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Thursday, November 20th, 2003
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3:43 am - So much has happened...
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I'm afraid this entry will be lengthy, due to all that has happened since I last wrote. I will summarize it as best as possible.
The Killian family were all murdered by the Horseman. Brom tried to stop him, though it was too late, and I tried to tell Brom to get away while he still could, as the Horseman was not after him. He did not listen, and plunged into battle, and I had no choice but to aid him.
It all proved futile. I was stabbed in the shoulder by the hellish blade of the Hessian, and, being thrown to the ground, kept conciousness long enough to see Brom's valiant attempts to attack the Horseman until he was sliced in half. At that point, I fainted, remembering no more of how I got back into my bed, surrounded by various people.
It was apparentally a miracle that I survived a wound such as the one the Horseman inflicted upon me. I am just relieved to have escaped with my life.
Having discovered that the Horseman does not kill at random, that his movements are controlled by the person who took his skull, I have made great improvements in this case.
I must not write so hastily, however, as my shoulder still burns with pain when I move to steady the page. I am thankful it was not my writing arm.
Katrina's love, Katrina's Brom, he is gone. What will she think now? Will she think I am to blame? Of course not; she already assured me that she did not blame me. How can I be sure that she is speaking the truth? I suppose I must trust her, and God, how I do. I'd trust her with my very soul.
I had another nightmare as well. During my resting due to this insufferable wound, I dreamt more of my mother. More of how my father murdered her.
It is too horrible to think about. Too horrible to remember.
I awoke from my nightmare and was embraced by my angel, by Katrina. She had, and has been, watching over me while I have slept this past night. She asked of what I dreamt, and I confided in her. I bared my soul to her, and she, like the heavenly being she is, helped chase my fears away.
I even let her know how much that first kiss meant to me. Before she even saw my face. Before she knew my name. Her open, trusting, and loving heart was exposed to me as soon as we met.
I love her more than I can say. Her beauty captivates me, and makes me think and feel things I have never experienced. Her heart, kind and loving, makes me feel as though I could stay safe and happy with her forever. Her pure soul enraptures me in ways that no one else could.
I must end this journal entry now, however... Katrina has come back upstairs, and she is insisting that I go back to sleep.
I have a feeling that my next dreams will be pleasant ones of my beautiful angel, Katrina.
current mood:  exhausted
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| Wednesday, November 19th, 2003
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7:28 pm - The Hessian Has Risen Once Again!!
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I do not have much time to write this, but I must copy this down in case something else happens!
After much more digging, I finally found the Horseman's grave. The skull has been taken. I deduced that the reason the Horseman has risen from the grave is to take heads until his own is restored to him.
At that moment, the Headless Horseman himself and his fearsome black steed leapt from the bowels of the Tree, and galloped off down the path.
I had no time to consider my own cowardice. I scrambled onto Gunpowder, who sensed my urgency, and we took off down the path after the Horseman.
However, his horse is much too fast for Gunpowder. We have lost them. I cannot even go back to the Tree to see if Katrina and Young Masbath are safe.
He is going to take another head. I must stop him, before it is too late!
current mood:  rushed
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6:30 pm - Still digging...
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Let me just say that physical work is not my strength.
I have been digging for quite some time now; digging up the Hessian's grave, and though I am making progress, it is slow. I should come across something soon, I hope.
Shortly after I began to dig, Katrina came up onto the gravesite to see how the digging was going, and to explain something or other about Masbath being upset at seeing his father's head in the tree. She seemed vaguely annoyed that I hadn't noticed Masbath's discontent right away. I hope she does not stay mad at me, but really, I am making surprising progress on this case, and I don't have the time to worry about feelings and such.
This is more how it should be; my focus and concentration on solving the case and using logic, not on thoughts of love and such.
Well, that is enough of a break for now. I will continue, and I will hopefully find something.
current mood: exhausted
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5:40 pm - Ugh....
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Well. We have found the Tree of the Dead. It is tall, dark, and twisted, much as it should appear, I suppose.
