Saturday, November 20, 2021


A GENERAL PETTYGREE SHORT STORY
Mary and General Pettygree On Expedition
Chapter 2 of 2 --- The End

Date: Late 1930s
Location: Ruins of Gortyn, Island of Crete
Circumstances: Search For the "Mythological" Labyrinth

See Chapter 1 posted July 15, 2021 here:

PREVIOUSLY
When investigating the labyrinth entrance
at Gortyn on the Island of Crete
"Mary, on my mark fire two rounds into each of those undead skeletons. I'll put four into the beasty. Then run back to the horses and we'll gallop back to the ship."

"What are you waiting for?!"

"Ready, aim, FIRE!"

"What of Professor Basingstoke and his benefactor Sir Allan Catherwood?

"Dead surely, in the explosion. Now we must ride for our lives, Mary."

"More have been aroused. What the deuce have we awakened from hell?"

"At the gallop dear. --- Heeyahh!" 
 
"They are pursuing us. Nimble damnations they are. Don't look back Mary!"

"Yes dear. Onward to the safety of the ship. I see furious activity on deck, smoke starting from the stack and sailors going ashore at the double. The ship's horn is sounding."

And from behind....

"This way my dear."

"Right you are William. I see our rescuers."

"General, Lady Pettygree. Ride straight through to the ship. We'll see off that lot. "

"Thank you Lieutenant. Melville, isn't it?"

"Aye General. Off you go now Sir, if you please. --- Shore party, Load!"

"Ready."

"Steady. --- Let 'em come a mite closer."

"Sir!"

"Present"

"Fire!"

"Damnation. They broke through. Not a shot at point blank range dropped any of 'em!"

Back to the ship!

"Captain Braithwaite. Can you get underway, now?"

"The boilers are fired General. It will take a few minutes."

"No time then. We must make a stand here."

"Bob and Tiny. Stand to. Help Lady Pettygree aboard."

"Aye, Captink."

"Thank you Captain. Ouch! Thank you, Mr. Tiny."

"Beg'n yur pard'n, Mum."

"Up you go, m' Lady."

"Ship's Crew. Make every shot count! --- Stern battery!"

"Shoot!"

"Here the devils come lads."

Martini Henrys, revolvers, Thompson sub-machine guns, 1903 American Springfield rifles, shotguns, Mary's Luger and more poured lethal fire into the advancing horde. Parts and pieces flew off of the monsters.

"Mary, my dear."

"Yes, I know."

"Hey Mate. They're com'n aboard. Back up."

"Keep firing or we'll have to give 'em hand to hand or swim for it."

"Aim for the eyes, Mary."

"Right."

"Alright then, you infernal hideous demon."
 
"It's my sail knife you'll be feel'n. Not talk'n, eh?"

"Run!"

"Time to abandon ship. Everyone, into the water."

"Nothing stops them William."

"We're both out of ammunition."

"Just ignore it my love and look at me."

"Shouldn't we jump into the water?"

"No good Mary. Denizens are surfacing there attacking the sailors who did jump." 

"We'll be home soon."



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EPILOGUE

"Letter for you, Sir."

"Mrs. Gaytheringdust. Is Mrs. Pettygree ready for breakfast?"

"Yes Sir. Coming down now --- an' lovely as always."

"Mary. The post arrived with an extraordinary opportunity." 

"I'll be down in a flash. From whom?"

"It's from my old friend, Professor Basingstoke. He finally secured partial funding to continue his excavation from Sir Allan Catherwood. He wants us to join them because of our keen interest in antiquity."

"And surely for you to publish a story as well. Where dear?"

"The ruins at Gortyn on the Island of Crete. He believes recent clues strongly point to the hitherto thought mythological underground Labyrinth, the lair of the Minotaur. Would you consider going?"

"A profoundly disturbing dream vexed my sleep last night. Do you believe in premonitions, William?"

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Mythologicals gathered and painted by Chuck L. (The Lucky). Ruins are mostly from pet retailer aquarium departments. The sailors are Perry Sudan 28mms. The ship was artistically scratch-built by the late Richard Houston. Civilian ship's crew are from the evocative range sculpted by Bob Murch, Pulp Figures.

2. Thank you sincerely for looking in. 

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10 comments:

pancerni said...

Great read! Not very sporting of the raised dead to ignore hot lead! Glad to know it was all a dream. Or was it?

tradgardmastare said...

Ray Harryhausen in miniature on the table top. I’d have loved that movie! Terrific work Bill.

Tony said...

Shades of Jason and the Argonauts methinks. A real ripping yard. Well done that man!

WSTKS-FM Worldwide said...

Yes!!! I have missed these and was wondering what General Pettygree might be up to just the other day. Always a real joy to read your stories and peruse your photographs, Bill. Great stuff! Do you have anything planned for the approaching holiday period?

Kind Regards,

Stokes

tidders said...

A thrilling read - what a dream ?

Gallia said...

Well done Bill.
Gary C.

Another fun story!
Chuck S.

Thanks, Bill, a good read over breakfast this morning.
All the best,
Stephen

I’ll second that, just been enjoying a read over first coffee of the day.
Alan M.

Thoroughly enjoyed it too.
But must confess that I'm still in bed!
Ronnie C.

A most enjoyable read.
Cheers,
Allan

Clearly the influence of Herr Chuck L., promoter of evil mythological oddities, shows through in this nightmare action on Crete. With creatures replacing troops and good ole' human villains, I fear for General and Mrs. Pettygree's mental health.
Hope you are well.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Bill K.

It is so great we all have a hobby we enjoy and you sir take it to the next level! Enjoy the holiday season.
Regards,
Earl

Fun times again. I'd think the shock of the cannon would rattle their bones, if nothing else.
Thanks for sharing.
Michael

Greg Rigler said...

Thrilling story, Bill. Thanks for sharing.

Best wishes,

Greg

Gallia said...

There are not enough ancient Greek Hoplite Skeletons in my life.
Thanks Bill. Itch scratched! :)
Greg

Thank you very much for sharing your gift of historical and intellectual prose. I can’t imagine the number of hours that you have spent in collecting and painting this ensemble of figures, and then to create amazing story that ties them together… truly, you are a man of many seasons. And evidenced by all those that you have chosen to share in your adventures, we all the richer for it and may we continue to share in our love of the game.
Take care my friends,
Lewis

Great post, Bill. We’ve missed General Pettygree. Your imagination and talents bring him to life. Thank you for sharing.
Bill

Gallia said...

Fun stuff! Fred

One should always consider what the ladies have to say. Tony

Very nice read…excellent!! Dave

I would have loved to have seen this on the big screen on a Saturday afternoon. Thanks for sharing. Paul C.

Well done! Joe L.

A gripping narrative! Rick

The tales of the Colonel are ever captivating! Drummer

Thanks for the spectacular story, Bill. Very inspiring!
Sincerely, Jim F.

That was awesome Bill! Very cool. Really enjoyed the ending you came up with. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Dave

rross said...

Fantastic stuff...these scenarios must be such fun to dream up and the narrative style is very engaging, as are the photos!