Strange Paradise: Episode 159
Episode 159:  Slideshow
 
Jean Paul pulls himself off the bed and rushes to the window. He turns and clutches his head in agony. Walking to the dresser he takes out the mask and uncovers it. He places it on the dresser top and circles his hand over it. “Gagossa, Gagossa bring Orendo to me. Speak to me, show me a sign. I stand here in place of my kinsman Philip. I beg for your shelter. Please let me hear the sound of your drum, show me a sign!” The heartbeat gets louder as Jean Paul turns away from the mask and covers his ears. Stumbling to the bed he sits down. “Without Philip I’m lost.”
 
There is a knock on Irene Hatter’s door. She walks across the room and opens the door. Philip steps inside.  “Why Philip what an unexpected surprise. I’ve given up hope that you would visit me.”  “Well it occurred to me as I was driving by that I hadn’t taken advantage of your kind invitation.”  “Invitation?” Irene asks.  “See you’ve forgotten already. You said I should feel free and drop in and see you at any time.” Philip says as he walks across the room and stands behind the couch.
“Well I’m so glad you came. It’s been months.” Irene says with a smile.  “There is so much excitement at Desmond Hall at the moment that I sort of feel left out.”
Irene looks at him. “You mean Jean Paul’s wedding?”  Philip walks around the couch and stands next to Irene. “How did you know about it?”  “News travels fast in a little town like Desmondton.”  “But the news hasn’t been made public yet.”
“Then I certainly won’t tell a soul.” Irene says to him.  “I’m more interested in who told you.”  “Let me see now.” Irene looks away. “Well it must have been someone at the bank today. Yes the manager, he handles Jean Paul’s affairs.”  “Hmm I wonder how he knew?”  “Perhaps it was someone else.” Irene looks at him. “It doesn’t matter really does it? May I get you some coffee or perhaps something stronger.”  “No, no thank you.”  “I saw Jean Paul and Emily drive past earlier this evening and it was all I could do to restrain myself from running out to congratulate them.” Irene says as she sits on the couch. “But now you will tell them for me.”  “Oh I’m sure Jean Paul would much prefer hearing it from you.” Philip says as he walks to the fireplace and leans his arm on the mantel.
“Recently my welcome at Desmond Hall has been somewhat strained.”  “Oh, Jean Paul is very fond of you. I know he told me just today.”  “It isn’t Jean Paul. Some misunderstanding between the Thaxtons and me.”  “Oh that can be cleared up right away I’m sure, what ever it is.”  “It makes me so sad not to see my old friends at Desmond Hall. Jean Paul and I have known each other for years. He’s almost like a brother to me.”  “Well perhaps Raxl can help resolve the differences and bring you together again.”  “Raxl? What ever would make you think of her?”  “Well I just assumed if you and Jean Paul were such good friends that Raxl would be too.”  “I hardly know Raxl and she’s not likely to include me among her friends.” Irene says with a laugh.  Philip laughs. “Is that why she visited you this morning?  “I beg your pardon?”  “Well I was driving by and I saw her at your door. I saw you let her in.”  “You must be mistaken.”  “Mrs. Hatter I know that Raxl was here this morning. She may even be here now for all I know.” Philip says with a smile.  “Well you see how hard it is to keep secrets in Desmondton.” Irene says to Philip with a smile.  “Is she here?”  “No but she was. She came this morning to give me a message.”  “Then why did you deny that she was here?”  Irene stands. “Philip I’m going to throw myself on your mercy and trust your discretion. You’re too much of a gentleman to repeat what I tell you I’m sure.”  “You can rely on me.”   “Well I seem to have stumbled into a marital problem between Ada and Laslo Thaxton. Quite inadvertently I assure you.”
“Mrs. Hatter I will be honest with you. I didn’t come here to listen to local gossip. I came here to find Raxl.” Philips tone becomes serious.  “Why would you expect to find her here?”  “Why did you pretend that she didn’t visit you earlier today?”
“Perhaps you would like to search my cottage?” Irene says angrily.  Philip smiles and looks around. “It is a very charming little cottage.”  “What kind of game are you trying to play with me?” Irene asks.  Philip glances at her. “I don’t play games but I do like old houses and their interesting antiques.” Philip walks over to Irene’s altar and reaches his hand out to touch it.  “Don’t touch them.” Irene says to him.  “What do you use these candles for?” Philip asks.  “It’s very personal I’d rather not discuss it.”  “I’m sure you would rather not but I would.” he says with his hands on his hips.  “You’re being rude.”  “You’re being deceitful.” Philip says with a grin.  “Why do you look at me like that/” Irene asks.  “I’m beginning to realize you and I have more than one thing in common.”  “I’m not aware of that.”  “Well let me see. An interest in rituals for instance.” He says as he looks at the candles.  “Oh that’s just a little excitement to enliven rather drab lives that’s all.” Irene says as she walks away from Philip.  Philip picks up the matches. “Light the candles Mrs. Hatter.”  “No.”  “Then I will.”   Irene steps forward. “No please only I can light those candles. Only I can speak to...”  Philip strikes the match. “We’ll see who can speak and who can listen. Shall we.” He starts lighting the candles.
 
