"Fellow Traveller" by Jasper L'Estrange | An EnCrypted Original | Audiobook

A friendly lorry-driver offers a lift to a stranded motorist, but is his passenger harbouring a deadly secret...?
This is an audio presentation of "Fellow Traveller", a new story written and narrated by Jasper L'Estrange (2022) for the EnCrypted Classic Horror podcast.
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
Please support my work...
Researching, reading, re-reading, recording, mixing, uploading, promoting each of these short story audio presentations takes many hours - possibly more than you'd imagine. You can say thank you in the following ways:
Patreon: / encryptedpod
KZbin channel membership: / encryptedclassichorror
One-off donation:
ko-fi.com/encr...
Get in touch!
I like to hear from listeners, so feel free to reach out to me on the socials. If you want to discuss the show, talk business, or have any ideas for stories you'd like to hear in future episodes, contact me: [e-mail]
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

About the episode:
"Fellow Traveller" by Jasper L'Estrange was written especially for the show.
Credit where credit's due:
Theme music: The Black Waltz by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by www.chosic.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) creativecommon...
Incidental music:
Unnatural Situation by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
The Voices by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
Very Low Note by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
The House of Leaves by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
Sound effects: All sound effects sourced at Freesound.
The recording was created using Audacity and BandLab. Podcast hosted by Anchor.
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I hope you enjoy this story. It was inspired by one of my subscribers who asked for a "trucker horror" story. I quite enjoyed writing a story to order. If you have any ideas for stories you'd like to see, let me know in the comments.

[@rameyzamora1018]

Top notch, Mr L.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@rameyzamora1018 Thanks Ramey!

[@kristinacable]

@@EnCryptedHorror xoxo

[@gwendolyn2001]

Excellent job! I am impressed with the plot and the description/imagery in the story. I teach literature and am not often impressed with original stories on KZbin (for what that is worth).

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@gwendolyn2001 Thank you, Gwendolyn. I was feeling a bit negative about this story after a publisher turned it down so your encouraging words mean a lot 😊

[@caroleastwood9386]

Marvellous your stories are Jasper. They really are

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Carole, glad you think so 🙏

[@alannothnagle]

Wow, the most terrifying story on here yet! 😮 It awakened memories of my old hitchhiking days, and not always in a good way. What could have possessed me back then?!

[@hathorearthfyre]

Wow, that was good. In my youth, I found myself helpless while traveling alone on the road - more than once. And I've been taken advantage of in a similar fashion, without losing my life, but it came close. This sent chills up my spine, and vividly reminded me of those times when sheer luck allowed me to walk away. Thanks.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It can be so scary when we find ourselves alone like that. Glad you made it through okay! We all have to count our blessings sometimes...

[@XadrumLtd]

Wow. What a fantastic story, it just keeps giving! Excellent writing and masterfully acted as well. Thanks Jasper. 👌

[@adjones3937]

Ewwwwww! This is fantastic!! "Iam right considerate how I goes about it......" Baaahahaaaaa!! Tragedy and comedy are like bread and butter. Thank you indeed.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@caroleastwood9386]

Marvellous and beautifully descriptive too

[@tzaph67]

Wow! Extremely well written, which as others have said is rare for original stories on KZbin - so far yours are the only original stories I don’t avoid like the plague! It was almost too creepy and horrible, really well written and as usual effortlessly narrated. Thank you

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@along5925]

Spine chilling...truly frightening. Great story. Thank you, Jasper.

[@jessisage4708]

😂 the trucker hug!😅 ill have nightmares forever! 😢

[@gerry5134]

Cool story Jadper, well narrated. Thank yo.

[@nbeasley2]

How is it possible that this has not gotten as many likes as views? This was so well done. How do we get this out there? Your original stories, I'm not articulate enough to praise. You have talent! I think this is my fifth time listening. Bravo, Jasper. Again. ❤ (I still miss the rest of Sweeny 😉)

[@nocount1]

CRUNCH "I'm sorry my lover. " 🤣 Boy! Was that driver super-needy or what?

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It's the road what does it 😁

[@lizbmusic11]

Jasper you're a wonderful writer. That was very Black Mirror. You described the sort of situation ive found myself in as a younger womsn warding off such creepy advances perfectly. And the unsettling nervous feeling of having to rely on help from a stranger. The gradual building tension was impeccably timed. It could have gone any direction at the end - especially as hed found the knife. But no. What happened was unexoected and more horrible than what i was imagining. Thank you so much. I've been listening for the past two days on and off. Reluctantly I've gotta go record my radio show but I'll be back soon.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, FreeSoul. I enjoyed creating this story. What kind of radio show do you do, by the way?

[@carolrios9216]

The stories with human monsters are always the ones that are the scariest.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Indeed...we all know they're out there too!