I noticed a liquid, presumably sap, dripping from the base of the tree. I investigated, and as it turns out, it was NOT sap. It was blood.
So, I like the ever curious fool I am, decided to use an axe to hack open the tree. What did I find, you may ask? ...Heads, and many of them.
...Most disgusting. I must make a note NOT to hack open any bleeding trees again any time soon. Ugh.
Anyway, I deduced that the tree must be a gateway to another world. Climbing upon the hill which the tree was half-buried in, I saw the sword protruding from the ground. The Horseman's sword. The soil beneath the sword had been disturbed loose. It was clearly the Horseman's grave, but WHY has the soil been disturbed? What would a graverobber gain from the Horseman's grave?
I am preparing to start digging. Young Masbath seems to be drastically upset about something, and Katrina is speaking with him about it. I'm not sure what it is, but I have no time to worry about it.
This case is certainly the most unique one I've ever worked on.
OOC: Bad bad me for not updating lately... I'm sorry... ;_;
current mood: aggravated
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5:20 pm - So many mixed emotions...
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I cannot believe this.
Katrina has joined Young Masbath and I out here, in the danger of the Western Woods. I had thought her a stranger until she turned around, and I demanded to know why she had come. She said it was because no one else would go with me.
I was too spellbound to even try and restrain myself from vocalizing my thoughts. If I can recall, I said, "I am now twice the man; it is your white magic." At that point, the most beautiful smile spread across her face, and we both leaned in. At least, I believe she did... I know that I did, in any case... I could not help but want to kiss her. She is so lovely that I'm amazed that I can continue to restrain myself even at this very moment.
Masbath, however, much to my chagrin, came along before anything could happen, with news of having found the Tree of the Dead, as he believes. We shall approach it soon, I think.
I'm so relieved to be with her once again, but I'm also so concerned with her safety. Does she not understand the danger of being out here?!
Then again, that must be why she was so reluctant for Young Masbath and I to venture out here.
We are almost there... I shall end this entry until I can find out more.
current mood:  indescribable
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5:03 pm - I do NOT like this place.
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Unfortunately, I must recount all that has happened since my last entry not long ago. It is not pleasant, but it is for the good of the case... I suppose.
Young Masbath and I stumbled across what is believed to be the home of the Witch of the Western Woods. Normally I might have scoffed at this, but after what I've witnessed in this town, I am not sure what is truth and what is fiction anymore.
We both reluctantly entered the hollowed area, and were met by a woman, a witch, with her face veiled and her mannerisms strange and frightening. We inquired as to her knowledge about the Horseman, and well, I suppose she confirmed that she did know something. She allowed told Masbath to leave, which he did gladly, and I was to sit at her table with her.
She was mixing potions of some sort vigourously, and speaking of a certain "him" riding to the Hollow and back, which I suppose is the Hessian.
After chaining herself to the wall, she went rather limp, and did not speak. I was unsure of what to do, until she suddenly became posessed by an evil spirit, and attacked me.
While pinning me to the floor, the witch, posessed by a demon, ordered me to follow the indian trail to the Tree of the Dead, where the sun dies, and there I would find the Horseman's resting place. The witch then promptly passed out upon me, and I would have fainted myself had I not exited quickly, and gotten Masbath to leave as quickly as possible.
We have stopped her for a short rest, but we will be continuing in a matter of minutes. I have a strange feeling that we are not alone in the woods...
current mood:  nervous
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4:27 pm - Hmm...
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Well, Young Masbath and I are now in the Western Woods. I have paused to write this down while Masbath reattaches a few of our bags that are falling from his saddle.
These woods are strange, and very old... you can feel the age of the forest even as you pass through. This section of the woods is lacking in any noises, as Masbath pointed out. I hear no birds or insects, and even the wind has been silenced.
I wish I did not feel so nervous.
Young Masbath has also informed me of a few things. He and his father were servants to the Van Garretts, and the night before the murder, there was an argument between father and son, during which the elder Masbath was sent for.
It is strange... but it connects Jonathan Masbath to the Van Garretts, and so it is clearly a vital clue in this case. I must ponder this fact when I have time to think clearly.
