung open. The boys uncontrollably followed them and landed in a big heap on the floor. Scott looked up into the hall, coughing from the dust that had been disturbed. No light seemed to be entering into the room; making it pitch black. Despite this though, he could tell that it was big. All five of them got up and tried to regain their composure as best as possible. Scott quickly grabbed his torch and turned it on.
"Now there's a bit of foresight." Smirked David as he brushed the dust off his clothes.
"What, you thought the lights would still work?" Replied Scott.
"Maybe." David walked over to one side of the doorway and flicked a switch. The room was briefly illuminated, then there was a crackle and a small bang as the light went out. "Well, it was worth a try." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small night-light. "But I do plan for any problems." David turned its end and it lit up. "Although it appears as though we're the only ones." David looked at the other three disappointedly. Scott quickly shone the torch into the room. He immediately came across the stairs, which flowed strait up the centre. He followed the thick wood banisters to find that the stairs split a little way up. One set went to the right, while the others went left.
"You go first Scott." David said gesturing towards the stairs with his torch.
"What?" Scott quickly replied.
"You've got the biggest torch; it'll be easier for you to lead the way. I'll stay at the back and make sure no one wonders off." Scott sighed and grudgingly gave into the logic.

Scott gently made his way up the stairs; closely followed by Sam, then Carl and Philip, with David bringing up the rear. Suddenly there was a crack and a yelp from Carl. Scott and Sam quickly turned round to see Philip holding onto Carl, whose leg had gone through one of the wooden steps. Sam grabbed Carl's other arm and helped him up.
"I told you this place was dangerous!" Scott called to David.
"Well you'll just have to be more careful where you lead us then won't you." David replied sternly. Scott scowled back.
"Come on Scott. The sooner we get this over with the better." Sam said turning Scott around.
"Yes Scott. After all; that was just the excitement that I promised." David said with that annoying smirk on his face.

The rest of the stairs were taken even more carefully as Scott made sure that there wasn't even a creak where he stepped. Scott had decided to go up the left-hand set of stairs as the other already had several holes in it. Finally they reached the landing and they all let out a sigh of relief.
"Where now then?" Scott asked David. David thought briefly, looking almost like he was counting the doors along the hallway in front of them.
"Just walk down to the end the corridor. I'll tell you where then." David replied shinning his torch down the corridor. Scott did as told and started walking towards the boarded up window in front of him. Suddenly Sam grabbed Scott's shoulder, holding him back from going any further.
"Whoa there!" Sam said quickly.
"What?" Scott asked. Sam picked up a fallen piece of masonry and threw it onto the floor in front of Scott. It landed with a light flumph.
"What on earth?" Scott said curiously. Scott bent down to pick it up, but before he could, it started to sink. Suddenly the end of the carpet was pulled into a large hole. Scott turned round to face David.
"Yes I know!" he said before Scott could say anything. "Let's just get this done shall we?"

The group walked round the hole and made it to the end of the corridor with no more problems. At the end of the corridor was another, shorter corridor, which had a large window at the end of it. This window was blocked just like all the others, however one of the boards had slipped down letting the light from the full moon shine directly onto the base of the opposite wall. Sam looked at the wall and saw a huge painting of a man in some sort of uniform. He assumed he must have been in the forces as one side of his jacked contained several medals.
"That was the owner." David said noticing Sam looking at the painting, "He was a Major in the army. He'd travelled the world until he settled here. Vain bastard wasn't he."
"What?" Sam asked still looking at the picture.
"Well his bedroom's just here." David said pointing at one of the two doors on that corridor. "He would have seen himself as soon as walked out of his room. Every morning."
"No different to looking in the mirror as soon as you get up." Scott said. "Which in your case is as soon as you open you eyes I bet."
"Funny boy!" David said sarcastically. The group entered the owner's room, except for Sam who was still looking at the painting. It looked so realistic in the moonlight, almost like it was a photograph. The eyes.... he knew some paintings seem to follow you around, but these looked real, penetrating...cold.
"Sam." Scott called. He didn't respond.
"Oi, Dick Head!" David yelled from the doorway, "Stop falling in love and get in here." Sam snapped out of it and shook his head.
"Yeah, coming." He replied.

