The Legend of Sibyl At the turn of the nineteenth century there lived in the town of Wyndham, James Morris and his wife, Sibyl. The marriage, for both, was a union more of convenience then of affection but as time passed James found himself deeply in love with his wife. For Sibyl, the reverse was true. And as the marriage approached the tenth year, Malcolm Conner entered Sibyl's life. She found in him the excitement and passion she had felt so lacking in James. On certain nights, as the moon rode high and when she was knew James slept soundly, Sibyl would steal through the darkness to enjoy her secret encounters with her newly found passion, Malcolm. It is not known just when James became aware of Sibyl's indiscretions but know he did. And he watched in silence as Sibyl would creep from his bed into the night and then into another man's arms. The anger in James grew into a rage and still he remained silent. Legend has it that in the month of October, on the night of the 27th day, Sibyl once again slipped from the bed of her husband and into the night. The air was heavy with frost and the scent of brittle leaves filled the darkness as she clutched her cape about her. And in her wake, as her cloak stirred through the autumn night, a dark shape followed, lurking in the deepest recesses of shadows. She drifted across the meadow and disappeared into Bellow's wood and moments later the dark silhouette followed. In the morning, as the townsfolk began to stir, thin wisps of smoke were seen hanging above the stark branches of the forest. Upon investigation, the townsmen discovered the smoldering embers of a large oak tree. Chains were draped around the tree trunk and they had seared their way into bark leaving charred marks of intense heat. To the left of the scene lay a cape in a disheveled heap marked with pocks of ashes and the scent of death was all around. It was certainly the site of a "burning." But....no human remains could be located. It was on this same day that James Morris and his Sibyl vanished from Wyndham and the man known as Malcolm with them. It is said that on certain autumn nights, when the frost lays thick and the moon rides high casting long shadows through Bellow's woods, a caped figure has been seen moving, no, rather gliding across the forest floor. And in it's wake another dark form appears to be following in the distance...lurking. Sibyl....James.....Malcolm? No one knows for sure but few folk will venture into Bellow's woods in the autumn.....in the darkness....in the night. |
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WEBSITE LAST UPDATED Jan. 7, 2010 |