Emily walks into the Drawing Room followed by Susan. Emily turns to Susan. “Susan I’m going upstairs.”  “I’ll go with you.”  “I’d rather you didn’t.”  “Emily don’t be too eager to embrace your fate.”  “If Jean Paul is my fate then I embrace it gladly.”  “Don’t be alone with him tonight. We can both stay with him. I can help you.”  “You don’t know what you are talking about.” Emily says to Susan.  “Emily trust me, I’m not alone. There are many others that help me too.”  “What others?”
“I don’t know who they but I know they are there.”  “You place a great deal of faith in something you don’t know.”  “Why did my star lead me to Jean Paul? And why do I seem to have known others in another life long ago? And why is there an unseen presence in this room?” Susan says as she looks at Jacques’ portrait.
Emily turns and also looks at Jacques’ portrait. “Oh you have a vivid imagination.” She says looking back at Susan.  “No there is a presence here. Can’t you feel it?”  “No.”  “Can you hear that?” Susan asks as she hears the heartbeat.  Emily looks at the portrait. “Hear what?”  “Listen.” Emily touches Emily’s arm then walks towards the portrait. “Can you hear a pulse beating? Like someone’s heart beating.”  “Oh Jean Paul!” Emily says then rushes from the room.  Susan looks at Jacques’ portrait then follows Emily.
 
Jean Paul holds his head in agony. He lowers his hands and takes his jacket and starts breathing heavily. He walks back to the mask. “What must I do to get you on my side? What must I say to you? What must I promise you?” Jacques laughter fills the room.  Jean Paul turns from the mask. “Jacques Eloi Des Mondes release me! I have paid and paid and paid for the bargain I made with you!” he shouts. Jacques laughter echoes around the room.  There is a knock on the door. “Who is it?” Jean Paul asks.  “Let me in!” Emily shouts.   Jean Paul rushes to the door. “Emily run, run away from me!” he shouts.  “No I’ll never leave you!”  “Don’t force me to let you in!”  “Then let Orendo in!” Emily tells him. Susan stands next to her outside the door.  “What did you say?” Jean Paul asks. He unlocks and opens the door.  Emily steps through the doorway. “Orendo will protect you.”  “What do you mean Orendo?” Jean Paul asks.  “We will stay with you Jean Paul. Emily says as she stands next to him. Susan walks to his other side.  “No!”  “It’s all right.”  “No I can’t let you risk what might happen to you.”  Emily closes the door. “Nothing will happen.”  “You can’t stop it. I think I’m going to be free and it comes again.”  “But it has stopped already.” Susan says to him.
“Nothing has stopped.”  “The laughter has stopped hasn’t it?”  Jean Paul glances up.  “And the heartbeat has stopped too.”  Jean Paul turns towards her. “Do you hear the laughter and the heartbeat?”  “I did but I don’t anymore.” Susan says as she walks to the window and looks out. She glances at Jean Paul. “And your star has gone from the sky.”  Jean Paul rushes to the window and looks out. He turns away. “It’s gone but it will come back.”  “Then we will wait here for it.” Emily says as she holds his hands and leads him to a chair.  “We wait for death.” Jean Paul says.  “We will wait and you will see Jean Paul nothing will happen to you.” She says as she brushes his hair out of his face with her hand. “Orendo will protect you.”
 
Philip has lit all the candles. “Now speak Uthco.”  “What are you saying?” Irene asks.  “Disease, storms, theft, insults, mayhem, murder these are the works of Uthco. Now speak to your evil spirits.”  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Then I’ll speak for you.” Philip circles his hand over the candles. “Evil Uthco if thee totem of Orendo is in this room sicken those who have taken it. Turn it against the evil Uthco of the ancient world. Bring disaster to your servant Uthco. Throw poison upon her head. Change her into an owl, a fox, a wolf. Cause her to close her eyes. Lift her arms in supplication.” Philip says as he looks at Irene.
Irene closes her eyes and lifts her arms.  “Cause her to lose her breath.”  Irene gasps.  “Cause her to sink to the floor.” Philip says as he still circles his hand over the flames.  Irene collapses to the floor.
 
Susan walks away from the window. “The star has gone from the sky.”  Jean Paul stands. “Lock me in so I can’t get out.”  “A key won’t keep out the spirit that possesses you. It can only be driven out.” Susan says to him.  “Have you spoken to Orendo?” Emily asks.  “He won’t listen to me.”  “Perhaps he will if you try again.”  Jean Paul turns and walks to the mask. Emily and Susan follow him. Jean Paul circles his hand over the mask. “Orendo look out for us. Send your spirit to ward off the evil. Save your kinsman from harm. Lift the cruel fate that haunts him. Please I implore you Orendo speak.” Jean Paul turns towards Emily and shakes his head. “We need Philip.”  “Where has he gone?”  “Mrs. Hatters, he thinks she knows something about the totem.” Jean Paul says as he walks across the room.  “Emily go and telephone Philip. Tell him he has to come back at once.” Susan says as she opens the door.  Emily looks at Jean Paul and rushes from the room.  Susan closes the door.
 