The bedroom was elaborately decorated underneath the dust. The wallpaper was incredibly delicate and covered with swirls of gold and red on a very dark blue background. The bed, which was in the centre of one of the walls, was a huge carved four-poster; on each corner was some sort of dog's head, but in semi-human, gargoyle forms. Opposite the bed was an ornate dresser, with more gold on it than any of the boys had ever seen. The rim of the mirror and table, the handles for each draw and the several ornaments and accessories were all at least gold plated.
Sam whistled in amazement. "Whoa!" he added.
"Quite." David said in agreement. "The very room that he died in. Shot exactly nine times."
"How the hell do you know that?" Scott asked.
"I've done my research. Even looked up the crime report."
"You don't think that's going a bit far for research?" Scott asked worriedly.
"I just thought it would help the mood. You know, entering the room of death!"
"I'm surprised everything's still here." Scott said opening one of the draws to find a toothbrush and tube of paste.
"Nothing's been touched since he died."
"And why not?"
"The ghost! No one dare come near the house. It was spooky enough while he was alive."
"Well, the ghost hasn't made its appearance yet. However, now that we have, the dare's been done and it's time to leave."
"But we've only just got here. I though we might make a night of it, perhaps stay here till morning."
"With you three here! I don't think so! God only knows what you've got up your sleeves!"
"I'll tell you what then; you two stay here the night and we'll leave. No problem of funny stuff then. What do you say Sam?"
"I don't know, it's a bit draughty." Sam said.
"Is that all? You sure that's it? Not that you're scared?" David said mockingly, "Come on, I dare you." Scott didn't hide his disapproval; tutting loudly.
"Okay." Sam said quietly. Scott walked away shaking his head. "Aw, don't be like that Scott." he said following him, "You know I gotta accept...."
"Yeah! You HAVE to accept don't you! Sam, listen to me: this whole thing has most probably been set up. He must have something planned!"
"But it's a dare...."
"You can't go through life doing everything anyone wants you to because they say it's a dare! I'm sorry Sam but you're on your own this time. I'll tell my mum that you couldn't stay over, hopefully your mum will think that you're at mine and no one'll be the wiser."
"Thanks."
"Good luck, you'll need it."
"Come on then, let's leave the brave little man to his quest." David said walking out the door. The other three followed and Scott made a small wave as he left. Sam heard them walking down the wooden corridor and then slowly down the creaking steps. Then there was a loud groan as they shut the large door behind them. He was alone; he hoped it would stay that way.

Sam spent the first hour looking around the room, trying all the draws of the dresser. One of them was either stuck or locked. He tugged harder and it came out with a crack-perhaps it was locked after all. The draw contained lots of books, which on closer inspection appeared to be diaries, but there was loads of them-too many to count. There was a date on the cover of one: 1840? 'How old was this guy when he died?' Sam thought to himself. Suddenly there was a creak behind him. Sam turned around quickly. There was no one there! Then there was another one; it came from the next room! Sam's heart raced.
"David?" Sam called quietly, "David!" he called louder. "I know it's you. I'm not falling for it!" There was silence. Sam turned back round listening closely for any more noises. Still there was silence. 'Perhaps it was just a mouse,' Sam thought to himself, 'although that's not necessarily a good thing!' Sam carefully picked up the diary dated 1840. It was bound in real leather, the gold leaf date almost worn off. He opened the book in the middle to find a spider's web of hand written entries. Sam started trying to read one of the passages, which was easier said than done as although the handwriting was neat enough; it was also extremely elaborate. Suddenly there was a crash from next door. Sam jumped up quickly; almost throwing the book across the room. That was definitely no mouse! Sam ran to the doorway and looked out into the corridor. He couldn't see anyone-or anything. He carefully walked the distance between the two doors and peered round into the room. This room was decorated almost identically to the other, the main difference being the position of the furniture. Just then, there was another creak. Sam jumped slightly as his heart pounded. As best as he could tell the noise appeared to be coming from behind the bed that was opposite him. Sam cautiously walked over and stood at one corner of it; trying desperately to control his thumping heart. He gently peered over the edge, as sweat began to appear all over his body. Suddenly a cloaked figure popped up from beside the bed and looked directly at Sam. Its face was horrible-it was completely rotten with bits of dead flesh hanging off its visible bone structure.
"OOOHHH SHIT!!" Sam called as he stumbled backwards, "Oh shit, oh shit." he turned and headed for the door as fast as he could. "Shit, shit, shit, SHIT!" he repeated. Just as he reached the doorway, a large white blanked dropped over it. Sam had no choice but to run through it, tripping over only a few steps later. He landed hard against the wall opposite, struggling to get the sheet off. As he pulled it from around his head Sam saw the monster quickly approaching him through the doorway, brandishing a blood stained knife. Sam struggled harder to free himself, serving only to tighten the cocoon of cloth. The zombie like creature raised its knife ready to bring it down upon the panicking boy. Sam let out a strange cross between a scream and a yell as the knife fell.

