Episode 53:
Slideshow
Matt: “Upon the Island of Maljardin cursed for centuries, every growing
thing exudes an aura of death. Here six guests fear for their lives believing their host has gone insane. But Jean Paul
their jailer has forgotten the evil that enfolds him. For his long dead wife Erica is again alive and in his arms.”
Jean Paul holds Erica in his arms. She is sitting in a chair with
her eyes closed. "Oh Erica. Erica you are with me again as you promised me.
You're alive. Your breast moves with your breath. And your lips." He bends down
and kisses her. "Your lips are warm and moist. Oh your beauty is just as I
remembered my darling." He looks at Erica.
Her eyes are closed as she lays weakly in Jean Paul's arms. Gently he
pulls his arm away from her shoulder. Jean Paul stands and looks at Jacques
portrait. "She must be well. She mustn't die. We made a pact you and I." He says
pointing at Jacques portrait. "And she will never leave me again." Jean Paul
turns, then squats down next to Erica touching her
face.
In the Sacred Temple Raxl calls upon the Serpent God. "Oh Great
Serpent hear me before your alter. I swear to avenge the murder of the Conjure
Woman. In your sight she was unsullied as this pearl I hold in my hand. The
pearl that came to me as a sign. What ever spirit of evil took the life of the
Conjure Woman must be avenged!" Raxl says closing her hand over the pearl. "We
will avenge them, my servant and I with the help of your powers oh Great
Serpent. We will discover the wicked ones and they will be crushed! Your powers
will coil around their hearts and press and tighten and strangle the life left
in them. And they will spend an eternity in hell!" Quito stands behind Raxl, he gets
nervous from Raxl’s words. "I offer
this precious pearl as my vow." Raxl places the pearl on the altar. She backs
away. A burst of fire surrounds the pearl.
Erica jerks with a gasp. She and Jean Paul are in their bedroom.
He is sitting and holding her. "Erica, Erica there's nothing to be afraid of my
darling any more. You are with me again my love. And you are mine forever." "Jean Paul?" "Yes my darling" "Jean Paul?" "I'm here my love." Erica opens her eyes and looks up at
Jean Paul. "Where am I?" "In my
arms." Jean Paul says as hugs her.
"Oh yes. Oh yes hold me. Hold me as close as you can before I fade
away."
Dan and Alison are standing together in the Great Hall. "I tell
you he's crazy, stark raving." says Dan.
"Dan, he's tired and distraught after everything he's been through." "Nonsense we're all distraught. Still
we're not going around insisting that Erica is about to return." Elizabeth tells
them. She and the other are in the Great Hall. Elizabeth , Holly and Matt are
sitting with Tim standing on the side of Elizabeth's chair. Dan and Alison walk
over and join them. "What more
proof do you need? The man's insane." Dan says to them. "And all our lives are in danger." Tim
says. "And our souls too perhaps.'
Matt adds. "You worry about the
souls Reverend. Our lives have been in danger since the first day we arrived on
Maljardin." says Dan. "Not from
Jean Paul. He wouldn't harm any of us. I know that." Holly tells Dan. "I'm impressed Holly with your superior
knowledge." Elizabeth says. "Why
don't you leave her alone." Tim says looking at Elizabeth. "You mind your business. I'm her
mother." "Why don't you act like
one." says Tim. "It's all right
Tim. I can take care of myself." Holly tells Tim. "Yes I'm sure you can." Elizabeth says
as she stands. "Well I'm going to make myself a cocktail." "That's right mother drink away." "I presume that's why we are all
assembled here. So don't picture me as a lush Holly. Cocktail time and not a
drop to drink. I'll ring for Raxl."
"There is no need to ring." Raxl says walking into the room. "I am
here." "Raxl it is the cocktail
hour, I believe." Alison says walking up to her. "When are you going to realize this is
not a vacation cruise." Tim says walking over to Raxl and Alison. "We're all
trapped!" "None of you are trapped.
Not if I command Quito to take you aboard the boat back to the Mainland. Back to
the life you had before." "Would
you do that Raxl?" Dan asks walking over to her. "I must do it if you are to
live."
