The 7th of London

by Beau Schemery

  Sev poured on the speed to catch up with his party. He returned to his post on the cart. “Fire hurts ’em too. They wouldn’t cross the flames from the shattered lantern.”

  “Good to know, Sev,” Midnight called over his shoulder. They had quite a lead on the beasties at this point but could hear the monsters hissing and groaning as they attempted to catch them up.

  “We should duck into one of these—uh—cathedrals,” Midnight suggested.

  “That one,” Sev stated, pointing at a façade with large double doors and a window above them. He was forming an idea. The party forced the doors open on ancient, disused hinges. They dragged the cart through and shut the doors. Sev used one of the shovels to thread behind the handles on the doors to secure them. He looked up, studying the balcony that circled the ceiling and the stairs leading up to it. Everything was carved from the black stone. How could all this be under London without anyone knowing? This stone had odd veins of something extra that gave off a faintly blue glow.

  Sev grabbed one of the extra cans of lamp oil and scrambled up the stairs and along the catwalk. He leaned out the window just before the horde reached the doors of the building. They converged like ants on a bit of treacle. The creatures clawed and pounded on the doors, eager to taste the flesh of the cowering beings within. More of the animated corpses were emerging from the shadows around the entrance to the cathedral.

  Quickly, Sev tore a strip from his sleeve and wrapped it around a bolt from his wrist-mounted crossbow. Then he picked up the can, dumped oil over the writhing mass below, and dropped the empty can. Sev loaded the oil-soaked bolt into his crossbow, struck a match, and took aim. He touched the match to the bolt, and when he was confident it was properly lit, he fired.

  The swarm at the base of the building erupted into flame. They scattered, driving off their newly arrived brethren. “Get the doors open,” Sev shouted. “We need t’make a run fer the armory.” He dashed along the catwalk as his compatriots opened the door. They sliced through the lingering beasts with swords before pressing their way through the flaming masses. Sev almost slid down the stairs, he moved so quickly. His friends lopped the heads off the beasts while running. Sev joined them promptly.

  They followed the main tunnel through its twists and turns, finally seeing the armory doors just ahead. They bent, charging for the structure. The beasts were gaining, and a few had to be dealt with, coming too close to the party.

  The cart finally succumbed to the uneven surface and tumbled over. “Get the lamp oil,” Sev instructed. “And the water!” The others wasted no time doing just that. There was barely a moment’s delay as they ran onward. Sev grabbed at a stitch in his side, wondering how everyone else was making out. Unsurprisingly, Midnight darted in, out, and around the party, dispatching the creatures that ventured too near.

  Reaching the stairs to the armory, Sev found the doors locked. “Bugger,” he cursed as the rest of the party finally caught up. Midnight threw another lantern at the creatures, holding them off. One of the creatures broke free, and Midnight sliced its head off easily. The head landed on the stairs and the body dropped just at the foot. “The doors are locked!” Sev shouted.

  “Step aside,” Midnight instructed, dropping to a knee and removing a small leather pouch from his waistcoat. He set to work picking the lock.

  The fire from the shattered lantern began to die down, and the creatures pressed forward. Sev looked from the vile horde to Midnight frantically picking the lock on the armory. “Jack.” Sev’s tone was anxious. “The beasties are gettin’ closer.” To buy them more time, Sev emptied the oil of two lanterns around the stairs and lit it. The body of the fallen creature burned as well.

  “Damn it.” Midnight stood and held out his hand. “Pistol.” One of the girls pressed a gun into his open palm. He aimed it directly at the lock and fired. He pushed the doors open as the hissing creatures reached the base of the stairs. Sev brandished his sword as the rest of the party dashed into the safety of the armory. He backed up the stairs, swinging the sword in front of him. The beasts reached the fire line and stopped. Midnight stuck his head back outside. “Seven, get in here so we can secure the doors.”

  “Look.” Sev was just in front of the doorway. He pointed to the severed head of the creature Midnight had seemingly destroyed. Spider-like appendages were sprouting from the neck, and the mouth was raspily hissing.

  “Damn, the bastards are resilient,” Midnight observed. The head scrabbled to right itself, and Sev stepped up and punted the vile thing into the swarm of its brethren before slipping into the armory. Jack slammed the door behind him.

