STRANGE PARADISE- Episode 167

Episode 167: Slideshow

Cort looks at Jean Paul. “Philip has got to find a way to help us.” “He’s gone.” Jean Paul says as he walks away from Cort. Cort follows him. “He promised me he wouldn’t leave me alone.” Jean Paul turns towards Cort. “Cort he had to leave. He has to help us by starting all over again and he will come back when he finds another sign.” “Well will the totem save us?” Jean Paul shakes his head. “No that totem is for Emily’s protection.” “So we’re left alone without any help at all!” Cort says getting upset. “Unless we help each other.” Jean Paul says as he steps closer to Cort. “Or kill each other.” Cort tells him. “Yes or kill each other.” Jean Paul says as he walks to the window then glances back at Cort. “It may be better for you if I were dead.” “No.” Cort says as he walks towards Jean Paul. “That’s what Raxl wanted. She wanted me to kill Emily and put the blame on you.” Cort points at Jean Paul. “What did she say to you?” “Oh not very much. Only that I would be the Master of Desmond Hall.” “Is that what you want? To take my place?” Cort turns away. “Jean Paul there is something I want to confess to you. No matter what happens tonight I want you to know that I’ve been...” Jean Paul steps closer to him. “Go ahead.” “Well that I’ve been plotting against you even before Raxl encouraged me.” He turns and looks at Jean Paul. “With who?” Cort turns and walks away. “Well ask Emily." Jean Paul stares at him. “Well it wasn’t her fault; she had nothing to do with it. She was under a spell.” “What kind of spell?” “Well Irene tried to put me under it to but I refused.” “Is Emily still under that spell?” Jean Paul asks. Cort shakes his head. “No she was hypnotized so she wouldn’t remember a thing that happened.” Cort steps away then turns and looks at Jean Paul. “Why? Why would you want to do anything like this to me?” “Because of greed.” Cort turns away. “I couldn’t wait for my inheritance.” “I see. So Raxl realized you would promise anything to get what you wanted.” “But I didn’t know what it meant.”

“Nor did I when I made the pact...” Jean Paul starts to say then glances up at Cort. “What pact?” Jean Paul turns away. “Oh yes the star leads us to whatever we want says Raxl... Well what did it lead you to?” Jean Paul glances at him. “It led me to a nightmare that I’ll carry to my grave Cort! And I don’t want the same thing happening to you!” “What did you want that badly?” Cort asks. Jean Paul turns his back on him. “I wanted Erica to return from death.” He stands in front of the mirror. “I promised I would do anything for it. She came back and brought the Mark of Death to me.” “Raxl knew it all the time didn’t she.” “Raxl is not like the rest of us.” “What do you mean?” Cort asks. Jean Paul glances back at Cort, he turns from the mirror and walks closer to him. “Only she will reveal secrets to others.” Cort glances away. “And if I had really killed Emily then she would have told me.” “And you would have been in her service as I have been. That’s why she wanted you to become the new Master.” Cort steps away from Jean Paul. “Then I may really kill you.” “And I may kill you. But I don’t think so.” Jean Paul says as he opens the door. Cort turns and looks at him. “Where are you going?”

“I want you to go to your room. I’ll be with you in a few minutes. I have a plan that may defeat both Raxl and the star at the same time.”

Raxl stand in front of the skeleton in Philip’s secret room when the door opens. Julian steps inside. “I have been waiting for you Monsieur Lacombe.” Raxl says with a bow. “I was delayed.” He says as he steps closer to her. In his hand is the mask. “No.” Raxl says backing away. “No that is my enemy!” “You must make it your ally.” “It works against us.” “Nothing works against us if we know its secrets.” “I do not know them.” Raxl says to him. “You have wasted centuries.”

“No one has instructed me.” Raxl tells him. “That’s why I was sent to you. Now approach the mask.” Raxl continues to stand and stare at it. “Do not show fear. We must do what is necessary to accomplish our mission here.” Raxl glances at the mask nervously.

Jean Paul walks into Cort’s room carrying a rope. Cort stares at him. “What’s the matter?” Jean Paul asks. “The heartbeat, it’s gone.” Jean Paul nods. “It will come back. Sit down.” Cort walks toward the bed. “No not there.” Jean Paul says as he walks across the room and picks up a straight back chair. He places it in the center of the room. “Sit in this chair.” “What are you going to do with me?” Cort asks as he sits down. “I am going to tie you up until the morning.” Jean Paul says as he bends down and starts at Cort’s feet with the rope. “I don’t want to be tied up.” Cort tells him. “It’s the only way. I can’t stay with you alone.” He says as he pulls Cort’s arms behind the chair. “I’ll lock the door and then I’ll get the key and slide it under the door and then I shall pick up Ada’s key in the morning.”

“Will I be safe from you?” “Yes you’ll be safe from me. Philip will come back and when he does I’m going to have him lock me in my room after tying me in my chair.” “I’d rather be here then in the tower room. At least if I scream someone will hear me.” Jean Paul pats him on the arm then unlocks the door. After walking out of the room he locks the door and slides the key under the door.

