Black Shuck

“That’s a load of horse manure,” said Ezekiel.

Granny Nisbit did not take kindly to traditions being called manure.

“Before your great-granddad Carl was born, the Black Shuck roamed East Anglia. It killed folks who did not heed the traditions,” cried his grandmother.

“So you’re telling me a huge black hound is roaming the land. It’s just waiting for me to go see my gal?” said Ezekiel with a wry smile.

“That hound will wipe that smirk straight off your face if you tread the road tonight,” warned his gran.

The other children cowered in the loft, not wanting to be part of the conversation. “Do you think the hound will eat Ezekiel?” asked the youngest.

“If we’re lucky, shoes and all,” her older brother replied.

The young man had had enough bickering with his grandmother. Taking leave, Ezekiel walked out the door into the moonlit night.

“Stupid old stories. I know better, tonight is my night to see Betsy. No imaginary dog is going to stop me,” said Ezekiel.

Near Caldwell’s meadow, Ezekiel thought he heard something coming toward him.

The moon shone bright, casting grey shadows everywhere. The boy could see nothing moving.

“I’m starting to hear things. Best pick up the pace before some demon comes and carries me away to Hell,” said the boy.

Ahead lay Mason’s crossing. According to stories, it was the point where unclean spirits gathered. They waited for a fresh soul to take.

“It won’t be long now, a little bit farther lies Betsy’s lane,” said Ezekiel.

As he approached the crossing, a large black shadow moved out from the hedge. The beast’s eyes glowed red, allowing Ezekiel to spot it in the dark.

The boy froze as the creature approached him. “Another fool has failed to heed the elder’s word and ventured out on a blue moon night,” said the beast.

“I’m sorry I disturbed you, I’ll be getting on my way now,” said Ezekiel.

“Yes, you will be getting along right into my stomach,” said the animal.

The following morning, a single shoe was found at Mason’s crossing. Next to it were a pair of dog prints. They were the size of a draft horse’s hoof.

Ezekiel was never seen again, and his younger siblings never went out on a full blue moon. Granny Nisbit shook her head and proclaimed, “Fools are first to go when the devil walks the land.”

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