Sanctum Arcanum

by Alexander Kautz

  “These are the answers that you alone must seek to discover--,” The boy peered about the room as though having feared to have been overheard, “It is a purpose and power which we now share. As by these means alone shall we be set free of this evil, and I shall become whole again…..”

  “And within doing so--,” I rubbed at my eyes while attempting to grasp the concept, “We become instrumental in the damnation of others in another dimension in time and space,”

  “This is the balance of things--,” The boy faded from out of the chair as the raven, returning to its perch, peered back down at me, “It is the eternal shift of positive and negative throughout existence. It occurs without blame and from out of necessity upon both sides. It exists as the cycles of the universe and all things in nature and beyond.”

  “Alright then--,” I looked to the bird as it appeared far larger in the deep shadows atop the desk, “If I can harness this ability and somehow send this thing into the void, can you guarantee that we’ll all get our lives back as though nothing had ever happened?”

  “Life shall only be restored upon those who still remain after the deed has been done. But no promise for you can I make, for it is within your nature through time to seek out and pursue this evil--,” Sorrow now reflected in its blood-red eyes, “Just as it now seeks to destroy you. You are part and parcel, the light and shadow of a single purpose through space and time.”

  “So then, there will never be a chance—or any hope for me even after this is done….”

  “You must first send the evil back into the void—and hope remains through love.” It whispered as sympathy echoed through its most solemn tone, “Abandon all material things and pursuits—for that which you cherish above all else in this reality…..”

  “My work—this place--,” I suddenly realized the significance of what I was being told, “I have to walk away from this life to begin again….”

  The raven said nothing, but settling back upon its perch, now stared as though anticipating the answer.

  “How do I learn to draw upon and control this ability to open the void?”

  “It exists within you and one other--,” The bird whispered in a tone almost inaudible, “But—a great sacrifice is required from one to draw upon this power….”

  “And who is this significant other—man or woman, possibly something from beyond?”

  “The power knows no boundaries through time or dimensions in space--,” It appeared confused, frustrated and deep in some dark thought, “It might be one near you—or lost in a dimensions beyond. This ability was shared previously and thrice including dimensions beyond. The secret and mystery remains deep within your soul—the answers to which you alone must find.”

  My mind had raced as I deliberated the events, places and all involved. I had considered Caitlin, Rich, Marlowe and the raven, but knew nothing of a lifetime lost aeons ago, “How will I know—can I trust that it will happen again when I need it most?”

  “You must first complete what you have begun here—insure the sanctity of this place, protect those closest to you.”

  “I will finish the guest house on this property, and bring all of the accursed objects from the house, vault and warehouse--,” I looked to the raven, “And then summon Marlowe to use the book to draw protection—and seal everything into that building on this property. So that nothing evil may pass from within or escape from out of it.”

  “When you have completed this task--,” The raven drew deepening shadows from all around as it spoke, “And secured the sanctity of this fortress beyond darkness—the final battle for our very souls shall begin….”

  And with that the raven had fallen silent, undoubtedly drifting into darkened dreams in realms far beyond this dimension. As sinking back and deeply into my seat, I closed my eyes as the nightmares pursued me into the blackness of my own lingering doubts….

  Chapter Twenty THREE

  Friday, January 10, 1975.

  The days had been long and the nights seemingly endless, but the weather had remained on our side. Rich had decided to take a room in the house. As being utterly alone and unable to remain there without Maya, he had welcomed Tanya, Danny and Dennis to reside in his home until everything had been resolved. As void of rent and free of bills or debt, their only responsibility was general maintenance and small repairs until he returned.

  Raymond had also abandoned his little house and taken up residence with us. He had put the old place up for sale and taking Eva’s room next to Tim, left behind the shadows of his former life. There had been some question as to the department’s concern about this choice, but he cared little for their opinions and had already offered to turn in his badge. His seniority and reputation saving him, even detective Simms seemed to have backed off.

  Pam and Jen had also given up their apartments in West Vancouver and had taken a two bedroom flat in our office building, directly beneath Red Cloud’s penthouse. We had gone there with the sacred symbols, window frames and crown moldings, and sanctifying everything, swiftly secured their new place. Deb and her husband Ray had also left their home in North Vancouver for a spacious apartment beside Pam and Deb. As with our extended family safely secured, we went about the task of making certain that we hadn’t missed anything in the building.

  Rich had even gone as far as to open a restaurant in the building and directly beside the antique mall. We hired complete strangers, people indirectly involved so that they would not be at risk. We maintained our distance and always made certain to keep the office, antiques business and dining room staff completely separate.

  During this time the guest house had also finally been completed. All items of questionable nature and origin were removed from the warehouse and my mansion, and placed safely within the guest house vaults. Tim had assumed his position as custodian soon after. Moving into the large apartment at the top floor, he often stood upon the balcony over-looking the gardens, garages and the back of my manor.

