Disclaimer: This story was written for enjoyment and not for profit. I don't own the characters from The Dukes of Hazzard.

I haven't abandoned "The Object of Her Affection." I'll get right back to it in a few days but I had a Halloween story that I wanted to share. So Luke is still locked away in Laura's basement but I won't be leaving him to fend for himself for long. I promise I'll get back to him by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this Halloween story. It's based on an idea I had for my first fanfiction way back in fall of 2001. This one will be posted quickly in three chapters between now and Halloween. So, Happy Halloween to everyone.

Note: The Aunt Lavinia I mention here is not Jesse's wife. It's the Aunt Lavinia he hasn't spoken to in twenty years but suggests to the boys that they go visit to stay safe in the "Return of the Ridge Riders" episode. The story is told from Luke's point of view.

October 2007

THE FAR REACHES OF THE NIGHT

Halloween

The Celts celebrated this night as the feast of Sambain. It marked the end of the summer harvest and the beginning of the cold, dark winter. Druid priests believed that in the far reaches of the night, the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead became blurred making it possible for the spirits of the dead to cross over to this world. There are a few powerful places on this earth where the veil between the worlds is thin, easing the passage for both the living and the dead.

Chapter One

Timeless

The wind was picking up in the late afternoon gathering brightly colored leaves from the trees behind me. It pulled the leaves along for a while before releasing them to gracefully float downward until they carpeted the ground in a tapestry of vivid hues of red, yellow and orange. They made a soft rustling sound when you walked through them. Bo and me liked to drive through them on the dirt roads sending them flying back up in the air to dance to the ground again. You almost felt like you was a part of them as they briefly surrounded you before falling away.

I leaned against the post and watched a little longer. I knew I should've been mending the fence but you can't always do what you're supposed to do. Not that I'd ever admit that to Bo and Daisy. I got an image to maintain and an example to set as the oldest even though we're all grown up now. Anyways, I couldn't keep my eyes off the trees and late October sky. There ain't nothing quite like it. White billowing clouds with splashes of gray and a hint of orange drifted across the deep blue sky. They look so low you'd think you could reach up and touch them. Seemed that the wind was picking up way up there too because the clouds were moving faster.

Since I wasn't doing much work anyways, I decided to take an official break. I bent down to pick up the bag of pumpkin shaped sugar cookies that Daisy made. She put some orange food coloring in them to give them an authentic look, so she said. The color came out a little strange but they were delicious as usual. I washed them down with the last of the sweet tea in my thermos.

Daisy has been busy creating all things pumpkin with Halloween a couple of days away. Besides the pumpkin cookies, we've got pumpkin pies, pumpkin butter, pumpkin cake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin jam, pumpkin biscuits…you get the picture. Daisy really loves Halloween. Uncle Jesse, Bo and me were given the job of carving the pumpkin remains for the jack-o-lanterns. We were quite competitive in our creations. Uncle Jesse is the best carver and even made one particularly large, round pumpkin into the spitting image of Boss Hogg. Once I stuck a cigar in its mouth and Bo added a white hat, you probably couldn't even tell the difference if they was sitting side by side.

Fall has always been my favorite time of year even though it makes me feel sad at times. I don't exactly understand why but it does. It ain't only that the beauty of the brilliantly colored trees and skies gradually fades away to leave the trees leafless and the skies endlessly gray. I know that's the way life is. All things pass with time. There's a cycle to all life and I've always known that growing up on a farm. I know winter leads to spring and renewal but that only works for some things. It don't work that way for people. Once they're gone, we carry them in our hearts and memories but what's lost is lost and gone forever. I learned that at an early age too.

My earliest memories are in the fall. The fallen leaves always bring back one of my few glimpses of memory of my father. My memories are like photographs—small moments frozen in time. And they ain't big important moments either. They're just simple, insignificant things like taking a bath, sitting on my mother's lap in a rocking chair, feeding ducks at the pond and sitting in the car at a drive-in movie.

I remember running through fallen leaves as my father chased me. I know we was laughing but the sound of his voice has faded from my memory. I've been trying really hard to hold onto these few memories. I'm afraid that they might fade away along with the sound of his voice. I guess you'd call it bittersweet. The memories make me happy and sad at the same time but I hold on tight to them. And I'm grateful that the falling leaves conjure up the moments.