  Midnight heaved deep breaths as he braced the doors shut with his back. Sev grabbed an ornate iron spear and threaded it into the door handles like he had in the cathedral. “It seems we’ve found out why this place was sealed off,” Jack said with an amused sniff.

  “I find nothing funny about this situation, Mr. Midnight.” Muriel was mopping sweat from her forehead and trying to catch her breath.

  “My apologies, madam,” Midnight offered as he slid to a seated position near the door. “I was only trying to alleviate some of the tension of our situation.” Muriel apologized for snapping, acknowledging the hopelessness of their situation, while Sev looked around the space they’d taken refuge in. The walls and furnishings were completely utilitarian, with no ornate carvings or accents like the rest of the underground. The strange illuminated veins ran through the rock here as well. The weapons lining the walls were heavy, black iron with patches of rust. Spears, knives, swords, and axes rested intermittently.

  He wandered to the back of the room to a small podium. Annie looked up at him as he passed, and Sev felt shocked. She was paler than usual and suspiciously dry. The heat in these catacombs pressed stiflingly on the party, and all were drenched in sweat except Annie. “Are ye all right, Dove?” Sev stopped and put a hand on her shoulder. “Ye look like ye’re havin’ a bad time of it.”

  “I don’t feel good. My stomach hurts.” She sat cross-legged, holding her middle.

  “Is it yer wound?” Sev pulled her shirt back and the bandage up to look at the injury. It looked a bit swollen and possibly discolored, though he couldn’t really tell in the odd light.

  “It doesn’t hurt at all.”

  “Have some water.” Sev offered her one of the vessels he’d wisely salvaged from the cart. She obeyed, taking the canteen from him. He left her to inspect the black chest sitting on the pedestal. He knew without being able to read any of the words or knowing any of the letters that this thick black stone chest with its rusting iron hinges contained the Tear of Purity. Screaming faces were carved into the surface of the stone. The box was locked with an imposing mechanism. Sev suddenly had an overwhelming desire to see what lay in that container. As he reached for it, Midnight’s calling of his name dragged him out of its spell. He shook his head to clear it and joined Midnight, Rat, and Muriel.

  “How are we going to get out of here?” David, one of the other volunteers, asked. His dark eyes were wide below his messy mop of hair.

  “We’re not,” one of the girls, Sev thought her name was Julia, said.

  “We’re trapped,” the third girl added desperately.

  “Don’t count us out just yet, my dear,” Midnight crooned. He produced a flask from his waistcoat and passed it around. Sev accepted it gladly. He recognized Midnight’s favorite brandy as he sipped. “We’ve found the Tear?” Midnight asked.

  Sev nodded. “The box is locked with a clockwork mechanism. We should open it, make sure it’s truly inside.”

  “Of course.”

  “It may benefit us to take stock of what’s stored here,” Muriel commented, her gaze traveling around the room. “See what we might find useful.”

  “A very good idea,” Midnight agreed, accepting the return of his flask. “But I suggest we get some rest first. We may have a vigorous battle to face once we open these doors.” He indicated the entrance with his flask.

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nbsp; “I ain’t arguin’,” Rat stated. “But Annie’s in bad shape. We got t’get her out o’here as soon as possible.”

  “We’ll do our best, Rat.” Midnight’s tone turned uncharacteristically kind. Rat nodded, apparently satisfied, and joined his cherished companion. The other children followed. Strength in numbers, Sev thought. They were indicative of this entire revolution, children banding together to overcome insurmountable odds. “I’m worried about her,” Midnight said, lowering his voice.

  “She’ll be fine,” Muriel spoke just as softly. “We’ll get her to a doctor once we’re out of here.”

  “That’s not exactly what I meant.” Midnight took a pull from his flask and stashed it away once again.

  “How do you mean?” Muriel eyed Midnight suspiciously.

  “I’m worried we’ll need to deal with her once the poison in her blood takes hold. It might benefit us to put her out of her misery before that happens.”

  “Mr. Midnight!” Muriel blurted, drawing the attention of the children. “Sorry, luvs. Sorry.” She tried to flash them a reassuring smile. “How dare you?” she asked in a harsh whisper, turning back to Midnight.

  “What?” Jack asked with honest perplexity.

