Four Wooden Stakes

Whatever could that titled be referring too? A story of course. Four Wooden Stakes is a little-known short story that first appeared in 1925 in Weird Tales. Written by Victor Rowan the story, well, it didn’t do too well when it first came out. Critics argued that the tale was too conventional and predictable. However, many others say that Four Wooden Stakes is beautifully descriptive old horror story.

The story is set in England and follows the events that happen to a young man named Jack. He receives a letter from an old college friend, Remson Holroyd urging him to rush to the Holroyd. Little does Jack know, the entire Holroyd family is dying due to some mysterious malady. The deaths begin with Remson’s grandfather, who had been attacked by vampire bats while in South America. Next to die is Remson’s father, then his two brothers. Soon Jack realizes that he and Remson are next… and… well, if I tell you the rest it’ll ruin it for you. Let’s just say there’s a reason why Rowan titled the story as he did.

Four Wooden Stakes is by no means the greatest piece of literature ever written, but it is a eerie old vampire story, one that is sure to please those that love classics.

Sadly this story isn’t popular enough to be found easily, luckily though, you can read it in The Vampire Archives: The Most Complete Volume of Vampire Tales Ever Published.

Here’s a little excerpt from Four Wooden Stakes:

“As I folder my jacket, I noticed a thin line of blood on the collar. I felt my neck, a terrible fear overwhelming me. It pained slightly at the touch. I rushed to examine it in the mirror. Two tiny dots rimmed with blood – my blood – and on my neck! No longer did I chuckle at Remson’s fears, for it, the thing, had attacked me as I slept!”

- Moonlight

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