Good evening.
The dark evenings are well and truly upon us. Shadows hold sway along the paths and lawns of the academy's grounds. What better time than this to curl up on a comfortable chair and join us for another tale from my collection.
This week's tale differs in as much as it is taken from the Archives. The Archives have earned their reputation (not to mention their capital letter) by virtue of being the record of the investigations that we at the Academy have been asked to undertake on behalf of various governments, police forces and a surprisingly large number of monarchs.
Although, Crepuscular Academy is not terribly well known by the general population it has a certain reputation in certain quarters. Now and again the dusty old telephone that sits beneath a glass dome in the main staff room will ring and Professor Murray (for it is he that is responsible for answering the device) will listen for a few moments before jumping up and shouting, "We've got one." He claims this response is in tribute to a film that he insists I would enjoy.
I have my doubts.
However, we are here to help. So, if you come across something strange in your neighbourhood, please feel free to call...Crepuscular Academy!
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21:07
The Tenth Story
Well, here we are again. The staff and students have returned from (what may appear to some of you) the long summer holiday. I can assure you that, whilst we are keen for our students to enjoy their time with us, studying at Crepuscular Academy can be taxing on the mind, body and, indeed, the spirit. As such our extra long break away from the old place is entirely necessary.
But back we are, and to start off the new school year I have decided to embrace the imminent season and tell a tale that deals with witchcraft and such shenanigans.
With kindest regards,
Dr James Archipelago Longshadow
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28:39
The Ninth Story
The summer of 1914 was a particularly balmy one here at Crepuscular Academy. It so happened that Mrs Elizabeth Frazer, the renowned temporal architect (and former pupil of the Academy) was visiting. I believe she was on a lecturing tour and had dropped by the old place about which she had the fondest of memories. Indeed her affection for dear old C.A. was such that she designed and constructed us our very fine summer house, capturing within its crystal walls a splendidly beautiful midsummer night. It is from that self same summer house that I present this latest tale. A word of warning: it is not a story for the faint of heart.
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20:53
The Eighth Story
My Miscellany of the Uncanny returns, following an impromptu (but necessary) expedition to the Antarctic.
My eighth tale considers the risk of souvenir hunting when on holiday.
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22:55
The Seventh Story
I find that when I read a good book I become immersed in its world. My surroundings slip away and just for a short time my reality is changed. If written well, characters who are after all no more than words on a page, can become as real as the people around us. It makes one wonder about the nature of what is real. If I remember a character from a book with affection is that memory not as real and valid as the affectionate memory of a friend whom I have not spoken to in many years.
Enough of my waffling! The students and teachers are back and life at Crepuscular Academy has returned to normal (or at least a close approximation of such) and my Friday evening group has gathered to share in another story from Dr Longshadow's miscellany of the uncanny.
Each Friday evening, when the work of the week is done, join Dr James Archipelago Longshadow (Headmaster of Crepuscular Academy) in his study as he entertains his students with yet another tale from his collection of the weird, the worrying and the wonderful.
Discretion is advised...these tales are not for the faint of heart, the very young or those who have forgotten the delightful, frightful thrill that comes with a bump in the night.
Best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate and a biscuit.
South Africa