  “I will not allow you to harm a hair on that young lady’s head, sir. She may have a mild infection, but I am not, nor will I ever be ready to put her down.”

  “What if she turns into one of those things out there?” Midnight motioned toward the doors with his thumb.

  “How on earth do you think that’s possible?” Muriel could barely control her offense.

  “We saw it happen t’Clive,” Sev explained. “After he was already gone, his skin went black, and his corpse, it rose.”

  Muriel’s eyes went wide, and her hand flew to her mouth. She looked unbelievingly between Sev and Midnight. Jack nodded gravely. “Dear Lord.” Her gaze darted suspiciously to Annie, who sat with the other children. She seemed a little more comfortable, and she was smiling at something Rat had just said. “No. I don’t believe it. I can’t. She’ll be fine once we’re free of this abominable place.”

  Midnight shrugged. “For everyone’s sake, madam, I pray that you’re correct.” Muriel ambled off to join her young charges.

  “She’s not. Is she?” Sev barely spoke the question.

  “You saw Clive.”

  “Why aren’t they tryin’ t’get in?”

  “I don’t know. It’s unsettling, to say the least.”

  “Are we really goin’ t’get out o’here?” Sev studied Midnight’s face. As usual, it revealed nothing.

  “Definitely. Not all of us certainly, but we’ll get that bloody Tear back. I’ve a few ideas.” Midnight’s gaze was distant. Sev waited for the man to elaborate on his plans. When he finally emerged from his reverie and addressed Sev, all he said was, “Time for sleep.” Then he dropped to the stone floor and used his arm for a pillow. Realizing he’d have no more discussion from the villain, Sev rested against the wall and pulled his hat down over his eyes. Surprisingly, he slept.

  SEV woke to the sound of Annie screaming. Instantly he was on his feet with his sword and pistol in his hands, scanning the chamber, expecting to see the horde swarming in through the doors, but all he saw was Midnight standing similarly ready and Muriel comforting Annie. David and the other children sat wide-eyed and silent, huddled together.

  The young girl’s eyes looked dark and haunted. She rocked, cradling her knees below her chin. Muriel rubbed Annie’s arms and shushed her. “I could hear ’em. They want in. They’re hungry.” Midnight shot Sev a meaningful look. “Their gods are awful. Too many eyes. Too many eyes.”

  “Calm down, Dove.” Sev spoke soothingly to his friend, and it seemed to help. “They’re not in here. It was a dream. Just a bad dream.”

  “Oh, Sev.” She sighed and took Sev’s hand. “It seemed so real.”

  “It’s not. Ye’re fine,” he lied. He could see the black poison snaking out from her wound. He had no doubt now. Sev offered Annie a smile and received one in return. He walked back to Midnight. “We have t’get out o’here,” Sev told him.

  “We need fire,” Midnight said, nodding. “And luckily we have it. Look here.” Sev did, seeing five large ceramic vessels, four sealed with wax and one recently cracked open. “Lamp oil or something quite like it.”

  “It’s still good?” Sev doubted.

  Midnight dipped the tip of his knife in the liquid and dragged the tip along the stone wall. A spark erupted and burst into a small flame. “I’ve just about got that mechanism cracked as well.” He pointed to the box with his still smoking knife. Sev raised his eyebrows a bit surprised. “I didn’t sleep,” Midnight explained.

  “What’s the plan, then?” Sev asked, satisfied with Midnight’s explanation and happy they were that much closer to escaping this place.

  “We get those barrels out there and light them up.” The villain kneeled before the podium and went to work on the clockwork mechanism once more. “Once that’s done, we just wait for the beasties to catch flame, and then we waltz out while they burn.”

  “How can we be certain they won’t just run off and wait fer the flames t’die out? Ye said yerself they’re clever.”

  “Hmm. Good point. We need to devise a way to spread the oil around so they don’t have time to react.”

  “What if we put holes in the barrels before we roll ’em out?” Sev suggested.

  “Possibly. But we certainly don’t want the flames following a trail of oil back to us.” A loud click sounded, and Jack laughed triumphantly. “That’s got it.” He unlatched the box and flipped the lid back.

