Tales from the Dark Tower

by Joseph Vargo with Joseph Iorillo

Price: $16.99

Product Description:
This original collection of 13 sinister stories explores the shadows of vampires who dwell deep within forbidden crypts, gargoyles of living stone, and lost souls who wander mist-shrouded cemeteries, This anthology contains two chilling stories by Joseph Iorillo, "Vesper Tolls" and "Shadows" (co-written by James Pipik). Lavishly illustrated by Joseph Vargo, each story in this unique anthology is woven together to create a new and compelling saga of gothic lore. Abandon hope all ye who enter here.

Product Details:
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: Monolith Graphics (August 1, 2003)
ISBN-10: 0967575605
ISBN-13: 978-0967575605
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds

Excerpt- Shadows
by Joseph Iorillo and James Pipik

Upon the wall, towering above the meager silhouette of his chair, a shadow stood. Whatever was casting the shadow, whatever he had seen in the street earlier, was standing directly behind him.
Nicolai felt as if a frigid winter gale had enveloped him. His heart pounded at a dangerous pace and he had to struggle to retain his composure. He sat bolt upright in the chair, holding rigidly to its arms, his eyes riveted to the narrow shadow before him.
Slowly, he unclenched his right hand from the arm of the chair, one flexed finger at a time. He lifted his hand so carefully that one could scarcely say it moved, then let it drift inch by agonizing inch to the pocket of his cloak. He found the reassuring weight of his dagger among its folds. His fingers deftly unclasped the sheath and drew the blade forth. He clenched the hilt in a fist damp with perspiration.
His eyes were still transfixed by the motionless shade. How long had they been locked thus? Minutes? Hours? Perhaps, Nicolai thought suddenly, it was merely an illusion of candlelight, a shadow cast by something he had not noticed upon entering the room, his grandfather's greatcoat or a tall bureau. Why else would the specter remain so still when it must know he was aware of its presence?
As if reading Nicolai's thought, the shadow stirred, lifting morbid, skeletal arms up and outward. Nicolai sat for an instant that seemed an eternity, unable to move, enthralled by the long, twisted shadows wavering in the flickering candlelight like writhing serpents...