We must begin moving again. I fear we may have lingered too long.
current mood: anxious
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2:27 pm - So much for "able-bodied men".
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Yesterday, when I proposed the idea of going into the Western Woods to find out more about the Headless Horseman, I received but one volunteer; Young Masbath.
What has happened to all of Brom's their so-called bravery now, hmm?
Seeing as how there was only to be Young Masbath and I to investigate, we decided to postpone the investigation in the Western Woods until today, and spent yesterday working up courage preparing to leave.
We are leaving much later than planned, unfortunately, as Katrina insisted that we waited until it was light out, and then Gunpowder, ever determined to burden me, decided to throw a shoe just as I had mounted him. Let's just say I was rather ...undignifiedly thrown, and I was most displeased that Katrina had come down to the stables to see us off just at that moment.
It certainly has not been my day. As a matter of fact, it has not been my day for quite a while now.
On top of all this, Brom was reluctant to re-shoe Gundpowder, and was adamantly refusing to do so until Katrina convinced him to. She has been around quite a bit in the past 24 hours, surprisingly enough. Not that I mind, of course.
I just hope things go better once Young Masbath and I set out. I very much hope we return alright...
current mood: distressed
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| Tuesday, November 18th, 2003
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11:49 am - Now that I have regained my sanity...
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Well. Now that I am not so incomprehensionable as before, I can coherently write about what I have seen.
When I followed the Magistrate last night, and demanded to know why he was leaving, he explained that he was too terrified of powers of which there are no defense against. I asked how he knew the widow Winship was expecting a child, and he said that she came to him for advice, as town Magistrate, to protect the rights of her child. He also knew the name of the child's father, but would not tell me.
Philipse believes the Horseman killed her father, and I began to get extremely annoyed with his continued insistance in the existance of the Horseman, but just then, I was proved... terribly wrong.
The Horseman galloped towards us out of the woods, with a firey determination as if Hell had spat him out with a vengeance unlike any seen before. His sword unsheathed, he rushed towards Philipse and knocked me aside. With one swipe of his blade, the Magistrate's head was severed from his body, and rolled down the hill, catching me in between the legs as I attempted to right myself.
Miraculously, the Hessian speared the head with an accuracy that missed me, and galloped off into the woods. I passed out with the sheer unbelievableness of it all and the relief at my life having been spared.
I woke up in my own bed, terrified out of my wits, and started scribbling nonsense in my ledger. Van Tassel, Katrina, and Young Masbath rushed in to see how I was doing, but I was too panicked to even speak properly. I fainted once again, in front of Katrina no less, and dreamt once again of my mother, and more of her terrible fate.
I do not WANT to dream of those dark days of my childhood, but it seems as though my subconcious is giving me no choice.
Now that I have woken, and I am of a logical mind once again, I must now prove that I am not of as faint a heart as Katrina must now think I am.
It seems as though they were all correct about the Horseman, though I hate to admit it more than anything. I have no choice but to accept the murdering ghost's existance, and find a logical way to stop his reign of terror.
Katrina must now think me an utter coward. I am sickened with myself for being so weak, and I must prove to her that I am not a coward.
I have made a decision. I will go into the Western Woods, with as many men as I can muster to accompany me, and I will find out as much as I can about this Horseman.
By God, I will prove to Katrina that there is some bravery in me yet.
current mood:  determined
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8:02 am - It..it...it....
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Itwasaheadlesshorseman
Believeme it's reallll
IT'S ALL TRUE
ITWAS A HEADLESS
HORSEMAN
HE IS REAL HE TRIED TO KILL ME
THE MAGISTRATE IS DEAD
THE HORSEMAN
IS
REAL
current mood: indescribable
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| Monday, November 17th, 2003
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11:30 pm - Investigating...
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I kept my word, and I am now investigating tonight. Perhaps it will help keep my mind off of Katrina, though I am in serious doubt of that. She has a man to think of her already, after all. It is not my place to adore her as I do. I am a constable, and that is all.