Julian calls upon the mask. “Face of the ancient Orendo. Mask of the medicine chief. Keeper of the tribal flames. Listen to me.” Raxl shakes her head. “Those are not the words.” “How dare you interrupt me!” He shouts at her. “Forgive me but Mr. Philip says a different incantation.” “What does he say?” “I cannot remember the exact words.” “You have been derelict in your duties! This mask has been here for weeks.” he says angrily. “I’ve done what I could.” Raxl tells him. “Do not contradict me! If you had done what you should I wouldn’t have come here.” “Forgive me Monsieur Lacombe. I have failed.” “We should have let you die.” Raxl glances up at him. “No, no I cannot face what is in there for me.”

“Then do as I say!” Raxl glances at him. He steps closer to him. “Kneel and swear to me.” Raxl kneels in front of him with her head bowed. “From this time on I am your servant Master. And no one else's.” Julian stands looking at her.

Laslo enters the mansion and hangs up his coat. He walks through the foyer as Jean Paul walks down the staircase. “Oh Laslo I thought you had gone to bed.”

“That could hardly be since I just arrived this moment. I thought I saw Philip walking in the rain as I drove up.’ Laslo says as he walks into the Drawing Room.

Jean Paul follows him. “Oh.” “He was headed towards town.” Laslo says as he pours himself a drink. “But what would he be doing in Desmondton at this time of the night is beyond me.” “Well he has his own life like everyone else.” “I shouted to him but he didn’t answer. Would you like a drink?” Laslo asks as he holds out a glass of brandy. “No thank you.” “Oh by the way I saw a light in the room next to ours as I came up the driveway.” “Oh yes that’s where Julian is sleeping.”

Laslo looks at Jean Paul. “Julian?” “Yes haven’t you heard? Ada’s father Julian Desmond.” “Julian Desmond has been dead for years.” Laslo says as he sets his glass down on the table. “Apparently not. He came back tonight.” Jean Paul says as he walks across the room. “Didn’t you hear?” Jean Paul asks turning towards him. “No how would I have?” “Well I’m sorry. I thought Ada might have called to tell you.” Laslo stares at Jean Paul. “She probably forgot in all her excitement about it. She’ll explain everything to you.” Laslo glances away. “Yes well I think I will finish my brandy and go upstairs and hear the joyous news.” “Yes why don’t you take it up there with you. Ada should be very anxious to see you I’m sure.” Jean Paul tells him with a smile. “You seem eager to get rid of my company Jean Paul.” Jean Paul turns away. “Oh you’re very sensitive tonight Laslo.” Jean Paul says as he looks at Jacques’ portrait. “Yes I am. I’ve had the strangest day. Every time I went into the office the men would stop talking.” Laslo says as he walks to the couch and sits down. “And then I noticed they were looking in my direction when I was out of earshot.” Jean Paul walks over to the couch. “Well working men often have secrets from their bosses don’t they?” “I had the distinct impression that they were talking about me.” Jean Paul laughs. “You’ve been working too hard.” “No. Rumors are flying all over the mill about something here at Desmond Hall. I can’t imagine what it is.” “Well perhaps it was Uncle Julian’s sudden appearance. After all a man who has been thought dead for thirty years might cause some talk.” “When did you say he arrived?” “Right after supper.” “Oh no then it couldn’t have been that.” Laslo says as he shakes his head. “This has been going on all day. I thought I had heard Emily’s name mentioned and Philip.” Jean Paul walks in front of the couch. “Irene Hatter was here. She always leaves some rumors in her wake.” “What was Irene doing here?” “Ada brought her here to see Emily.” Laslo stands. “Ada, why on earth would she do that?” “I think you should ask her that question.” “Yes I think I will.” He sets his drink on the fireplace mantel. “I’m obviously not going to get any information from you.” “My dear Laslo I can’t tell you what I don’t know.” Jean Paul says. Laslo pauses next to Jean Paul then walks from the room. Jean Paul walks to the window and glances at the sky. The star is out. “What devilry are you up to now Jacques Eloi Des Mondes? To whom do you speak since you no longer speak to me?” Jean Paul asks.

Julian looks at Raxl. “It’s useless to us without the proper incantation.” “We must keep trying.” “No I have to put it back until we learn its purpose.” “We must not return it.” Raxl says to him. “It will be missed.” “Stay here with it. I will find a way to use it.” Raxl says to him. “But if we don’t know what to say.” “No but Master Cort does. I’ll bring him here.” Raxl says as she walks towards the door. “Jean Paul is with him.” “Trust me.” Raxl tells him. “And bring the totem too.” Julian tells her. Raxl turns back towards him. “Miss Emily has the totem.” “I know that. You must get it.” “I will.” “Her door is locked.” Julian says to her. “I have a master key to all the doors in Desmond Hall.” “Good, then bring me the totem and if the words don’t speak to Orendo for us the totem will.” “Monsieur Lacombe we will defeat them now.” Raxl says with a smile. “If you had known your business I wouldn’t have had to put up with the inconvenience of drafty halls and tiresome people. Go.” Raxl turns and leaves the room. Julian holds the mask. “Oh little Gagossa how many fools do we have to endure in the former life and the after life?”