Jean Paul and Erica are in their bedroom holding each other and
kissing. "Is there a moon Jean
Paul?" "You are the moon and all
the stars in creation. Oh I'm blinded." he says smiling. "No. You must look out the window and
tell me if there is a moon." Erica says happily. "For us tonight." Taking Erica's hands Jean Paul kisses
them then walks to the window.
Erica sits watching him, "Is there?" Jean Paul smiles as he turns to Erica
"Yes there is a moon. The whole Island is shining silver and gold, transformed
by you Erica." He then walks back to Erica. "By me? I don't have any powers over the
moon." She smiles up at Jean Paul. "I don't even have powers over you . You see
you left my side.' Jean Paul laughs
happily. "But you told me to." he says as he squats down holding Erica's
hand. "You let me go before. You
let me go alone." Erica looks away. "From where I thought I would never return."
Erica starts getting upset "Oh darling, my darling don't leave me. Not for a
minute. You mustn't let me go away again."
"I'll never leave you. Ever!" he seals his words with a kiss. "I promise
you." Erica pulls away and stands.
"I don't think you can make that promise."
Jean Paul also stands. "I can. I do." "Don't say that. I want to believe you
but I can't beat to hear you say that." She turns towards Jean Paul. Jean Paul walks up to her. "Erica don't
you want to stay? Do you want to go back from where you came?" he asks
quietly. "No, no I don't ever want
to go there again ever. I was so alone." Erica says looking away. "Erica? Erica tell me, there's no reason
to be afraid anymore my darling. Tell me, tell me where were you alone?" Jean
Paul asks, gently turning Erica's face up to look at him. Erica turns away
staring straight ahead. "Erica" Tell me I must know. Erica in death, where were
you?" "I don't know." She looks at
Jean Paul. "I don't. I remember fading being swept away. Being held in your arms
but being torn away as I tried to hold on to you. Then alone, remembering
nothing but darkness. Clouds and a dank mist always moving towards me, trying to
envelop me. And I tried, I heard your voice calling my name and I tried to reach
you." "I tried to reach you Erica.
You heard?" "Yes, and a voice of a
woman who hated. She said she was in search of me but she hated me. And she
tried to stop me. She called my name but she blocked me from you." Erica turns
away from Jean Paul. "I can't bear people who hate." "Erica, no one hated you. No one hates
you now. Everyone waited for you to come back. Everyone Erica." says Jean
Paul. "And there was a hand. Yes I
remember there was a hand that was ripping the locket from around my neck.
Tearing my skin, and there was blood."
Jean Paul pulls Erica into his arms. "Oh Erica, don't." he tells her
quietly. "But you asked me darling.
And I do remember being released from the tomb, skittering about helplessly.
Pursued but warm and feeling life. And I tried my darling, I tried with all my
strength to get back to you. That woman she feared me. She tried to stop me but
then she died didn't she? She died. She died." Erica says quietly. Quito enters Jean Paul and Erica's room.
"Quito, Quito." Erica calls to him with a smile. "Come Quito, this is your lady. Your
Mistress she has returned as we were promised." says Jean Paul. Quito stands looking at Erica. "Come Quito." Jean Paul calls to him
smiling. Erica walks towards Quito.
"Oh Quito, how marvelous to see you."
Quito backs away. "Don't be
afraid it's me. I'm real, come Quito you may kiss my hand." Quito looks up at Jean Paul. "Aren't you happy to see me?"
Erica asks. Quito nods his head.
"Of course he is. Of course Quito this is your Mistress. Everything is
back to where it was Quito." Jean Paul walks over to the window. "Look, look the
moon. It's shining over the Island." He walks over to Erica's side "Now Quito
kiss your lady's hand." Erica holds
her hand out as Quito kisses it. "Dear Quito." says Erica. Jean Paul walks behind Erica and holds
her around the waist . "Quito go and fetch Raxl. Oh darling Raxl must know. She
must dress you for dinner. We have guests, we have guests my darling who will be
overjoyed to see the lady. The long, long lost lady at the head of the table."
He says rocking her in his arms and giving her small kisses. "Quito, obey your Master. Now leave us
alone." Erica looks up at Jean Paul. "Dear Jean Paul" Quito quietly leaves the
room.
In the Great Hall Alison looks t her watch. Holly and Elizabeth
are sitting down, Alison stands near the fireplace. Matt, Tim and Dan are
standing together near the staircase. "The earlier in the morning the better.
