STRANGE PARADISE- Episode 168

Episode 168: Slideshow

“Julian how did you get in here?” Jean Paul asks. “The door was open.” “It was supposed to be locked.” “It used to be locked when your father and I were children. But we usually found a way to get in.” Jean Paul glances around. “Was anybody else in here when you came in?” “All that was here is what you see. Family bones, Benjamin used to call that the skeleton.” “You shouldn’t be here Grandfather.” Cort says to him. “Nonsense we used to play in this room hours at a time when we were boys.” “Mother is going to wonder where you are.” “I was too excited about being here again I couldn’t resist coming to see if anything had changed.” “Are you sure no one was here when you came in?” Jean Paul again asks. “Absolutely certain. Was someone suppose to be here?” “I thought Raxl...” “Raxl? Who’s she?” Julian asks. “She’s my servant.” “And she stays here? It’s hardly a pleasant room for anyone.” “No, no it’s just that she was supposed to wait for me here.” “What is supposed to be isn’t always what is. Especially in this room.” Cort looks at Jean Paul. “I’ll find her.” “No stay here. Cort!” Jean Paul calls out as Cort rushes from the room. Jean Paul steps towards the door. “Let him go, he’s alright.” Julian says to Jean Paul. Jean Paul turns and looks at Julian. “Are you sure of that?” “My Grandson is not in danger.” “You seem very secure in your knowledge.” Jean Paul says to him. Julian turns away. “Perhaps I am.” “What are you hiding from us?” Jean Paul asks him.

Julian turns and looks at Jean Paul. “Why should I hide anything from you?”

Jean Paul walks towards him. “It seems very strange to me that when other people are in bed you are here in a room that most people like to avoid.” “I am not most people.” “You are a Desmond.” “My boy I haven’t really been a Desmond for many years.” “You sound as if you made a deliberate choice.”

“The choice was not mine, fate made it for me. I found the key to evade it nothing more.” Jean Paul steps closer to him. “Then you were under the curse that followed me.” “It left me and went to Benjamin. Then it left Benjamin and went to your father.” “My father?” Jean Paul says as he looks away. “I didn’t know that.”

“How many people know that you are under its spell?” “Emily does...” “Emily? You told the girl you were going to marry?” Julian asks. “Well I couldn’t put her in danger by not warning her.” “She might be in greater danger because of your warning.” “Well I couldn’t think of marrying Emily without telling her the truth.”

“And you, do you know the truth?” “You say the curse left you, how?” “By my giving up being a Desmond.” Juliann says as he turns away. “By my denying my entire fortune, my family, and my identity. It wasn’t very easy.” “Why did you come back?” Julian faces Jean Paul. “I couldn’t rest knowing the curse that couldn’t come to me is reaching out for my Grandson.” “And that’s what brought you to his side?” “A Desmond takes care of his own, even from the grave.” Jean Paul stares at him. “Are you from the grave?” “There are certain questions I cannot answer. I can only point out your dangers and help as best as I can.”

Jean Paul nods. “You can help me by finding something for me.” He says as he glances around. “Is this what you are looking for?” Julian opens a drawer in the table and shows him the mask. Jean Paul looks at him. “Yes.” “It was here when I came in. I think it summoned me. Take it to your room.” He hands it to Jean Paul. “Guard it well or it will not guard you.” “I think you had better come with me.” “No I’m staying here.” Jean Paul looks at him. “With my recollection of boyhood games my memory is slowly coming back to me. Here in this room fate decided for me once long ago. I want to recapture that moment if I can. Leave me please.” Jean Paul turns and walks from the room.

Laslo stands in Cort’s room looking out the window when there is a knock on the door. He turns and watches as Ada enters. “Laslo I didn’t know you had come home. Where’s Cort?” “He went down to see Jean Paul.” “Did you argue with him just now? I heard raised voices in the hallway.” “We had a discussion. I suppose you could call it a quarrel.” He says as he walks towards the door and closes it. “Oh I see. I wish you wouldn’t.” “Ada why did you bring Ada Hatter to Desmond Hall today?” “I went to her house to apologize.” “Apologize for what?”