  At the same moment, Annie screeched like someone pressed hot metal to her skin. Sev instinctually stepped toward her, but Midnight’s hand closed around his arm, stopping him. Jack held up a finger, his gaze turned toward the door. “Listen,” he said.

  Sev tried. “Annie?”

  “Beyond Annie,” Midnight specified. “Outside.”

  Sev listened closer, straining to hear what Midnight heard. There it was: a chorus of screeching outside the doors. It was difficult to pick it out, but once he had, he couldn’t unhear it. Quickly, Midnight snapped the case shut and just as quickly the screeching stopped. Annie’s screams were replaced by sobs. “What’s happenin’ t’me?” she asked through her tears. For scientific or sadistic reasons, Sev couldn’t say, Midnight lifted the case lid slightly. Annie moaned, and the monsters outside echoed her discomfort.

  “Close it,” Sev hissed. Midnight obeyed a little reluctantly.

  “Get away from me!” Annie pushed Muriel and Rat away from her. “Just stay away! All of ye.” She ran as far from the rest of the group as she could manage in the enclosed area.

  No one spoke for some time, unwilling to acknowledge what they’d witnessed or just mute with shock. Midnight, never one to bow to social convention, said, “I tried to warn you.”

  “Not now, Jack,” Sev snapped.

  “Do you think they’d attack one of their own?” Midnight pressed.

  “Jack,” Sev growled warningly.

  “I’m just suggesting we look on the bright side. It may not be the ideal situation, but she could spread that oil around for us among her new brethren.”

  “Jack!” Sev roared. “Enough.” Midnight remained thankfully silent at last. Sev walked over to his distraught friend. He sat next to her, and she flinched away, but Sev wasn’t deterred. He scooped her into his arms, and she relented, weeping against his chest. “Dove,” he whispered. “Oh, Dove.”

  “What’s happenin’ t’me, Sevvy? I’m so hungry.”

  “We’ll get ye to a doctor the moment we’re out o’this place.”

  “I don’t think I’m gettin’ out o’here, Sevvy.”

  “Don’t say that, Dove.”

  She sat up and wiped at her eyes. “No. I’m not stupid. I know what I’m hungry for. I can smell it. The blood and the warm flesh. It’s killin’ me just bein’ this close t’ye.”

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sp; “Annie….” Sev’s tone was pleading.

  “No. I think Midnight’s right. The only way ye’re gettin’ out o’here is if somebody goes out there and dowses the buggers in lamp oil and ye burn ’em.” She looked at him with eyes that were paling in color. He shook his head, not wanting to believe that this was his life.

  “Ye don’t have t’do this, Dove.”

  “I do,” she answered.

  “No, Annie,” Rat interrupted. “Sev’s right. This ain’t yer job. We’ll figure out a way t’get out o’here and get ye help.”

  “No, Ratty.” Tears leaked from Annie’s eyes. “It’s over fer me. Ye have t’promise ye won’t let me turn into one o’those things.”

  “No, Annie, please.” Rat clung to her hand.

  “Ye have t’promise. I don’t want t’be that.”

  Rat’s eyes shone with tears now, and Sev felt for the urchin, his own eyes already brimming over. Rat swallowed, steeling himself to answer. “All right, Annie.”

  “Promise,” she said.

  “I promise.”

  “Whatever it takes. Promise.”

  Rat choked out a painful sob. “Yes, love.”

  “Thank you.” She pressed her lips to his forehead. “And I’m sorry.” Muriel stepped up, perhaps to argue, but Annie fixed her with a serious look and shook her head. Sev could see the older woman shrink with defeat. The other children couldn’t even bring themselves to look at the girl who’d been their friend up until moments ago. “Bring that.” Annie pointed at the case. “And let’s get these barrels out the doors.”

  “Good show, young lady,” Midnight complimented her. “Sev, Rat, let’s get these barrels.” Everyone helped move the vessels to the doors. Muriel held the case with the Tear of Purity inside. Sev took a deep steadying breath and pulled the iron spear out of the door handles. He tentatively opened the door, expecting a rush of monsters. When nothing attacked, he pulled the door inward.

  The monsters were perched at the bottom of the armory stairs. Their numbers had tripled, quadrupled. They filled the street for at least a hundred feet, like a sea of desiccated flesh and staring milky-white eyes. “They’re just standing out there. Waiting.”