Jenny was the first to awaken, with sunlight streaming brightly through the windows, telling her it was likely midday already. She sat up slowly, her bare feet padding softly against the floor as she walked out of Sam's room and into the lounge come kitchen. Her eyes locked instantly onto Jacob, her heart skipping a beat as she rushed to his side, Gently rousing him from sleep.
He awoke with a soft moan, almost simultaneously, Sam slid out from under the wooden table, where he'd apparently caught a few hours of sleep himself. His face creased from the hard floor, his eyes bloodshot but kind.
Jacob spoke first, "Jenny, wake the kids we need to go."
But Sam stopped Jenny gently, his hand reaching out to grasp her arm softly, "Jenny, wait, I need to have a quiet word with Jacob alone, please. I promise I'll be quick, Just a few minutes, that's all. You and the kids can freshen up in the bathroom while we talk. He's stable for now,"
Jenny looked at Jacob and Jacob nodded and she went back into the room.
Sam locked eyes with Jacob intently, his gaze piercing through the dim light as Toby softly snored, Sam continued in a low, serious tone, "Jacob, those creatures you and your family encountered are called The Gorie, beings from a realm parallel to ours, hidden from normal eyes."
He paused briefly, collecting his thoughts before revealing more, "Only people who practice magic or are born with it can see The Gorie and their realm. A gift or curse, depending on how you wield it."
Jacob's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing with questions, before asking the one burning on his lips, "How do you know all this, Sam?"
Sam replied, his voice low and grave, "A few years ago, after the incident with Elijah, I did some investigating of my own, digging deep into local legends and dark tales. I heard of a priest who performed exorcisms without the church's knowledge, a man driven by obsession, and faith. I tracked him down, and he told me a terrifying story about these creatures. The symbols etched into every beam and stone around my cabin protect me against evil forces such as The Gorie, they can never enter my sanctuary. The priest gave me these symbols, copied from ancient texts known as The Book of Solomon. He promised to contact a colleague at the Vatican and that he would contact me, but I never heard from him again. I assume that his either been silenced by the church or dead." His voice dropped to a whisper, "Jacob, Toby's magical aura is the brightest I have ever seen, a beacon calling out to darkness. Those creatures, in the early hours of this morning, did something they've never done in all my years living here. This morning, The Gorie themselves came close to my cabin. My advice is this, get your family as far away from this place as possible. Leave this land behind, Jacob, never look back."
Jacob asked, "Why live here, Sam? Why choose this place, surrounded by darkness and haunted by those terrifying creatures. Why go through all this, the symbols, the fear, the constant vigilance."
Sam replied, his voice low, "It's like I'm drawn to this place, Like I'm meant to be here. Every time I try to leave, a strange, unsettling feeling grips my chest, as if something or someone, is calling me back." He paused, then continued, "I've come to realize, that this place might be my destiny."
Jacob replied, his voice firm and resolute, "Exactly, now you know how I feel, helpless, enraged, and desperate for truth." His eyes burned with determination, "My family almost died out there, I'll be damned if I don't get answers as to why. I'm going somewhere I haven't been in many years, a place I swore I'd never return to. I'm hoping to get some answers, then I'll walk away, from this darkness." his expression softened slightly, concern etched on his face, "I'm worried about Toby, I've seen changes in him. His nightmares for one. The way he talks about things he shouldn't know. The person I'm going to see hopefully can give me some answers about Toby's condition."
Just then, Toby awoke, rubbing his eyes sleepily before locking gazes with his father, a soft smile spreading across his face, "Dad… I told you, you're the toughest man I know." His voice was filled with admiration and affection.
Completely unaware of the ominous conversation his father had just shared with Sam.
Jacob's expression softened, his eyes welling up with emotion as he opened his arms wide, feeling the searing pain of his wound, a dull ache in his chest and bruised ribs, but he didn't care. Nothing mattered in that moment. Not The Gorie, not Sam's warnings. Only one thing filled his heart and soul. Toby was his strength, his firstborn, and in this instant, Jacob would endure any agony, face any fear, to hold his son close.
Toby launched himself into Jacob's arms, and Jacob wrapped him tightly, burying his face in Toby's hair, overwhelmed with love and gratitude.
"I love you, buddy…" Jacob whispered,
Just then, Jenny and the kids walked into the lounge, Jenny rushed to Jacob's side with tears of relief in her eyes. She hugged and kissed him passionately, accidentally pressing on his wounded side.
Jacob winced slightly but smiled through the pain, "Yes, I love you too."
The kids eagerly joined in, hugging their father tightly.
Jenny cautioned them gently, "Be careful, kids, Daddy's hurt."
As they embraced, Sam smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners, happy to see the family reunited.
He cleared his throat gently, "Shall we get you all back to Lake Tehillah? To your RV, where some well deserved rest awaits all of you."
Jacob nodded gratefully. Sam and Toby helped him stand. Jenny and the kids flanking him closely as they walked out of Sam's cosy cabin, into the early afternoon air.
***Moloch stood tall, his lean frame imposing yet eerily graceful. His long black hair cascaded down his back like night itself, framing piercing green eyes that gleamed with malevolent intensity. He wore his infamous black leather trench coat, its edges tattered and worn, a testament to many years of darkness and evil deeds. His mind drifted back to that fateful encounter with the Gorie. When Moloch came to stay at Lake Tehilla campsite some years ago. On the 4th night of his stay, after consuming several glasses of whiskey, he stumbled drunkenly upon the trails.