“Cort confessed that he had tricked you into going to her house the time I found you there.” “Cort confessed that?” “Yes. He is turning over a new leaf, you just wait and see.” Laslo turns away and walks across the room. “So you went to her house to say you were sorry?” “Well I was ashamed of my behavior.” Laslo turns and looks at her. “And then you brought her here to Desmond Hall?” “She insisted on coming to see Emily.” “Why? “For what reason?” Laslo asks. “Well there had been a very strange rumor.” She says as she walks towards Laslo.

“Rumor, what kind of rumor?” “That Emily had died the night before.” Laslo looks away. “So that’s what the men were talking about.” “However Emily is fine. It was just a silly mistake.” “Well who would start such a story?” Laslo asks. “Well someone with a morbid sense of humor I suppose.” “But why? Saying that someone is dead, there must be a reason. I’ll get to the bottom of this.” Laslo says as he walks towards the door. “No wait a minute Laslo.” She grabs his arm. “I have something else to tell you. Good news this time.” Laslo turns and looks at her. “Jean Paul told me about your father. Why didn’t you call me and tell me?”

“Oh I know. I know I should have called you but I haven’t had a minute to think since he got here.” “Am I to have the great privilege of meeting him or is he going to be kept a secret from me like so many other things?” “Laslo don’t be angry with me please. This has been the happiest day of my life. Now don’t spoil it. I want you to meet him; I want you to like him. If he’s still awake I’ll introduce you to him right now.” She says as Laslo opens the door. “Oh Laslo please be happy for me.” Ada says as she puts her hands on his shoulders. “Ever since my father got here I haven’t felt lost anymore.” Ada says as she turns and walks from the room followed by Laslo.

Raxl stands in front of Jacques’ portrait. “Who is that man? He has the shape and voice of Monsieur Lacombe himself. But I am not sure what his purpose is. Did you send him to me? Answer me! Is he the ancient one I asked for?” Cort stands in the doorway. “It will not answer you. You’ve tricked the last Desmond and now I’m going to call the police.” Raxl turns towards him. “And what will you tell them?” “I’ll tell them that you tried to make me kill Emily.” “We will see if they believe you. They will say that you’re insane.” Raxl says to him. “I don’t care what they think of me. But I’m going to stop you.” “Then think what they will do to Jean Paul.” “Jean Paul? He hasn’t done anything.” Cort says. “Are you sure of that? Ask him about Annie Harrigan and Agatha Pruett.” “If he has done anything you’ve led him to it just as you’ve led me.” Cort says walking towards her. “Well call the police, let them decide. Have them put him away, then you can sit each night and wait for the star to come out and listen to the heartbeat of your Master.” Raxl says as she steps closer to Cort. “And the Mark of Death.”

Cort shakes his head. “No, no!” “Then you will taker his place as you have always wanted to.” Cort backs away from Raxl then rushes off. Raxl turns and smiles at Jacques’ portrait. A door opens in the side of the wall and Julian steps into the Drawing room. “Raxl I want you to set my Grandson free. Do you hear me?” Raxl stares at him. “You can’t mean that.” “I’m not in the habit of saying things I do not mean.” He steps towards her. “You were sent here to help me not stand in my path.” Raxl tells him. “My dear Raxl you don’t know why I was sent here.” “I summoned you here.” “The world of a servant is vastly different than that of a Master. You do not know your place.” “Why are you here?” “To accomplish what should have been done centuries ago.” Raxl turns and looks at the portrait. Julian steps forward. “Do not look to Jacques Eloi Des Mondes for guidance. What we must do we must do alone. So let’s not waste time in useless bickering.” He says as he turns towards her. “Then you did not come here to serve me after all.” “You took a vow to be my vassal. Are you now reneging on it?” “No, no Monsieur Lacombe.” Raxl says then bows. Ada walks into the Drawing Room followed by Laslo. “Father I thought you would have been in bed by now.” “Sleep is for the young. I was getting acquainted with Raxl isn’t it?” Julian says to Raxl. “My husband wants to meet you.” “Well in that case I will leave you with your family Monsieur Lacombe.” Raxl says then walks away.

Ada steps up to Julian. “What did she call you?” “Oh she said I reminded her of some character in a novel. The Count of Monte Cristo I think.” “He came back to his society after a long absence too if I remember correctly.” Laslo says to him.