  The guest house had remained concealed from prying eyes from behind the black iron gates and dense pines. Even from the front of the property, due to its subtle color and similar design, it was barely visible and appeared to have always been there.

  And then, on the final evening as all had rested quietly and everything had fallen into its proper place, I had summoned Marlowe. As utilizing the book within prayers from some ancient language long forgotten in time, I had invoked something seeming terrifying, but feeling strangely divine. The stillness of the night shining with a pale green luminescence, I sensed the approach of something that had come from dimensions beyond….

  The raven had perched upon my right shoulder as I stood in the darkness before the guest house, watching in silence while observing the phantasm of Marlowe, who moved slowly and like a mourner across the shadow haunted grounds. Guiding something which moved unseen within the green mist with gestures of his hands, he waved ever downward as it drifted, and sank into the depths of the guest house vaults.

  As Marlowe was producing a golden key and placing it into my open palm, I looked down and gasped to the bitter cold touch of the strangely shaped tool. It was as long as my hand, weighing nothing, and seemed more likely comprised of a dream. The head was round and contained a seal or sigil of some kind, and the shaft appeared as a multi-chambered whistle.

  “This must be given to the keeper of the vaults--;” Marlowe had pointed a long finger in warning, “For it protects the custodian as well as it summons and binds the guardian.”

  “Is it dangerous—is it something evil…..” I had whispered, swallowing hard as I looked upon the ghostly mystic. He had stood before the stone steps to the guest house and between the ever watchful gargoyles that we have brought from the Duff Glenn. With a somber tone and slowly shaking his head, he replied, “There are many unseen things occupying unknown places—,” He continued, “Neither good nor evil—they all serve their purpose in space and time.”

  Thoughts of the fiery demon from the warehouse in Road
’s End passed into mind, “Will it harm anyone not carrying this talisman—or entering the place alone?”

  “Only the bearer of the key may wander these halls safely—and through him, others are spared. He must never remove it from about his neck and can summon the guardian simply by blowing into the key.” Marlowe closed the book from where it rested upon the pedestal, running a hand across the stone gargoyle’s snow-covered head, “All others shall be consumed in the green mists—and forever disappear from this world.”

  There had not been any more conversation, as I had quickly brought Tim who had been waiting in the manor house. I had explained what had occurred to the best of my ability, and stringing the key upon a golden chain provided by Marlowe, placed it about my friend’s neck. “No matter what you might see or hear in the night--,” I walked with him toward the front doors, and shivering in the chill wind, paused on the last step, “This place is protected by sacred sigils and prayers—and something that’s now guarding over our vaults. No one is permitted to enter this building alone or without you—only you are safe in this place, as long as you have this key. Don’t ever take it off—and never leave it anywhere else but around your neck.”

  “And, exactly what kind of thing—is going to be locked in there with me?” He appeared absolutely terrified.

  “It’s nothing evil—nothing that would ever do you any harm--,” I pointed to the golden and glowing key that he now fingered nervously, “As long as you’re wearing that. And, also--,” I had remembered the old mystic’s words, “If ever you’re in trouble in the building—or somehow something does go wrong? All that you have to do is blow on that key--,” I pointed and he looked down, as I said, “And, it will summon the guardian….”

  “I feel like a lion-tamer who was given a steak to wear around his neck.”

  “Have faith—in time you’ll grow to appreciate this--,” I stared up and into the windows of the dimly lit building, “This is like Fort Knox—with a very special guard dog….”

  Tim had just nodded, and extending a hand, stuttered while shaking my hand as though for the last time, “Wish me luck—though I doubt that I’ll be getting much sleep.”

  “You have a direct line to the house--,” I reminded him, “It’s the red telephone right next to your desk, “And you can call anytime, day or night.”

  “Alright then--,” He peered into the darkness and to where the gargoyles stood guard at the bottom of the steps, “Hopefully, I’ll see you for breakfast—and if not, you’ll know why.”

  “I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I wasn’t absolutely certain that this was safe--,” I sighed deeply, and pulling the collar of my coat closer about my ears, shuddered and said, “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. I will completely understand.”

  There had been a slight apprehension as he looked between the building and then back to me. His eyes had been huge and filled with uncertainly, but then he suddenly nodded, speaking softly, “No, no—if you say that it’s fine, I trust you. I should be perfectly alright. It might just take a little getting used to—that’s all.”

  And with that he had drawn the key from his pocket and waved the one that hung from his neck, “I’ll see you in the morning—you better get back to the house before you catch a nasty chill.”