I decided, though it seems rather unprofessional, that I would attempt to eavesdrop on the meeting of the four town holders.
Right now, they are inside the town hall, in a small room, and I am attempting to hear what they are discussing. Actually, they are partaking in a rather heated argument at the moment, though I am unsure what it is about.
Crouching in the dirt next to the wall of this building is dreadfully uncomfortable, and it is difficult to see what I am writing in this darkness. Perhaps I will stand and write.
Still arguing...
More arguing...
Wait, this is interesting. Magistrate Philipse has just left in a sudden rush. I shall follow him and see if I can find out what they were discussing. With any luck, I shall uncover another interesting factor in this case!
current mood:  curious
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9:32 am - An outing with Katrina...
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My heart feels so light and wonderful right now; I feel so unusually happy!
I have returned from the outing with Katrina. I was grateful that Gunpowder did not act up much. I must record as many details of the outing as possible, so that I may recall it later, when dark thoughts penetrate my mind, and I am in need of thoughts of loveliness.
Katrina and I rode out, across the pastures. I observed her gentle beauty as subtly as I could. Her long golden hair, bright and innocent eyes, pale and sparkling features, all of them hold me captive. I am hopelessly in love, it would seem.
We road up to the rubble and remains of a small cottage. I dismounted, and offered this goddess of light my hand in aid of her dismount. She spotted the scars upon my palms, and inquired about them. "I have had them since I can remember," I told her, and she accepted the fact that I wished not to speak of it. It is a memory I have buried as deep as I possibly can.
She told me various stories of her childhood, one about drawings in front of the fireplace that brought back memories of my mother, unfortunately... I hope that she did not notice my discontent at that moment.
A cardinal upon a branch distracted us both, and I learned that the cardinal is also her favourite bird! Oh, how could I not love this woman, even due to this simple fact?
I brought out my thaumatrope toy of a cardinal and a cage, a gift from my mother, and demonstrated how it was used. Lovely as she is, Katrina's naive upbringing led her to believe that the appearance of the pictures as one was magic, but I explained to her about optics.
Would you believe that she actually listened, and seemed to genuinely want to hear what I had to say?
Katrina asked me more of scientific properties, and to explain how many things worked if they were not magic. It is unbelievable! She is actually interested in my work!
Sense and reason have failed me in matters of the heart, for I am completely wrapped up in my love for Katrina Van Tassel. If only she felt the same way for me, and did not love that muscle-headed Brom, then maybe it would not be so difficult.
Katrina... she is such a gentle, caring, and loving person. She deserves someone who will cherish her for ever more. I am that someone; if I had a chance with her, I would love her like no other could.
I suppose I should be working on the case... yes, the case... I will do some investigating tonight, I suppose...
I will solve this case for the safety and well-being of Katrina. I vow that I will let no harm come to Katrina Van Tassel!
current mood: in love
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6:30 am - How could I have lived up until recently? It seems as though I have only just begun to live...
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I went downstairs for a drink of water... and Katrina happened to be reading by the fire. I felt rather embarassed to intrude upon her reading, but she assured me that it was quite alright.
We had a conversation where I learned more about Katrina's past. Her mother died recently, not too many years ago, which I am sorry about. She also gave me a gift; a book. It is something about spells or something similar. It is utter rubbish, I believe, but it does not matter, for Katrina gave it to me, and anything she gives me I will treasure.
Such a woman cannot consume a man's thoughts so easily, can she? For that is what Katrina has done to me. I think of her nonstop, and my heart feels pleasantly light when I am near her.
I did not wish to admit it before, but...
I think I am in love.
Oh, curses that I may feel this way!! Curses and joy, for though it grieves me that she already has a fiancee and she will never be interested in me, she will continue to brighten my spirits, no matter what.
How did I begin a murder investigation and so suddenly have fallen in love? It is not at all logical, though I am getting the feeling that most occurances and people in this town are anything but logical.
Katrina and I are to visit the cottage where she grew up in a few minutes; I am supposed to be preparing, as it is chilly outside. Oh, how I hope that Gunpowder shall behave for once, and I will not look like a fool in front of Katrina.