Before Jean Paul wakes up." Dan tells Matt and Tim. "Will the tides be with us?" Tim
asks. Quito knows the tides. I've
seen him go off in the boat at daybreak." Dan says. "What if Quito refuses to take us along
with him?" Matt asks. "Quito will
do whatever Raxl orders." Dan says.
"Daybreak then." Matt says and Tim nods. "How long do you three intend to ignore
the ladies? Or aren't we allowed to join in on the discussion?" Elizabeth
asks. "Each one will do as he
chooses." Alison tells them. "What
does that mean?" Dan asks. "It
means I'm staying Dan." "Don't be
foolish Alison! I won't let you stay!"
"The decision is mine not yours." Alison says to Dan. "Nobody asked me what my plans are."
Holly says to them. "Your plans are
mine." Elizabeth tells her. "I
don't think so mother. You see I'm staying to." "No you're not." says Elizabeth. "Oh but I am." Elizabeth stands and faces Holly.
"You're a silly girl and you don't know what's best for you and you never
did!" "Holly your mother’s right.
You should..." Matt says leaning over the back of the couch. "I don't want any interference from you
either.'' Holly cuts off Matt as he's speaking. "Holly we're just trying to help." Tim
tells her. "Well don't! Jean Paul
is the kindest man I've ever met. Has he ever done any of you any harm? He loves
his wife. Is that so wrong?" "His
wife is dead." says Elizabeth. "He
can't accept that. Can't you understand about love. About someone who loved
someone so much he just can't let go?"
"Holly you mustn't feel alone in what you think." Alison says squatting
in front of her. "I feel an obligation to Jean Paul too. And to the memory of my
sister." She looks up at Dan. "That's why I'm staying Dan. As long as he thinks
he needs me." "Well good evening
everyone." They all turn. Jean Paul is standing on the staircase wearing a
tuxedo. "And what a miraculous evening it is. Have you noticed the moonlight on
Maljardin?" Jean Paul asks walking down the staircase and walking over to them.
"Elizabeth my dear, you look peaked. You should take a little walk after dinner
and enjoy the sweet night air. And you Reverend, this a night to enjoy what the
poets said. 'Who insisted that God is in heaven and all is right with the
world." Dan walks up to him.
"You're mad! He's finally gone mad."
"Dan you haven't dressed for dinner." Jean Paul says taking his arm.
Letting him go Jean Paul turns to the woman. "And ladies you must wear your most
beautiful gowns. Holly we will dine in splendor. And do you know why? Because
tonight is a special night, tonight is an enchanted evening." Jean Paul tells
them as he walks over to the staircase then spins around. "Tonight my friends
you will see my Erica." They glance
at each other then back to Jean Paul.
"Yes she will descend these stairs. The hostess of Maljardin."
Erica is sitting at her dressing table trying on jewelry when she
sees Raxl's reflection in the mirror. "Raxl, you frightened me." She turns
around on the chair. Raxl and Quito are standing in the doorway. "Come Raxl. I'm
so pleased to see you." Raxl still
stands in the doorway. "Well aren't
you glad to see me?" Raxl stares at
her. "Or is it that you can't
believe I've come back?" "I believe
Madam." "Then greet me Raxl dear.
Everything is just the same."
"Except you never called me Raxl dear." Raxl says to her. Erica turns towards the mirror. "I
missed you. I missed all of you. Including the timid Quito. Come to me
Quito." "Quito is anything but
timid Madam." Raxl says as Quito stays next to her. "Good. If he isn't timid he will bring
my evening slippers and put them on for me." Quito starts walking towards Erica. Raxl
puts out her arm stopping him. Raxl picks up the slippers and puts them next to
Erica's chair. "Your slippers Madam."
"I want you to arrange my hair. I was thinking of diamonds sprinkled in
my hair for Jean Paul's guests."
"Or pearls madam?" asks Raxl.
"One of my pearls seems to be missing." says Erica. "Especially the
luminous ones Jean Paul gave me on Capri. Have you seen it while I was gone
Raxl?" "Have you seen it? And where
have you been to. I want to know the answers. As a spirit, on what world did you
dwell? What forces did you contact Madam?"