Thunder rumbles outside as the storm continues. Raxl walks down the hallway and takes out her set of keys. She tries opening Cort’s door. “Who is it? Jean Paul is that you?” Cort asks as he hears someone at his door. Laslo walks up behind Raxl. “Raxl what are you doing here? Why are you locking that door?”

“I’m unlocking it Mr. Thaxton. It seems that someone has locked Master Cort inside.” “I will take care of Cort.” “Oh there is no need for you to trouble yourself about it.” “Go back to your room.” Laslo tells her. Raxl looks at him then walks away. Laslo opens the door and steps inside. He closes Cort’s door and turns around as Raxl walks back to the door and puts her ear against it and listens.

“What’s going on here?” Laslo asks as he looks at Cort. “Leave me alone.” Cort says to him. “Why did Raxl tie you up? And then lock the door?” Laslo asks as he stands next to him. Cort glances up at him. “Raxl she’s supposed to be...” Cort looks away. “She was supposed to be what?” “It’s none of your business.”

“Why did Raxl tie you in the chair?” Laslo asks as he holds onto the back of the chair. “Will you answer my question?” He says angrily. “We were experimenting to see if I could escape.” “Oh really Cort.” Laslo bends down and starts to untie him. “Your mother said you were giving up these childish magician tricks.” “I just wanted to see how long it would take me to get out of these ropes that’s all.”

Laslo sighs. “When are you going to outgrow this kids stuff? I thought you and I were going to put our minds to a better use.” He says as he loosens the rope and takes it off. “I have a good mind to call your mother and let her see you now.”

“Oh please don’t do that Laslo.” “All right. There now you can get up.” he says as he throws the rope on the side of the chair. “Come on get up. It’s late you should be asleep.” Cort stands next to Laslo. “By the way I understand your Grandfather arrived tonight. Did you see him?” “We all say him.” “Well I didn’t. Someone could have called me at the office.” He steps away from Cort. “I am still a member of this family.” Laslo glances back at Cort. “Or have we changed our minds about that again?” “About what?” “When you and I last talked we made a deal.” “I did not.” Cort says shaking his head. “Don’t deny it. We had an agreement. It was your idea as I remember.” Cort turns away. “I don’t want any agreement between us! Everything would have been all right if I hadn’t started all that.” Cort says as he turns towards Laslo. Laslo steps up to him. “And what made you change your mind?” “I’ve got to talk to Jean Paul.” Cort says as he walks to the door. “He’s downstairs. What about the partnership you offered me? The plans we were going to make while Jean Paul was on his honeymoon.” Laslo asks as he steps closer to Cort. “I’m not going to go through with that.”

“I’d advise you to change your mind young man. I have enough evidence right now to make sure that Jean Paul cuts you off without a cent.” Laslo says as he with his back towards Cort. “You just try it stepfather! Just try it!” He turns and rushes from the room in anger. Raxl watches Cort walk down the hallway then enters Cort’s room. Laslo turns towards her. “I want to know the meaning of this Raxl.” He says looking at the rope. “It’s quite simple Master Cort wanted to play a little game.” Raxl says as she steps closer to him. “Master Cort as you call him is too old to play simple little games.” Laslo says as he walks around her. “I want you to stop encouraging him. It’s time he grew up. He says as he walks across the room. “You’re right Mr. Thaxton I agree with you.” “And don’t butter me up; I’m on to your tricks.” “What do you mean by that?” Raxl asks. “I want to know what you are doing at Mrs. Hatter’s so often. One of my workers told me you had been in and out of her house at all hour of the day and night.” “Are you sending your spies on me?” Raxl asks. “I’m telling you I will not be fooled again by you and Cort. I warn you” “Do not threaten me. I have more important matters to attend to then your sordid little intrigues.” Raxl says then walks from the room.

Laslo steps back to the chair, picks up the rope and looks away in thought.

Jean Paul stands in the Drawing room looking out the window as thunder continues to rumble... He glances at his watch then turns around as Cort enters the room. “Cort who untied you?” “Laslo did.” “How did he get in? I locked the door.” Jean Paul asks as he walks towards Cort. “Raxl let him in.” “That’s impossible.” “Laslo said she was locking me in my room. I think she was trying to get in herself.” “What did she want?” “I don’t know. Laslo wouldn’t let her in the room.” “Where is she now?” “I don’t know.” Cort says as he looks away. “All right, stay here.” Jean Paul walks to the doorway then turns back. “No on second thought after what happened you and I are safe together. Come on.” Cort follows Jean Paul from the Drawing room. Julian holds the mask. “We will have you crying your tears yet little Gagossa. We will bring you from your simple tribal customs into the intricacies of real witchcraft. No more falling rain on the stalks of corn. No more bolstering the courage of your braves. All that is past you now, Once again we link our hands across the centuries. Ancient allies and ancient enemies. Your suffering people and my haunted descendants.” The door open, Julian turns towards the door as Jean Paul and Cort walk through the doorway.

“Come in gentlemen, come in. I was expecting you.” Jean Paul and Cort stand and stare at Julian.

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Summaries written by Debby Graham . The slide presentation is the work of Ron Janick.

~Ron/Bella~
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