Tori tried to scramble back to the house. She had done all she could to help Jacob and she trusted that he had killed that damn monster.With the house burning around him and explosions rocketing through the rooms, he didn't stand a chance. Just as she reached the steps, Jacen hauled her back, shaking her until her teeth rattled.<br/><br/>"Focus, woman. Didn't you hear a word I said? The catacombs. now!" the zombie said sternly. Tori had the impression he wasn't someone to argue with.<br/><br/>He shoved her toward the yard, yelling for Fish to follow them around back. They all headed for the mountain.<br/><br/>The rear yards are almost as large at the front acreage, but it is unseparated by gardens and parks, so your eye follows the lush green lawn out to the large woods that separate the Castle grounds almost to the bay. To the far east of the back lawns is the Main barn. To the west, set in the stone of the Mountain that the castle is built on is an infinity pool, its sightless edge looks out over the canyons below. Out front is the Carriage house, It is the garage for visiting dignitaries coaches, if they actually choose to run the risk of the ruddy road that leads to the Castle.<br/><br/>On a path that leads into the woods, north of the castle and at the back of the rear lawn is the Crenshaw Family Cemetery. Several large stone tombs and 60 or so monumental grave stones rise out of a clearing in the woods.<br/><br/>"Where?" Tori asked over the roar of the fire, glancing back at the house. A black form rose above the house. Tori's mind saw a 'genie' form, like from the kid's movie Aladdin, but she knew it wasn't a benevolent troublemaker.<br/><br/>Jacen pointed to a tall gray marble mausoleum. "There," he said. "In there is a tomb marked the Guardian. She is guardian over the catacombs.  No one really knows who she is. Some say she was my father's grandmother. Others say she was a local voodoo woman. I believe she is an important connection to this evil one."<br/><br/>"She is?"Tori asked stupidly. The strain of consistently living in survival was beginning to take a noticeable tole.<br/><br/>"Is, was and shall always be."Jacen intoned. "The Lady is buried there and her ghost guards the depths. Few get in and no one leaves."  he said cryptically.<br/><br/>Fish hefted the massive chain and rusty lock.<br/>"Hey man, it looks like the powers that be don't want visitors." he said to Jacen and then turned to Tori, "Did you hear him say that no one gets out? I'm out of here." he said sotto voce.<br/><br/>Jacen perched on a concrete bench that was nestled among various angels, some cherubs, some with trumpets and others praying. He idly picked at the dirt under his fingernails.<br/><br/>"Don't look at me." he scolded, "Pick up a rock and break in." He rolled his eyes and said in a suffering tone, " The living, so helpless."