He stood before the four trails, playing a childish game, "Eeny, meeny, miny, mo…" His finger landed on The Western Ridge Trail and Moloch stumbled down it until he saw Azazel. A terrifying Gorie creature. Moloch's drunken haze vanished instantly, replaced by sheer terror.
Azazel raised his blade, ready to strike Moloch, when a voice commanded, "Stop."
Moloch's eyes widened as he beheld his "Saviour," Ballack, the ruthless leader of the Gorie, who stood beside Azazel. Moloch's fear transformed into twisted devotion. Ballack that night made him an offer he could not refuse and he knew his fate was sealed, bound to Ballack and the Gorie forever.
Moloch strolled through Lake Tehillah campsite, with a smug smile spreading across his face. He felt immense pride in his deceitful accomplishments. Years of manipulating families with magical auras, convincing them to embark on the deadly Western Ridge trail. His secret pact with Ballack, leader of the Gorie, was nearing fulfilment, immortality awaited him, courtesy of Ballack's dark powers.
Moloch's thoughts drifted to the Griffin family, "No trickery needed with them," he gloated silently.
A low, satisfied chuckle escaped his lips, "Yes, a fine day indeed."
Moloch mentally ticked off his twisted to do list. With the Griffins already in Gorie custody, only 2 more families were needed to be delivered to Ballack, then, eternal life would be his reward.
Moloch smiled to himself, gazing up at the heavens with satisfaction, "After all, what else could a man ask for."
His eyes sparkled with malevolent glee, already envisioning his immortality.
***The sun shone brightly, a stark contrast to yesterday's eerie darkness. Sam led the way down the winding trail. The group walking in comfortable silence, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. After awhile of gentle walking, Lake Tehillah's sparkling waters came into view. Their RV parked nearby, a welcoming sight.
Jacob breathed deeply, feeling grateful, "Almost back to normal, thanks to you, Sam."
Sam smiled, clapping Jacob's shoulder gently, "Anytime, friend."
As the others walked on, Sam grasped Jacob's arm cautiously, holding him back briefly. Once everyone was out of earshot, Sam's expression turned grave instantly.
His voice low and urgent, "Jacob, one more thing. I must warn you about a man named Moloch."
He paused briefly, before continuing, "He's incredibly friendly, the super salesman type. Always charming, always smiling." Then Sam's grip on Jacob's arm tightened slightly, emphasizing his next words, "But trust me, Jacob, beneath that charm lies pure evil. And there's one detail that never changes, he always wears this old black leather trench coat. I think, he has a secret pact with the Gorie, please stay clear of him. You hear me, Jacob?"
Jacob looked at Sam with deep gratitude, "Sam, thank you for all you've done for us, I mean it."
At that moment, Toby's voice echoed across the campsite, "Dad, Sam, come quick!"
Jacob winced slightly as he turned too fast. His wounded side protesting the sudden movement.
Sam noticed and offered a supporting arm, which Jacob gratefully accepted before hurrying towards the RV with Sam's help.
Toby stood frozen, pointing at the door. It hung crookedly on its hinges, splintered wood and twisted metal, a stark testament to forced entry.
Sam's eyes never left the damaged lock as he spoke, "My money's on Moloch. He thought you weren't coming back."
Jenny's eyes narrowed slightly at Sam's comment, then turned to Jacob, concern etched on her face, "Who's Moloch?"
Jacob replied softly, "I'll tell you all about him later, love. We need to deal with this first."
Jacob instructed calmly, "Toby, go in, check if your mom's handbag which is on the bed and my wallet, which is in the kitchen drawer, are not stolen."
Toby nodded and entered the RV cautiously, his eyes scanning the interior.
He returned shortly, reporting, "Dad, your wallet's still here, cash and credit cards intact, but Mom's handbag is gone."
They helped Jacob into the RV, checking everything else, but no other valuables or belongings were missing.
Once Sam and Toby finished repairing the door, Sam entered the RV and gave Jacob a firm nod, "Well, that'll have to do for now. I have to head to the general store, duty calls I'm afraid. You folks need anything, you know where to find me."
Emotional goodbyes followed, hugs exchanged all around, then Sam turned and walked out of the RV heading to the store.
Jacob watched him go, then turned to Toby, "Go find Mr. McNamara. Tell him I'd like to have a word with him and Toby tell him nothing else. He should be at the office entrance."
Toby rushed off towards the campsite office.
Jenny was busy helping the children get dressed when Jacob called out to her, "Jenny?"
She turned around, concern etched on her face, "Are you okay, love?"
Jacob winced slightly, "I'm trying to be."
Jenny walked up to him, gentle fingers brushing his forehead, "Open your mouth. These antibiotics will keep any infections away from that wound."
Jacob opened his mouth reluctantly, even as a child, he hated taking tablets. "Ugh, do I have to?" he joked weakly.
Jenny smiled softly, "Yes, you do."
After he swallowed the pills, Jacob asked, "Help me to the bed, please. I just need to rest a bit, then we can be on our way."
Jenny's curiosity was piqued, "Are we going home?"
Jacob's expression turned serious, "No, love, I will explain everything to you just now. I promise. After I speak to Jerry.