The Chessmen of Diomedes

It is September 1743 in the upcountry of New York Province, and in the sleepy village of Dereham, something has appeared on the long road leading north that edges the Great Dereham Swamp. A phantom coach, drawn by four gigantic black mares, whipped on by an enigmatic coachman swaddled in a cloak and a face-shadowing slouch hat.

Those who have glimpsed it breathe a sigh of relief as it careens down the cypress-fringed road. Because whenever it reins to a halt, someone dies.

But not just random victims, only those employed by the local owner of a profitable horse farm and crop fields, Diomedes Thrake, who has dwelt in the area since 1710. Diomedes lives in a stately manor house with his wife Alba and the majordomo he brought with him from England, Jonah Cormoron.

And Thrake seemingly has also brought a curse with him. One by one, his workers are being picked off, and clues left behind suggest that they are being treated like chesspieces in some diabolical game - pawns, knights, bishops, castles - The Chessmen of Diomedes, one might say.

Fresh from his battle against The Werewolf of Deadham, Seth Athenor - former French Colonial Marine and physician - has been asked to investigate and intercede.

But can even he stop the demonic horses and the coachman from their game of human chess before the moment of checkmate? And who...or what...is it that rides inside the cab of that black coach?

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