DETAILS

Voiceover: Rev. Dawson “On the island of Maljardin, cursed for centuries, every growing thing exudes an aura of death. Here six guests fear for their lives, believing that their host has gone insane. But Jean Paul Desmond, their jailer, has forgotten the evil that enfolds him, for his long dead wife Erica is again alive and in his arms.”

In the main hall, Jean Paul holds Erica in his arms. He is overjoyed that she has returned to him. Erica is weak, and Jean Paul speaks to the portrait pleading that Erica must be well and must never leave him again.

In the temple, Raxl promises to avenge the death of the conjure woman and to discover the wicked ones and crush them. She pledges that she and Quito will find them all and send them to hell. She offers the Great Serpent the pearl from Erica as her vow. She places the pearl on the stone it disappears in a puff of smoke. Upstairs, Erica awakes with a start. She asks Jean Paul where she is and Jean Paul tells her she is in his arms. She seems comforted by this and asks Jean Paul to hold her as close as he can before she fades away.

In the main hall, Dan worries they are all still in danger. He says Jean Paul is crazy, but Alison says he is only distraught. Mrs. Marshall dismisses the talk as nonsense. Dan insists that Jean Paul’s behavior is proof that he is insane. Tim says all their lives are in danger and Dan agrees. Holly refuses to believe that Jean Paul is a danger to them. She tells them that he would not harm anyone. Mrs. Marshal mocks her for her naivety. Tim tells Mrs. Marshall to leave Holly alone, chiding her for not being a good mother. Mrs. Marshall does not argue, and instead goes to pour herself a drink.

Raxl appears and tells everyone that none of them are truly trapped as long as she commands Quito to take them from the island. Dan asks if she will do it and she says she must if they are to live.

Upstairs in their room, Erica asks Jean Paul if there is a moon out for them tonight. Jean Paul looks outside to see and tells her that there is. Jean Paul tells her that the entire island seems transformed by her presence. Erica declares that she has no powers over anyone. She fears Jean Paul will leave her and let her go away again and he vows never to do so. Erica tells him she doesn’t think he can make that promise. She wants to believe it but she can’t bear to hear him say that.

Jean Paul asks where Erica was in death and she tells him that she does not know. She only remembers being held in Jean Paul's arms and being torn away. Afterwards, she was alone and remembers nothing but clouds and darkness and a mist trying to envelop her. She tells Jean Paul she heard his voice calling and tried to reach him. She also heard the voice of a woman who hated her and tried to stop her. The woman called her name but she also blocked her from getting to Jean Paul. She remembers a hand taking the locket form her neck, tearing her skin and making her bleed. Jean Paul cannot bear to hear any more and tells Erica to stop. However, she continues. Erica remembers her release as well, trying to get back to Jean Paul but being prevented by the woman who feared her. However, the woman eventually died.

At that moment, Quito enters and Erica welcomes him. She moves towards Quito but he is hesitant. Erica asks Quito to kiss her hand, but he will not. Jean Paul tells him that all is ok and Quito then kisses Erica’s hand. Jean Paul sends Quito to get Raxl and tells Erica his guests will be overjoyed to see her.

Downstairs, Dan, the Reverend and Tim are talking. Tim declares that they will leave at daybreak. Mrs. Marshall asks why the ladies are being ignored in this decision. Alison interjects, telling everyone that she will be staying. Holly says she will be staying as well. Mrs. Marshall objects to this, and the Reverend agrees with her. Holly insists that Jean Paul is the kindest person she has ever met and says he is just behaving as he is because he loves Erica and cannot accept her loss. Alison says she also feels an obligation to Jean Paul; she will stay as long as Jean Paul needs her.

Jean Paul comes down the stairs, dressed for dinner. He is very happy and is pleasant with everyone. Jean Paul tells them all to dress for dinner because they will meet Erica this night.

Upstairs, Erica is getting ready when Raxl enters. Erica tells her she is pleased to see her, calling her “dear”, but Raxl says nothing. Erica tells her that everything is the same, but Raxl insists things are different. For example, Erica never called her “dear” before. Erica asks Quito to bring her her slippers but Raxl stops him. She brings them to Erica herself. Erica asks Raxl to fix her hair with diamonds. Raxl suggests pearls and Erica mentions that one is missing. Tired of the pretense, Raxl demands to know where Erica was and with what spirits she visited. Erica does not want to talk of it and demands respect and obedience as the mistress of Maljardin. She tells Raxl that if she will not offer her devotion she will demand it. Raxl demands the truth, asking Erica what she really is. Erica ignores her and asks to do her hair. Raxl asks if Erica would prefer to wear her locket. Erica tells her to destroy it as she never wants to see it again.

Later, the guests are all ready for dinner. Jean Paul tells them Erica will join them and Alison starts to cry. Dan tells her that Erica will not join them tonight. Jean Paul says all of them shall be free once they meet Erica and asks why Dan has not dressed for the occasion. Dan tells him he refuses to do so, and that is his choice. Jean Paul says it will offend Erica. Alison finally tells Jean Paul that everyone is upset because of what he is doing to himself. Jean Paul is confused, telling her that he is happy now. Dan accuses him of being mad. Jean Paul does not react, simply telling them that the results will be worth the waiting. Mrs. Marshall can’t stand anymore and begs Jean Paul to let them go free. As she says this, Erica comes down the stairs, shocking everyone.

Jean Paul introduces them all to Erica. In front of everyone, Erica makes him promise that no one shall leave Maljardin.

More...