...Well, so that I will not look like a fool in front of Katrina again.
current mood:  happy
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5:59 am - Is THIS how people in the country have fun?!
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Ugh!! So much for my return to the scene of the crime. Brom decided it would be clever to play a trick on me, by dressing up as the Headless Horsman, croaking my name, chasing me into the woods, and proceeding to throw a flaming pumpkin at me.
I realized it was a joke far too late, and fainted. I woke up in my own bed; I assume someone brought me back to my room.
When I fainted, I had a dream... and it was about things that happened long ago. Things in my past that I wish to forget. I dreamt... about my mother. That would not have been so bad, had I not dreamt more of her fate. Luckily, I woke up before I remembered too much.
I have done my best to put those horrible memories behind me. They are part of a past that I do not want to remember.
I must go fetch myself a drink of water; I am suddenly very thirsty.
current mood: thirsty
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| Sunday, November 16th, 2003
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3:34 pm - An autopsy!!
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It is difficult to believe that so much has happened since ...last night, but it's true. I have discovered quite a bit.
Before dawn, Young Masbath came into my room and ushered me awake. The boy can certainly wake up early; I am rather surprised. We headed down to the cemetery with Mr. Killian and a few other men, and dug up the victims' coffins. Nothing was extraordinary about their contents, minus the fact that the corpses all smelled rather horrid and lacked heads. In other words, they were all as I had expected them to be, with the exception of one.
The widow Winship, on closer inspection, had a cut in her stomach. This gave me an idea, although it was almost impossible.
We brought the widow into Doctor Lancaster's office, and I had the opportunity to perform my very first autopsy. I am quite proud, if I do say so myself, despite the unfortunate reprocussions of being splattered with bodily fluids.
The details of the autopsy are written in my case journal, but the conclusion that I came to confirmed my suspicions upon seeing the cut in the widow's stomach.
The widow Winship was with child!
This explains the five victims in four graves statement that the Magistrate impressed upon me yesterday evening. It also tells me that whoever is committing these murders is a certified madman. Honestly; cutting open a woman to murder her unborn child, even after she is dead? That is disgusting, and I am even more determined to solve the case, as if I was not already determined enough.
Tonight I plan to ride to the outskirts of the woods and see if the murderer returns to the spot of Jonathan Masbath's murder. It has been known to happen before, and I intend to be there if it does.
current mood: determined
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| Saturday, November 15th, 2003
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10:20 pm - I HATE spiders...
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Oh, good God, I wish I could forget the past few minutes. I am too embarassed to think very straight.
Katrina knocked on my door with new sheets for my bed, and I, forgetting that I was without a shirt, invited her in hastily.
...Let me just say that this left me feeling utterly embarassed and foolish, and Katrina somewhat amused at my predicament, I believe. Oh, she is sure to laugh at me and spread this story around the town. Just what I need; MORE humiliation.
After this, I heard her scream from the hallway, and it turns out she had tripped. Then we encountered a terribly ferocious spider, and I did not handle it very well, to say the least. Katrina was not the least bit afraid of it. I felt even more embarassed after that.
I must sleep now; I have had enough humiliation for one night.
current mood: embarrassed
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10:06 pm - Five victims....four graves.....
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I shall recount the events of the funeral service, although there are only a few important facts to tell of.
The funeral was a sad one indeed, and though I did not know Jonathan Masbath, I was saddened all the same. The atmosphere of funerals has a tendancy to do that, whether you were close with the departed or not.
Afterwards, the son of Masbath approached me and offered me his services, in honour bound to avenge his father. At first I was not keen on the idea of a young boy assisting me, but then I learned something very curious.
Magistrate Philipse approached me, and informed me that Jonathan Masbath was in fact the fifth victim, and not the fourth. Five victims in four graves...what can this possibly mean?? I do wish he had enlightened me more upon this fact, but he hurried away before I could learn more.
Young Masbath, Mr. Killian, and I are to wake before dawn to investigate this further. If it involves digging up the graves, then so be it. I must know more.