[@rebeccalloyd2256]

I utterly enjoyed Fellow Traveller, and I loved that the lorry driver was a huge Bristolian.... I'm still smiling about that.... it were gert lush, Jasper. Thank you for your time and trouble and effort. Yet another really good story.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Hi Rebecca! 😊Really pleased you enjoyed it! You may have detected that I developed an affection for the lorry driver. He was quite sweet...in a way.

[@annnovy4537]

I completely agree with all other comments, a superb and enthralling presentation❤

[@hilaryeales1268]

I was there! I could smell egg and chips with loads of vinegar ! As for the cigarette machine, Embassy Regal......You're so clever, Jasper, I loved it 💙💚💛💜

[@mikefischbein3230]

Whoa. That was intense. So vivid. Felt like I was the one in the passenger seat. Great stuff!!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Oh good! There's something about that close intimacy with a complete stranger that's unnerving, isn't there? I also get it everytime I go to the barber's ✂

[@mikefischbein3230]

Totally! I feel that way in eye exams, when their face is a golf ball's distance away from yours, shining that light in your eye. Dark room. No one else around. So quiet. Sooo quiet... 👁

[@a.ml.7202]

The best voice...

[@mijiyoon5575]

Perfect timing as usual on the sound effects...I would not want to meet either of those killer dudes on a dark HWY Whew!!! Scary😨

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Miji 😁

[@ForestRogers]

Frightful and singular: truly well done!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! 🙏

[@tonicastel5933]

That was excellent. Really creepy. Loved it!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Toni!

[@dennylambea8703]

Masterfully constructed and paced. Intensity level goes from creepy, disquieting mystery to true horror seamlessly. Truly enjoyed this story.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Denny! Glad you liked it. I enjoyed putting it together.

[@pegallen6983]

That was such a fantastic story Jasper! Thank you for sharing it with us. Lookingfrward to the next exciting story. I just recently found your channel and I am enjoying llistening to a bunch of back stories. Great to find you at the right time of year too with halloween right around the corner.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

That's good to hear! Welcome to the channel, Peg 👋

[@elstongunn4277]

Once again you’ve crushed it! A cracking good tale, sir :).

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed 👍

[@kristinacable]

That was really great! Thank you for reading this

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome 😊

[@BertieShaul-mn4qc]

Thank you, what a delightful tale. Never again shall I feel lonesome on the road...

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

Mind blown! Totally beyond anything else and Thanks for the Tale!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome! Thanks Stephanie! 🙏

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Awesome story and narration! It is quite creepy and is fantastically written. I like how you shift your voices for the characters. Great job! The background noise is amazing in your stories.

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Ooof! That was harrowing and delightfully unexpected. Thanks very much!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! Thanks Blue.

[@juded2997]

Very good thank you 🦋

[@andrewcooper162]

An excellent tale, brilliantly narrated ...look forward to hearing more spooky tales

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Andrew! More on the way...

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you 😊

[@julierobinson3633]

It strikes me how strange the lorry driver's initial greeting "hello my loverrr" must seem to anyone who doesn't know that that is a common term in Bristol, used even as a greeting between strangers -both men and women. As a northerner I found it very odd when in a gift shop in Bristol to have the woman behind the counter hand me my change saying "there you go my loverrrr"...

[@terryIKE69]

Wildly imaginative & insightfully descriptive (loved the bits of humor)- Utterly entertaining & frightening- a shivery verbal performance & audio production...!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Terry! I always try to put a few laughs in. Glad you enjoyed.

[@craigoliver8712]

Took too long to realise the lorry driver was from "The West Country" could hear it in his 1st sentence "alright my lover" 😳

[@lilfiery0ne]

This is the best story telling channel ever .. you have the most awesome voice for narration and the stories you write yourself are truly imaginative and easily reach the caliber of being as good as any author out there .. keep going and soon your subscribers will multiply like a cascade .. just keep going .. you don't need to change anything .. your storytelling is perfect just the way it is!!!! I shared this channel with all my peoples LoL. Maybe now and then do a longer feature yk like a 3 hour story you can do an hour at a time... it may give your channel a boost ... and then you can post a compilation version after a time too yk.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks LilFiery0ne! "Best story telling channel ever" is what I'm aiming towards. Glad you're enjoying the stories.

[@shearonashley2317]

Thank you

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 👍

[@scoutrifle6827]

You certainly understand suspense! Look forward to more originals, Jasper!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

More on the way, Scout ✊

[@jenford7078]

Very twisted, Jasper!

[@leslieriddle5985]

That was chilling 💜

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Leslie. Glad you enjoyed.

[@Andrew-if3sd]

Thanks, Jasper!🇨🇦

[@lilfiery0ne]

It is exciting .. like getting a gift when I see you have posted a new story!!!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Ah, thanks LilFiery0ne! Comments like that make it worthwhile.