"I don't want to talk about it. It upsets me." Erica turns towards Raxl.
"Oh Raxl I want to be happy now. See you've made me cry." Erica takes out a
tissue. "Tears always came easy to
Madam." says Raxl. "And
impertinence always came easily to you. I am the Mistress of Maljardin and I
shall have respect, obedience. Raxl I greeted you with an open heart and open
hands. I want your devotion. If you won't offer it to me then I shall demand
it." "And I will demand the truth.
What are you Madam?" "The truth of
the moment is that I'll be late for my dinner party and I should do my hair."
Erica tells Raxl. Raxl walks over
to Erica’s side. "I think madam is correct in her choice except for the
diamonds. Perhaps Madam would prefer to wear her locket." Raxl says picking it
up and holding it front of Erica.
"Erica looks at it. "Put that away. I don't want to see that again!"
Erica pulls back. Raxl walks around
Erica's chair after putting the locket in her dress pocket. "Oh Raxl, dear Raxl. Throw it away."
Erica says laying her head against Raxl's arm. "Destroy it!" Raxl looks away from
Erica.
Holly walks down the staircase. She is wearing a white gown with a
red ribbon around the waist trailing down the front of the dress. Jean Paul
greets her. "Well Holly you couldn't look more beautiful." "Thank you." Holly says to him
smiling. "Isn't she lovely. Almost
as lovely as my Erica." Holly looks
up at him. "No slight intended. As
you will see my dear Holly when she joins us." "Jean Paul?" says Alison. "Yes Alison." Alison looks at him then moves into
Dan's arms upset. "Erica will not
join us tonight or ever." Dan tells him.
"You have little faith Dan." Jean Paul says then he turns towards Matt.
"Tell him Reverend." Matt turns and
looks away from Jean Paul. "It is
better for one to remain a believer or have you lost your faith too?" Jean Paul
asks. Matt turns to Jean Paul.
"What ever condition my faith is in I don't like to hear it mocked." Jean Paul puts his hand on Matt's
shoulder. "Please I had no intention to mock. There is no room for mockery
tonight in this house. There is only room for love among us all." "A strange demand from you. I haven't
seen many signs of love here lately." Elizabeth says from her chair. Jean Paul leans over Elizabeth's
chair. "Nor have I. Except a certain glow in Tim's eyes for your Holly." Holly looks at Tim. "We have an armed
truce Holly and I that's all." Tim says. Holly nods her head. "Yes
peace." "Freedom." Tim says as he
looks at Holly. He then turns to Jean Paul. "If we can get it." "And you shall, all of you. All of you
should be able to leave this Island once you meet my Erica." Jean Paul says
happily. He looks at Dan. "Dan you neglected to dress for the occasion." "I refuse to." says Dan. "That's not a very friendly
attitude." says Jean Paul. "But
mine. Freedom you know." "I'm
afraid it might offend Erica. She likes to have things done nicely and
beautifully." "Jean Paul, how long
are you going to keep us here. Can't you see that everyone is upset because of
what your doing to yourself." Alison says almost in tears. "Am I unhappy? Everyone has anyone seen
a happier man than myself?" Jean Paul asks smiling. "Nor madder." Dan says. "As for how much longer you must wait.
The results, oh the results my friends, they are well worth the waiting." Jean
Paul smiles as he walks next to the staircase. "I cant, I can't stand anymore! Please,
please let us go free!" Elizabeth jumps up and stands next to Alison. "Stay here
if you like, dream whatever dreams you want but please let us go." Elizabeth
cries out. "Good Evening." Erica
says from the staircase. Alison
gasps. They all watch in shock as Erica walks down the staircase. "Welcome, I am so pleased to have you as
our guests." Erica says as Jean Paul takes her hand and stands next to Erica.
"Each of you." says Erica. "Ladies
and gentlemen my wife." Jean Paul walks with Erica across the room then turns to
face everyone. "Erica our guests."
"Charming, so charming. Oh Jean Paul thank you." She turns and kisses
Jean Paul. "For bringing them to me. So charming. Jean Paul you must promise me
none of them must ever leave. None of you must ever leave
Maljardin."
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Summaries written by Debby
Graham . The slide
presentation is the work of Ron Janick.
~Ron/Bella~
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