by Pat Spence
This was bigger and far more serious than I could ever have imagined.
I had to ask… “When you say rituals, Theo, it’s not devil worship, is it?”
He laughed. “No, nothing like that...”
He didn’t have a chance to say any more because the double doors were suddenly flung open and Aquila rushed in, looking angrier than I had ever seen him before.
“Stop, you fool,” he spat his words at Theo, who sat white-faced and shocked. “What are you doing? You are breaking every code you have sworn to uphold. Do you want to destroy everything? Say no more. You have already said too much and will answer for your indiscretion.”
“It’s okay,” I started to say, “he’s hardly told me anything…”
“Silence,” shouted Aquila. “You are nothing. Nothing but an irritation that needs removing.”
“How dare you speak to her like that,” commanded Theo, standing up and facing Aquila. “You know who she is, and yet you choose to deny it. She is far more important than you will ever be.”
“You are wrong,” Aquila hurled out his words like firecrackers. “She is no-one. You are mistaken and your mistake could cost us everything. How can we trust her now you have chosen to divulge secrets you had sworn to protect? Does it all mean so little to you, that you would risk everything? You know I cannot allow her to leave now.”
“She knows nothing of importance, Aquila. And if you lay a finger on her, you have me to answer to.” Theo positioned himself protectively in front of me, his anger vibrating and pulsing like an energy field, sparks appearing to fly from his body.
They stood facing each other like two unexploded bombs about to detonate and I hardly dared move, at once fascinated and horrified by their words.
“Move out of the way,” Aquila instructed Theo. “You leave me no choice but to act. You should have considered the consequences of your actions before you betrayed us.”
He went to push Theo out of the way and I shrank as far back into the corner of the sofa as I could, feeling suddenly very afraid. Fortunately, salvation was at hand, as Viyesha burst into the room, the double doors crashing with the impact of her entrance.
“Enough,” she said in an icy cold voice. “You have both said too much.” She addressed me, her voice quivering with urgency. “Emily, leave. Leave now, while you can. Run and don’t look back.” She held the door open for me and I needed no further bidding, I ran for the door. As I passed her, Viyesha put her hand on my arm, stopping me momentarily, as if suddenly realising the need to defuse the situation. “We can trust you not to say anything, can’t we, Emily?”
As her hand touched my arm, my fear left me and feelings of calmness and serenity flooded my being. I looked into her beautiful face and big blue eyes, radiating kindness and concern.
“Of course, Viyesha,” I found myself saying. “My first loyalty is to you. It always has been.”
“Good. Tell no one what has occurred here this afternoon. Neither friends nor family. If you remain loyal to us, I can protect you. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I whispered, “I’ll tell no-one.”
She smiled at me, and as she did, I noticed tiny wrinkles at the corners of her eyes that I hadn’t seen before, and furrows in her brow that had once been smooth.
“Now go,” she said, taking her hand off my arm. I glanced down and was surprised to see her hand looking claw-like and frail, the veins lifted, the skin puckered and dry. She quickly crossed her arms, placing each hand within the wide sleeves of her gown, nun-like, so I was unable to see anything more. “Go,” she repeated and I needed no further bidding.
I ran through the reception area, nearly tripping over something that darted from an open doorway. Stepping wide in an effort not to stand on it, I looked down to see what I had so nearly trodden on. There was no mistaking the fluffy grey bundle that sat on the black and white tiles looking up at me. It was the kitten, as alive and playful as it had ever been.
“Grey Boy,” called Violet’s voice from the open door. “Come here, you naughty thing.”
I didn't look back. Reaching for the latch of the oak door, I lifted it quickly, opened it and ran as fast as I could through the courtyard and down the gravelled driveway. I didn’t stop. I ran until I had no breath left. One thing I knew above all else, I had to get away from that house of horrors while I still could.
19. Family Pow-wow
The family gathered once again in the library. Theo and Violet sat on one Chesterfield, Joseph on another. Pantera and Aquila stood behind, and facing them all were Viyesha and Leon. They all looked ill at ease and nervous.
Viyesha began by addressing them all.
“As you now know, a situation has arisen which is extremely worrying. And it is all the more urgent, given its timing. We have just two days until the Blue Moon Ball, and just a day until our guests start arriving. Nothing can be compromised at this late stage. As you are only too well aware, our existence depends on the Blue Moon Ball taking place.”
She paused for breath, looking stooped and tired, her usually luminous skin heavy and pale. Taking advantage of the break in her words, Aquila spoke in rasping, venomous tones. “You should have let me take care of the girl while I could. That would have guaranteed our safety, now we have a loose cannon out there. What if she brings others here? What happens then?” His dark skin creased into lines of worry, like deeply engraved grooves etched across his sour features.