[@jturtle5318]

Excellent and atmospheric. I think I've been in that truck stop, in the US.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Yikes 😱

[@tonyeden8381]

With Duckhams oil I was rather expecting Players no 6 for such an elegant gentleman

[@EnCryptedHorror]

They'd run out 😄

[@tonyeden8381]

@@EnCryptedHorror 😂😂😂

[@colemarie9262]

You're a better writer than quite a few people who claim it as a sole profession! I honestly look forward to everything from this channel, and I would love to hear more of your stories! As a side note, I was always better with "writing prompts" too- I think they provide a focus and a place to start, both of which are hard parts of writing for me.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Cole! That's really kind of you to say. I was hopelessly stuck in the middle of two complicated stories with no endings and someone said "trucker" and everything just flowed. What kind of thing do you write, Cole?

[@clareelliott8348]

Brilliant!! Really enjoyed that and fab West country accent too

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Here's a secret: that accent is my REAL one, and I have to put on the Jasper voice 😉

[@stephensinclair3771]

Very great 👍 👏 👌. As someone who's lived in various parts of the UK......I have always been off the opinion that it's not our old castles etc or moors that are the really sinister scary places. Its in fact those rather strange "twilight zones" on the edges of the towns and cities. There is something deeply unsettling about these places. Only my opinion. I thought your story captured this perfectly. Something very difficult to do.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Stephen. I very much agree. I have been far more creeped out at deserted car parks and services at night than I have at castles - very much the impetus for this story. The cafe is loosely based on a real place called Jacks Hill which I only have fond memories of because my dad would always stop there 🙂

[@1970sthrowback]

@@EnCryptedHorror Hi Jasper, would this be Jacks Hill cafe near Towcester ?

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Yes, although I should point out that the staff, food and decor was always very nice when I went there.

[@stephensinclair3771]

@@EnCryptedHorror yes....but if it was anything like a caff I used to know outside Newcastle then the decour was none euclidean and reading the menu risked madness!

[@1970sthrowback]

@@EnCryptedHorror thank you, I used it regularly Sunday daytime's but sadly now closed I believe.

[@earthcat]

I love your original stories the best 🎉

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Wow, truly disturbing, creepy, horrifying...etc. What an imagination you have. Like someone said, the worst monsters are the human kind! Good job! 😱😱😱

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Rosie! Imagination, you say? It was based on a true story 😉

[@jared1870]

This is truly horrifying. You outdid yourself. I hate to think where you get your inspiration.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Jared. This is the kind of stuff I see whenever I close my eyes. I have to share it or I'd lose my mind 😆

[@jeremypearson6852]

Hitchhiking should come with a surgeon general’s warning. An expat in Florida.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Road trip!!!! These stories are the best!!!’

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Page Burner! 🙏

[@ann-mariepaliukenas19]

Excellent!Thank you

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Ann-Marie 🙏

[@johncochrane2707]

This is quite superb, you're going from strength to strength. Well done!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks John! Glad you enjoyed it! I enjoyed writing it.

[@angelariley.9963]

Thank you. I really enjoyed listening to this. You have a talent.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Aingeal! Kind of you to say! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@SusanMarie3]

OMG completely creepy - kept me wide awake at 3:48AM 😬

[@caroleastwood9386]

Oh Yes I forgot to.compliment you on your amazing sound effects. No other narrator does these only general scary sounds

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It was fun to do the "soundscape" to this. I like the subtle rumble of the road while they're driving. When I wrote it I was aware I was dealing in "tropes" but it was fun to write something based on a listener's request. This would never have come to me otherwise. It was rejected for inclusion in an anthology by a publisher and a couple of listeners have pointed out its shortcomings as a story, but I remain pleased with the general atmosphere.

[@alisonduffy6206]

A few shudders there Jasper. Wonderful writing and performance. Thank you

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! Thanks Alison - glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@juneroberts5305]

A truly excellent tale, Mr L'Estrange!

[@seriousoldman8997]

Now this one creeped me out.

[@Tipi_Dan]

OK. What happened to the victim's pack of Players? I haven't seen them in the stores for 15 years (American). They were my favorite. I've looked online, and apparently the "Players MEDIUM Navy Cut" are no longer available anywhere, least of all in the US. Are they still available in the UK? Funny too, I just read mention of them in Amory Brewster's novel during the London chapters.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I believe thet were discontinued in 2016 (although I had to look that up; I have no idea anymore what cigarette brands still exist 😄). I was aiming to place the story vaguely in the 60s - early 70s.

[@rameyzamora1018]

Top notch, Mr L! You are my new benchmark. Sweet dreams.