The clouds caught my attention again while I was on my little trip down memory lane. I still like to look for pictures in the clouds. I played this game with my younger cousins when we was kids. I remember lying on my back in the tall grass with Daisy and Bo on either side of me watching the clouds drift by. I'd make up stories about the pictures they'd find. I had to tell them stories quick before the clouds drifted into something else. Sometimes it was a real challenge continuing a story with each new picture but I always did my best to entertain my cousins. We'd seen just about everything up there from bears to castles to superheroes to cars to broccoli. Once Daisy even saw Aunt Lavinia up there even though Uncle Jesse hasn't spoken to her in twenty years. She was staring down at us with a scowl. Of course then it wasn't twenty years yet but they wasn't talking all the same. I was just as glad because, truth was, I was afraid of her. She was a hard looking woman. If she pulled her pun any tighter, her eyes would've popped outta her head. I don't think she was too fond of me either so I was glad when her cloud face changed into a puppy. I guess you see what you wanna see.

I spent a little too much time daydreaming and looking for pictures in the sky because I really should've had the fence finished when I realized how late it was. It'd be dark in another half hour and I still had more than a few hours of work judging by how far along the fence line I was. I'd have to finish it tomorrow, which wasn't so bad. But I'd have to try to explain why I wasn't done to Uncle Jesse and that was so bad. When he gives a list of chores, he expects them done or he wants to know the reason why. I'd have to tell him that the fence was in worse shape than we thought, which was true, and not mention how often I let my mind wander on this beautiful afternoon.

I packed up my tools and threw them into the back of the old pickup truck. I'd have to put a move on if I wanted to make it home for supper. Uncle Jesse was cooking and he ain't never been pleased with us when we was late for supper. There were certain things he expected of us and eating our evening meal together as a family was one of those things. You better have a good excuse if you was late, like a broken leg or something equally as painful. Even then you probably could've crawled home if you tried. Supper was often the only time of day when the whole family could sit together and enjoy each other's company. We all looked forward to sharing a good meal, good company and good conversation.

Climbing into the pickup truck, I put it in gear and started home. Before long, the old truck started sputtering and exhaling steam from under the hood. The patched radiator was acting up again. It was held together by more than one repair and it needed an overhaul. What the old truck really needed was a new radiator but that wasn't likely. The best we could afford was a "new" radiator from the junkyard. But the immediate problem was that it needed water and I didn't have any with me. I wasn't far from the swamp and there was more than enough water there. If I hurried, I still might make it home on time for supper.

I parked the truck in a clearing near as I could to the water and climbed out. I picked up my thermos to gather the water and made my ways through the thick trees and shrubs until I came to the edge of the water. I climbed down the slight embankment and stood looking out on the water. Tupelo trees, bald cypress trees and shrubs emerged from the dark waters and reached up towards the sky. Floating peat mats imperceptibly moved along the surface. The water reflected the deep blue and gray of the autumn sky. Clouds were quickly thickening overhead casting dark shadows on the water as they moved across the sky. A fine mist was forming on the surface of the swamp.

I squatted to fill the thermos. The warmth of the last rays of the sun on my face was peaceful. Despite the wind, there's a quietness here. The swamp is timeless. You get the feeling that little has changed here over time. It's easy to get lost in the feeling of contentment even though most visitors would find the swamp a frightening place. I closed my eyes for a moment. I felt a sudden chill and shivered.

I had only closed my eyes for a moment, but when I opened them again, I somehow lost track of time. The swamp was very different than it was a moment ago, or what seemed like a moment ago. I was still squatting there holding the empty thermos but the sun had slipped low on the horizon. The temperature dropped. Beams of light found their way through the twisted trees casting an eerie glow on the water. The mist spread across the surface until it settled as a thick veil. Dark clouds gathered overhead. The wind became stronger, swirling the mist on the water.

As I got up, I looked out into the thick mist. The swamp was desolate but beautiful in the fading light. As I continued to gaze into the water, I saw a dark shadow forming in the mist. I got a littler closer to the edge to get a better look. The shadow appeared to come together trying to take form but then it dissolved into the mist.

I rubbed my hands across my eyes. It must've been my imagination. There couldn't have been anyone out there. I didn't know why exactly but I was beginning to feel uneasy. I guess it was the spookiness of the swamp in the fading light.

The wind was getting stronger as it came across the water. It rustled loudly in the tall trees. I shivered again. I didn't have a jacket and it was getting surprisingly cold. The mist was creeping quickly beyond the water into the trees on the shore. It was moving closer to me. Remembering why I was there, I quickly filled the thermos. I headed back up the embankment.

