Free Sherlock Holmes: The Shadow From Beyond by Erik Branz Page B

indicate that the name Cthuga – ‘An enormous burning mass continually varying in shape and consistency.’ is of great import, and may be the ‘Watcher’ in question or related to it in some way.
    The quote, “That is not dead which can eternal lie. Yet with strange aeons even death may die.” Is written in the journal above the heading: RITUAL, under which is noted the stages of a complex pagan ritual, a listing of ceremonial chants in foreign tongues and a few notes on protection wards and the objects needed to create them (the velvet wrapped black charcoal Holmes pilfered earlier is listed).
    Further symbols, images and diagrams are also included in the journal. One of these diagrams is that of the
    ‘Elder Sign’; A ward of great protection against the evil powers of the beyond. It comes in the form of a five pointed star, carved out of a mysterious grey stone that originates in the fabled city of Mnar.
    “Are those the stones you removed from Harper’s study earlier?” Watson asked.
    “Yes. Here take one and keep it on your person at all times.” He passed one of the star shaped items over to his friend, who in turn looked it over curiously. “They are said to be able to protect the bearer from occult magic and such, and although I don’t see how, it would be safer to once again err on the side of caution in this matter.”
    Watson took up the stone and looked it over. It was a roughly shaped five pointed star with what seemed to be a crude image of a flaming eye carved at its center. The composition of the stone was unknown to him but felt light in weight and was porous like pumice. He shrugged and placed it deep within his coat pocket.
    Holmes then dissected the other journal entries, comparing the items mentioned within to those taken from Professor Harper’s home earlier and certain artifacts listed in the Necronomicon, and eventually to the amulet on the chain that had been removed from both the professor and then Cowley’s corpses. Holmes held the artifact out in front of them by the chain, it swayed back and forth in his grip as the ship rose and fell upon the waves.
    The pendant was round and flat like a medallion, composed of some unknown silver colored metal. At its center an amber gem gleamed with a deep golden glow, the surface of which was multifaceted, cut to emphasis that the rays were extending outward from its center. It was devoid of any markings at all accept for around the gem’s circular metallic outline where lay a few small star shaped engravings and the single word ‘Algol’’. Holmes was somewhat baffled by what it meant, and after another half hour of study, placed the journal and the amulet down upon the table. He stretched his long, lanky arms while yawning. “How about a brief stroll for some fresh air, Watson? I could use a change of scenery.”
    Watson nodded his approval and reached for his tobacco and waistcoat.
    They locked the cabin securely behind them before ascending up to the main deck.
     
    After filling their pipes and lighting up, they gazed over the dark yet calm waters of the English Strait that now lay about them. Few words passed between the two comrades as they smoked, Holmes obviously in deep thought.
    Watson eventually broke the silence with a note about the weather. “Usually one would expect rougher waters with a full moon out, but all is rather still.” he said. “The stars, at least, are finally becoming visible in the sky as the midnight hour approaches and the coastal mists disperse.”
    Seconds later Holmes cried aloud: “That’s it Watson! How could I have missed it? Quickly back to our room before it rises to its full apex, we have very little time left!” A slightly confused Watson followed in Holmes’ footfalls as they raced back to their berth.
    Holmes held back Watson as they approached their room, the door was visibly unlocked and ajar, yet no sound could be heard from within. Cautiously the detective pushed the door inward. The