“She won’t,” said Viyesha, “I am confident that we have her loyalty.”
“I’m sorry, Viyesha,” said Joseph, his usually curly hair flat and straight, streaks of grey intermingled with the lustreless blond tresses. “This is all my fault. If only I hadn’t mentioned the Blue Moon Ball, none of this would have arisen.”
“That was bad enough, idiot,” exploded Aquila, “but it was this moron who did all the damage.” He poked his bony finger into Theo’s back as he spoke. “You had to tell her, didn't you?”
Theo turned as if touched by an electric cattle prodder.
“Don’t touch me, you filthy scavenger,” he said through clenched teeth. His face looked haggard and tired, jowls beginning to appear at either side of his mouth. “If you lay a finger on her, I swear I’ll kill you.”
“You’ll have to get past me first,” hissed Pantera, still tall and majestic, but now looking thin and careworn.
“This is getting us nowhere,” thundered Leon in a loud, commanding voice that shook them all. “We have no time for recriminations or threats. The question is what do we do now? We have such little time.” He paused, the exertion causing him to stop and catch his breath, his film star looks appearing tired and worn.
“He’s right, mother,” said Violet, looking small and hunched. “I’m frightened. What if we don’t make it this time? What if Emily brings people here?”
“D’you really think she would, Violet?” asked Theo. “You’re forgetting one very important factor. Her feelings for me. If she tells anyone or brings anybody here, she jeopardises her relationship with me. Do you really think she’d do that?”
“Can we risk it?” rasped Aquila. “You should have let me take care of things while I could. Before you gave her the necklace.”
“I gave her the necklace to protect her from creatures like you,” said Theo in disgust. “How do you know about it, anyway? Nobody else did.”
“You forget I have eagle eyes,” said Aquila triumphantly. “You can hide nothing from me.”
“Please, everyone, be quiet,” said Viyesha, sounding tired and old. “Theo, what is this necklace of which Aquila speaks?”
“I gave Emily my Celestite crystal necklace,” said Theo. “It was the only thing I could think of to keep her safe.”
“I see,” said Viyesha slowly, “I suppose we gave you no choice, but you should have consulted me first. I need to know what you’re doing.”
She addressed the rest of the assembled family. “Listen closely. We cannot waste what remaining strength
we have on argument and dissent. This is what I propose. We must carry on preparing for the ball. We have only two days, and limited resources left within us. I am confident Emily will not compromise our safety. If, as Theo believes, she is one of us, we truly have nothing to fear. If we find out otherwise, we may have no choice but to eliminate her. And Pantera, that task will fall to you. Not you, Aquila. I find your propensity towards violence disturbing and abhorrent. We are peaceful, we do not seek to destroy. That comes as a last resort only when all other avenues are closed to us and we are faced with a kill or be killed situation. Do I make myself clear?”
She looked from one to the other, all around the group.
“Yes, Viyesha,” said Joseph.
“Yes, mother,” said Theo, sounding weary and hollow.
“Yes, mother,” echoed Violet.
“Pantera and Aquila, do I have your agreement?” asked Viyesha, looking at them with tired, watery eyes.
“Yes, Viyesha,” said Pantera, quietly, not meeting her gaze.
“As you wish,” said Aquila arrogantly, tossing his head back. “But I hope you’re not making a huge mistake. For all our sakes.”
Viyesha looked at Theo.
“There is one more thing to discuss. Theo, if you truly believe Emily is who you think she is, if you are convinced she is ‘the one’, she has no other choice but to join us.”
“But, mother, it’s too dangerous,” said Theo, looking anguished. “I can’t put her through that.”
“You must, Theo, surely you see that?” said Viyesha quietly.
“No!” he exclaimed. “I cannot inflict that upon her. It must be her choice. If she joins us it’s because she wants to, because she understands the risks. She may not survive. She has to understand the dangers involved and that the odds are against her.”
He sat back, looking hunched and old, his brow creased, his problems weighing heavily on his shoulders.
“Theo,” said his mother, kindly, “for now we must concentrate on the Blue Moon Ball. There is time enough to consider Emily’s fate after that.”
Slowly, they filed out of the library, seven world-weary figures, their posture stooped, their faces tired and drawn, their energy levels all but extinguished.
20. Arrivals
Once more, the mist had descended on Hartswell-on-the-Hill, its tendrils curling around vegetation and trees alike, clothing them in a dark grey mantle. It was 2am and the mist combined with a cloudy night to reduce visibility to almost zero. The cloying heaviness pressed against windowpanes and doors and, had the sleeping residents attempted to look out, they would have seen nothing more than a thick grey wall encompassing and entombing them.
