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Click Here to read Chapter 32 in PDF format! [Follow the continuing eerie exploits of Phillip Shandler in the current, monthly, ongoing installment of "The Star of Unseen Stars", the chapters, of which, can be found Here on this website] |
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As Professor Schultheiss’ expeditionary group makes headway along the Mexican equator to the Yukatan province, Phillip passes the time (and distracts himself from the oppressive heat) by getting to know his fellow adventurers and the specifics of their destination - Quinana Roo and an ancient Mayan site called Uaxichal. Upon arriving at the ruins, the crew wastes little time researching the dig, unearthing numerous artifacts, hieroglyphs, and a unique, geological formation - a water-filled cave known as a cenote. And, something else nestled deep in its murky bowels... something primordial...evil... and hungry! |
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With the gruesome events of Chillacost, Maine, behind him (though, not far from memory), Phillip Shandler has barely enough time to look ahead and settle back into his routine when he's offered a position among an expeditionary group of German archeologists - lead by Professor Gunter Schultheiss - destined for the Yucatan and a Mayan excavation. Of particular interest (and the primary reason for Phillip's involvment) is a ceremonial site known as Uaxichal and the Mayan hieroglyphics uncovered there - ancient scripture with uncanny, cultish ties to the Necronomicon and The Great Old Ones! |
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Despoiler! The woods are full of shadows - and every one fills Phillip Shandler with dread! Bruised, battered, and bound, Phillip has fallen captive to the murderous Dr. Borchert, now nothing more than a thrall to insanity and the malevolence of Shub-Niggurath. Borchert means to guide his 'guest' down the path of enlightenment through the pages of the Necronomicon and include the intrepid interloper among his stable of misshapen, misbegotten minions. But, Phillip's intentions are neither. Quite the contrary, in fact - he'd much rather see this misanthropic menace and the entire cabin burned straight to barren ground and to whatever hellish hole it crawled out of! |
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During an impromptu gathering at a local tavern in Chillacost, lore and suspicion are bandied about as Phillip Shandler attempts to glean whatever he can from the townsfolk of the wayward historian and the mystery surrounding his disappearance (and curious sightings). Now, even more determined to track Borchert down, Phillip makes yet another excursion into the deep woods, fighting past the snow blanketing the region and the lingering chill that gnaws on his body, mind, and spirit. Retracing his steps back to the cabin, Phillip finds the ramshackle premises occupied - by Dr. Borchert! But, if the bloodied person of the doctor isn't Phillip's most startling discovery, the fleshy abomination accompanying Borchert and the hideous, outstretched, tentacled hand hungrily groping for him is! |