[@hindleygj]

Very enjoyable -Thank you !!!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome, George! Glad you liked it 😊

[@nancynickerson4341]

A great story Jasper, thank you!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome! Thank you, Nancy!

[@michellebastiani6470]

Excellent ☠🖤✌

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Michelle. Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@deew412]

Excellent

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Fresh out of whatever vintages were so coveted by Poe's thirsty " cads" and their murderers. Amontillado? So I thought, on a chilling autumn night why not a nice domestic burgundy? Dry and slightly ironic, just the right notes to tickle your palate, vintage L'Estrange, the choice of Horror connoisseurs...mmm, deliciously nasty, with a top note of spook...I ordered a case for this Halloween - a Special Edition... Might we hope for an original piece, a tale from the dark dreams of J. L.'E.- "some insanity which passed". ?

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Hoping to have a Halloween special ready in time. Am finding writing hard at the moment...🤞

[@hilaryeales1268]

I just listened to this again, I think Brenda should have her own story...... 😅 💛💚💙💜

[@annetteeggett]

The tiny click of bones …

[@annetteeggett2802]

Bloody fantastic!!! I imagined for a moment he’d been picked up by Fred West. And what a twist! Your accent was superb.Thank you thank you xx ps who ARE you?! 😃

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Yes, I suppose he did have a bit of Fred West about him! Glad you enjoyed the story. PS... I's Jasper L' bloody Strange, that's who I is 😆

[@annetteeggett2802]

@@EnCryptedHorror 😃😃❤️

[@pippadaniel1427]

Wow. That was awesome, you've a master story telling voice, I love it 💜

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Pippa! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@earthcat]

I do love a Kentish accent---those are God's people over there ☺️

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Ahh, not familiar with the "I just want to cuddle" ruse, eh? lol...

[@jaceek2030]

Terrific tale sir! I'd love to hear your take on a ghost/haunted house story.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Jacee! I shall endeavour to produce a haunted house story for my next original.

[@jaceek2030]

@@EnCryptedHorror I eagerly look forward to it!

[@janespring9224]

holy shit!!!!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

😱😱😱

[@guilledcf1547]

come on, come on, come ooon ...estrange trucking! 🎶

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Strange trucking around the stars 🎵

[@cryptonite8495]

The protaginist should have had the knife in his hand long before he presumably reached for it. This uncomfortable tale left some questions in my mind: How did he get the knife, with his arms locked and his bones breaking? Is the lorry driver dead after the undescribed moment of victory, or merely maimed? It's unclear. Also unclear in the protagonist's mind is whether Fiona is dead or tied up in the boot. He left her there after gaining possession of the lorry, so it seems he stopped caring. All in all, two monsters in that lorry, and the worse one emerged victorious.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Two monsters indeed. But, sorry, Cryptonite, I hope I haven't written so poorly and unclearly that the story is unclear. The story does not end as you describe. The "protagonist" did not get the knife. He is killed. The narration switches from first person to third person after he dies. The end of the story describes the lorry driver continuing his journey.

[@cryptonite8495]

@@EnCryptedHorror Yes, I see now. I think I was so uncomfortable with the sort of rape-murder scene that I failed to sort all the details in totheir proper place before commenting. My apologies. I suppose the killer of Fiona deserved his fate, but how horrible to die that way. There is comfortable horror, and there is iuncomfortable horror. Brrrrr.

[@maxxrand4888]

💯💯💯💯💯❤❤❤❤❤😎😎😎😎

[@damiancarroll2918]

Oh my goodness Very disturbing Love it

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Damian, glad you enjoyed 😊

[@bobbymarcum772]

One time I hitchhiked across the US Via truckers, but it was quite different. You’re just a great, I will say it, Arteest, Jasper. Most originals are of the crappy lasagna type on KZbin (creepy pasta) but your stuff is literature not a police report.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I think the US experience (as portrayed in books and movies) looks completely terrifying. Those endless straight highways...wildernesses...

[@bobbymarcum772]

The ability to light out on a road trip across a country as large and diverse in geography as the United States is a blessing unlike any other, in this age of affordable and speedy transportation, beholden to no one às far as complying with a set itinerary. An ancient land, as Lovecraft observed in The Mound. I've seen the bayous of Louisiana and the Grand Canyon and the pacific ocean from LA all in the same week.

[@mamamoomin]

Eww that was grim from many angles 😮 well read though!

[@mijiyoon5575]

One of my late Uncles was a Pall Mall *red box* smoker (better comment pending )😠

[@earthcat]

😀

[@quinnoshaughnessy]

weird story. remind me never to hitch-hike. ; D

[@EnCryptedHorror]

👆 It's good advice, kids.

[@rameyzamora1018]

Top notch, Mr L! You are my new benchmark. Sweet dreams.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Ramey! Glad you enjoyed! 😊