FREE GAMES
Not far from the Snohomish River, lies the curious home of the Slasher family. The Lushshootseed Tribe had always sensed the danger, keeping their distance, while exhausted explorers coming from the east, weary from their travels, couldn’t be blamed for letting down their guard.
The Slasher's ramshackled sign on the dusty rocky road reads FAMILIES WELCOME, Hot Bath and a Meal, 5 cents, FREE GAMES. With little hesitation, weary travelers like the Andrews family couldn't resist the invitation.
“Well I’ll be. Would you lookie here.” Mr. Andrews, let go of the wagon reins and reached into his vest pocket caressing his valued coins. Could he part with 30 cents as a special treat for his beloved family after this treacherous journey? “Daddy, please can we go,” Said his oldest Amelia, proud she could read the sign. “Darn tootin we can.”
When they disembarked the wagon and approached the stately porch, they were greeted warmly by the Slasher's. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” After shaking hands, coins were collected, and Mrs. Slasher announced the menu of chicken, greens and cornbread, as little Suzie emerged from behind her momma’s apron. "This is our precious Suzie. She’s in charge of the games. Go on now children. Run along. Dinner is at 6." Mrs. Slasher turned to the Andrews' and said, "I’ll fix up your plates so you can eat in peace while the children play." As they sat, the Andrews' didn’t get to impart much about their journey from Illinois since the Slasher’s bragged incessantly about their precious Suzie.
Amelia aged 12, didn’t particularly care to have an 8 year old in charge of this expedition, but keeping to her manners she held her tongue, even when she was sure she was going to despise Suzie by the tone of her mockery laugh. She was curious if her siblings felt the same about the sinister cacophony. After the third round of ring around the rosie, Suzie lead the Andrews' kids to the barn enticing the group with a promise of pony rides. As daylight persisted, light was mainly absent in the barn, but the hideous stench, omnipresent. “What’s that smell,” blurted Candice, the youngest, not minding her manners. “Manure of course!” Giggled Suzie. “That’s not manure! It smells like Gramps old slaughter house!” With that said, Suzie pushed the barn door shut with the strength of a 30 year old and out stepped Eski with his lantern in one hand, a seasoned machete in the other. The last thing the four children heard before Eski decapated them was their unanswered screams for their parents and the evil croon floating off Suzie’s vial tongue.
When Mr. and Mrs. Andrews bellies were full they expressed their concern about the children. Come with me said Mrs. Slasher. The fun has just begun. Let’s get you two in on the game. Eski was ready and waiting and so were the local town folk that ate well daily on the mystery meat that tasted very much like chicken.