  I had silently watched him as an icy gust tossed the raven’s feathers as its great claws clung to my shoulder. He had walked like a prisoner making his way down death’s row. But unlocking the front door and turning, waved with a faint smile. I had returned the gesture while waiting, as making his way inside, he closed and safely locked the door for the night.

  There had been an unsettling feeling as I had looked to the main gates while hurrying back toward the manor. I felt as though someone or something was watching me, but didn’t see or hear anything. The raven had leapt from my shoulder, as fluttering off, it swiftly surveyed the grounds. As searching through the long shadows which lingered between the tall and spiked iron bars, I was greeted only by the wind in the pines, and the stillness of a bitter cold night.

  Making my way into the house, I closed and swiftly locked the door, standing there with my back against the solid surface as the raven flew off while making its way back into my office. In all truth, I had not felt the same since Caitlin had passed through that door and from out of my life. And though I knew that she had still loved me, something had broken the bond between us and changed. Maybe it had been within some desperate hope that, by letting her go, I might keep her safe? But in the end, all that now remained was a steadily growing and unbridled urge for justice and revenge. It was an incessant hostility that now occupied the emptiness which had replaced the love that had once filled my heart.

  Quietly removing my coat and boots, I set them away, moving silently through the hallway while making my way toward the stairs. Raymond had already slept soundly and I paused while having taken notice of Rich on the couch before the hearth. He was sitting upright and holding a framed photograph of him and Maya to his breast. As snoring ever so slightly, he had obviously fallen asleep while having waited for me….

  Rather than waking him, as few of has slept much over the previous weeks, I had quietly made my way up the steps, wincing as the ancient bones of the house began creaking as they settled, and the floor squeaked ever so slightly beneath my weight.

  I had gone into the master-bedroom, and switching on the light, paused while slowly looking around. It still had all the same furnishings and all the same appeal. But as I changed into my bed clothes, I choked back the tears in memory, the suffering giving way to that endless rage that now welled, and like molten lava, burned in my heart! I had departed the room without even a glance back, switching out the lights and quietly closing the door.

  My office lay in utter and complete darkness as I wandered inside. The hall light cast the faintest of golden glimmers upon the floor, while reflecting in Merlin’s wide green eyes from beneath the desk. As turning on the antique double-Griffin student lamp, I adjusted the red glass shades before slumping into my chair. It was circa 1880 and coming from Manhattan, New York, it had been a rarity and a treasure among true collectors. I had once taken such pleasure in the beautiful old thing. But now, staring to where it rested on the filing cabinet beside my desk, I considered it little more than just another possession.

  Merlin had brushed against my leg and I had leaned down to show affection to my dear old friend. He seemed unaffected by anything and entirely absorbed in that simple and loving moment. It broke the stillness of my heart and let the slightest of light shine into the darkness of my soul.

  “You really are something--,” I scratched behind his ears as he now sat, and closing his eyes, purred, “And to be honest, I really don’t know what I would do without you. Especially right now…..”

  He had just looked up at me with those huge golden and half-lidded eyes. There was a magic and mystique to the simplicity and endearing manner in which he always seemed to soothe my soul. It was a friendship that, exceeding all others in a certain and special way, had captured my heart, and always would.

  “I suppose that I should finish the last few pages of my book.” I sighed deeply, and turning from Merlin as he returned to his nap, looked over the page that still hung from the typewriter on my desk. Perched silently, the raven had returned to its dark and distant dreams in the deep shadows from above. My fingers traveled to where the golden Celtic cross hung about my neck. I dreamed of distant Ireland and an ancient church, where my heart was now entombed. A single tear found its way out, dripping upon the pages before me. The thoughts seeming to come from out of nowhere, I began typing…

  With the completion of the guest house and sealing of the gates, all stands in preparation for the storm to come. And, as all matters concerning the protection of those directly involved have been secured, we would now follow a distant and desperate hope. I can only pray that Caitlin, Maya and Eva would remain safe. As no longer directly involved and fading from my focus, perh
aps the evil might surpass them as well.

  The raven had revealed many things during that fateful night of the coming New Year. It had spoken of terrors beyond imagination, realms and lifetimes existing in other dimensions through space and time. It had also made me aware of a timeless struggle that I had intimately shared with an unspeakable nightmare. An entity ultimately dedicated to my destruction, which would bring death upon all that opposed it.

  As we all now gather together in the face of this irrevocable and unrelenting evil, we are sheltered, though forced to confront this thing. There is a hope existing somewhere, and possibly worlds and dimensions apart in time. Another individual, a united entity, will provide the only weapon, a portal to send this horror back into the void.

  Our only hope now resides in courage, faith and the love that binds us all. The old manor is no longer a home but a shelter from the storm. As little more than a barrier holding back the hosts of Hell at the gates, I now refer to the estate as Sanctum Arcanum. The adventure continues….