I also noticed that Katrina was very devastated, and kept wiping her eyes in her grief. Seeing her so heartbroken once again gave me a strange feeling of sadness, as if I wanted desperately to help her.
I wish to know why I am feeling this way. It seems as if I cannot stop thinking about her; she is in my every thought. What is this unfamiliar feeling?
Brom kept shooting glances of a threatening nature at me, though I have done nothing wrong. I believe he is jealous, but what reason does he have to be jealous? Katrina is obviously devoted to him, and they will be wed happily, I am sure. I am nothing but a mere constable, and my presence is only required to solve this case.
To Katrina, I am nothing more than that. That is how it must be, although admitting so brings a painful weight upon my heart.
For now, I must retire. My eyes grow heavy with sleep, though I am still very curious about the Magistrate's words. I shall change into my nightclothes, as I have only half done so in my preoccupation to write these events in my ledger.
current mood: cold
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2:30 pm - What has come over me?
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I am so confused at the moment. I have just returned from a visit with Katrina, during which I assured her that I would do my best to solve this mystery.
Before the visit, I was determined and quite confident, my mind focused on the task at hand.
After the visit, however...I am feeling rather strange. The weight present upon my heart since I had arrived has lifted slightly. How can this be? I am doubting there even being a logical explanation for how I am feeling right now, but that doubt is shortlived. Perhaps I am simply experiencing emotions from a change in environment, as Sleepy Hollow is very different from New-York City.
When I visited Katrina, I did not wish to see her looking so distraught. I had a strange urge to want to make her feel better, but how can I possibly do that, aside from solving the case?
I am rather confused at the moment. Logic seems to be failing me, but I hope it is only temporary.
I will write about the service afterwards.
current mood: confused
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2:14 pm - This case is turning out to be stranger than I had imagined.
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Well, I inspected the body of the fourth victim, Jonathan Masbath. It was not pleasant, as I was surrounded by the town holders and a few other people that do not understand my work. Their eyes bored into me as I was trying to make observations; it was rather unnerving.
When I rode up on that infernal beast, Gunpowder, and I approached the body, I had not properly prepared myself for the sight. It was rather gruesome, of course. I had to fight not to retch.
Doctor Lancaster moved the body. I've no idea WHY he would do such a thing, but you are not supposed to move the body in any case. You lose evidence that way. The fool.
I have written down the details of what I observed about the body in my case ledger rather than this personal one, so I will not repeat everything here; only the basics.
- singular, powerful thrust to the neck
- neck wound cauterized; blade extremely hot?
- no blistering or scorched flesh around severed area
- head had been taken; possible motives for this = ?
- curious lack of arterial spray in the general area (Masbath running, heart rate = high, reason for no arterial spray = ?)
- attacker rode Masbath down, turned his horse, & came back to claim the head
That is a shortened version of what I have recorded in my case ledger. As is seen, there are many unanswered questions. I plan to continue my analysis of this case, but I did not expect it to be so confusing.
The funeral for poor Masbath is this evening. I shall attend, of course, and pay my respects. Katrina seemed to be shocked and saddened by the news of Masbath's death, and I believe she is worried for the safety of her family and herself. This gives me more of an incentive to solve this case.
It is strange. As much as I do not like to get involved in cases on a personal level, it has become rather difficult this time. However, I must not let myself become attatched to anyone. My attention will be completely focused upon solving this matter.
...Perhaps I will see how Katrina is doing before the service. I can make no more observations at the moment, anyway, as everyone is preparing. She seemed like she needs the company. Though I am not very good company to most people, especially the fairer sex, I shall do my best to reassure her that I will solve this case.
current mood:  pensive
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8:44 am - Murder #4
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There has been aNother murder! I am oN my way tO investIgate.
If mY writing iS a bit mesSy, it is because__ I am writIng this while rIding. The horse I__ have been lenT, Gunpowder, Is not at alL cOoperatIve.
We arE approaChing the victim. I wilL have mOre informaTion soOn.
current mood: rushed
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constable_crane's journal