I didn't know exactly what time it was and the strange lighting in the swamp made it hard to guess but I knew I was late. I sure didn't want Uncle Jesse mad at me. As it was, I had to explain why I hadn't finished fixing the fences and now I'd have to explain why I was so late for supper. That wasn't going to be easy because I didn't really know.

I was anxious to get home quickly, so I hurried into the trees to get back to the truck. The few remaining shafts of sunlight shimmered through the tall trees. They slowly faded away as I headed deeper into the forest instead of emerging in the clearing by the road. The shadows were getting darker and it was difficult to see the sky above the tall tupelo trees. The mist seemed to be everywhere. It was hard to see more than several feet in front of me. Looking around, I was shocked to realize that nothing looked familiar. I had been in these woods many times before but I wasn't sure where I was.

I looked around for anything that I might recognize but it was difficult to see past the thick mist. My heart began to beat faster. I tried to calm down as I moved cautiously along. Tall trees and shadows surrounded me. It felt like everything was closing in on me.

A faint sound caught my attention. I wasn't sure what it was. I figured it must've been the wind in the trees but then I heard it again. I realized that it was a guitar. The sad melody was vaguely familiar but I couldn't quite recall where I had heard it before. I followed the melody further into the forest hoping to find help.

As I followed, the melody became clearer and louder. The song was strangely comforting. After a few minutes, the music stopped. I saw a cabin almost hidden in the tall trees. I didn't know of a cabin in the area. But then I wasn't really sure where I was. With a feeling of relief, I headed towards the small structure.

As I approached, I called out, "Is anybody here?"

No one answered. I cautiously walked up to the door and knocked loudly. When no one answered again, I slowly pushed open the door and peeked inside.

"Hello. Is anybody here?"

The cabin was empty. I pushed aside the cobwebs from the doorway. Entering the room slowly, I looked around. There was a battered old bed in one corner alongside a rocking chair. A table and two chairs were in the center of the room. Everything was covered in dust and cobwebs. As I continued to look around, I saw an easel in another corner of the room. Paint and paintbrushes were on a small table next to it. Curiously, I walked around the table to look at the canvas that was sitting on the easel. It was a portrait but it was difficult to make out the features. The painting wasn't finished. The canvas was old and faded and covered in layers of dust. The paints on the table were dry. I noticed an old guitar leaning against the table. I wondered if it had been the source of the music that I heard but it looked too old and some of the strings were busted. It hadn't been played in years by the looks of it.

There was a slight scent of roses in the air although there weren't any flowers in the room. Suddenly, I had a strange feeling of déjà vu. You know that feeling you get when you think you've done something before or been somewhere before but there's no way you could've been there and done that? And to make matters worse, I had the feeling that someone was watching me. Looking around the room, I called out again, "Is anybody here?" I knew that was foolish. The room was too small to hide anyone.

The feeling of unease was back and getting stronger. I always trusted my instincts. It kept me alive when I was in Vietnam. I knew it was time for me to get out of there. As soon as I stepped outside I saw that the mist had begun to dissipate. I was relieved to see the water peeking through the trees in the distance. I moved along carefully so as not to lose sight of it. Things began to look familiar again. I slowly walked along the water until I came to the trail that headed back to the clearing where I left the truck.

I wasn't sure how long I'd been lost but it seemed like a very long time. It was dark when I got back to the truck. I quickly popped the hood and poured the water in the radiator. I knew I was late and I knew a few shortcuts off the road but after having been lost, I decided to keep to the road. I didn't want to chance getting lost again. I didn't know how I was going to explain all this to Uncle Jesse.

Looking back towards the swamp as I pulled away, I couldn't even begin to understand what had happened. I had lived here all my life. I knew the area well and yet I didn't have a clue as to where I'd been. When I finally reached the main road, I hurried home.

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As I parked the truck in the yard, I noticed the lights on in the kitchen. Everyone was probably sitting down to supper if they weren't already finished. I decided to go in through the front door so I could slip quickly into the bathroom and buy myself some time. At least, I'd be clean when I sat down at the table. I didn't want to add a third strike.

"Is that you, Luke?" I heard my uncle call as I came through the door.

"Yeah, Uncle Jesse. I'll be right there. I need to clean up some."

When Uncle Jesse didn't answer, I hurried to the bathroom. Once I was presentable, I headed for the table. I quickly sat in my chair and chanced a glance around the table. Everyone was finished eating. Daisy looked at me sympathetically while Bo looked amused. Uncle Jesse looked mad. I sighed. I was in for it now. I nervously looked down at my plate biting my lip, which I stopped as soon as I realized I was doing it. Nervous habits ain't easy to control. They just rear their ugly heads, giving you away every time.