Suddenly there was a roar of laughter. Sam opened his eyes to find the figure rolling around on the floor laughing in hysterics. Then he realised that he recognised that laugh-a laugh he had heard countless times at school, a laugh that made him sick to the pit of the stomach. It was David's! Suddenly it hit him.
"YOU BASTARD!!!!" Sam yelled as loud as he could.
"I'm sorry," David said in-between much needed breaths "That scream thing was too much; I couldn't hold a straight face any longer. Go on-do it again."
"PISS OFF!" Sam replied as Carl and Philip emerged from the darkness behind David, obviously just as entertained. "Scott was right, you have planned this all haven't you!"
"Of course. What kind of host would I be if I'd let this trip stay as boring as it would have been?"
"The covered hole and Carl's 'little accident?"
"The 'accident' was purely the houses doing-aided by someone's heavy feet-but I was curious how you knew the hole was there."
"The carpet was sagging-something that doesn't happen on solid wood floors!"
"Very observant, but it's late and I've had my fun, so, I'll bid you adieu until Monday when I will see you back at school." David stood up properly and removed his mask like makeup before walking down the corridor closely followed by his stooges. Sam sat back against the wall slowly removing the sheet that was now soaked in sweat. Now that he was calm, it was considerably easier to disentangle his arms and legs. When he had freed himself he knelt in the middle of the corridor looking up towards the painting. The moon had moved so that it was shining directly on its face, illuminating it like it was day. Sam's anger boiled as he stared directly into the owner's eyes, which stared back like before. Sam's anger grew into a rage as he now scowled at the picture, teeth clenched, his thoughts sliding to ones of vengeance. As Sam stared harder and harder, the outline of the owner's face seemed to start shimmering in the moonlight. The stern frown-like expression on its face now seemed more of a slight smile as Sam knelt transfixed. Suddenly he felt a great weight fell upon his back as an intense pain shot through his body. Sam yelled uncontrollably as he blacked out.

The small slits of light that managed to creep between the boards over the windows were highlighted by the dust that had been disturbed last night and had not yet settled. Suddenly the large oak doors flew open and Scott ran in with a very worried look on his face.
"SAM!" Scott called, "Sam where are you?" Sam appeared at the top of the stairs; his clothes ripped and torn-all but destroyed. He wearily clambered down the stairs, his shreds of clothes swayed slightly as he took each step. "What the hell happened?" Scott asked quickly moving to help Sam.
"I....I don't know." Sam replied looking at his ruined T-shirt.
"David was attacked by some kind of mad dog last night. Sam, David's dead."
"What?" Sam stumbled back tripping up on the step behind him. Scott was able to grab him and help him sit down. "Dead?"
"Some people said that they'd heard howls coming from up here-I was worried that you'd been attacked as well, even killed!"
"I don't think so. I can't remember though."
"Well from the looks of your clothes and those scratches, I'd say that you've been luckier than David!" Sam suddenly realised that he ached all over-like he'd been dragged through a hedge backwards, and he looked it. "Lets get you home, although I don't know how we're going to explain this to your parents." Scott helped Sam to his feet and the two of them walked back to Sam's house.

"What on earth were you doing up there you silly boy!" Sam's mum asked with the biggest frown he'd ever seen.
"We were just messing around, you know, Halloween and all." Sam replied solemnly.
"I don't care what time of the year it was-it's no excuse for going to that death trap! It's boarded up for a reason you know."
"Yes mum." Sam replied looking at his shoeless feet.
"And what happened to your clothes?!"
"I, I don't know-I can't remember." Sam was about ready to cry.
"Are well, you're safe, and that's what matters. Now go up stairs and have a bath; you look as though you could do with it." Sam quickly went up the stairs trying his best to hold back the tears. As he entered the bathroom and turned on the tap, he could hold them no longer and slumped by the door sobbing quietly until the bath was full.

The bath was just what Sam needed-the warm water purged his pains and he got out feeling much better. As he finished getting dried suddenly a huge wave of exhaustion hit Sam and he yawned uncontrollably. It was still remarkably early, but the late night and what had happened last night had obviously taken it out of him. Sam lay down on his bed and shut his eyes before slipping unnervingly quickly into a deep satisfying sleep.

Sam woke suddenly. He had slept the rest of the day, the moon was now shining in the night sky, and man did he itch! All the cuts from last night were making Sam scratch as the itches turned into more of a burning due to Sam unavoidably ripping the scabs off. Suddenly one of his nails caught on something. Sam stopped scratching and looked at the object stuck under his nail. It was a thorn! But the bushes didn't catch him last night. Just then, a terrible pain surged through his body and he fell to the floor clutching his stomach. Sam nigh on howled as an even more powerful wave passed over him. A huge weight seemed to suddenly land on his entire body while he looked up out the window directly into the full moon. Sam let out another load groan as another surge knocked him onto his side facing his door. The last thing Sam saw was his parents entering his room, his Dad loading his shotgun.