“Daddy I would like you to meet my husband, Laslo Thaxton.” Ada says as she touches Laslo’s arm. Julian reaches out and shakes Laslo’s hand. “I trust you have made my Ada happy. Happier then her poor father did at least.” Julian says as he puts his arm around Ada’s shoulder.

Cort looks out the window in Jean Paul’s room as thunder rumbles outside. He turns and walks over to Jean Paul. “The star has disappeared and the heartbeat has stopped.” Cort says to him. Jean Paul nods as he looks at the mask. “Yes we have been saved again.” “Where was the mask?” “Your Grandfather found it in the secret room.” “Raxl must have brought it there.” Cort says as he looks at Jean Paul. “Why would she leave it there?” Jean Paul asks. “She was downstairs talking to the portrait asking it for guidance.” “Don’t be afraid of her anymore.” Jean Paul says as he touches Cort’s shoulder then walks to the window. “We’re safe now.” “But she accused you of murder.” Jean Paul turns and looks at Cort. “Do you believe that?” “Well Agatha Pruett is dead and Annie Harrigan did disappear.” Jean Paul walks up to Cort. “You believe that I killed them?” “That’s what Raxl says.” Jean Paul nods. “She’s trying to bring trouble to me to trick you again. Cort you have to trust me.” Jean Paul says as he turns away. “You did tell me that you had done shameful things in the past.” Jean Paul nods. “We’ll talk about the past when the future holds no danger for us.” Jean Paul reaches up and picks up the mask. “Gagossa hear me once again. Protect us through this long night.”

Raxl enters Philip’s secret room and looks around. “It’s gone.” “What took you so long Raxl?” Julian asks as he steps towards her from the corner of the room. “You were with the Thaxtons.” “Nonsense I’ve been waiting patiently for your return.” He says stepping closer to her. “What has happened to the mask?” She asks glancing at the table then back at him. “I was speaking to it and it disappeared before my eyes.” “I told you to stay here until I came back with Master Cort.” “I don’t see him.” “He wouldn’t come with me.” “Did you bring the totem?” “My key would not work. Emily’s door must be bolted from the inside.”

“You allow others to discover your purposes. They now protect themselves against you.” “It is the Indian mask that protects them.’ Raxl says to him. “That comes from playing one Desmond from another. You should have learned better because of me and my brother Benjamin.” “You are not Julian Desmond. He died on that ship that caught fire. I went with Ada Thaxton’s mother when they brought the body ashore.” “Did you see Benjamin’s body when it burned in his room? Are you always present at the death of a Desmond?” “It has always been my duty to bring each Desmond to his Master.” “Your Master is finished with you this time. I came to bring you to him.” Raxl looks at him in fear and backs away.

Jean Paul covers the mask; Cort stands next to him when there is a knock on the door. “Who is it?” “Is Cort in there?” Laslo asks. “What do you want?” Cort calls out. “Your Mother and I want to talk to you.” “I’m busy.” “Go ahead Cort. It’s safe now.” Jean Paul tells him as he puts the mask in the drawer.

Ada walks to Cort’s room and opens the door. “Oh there you are my dear.” Julian says as he comes around the corner of the hallway. “I’m ready to sleep now. It’s been an exhausting day.” Ada reaches up and puts her hands on his shoulders. “I’ll get you settled in your room.” “Don’t bother. I can find my own way around.” “I want to look after you Daddy.” She says as she walks with him down the hallway. Laslo and Cort walk around the corner and catch sight of Ada and Julian. Laslo calls out to Ada. She doesn’t hear him. “Oh never mind I’ll talk to you myself.” He points at Cort’s door. “Couldn’t this wait until morning?” Cort asks as he walks into his room followed by Laslo. Laslo closes the door behind them as Cort sits on the bed. “No it could not. I want to know what you have been doing at Irene Hatters.” “Me?” “You were seen going into her place late last night. Later you and Raxl were seen in the village. And Philip brought you home in what appeared to be an intoxicated condition” Laslo says to him. “Well since you know all about it why are you asking me?” “What did you tell her?” “Why don’t you ask her?” Cort says with a smile. “I promised your Mother never to see her again.” “Oh you promised that before.” “I have taken all the rudeness from you I am going to. I want the truth! Why did you tell Irene Hatter that Emily Blair was dead?” Cort stands and faces Laslo. “I never said that.” “Then where did she hear the story?” “I’m not in the habit of spreading Irene Hatter’s rumors for her. And you should know that if anyone does.” Cort walks to the door and opens it. “Get out of my room.” Laslo walks to the door. “I will give you till the morning. If you still refuse to tell me what I want to know I shall have a little talk with Jean Paul. Do you understand?” Laslo says then walks from the room. Cort closes the door behind him.