"Well?" Uncle Jesse asked gruffly. I think I may have actually flinched out of old habit too.

I looked at up my uncle. I said, "I can explain, Uncle Jesse. Least I think I can."

"You can begin by telling me why you're so late."

"Well I was fixing that fence line and it turned out to have a lot more damage than we figured," I said.

When I paused, Uncle Jesse said, "So…"

"So I didn't finish," I said reluctantly. Before my uncle could comment, I quickly added, "But I'll finish it first thing tomorrow. I need a few more supplies."

"That don't explain why you're late to supper," Uncle Jesse said.

"That's a little harder to explain," I said.

Uncle Jesse gave me a cynical look. "Give it a try."

I hesitating as I chanced a glance at Bo and Daisy who were looking at me intently, waiting for the explanation. I finally bowed my head and said, "I got lost."

Bo and Daisy burst out laughing as I shot them a warning look. There wasn't nothing funny about this to me. I looked over at Uncle Jesse who hadn't said anything but his expression was nowhere near amused.

I had to stop myself from biting my lip again and I think I actually stammered as I repeated, "I…I got lost. Honest."

"All right, Luke. I believe you," Uncle Jesse said softening his voice, trying not to show the skepticism he must've been thinking. "How did you manage that? It ain't like you was somewhere you've never been before."

"It was a lot easier than you would've thought," I said. "The radiator started over heating on the way home and I didn't have any water with me so I stopped over by the swamp to get some."

"And…" Uncle Jesse prompted.

I sighed. This is where the story got strange and I wasn't too eager to explain what happened. Especially since I ain't exactly sure what happened. I looked around at the expectant faces of my family, took a deep breath and began. "I went down by the water to fill my thermos for the radiator. The swamp looked real pretty with the beginning of a low mist. I closed my eyes for a second and when I opened them again, everything had changed. All of a sudden the mist was heavy and the sun was almost gone."

"You sure you didn't take a nap, Luke?" Bo asked with a giggle.

"I didn't fall asleep," I answered with some annoyance. "I was squatting down by the water, not sitting or nothing. I didn't fall asleep."

Bo kept that big grin on his face and I could've said more but Uncle Jesse gave me one of his looks. And to be honest, if the shoe was on the other foot, I'd be the one with the big old grin on my face. I thought it best to get on with my explanation.

"Anyways, the wind was blowing and it was getting dark real fast so I headed back to the truck but somehow I got lost. I guess I got turned around somehow. The trees and mist were really thick and I couldn't really see where I was going. Nothing looked familiar. After a while, I thought I heard music…a guitar. I followed the song. That's how I found the cabin. But there wasn't no one there. I couldn't figure out where I was until I found that cabin. I was able to see the water from there and finally find my way back. The cabin was real old. I don't think that anyone's been there for a very long time. Uncle Jesse, I didn't know there was a cabin up there."

"There's an old cabin there, Luke," Uncle Jesse answered. "It must be a hundred, a hundred fifty years old or so. It's set far back in them tall trees. It's hard to find. As far as I can remember, no one has ever lived there."

I was relieved to hear my uncle's explanation and confirmation that there really was a cabin there. I was beginning to worry that maybe I had imagined it all.

Uncle Jesse continued, "It's easy to get lost out there. The trees are thick and tall. It's hard to tell directions when the fog is heavy off the swamp. I've got caught in it a couple of times myself. It can be confusing. I'm glad you found your way out."

"Thanks for understanding, Uncle Jesse," I said.

"Of course, I understand," he said kindly.

Daisy leaned over and picked up my plate. She handed it to me as she said, "Fix yourself a dish and I'll heat it for you, sugar. You must be hungry."

"Thanks, Daisy," I said gratefully.

I still wasn't able to shake the uneasy feeling that followed me home from the swamp. I didn't mention how strange the mist was on the water and how I thought I saw something or someone out there. It was best to keep that to myself. It was bad enough they all knew I got lost. They sure didn't have to know about my overly active imagination.

I looked across the table at Bo as Daisy warmed my plate. Judging by the smirk on his face, I was in for a good week or two or teasing. Daisy was doing her best to hide a grin too. She could be just as relentless as Bo when she had something on one of us. And they had something good on me. I was in for a rough time. I had no one to blame but myself.