Irene stirs and sits up. She holds her head. “What happened?” She stands and turns towards Philip.  Philip stands next to the fireplace with his arms crossed.
“What have you done?” Irene asks.  Philip smiles. “I did nothing. Your evil did it to you.”  “What do you mean?”  Philip walks towards her. “I want the totem.”  Irene looks away. “It isn’t here.”  “Now don’t tempt Uthco again by lying.”  “I tell you I don’t know anything about a totem!” Irene says as she looks at him.  “If it hadn’t been here it could not have called upon Uthco to work upon you. Now Orendo spoke. He could not speak without the totem. Do you want me to search the room for it or will you give it to me?”  Irene walks to the table with the altar upon it and reaches underneath. She holds the totem. Philip takes it from her.
 
Jean Paul looks at Susan and turns away. “You shouldn’t be here alone. It’s not safe for you.”  “I have no choice.”  Jean Paul glances at her then walks away. “I would prefer if you didn’t involve yourself in my affairs.”  “I’m part of you if you want it or not.”  Music sounds in the room as Jean Paul turns towards Susan. “You shouldn’t be here alone.” Jean Paul says as his vision blurs. “That was very foolish of you.”   She walks around him. “I had no choice, Jacques.”  “I would prefer if you were not drawn into my affairs.”  “I’m part of you if you like it or not. I love Philippe.”  “My brother will die.”  “Not if you tell the truth.”  Jacques laughs. “Well the truth is rather difficult to judge in matters like these.”  Susanna turns away. “False accusations will send him to burn at the stake.”  Jacques laughs and turns away from her.  “Stop it! Why do you laugh?”  “I laugh my petite Susanna because you are so naive. So tender, so innocent.” He says as he looks at her then steps away.  “Why do you despise me?”  “Because you are pure in a depraved world, you and my brother.”  “Philippe is a good man.”  “The good are better off in heaven. They belong there. I belong here with his land and fortunes.”  “But he will give them all to you.”  “I prefer to take them.”  “He did not choose to be the eldest son.”  “We do not choose to be what we are my dear child. We must make the best of what nature gives us. And I can not use my talents to the best of my capabilities in the wilderness of the New World.”
Susanna turns towards him and grabs his wrist. “Oh please withdraw your accusations! Tell the king it was all a plot.”  He grips her hands. “And set my handsome head upon the block? No my dear Susanna I love life too much to risk it for your precious Philippe.”  “You will never be free of this hideous crime.”
Jacques jerks his hands away. “I live moment to moment. Do not threaten me with the future.” Jacques says with a smile.  Susanna walks around him and faces him. “Where ever you go through eternity your brother’s blood will be upon your hands and a curse upon your head.”  Jacques laughs.  Jean Paul’s vision clears. “I prefer if you weren't drawn into my affairs.”  “I’m part of you lf you like it or not. My star led me here to help you.”  “Then help Emily. Save her if you must help someone.” He turns away. “Help Emily.”  Susan walks up to him. “Emily won’t listen to me. Only you can do that. Find a way to free her. You must make the choice between her and your star.”
 
The phone rings at Irene’s cottage and Irene answers it. “Hello. No, who? I’m sorry you have the wrong number.”  Philip grabs the phone from her. “Hello. Emily, yes it’s all right. I found it. You go back to Jean Paul and speak to Orendo.” Philip says with a smile.
 
Jean Paul stands in front of the mask. “Gagossa send Orendo to me. Hear my plea; speak to me from the past. Speak to me with the voice of my kinsman. Speak to me with the beat of the drums or the tears in your eyes.”  Tears start to steam down from the eyes of the mask.  Philip steps up to the altar next to Irene. “Now each time you light these candles you will be doing Orendo’s bidding not yours.” He says as he picks up a candle.  “So now I am his servant?”  “Well Orendo is a kind Master. Only Uthco is evil.” He says as he puts the candle back.
‘Can I trust him?”  “She who brought you the totem brought you under Orendo’s protection.”  Irene turns towards Philip. “She will turn her spirits against me.”
Philip smiles. “Don’t fear her, she’s powerless. Let her believe she still has her powers but you and I know otherwise.” Philip says then walks out the cottage door.
 
Jean Paul looks up. “Orendo hears us!” He looks at Susan. “He will help me.”
Susan rushes to the window. “The star is out again.  Jean Paul looks at the mask. “Orendo stop it for me. Drown out the heartbeat. Send me the sound of your drum. Save me from the evil that pursues me!”
 
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Summaries written by Debby Graham .  The slide presentation is the work of Ron Janick.
~Ron/Bella~
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Episode 160