Julian faces Raxl. “You are no longer useful to us.” “You can’t take me back. My time is not finished on earth.” “Your time is finished when we say it is.” “I will refuse to go.” Raxl says to him. “There is very little you can do Raxl.” “But what have I done. I have always been a faithful servant.” “You have deluded yourself into assuming power that is not yours. You brought others into the circle.” “No, I swear.” Raxl says to him. “We see it all. The lady with the candles. What is her name? Oh yes Irene Hatter, you have combined your powers with hers.” “That was to only achieve our goal.” “It was very foolish. Secrecy is very essential for your work. You have violated it.” Julian tells her. “She does not know what my prayer is.” Raxl says as she steps closer to Julian. “You have exposed your rituals to her. You have mentioned the sacred name in her presence.” Raxl bows her head in misery. “And now your powers have left you.” “Oh give me time. My powers will return to me. I’m so close to success at last. Oh please give me time!” Raxl begs.

There is a knock on Jean Paul’s door. “Come in.” he calls out. Laslo enters the room. “Am I disturbing you?” Laslo asks. Jean Paul is lying in bed with his back propped up.”Well I was going to bed.” “I wanted to apologize for my behavior when I came in earlier this evening. I was somewhat on edge.” Laslo says as he walks closer to Jean Paul. Jean Paul sits up. “Well it’s alright; it’s just one of those days.” “There is one other thing.” “Yes?” Jean Paul asks. “I don’t like to carry ill feelings between relations but I think I better warn you about Cort.” Jean Paul smiles. “Oh really, what’s he done now?” “He has suggested things to me that I think you aught to know about.” “What kind of things?” “He asked me to join him in a scheme to destroy you.” Jean Paul laughs. “Now come now.” “He intends to accuse you of something that will send you to the gallows.” “Did he tell you this himself?” Jean Paul asks. “He asked me to join with him. He said he would split the estate fifty-fifty.” “When did he make this offer to you?” “Just now as a matter of fact. I’ve just come from his room.’ “I see. I guess there is only one thing to do.” Jean Paul says as he climbs from the bed and walks to the door. “I just have to face him with this.” “Wait a minute Jean Paul, he’ll only deny it. I only told you to put you on your guard.” Jean Paul steps towards Laslo. “Well surely it’s only fair to face him with your accusations.” “You're far to trusting. He’s a very devious boy and I don’t want Ada to be hurt.” “How naive do you think I am?” Jean Paul says angrily. “I would be better off taking my chances with Cort then listen to your opportunistic lies!” Jean Paul says as he walks to the door.

“To your own detriment you Desmonds stick together!” Laslo says angrily. “It’s called family loyalty Laslo; you should try to emulate it.” “The arrogance of the Desmonds leads you to believe you can do anything you wish! Oh don’t think that I’m not aware that though Julian Desmond came back from where ever he has been hiding all this time to see that his precious daughter was not in danger.”

Jean Paul steps closer to Laslo. “If you value your own life you will make sure she is in no danger.” “The danger came when you arrived from Maljardin.” Laslo walks to the door. “Until then everything was peaceful.” He turns towards Jean Paul. “And the time will come when you will be repaid for the trouble you caused. And when that time comes you will need every friend you can get believe me.” Laslo walks from the room. Jean Paul walks to the dresser, he stops and turns around. Walking to the window he glances at the sky. The star is back in the sky. Jean Paul stumbles away from the window as he hears the heartbeat. He stands straight and walks from the room.

Raxl stands in Philip’s secret room calling upon her Gods. “Oh ancient one of the tribunal what have I done to offend you? Why have you abandoned me? Remember the innocent ones I have brought to you to die in the flames. Remember the moans of the dying, the laughter of the dead. Bring me my powers back to me once more. Set them against the stranger who has come here in many guises to this house. If he is true send me a sign. If he is false send me another envoy.” The door opens and Jean Paul steps into the room. “No not you!” “The time has come to settle our accounts you and I Raxl.”

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

~Ron/Bella~
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