While the village slept, tormented by wild dreams and fevered imaginings, strange things were occurring at Hartswell Hall. Aquila drove the sleek black Jaguar up the driveway, seemingly oblivious to the fog. The wheels crunched on the pebbled courtyard as he parked the car, then opened the doors for the occupants to disembark,
A slim leg in a silk stocking appeared first, the sheer denier failing to hide the varicose veins, and an elderly, veined hand grasped the rear doorframe. Slowly, the old woman pulled herself out of the car, standing precariously for a moment. She was followed by an elderly gentleman with silver white hair and deep jowls, who slowly got out of the front passenger seat, leaning heavily on a silver-topped cane. Two further old ladies eased themselves out of the rear seat, one with the bobbed hairstyle of a much younger woman, contrasting incongruously with her heavily lined face; the other with grey-streaked auburn tresses and a tight red dress revealing a once stunning physique that was now hunched and stooped. Both wore large framed sunglasses, concealing most of their faces.
A welcoming committee stood on the front step.
“Viyesha,” said the woman with auburn hair, slowly walking towards her. “My dear, so pleased to see you again.”
She went forward and they embraced with an air kiss.
“Chevron, as always, you are most welcome,” murmured Viyesha.
One by one, the guests climbed the front steps, each embracing Viyesha and shaking hands with Leon.
“Rachael, lovely to see you. Sugar, welcome…. Roberto… do come in.”
Viyesha indicated for Pantera and Aquila to collect the guests’ luggage and carry it into the house. Then she ushered her guests into the main entrance hall and reception area.
“You are the first to arrive, which means you have plenty of time to make yourself at home. Your bedrooms are all prepared and may I suggest you rest as much as possible for the next two days, conserving your energy for what lies ahead. And on that score, please be assured everything is in place and all will happen as it should.” She cupped her hands in a circle in front of her solar plexus and crossed her thumbs, saying softly, “We hold eternity in our hands.”
On cue, her guests each gave the well-practiced signal, cupping their hands and crossing their thumbs in a similar fashion, and echoing her words. “We hold eternity in our hands.”
“Please,” instructed Leon, “follow Pantera up the main stairs and she will show you to your rooms.”
The party began to ascend the huge, carved central stairway, each holding on to the polished mahogany bannister and moving slowly, pulling up their old bones step by step.
Viyesha watched them go, murmuring to herself, “Perhaps an elevator for future years…?” She turned to Leon and smiled. “It’s begun, my love. We’ve made it and this time nothing can go wrong.”
He put his arm round her shoulders and holding her close, said into her hair, “As always, you have led us to safety, Viyesha. We owe our existence to you, not one of us is in doubt of that.”
She turned up to him, her eyes shining amidst her tired, lined face. “Soon we will party again with the vigour of youth, Leon. Not long now.”
* * *
Outside, in the fields beyond Hartswell-on-the-Hill, where the mist petered out and the world was near normal, strange amorphous shapes moved through the grass. Black shadowy nostrils inhaled the breeze, searching for familiar scents.
Finding none, they dropped back to the earth, hissing and clicking in their frustration.
Time and again, they approached the outer boundaries of the mist, trying to penetrate its wall-like intensity.
Time and again, they were beaten back, unable to get any closer to the object they sought, unable to glean even the faintest whiff of its existence.
21. The Blue Moon Ball
I crouched in the undergrowth alongside the main driveway of Hartswell Hall, feeling rather than seeing a vehicle cruise slowly by on its way up to the house. Everywhere around me the mist clung, heavy and oppressive, swallowing any light, and preventing me from seeing even a few inches ahead. High up, above the mist, the moon shone brightly, but had no impact on the ground below.
It had taken me a long time to get here, walking as if I were a blind person, feeling the way, running my fingers along neighbours’ front walls, carefully putting one foot in front of the other, stumbling as the pavement gave way to the road. Luckily, I had a good sense of direction and knew exactly where I was headed, but the lack of vision disorientated me.
I was sure I had plenty of time. I’d left the house just before 10.30pm. Mum and Granddad had each gone to bed, both complaining of a headache, which I attributed to the unusual weather and abnormal air pressure. Ever since I’d been wearing the blue crystal necklace, I’d felt amazingly vibrant and energetic. Some nights I’d needed only a few hours’ sleep, arising in the early hours to do my homework and excelling at college to the amazement of my tutors.
Now, I gazed ahead in the direction of Hartswell Hall, wondering how to get in without anyone seeing me. I was determined to find out what was going on at the Blue Moon Ball. Once again, the phrase ‘like a moth to a flame’ kept going through my head and that’s how I felt, like a small, vulnerable creature drawn to the light, not caring whether or not it heralded destruction. Instinct had taken over from rational
ity, like an ancient response deep within me, and I was simply doing what I felt I must.
Slowly, I crept closer to the hall, sometimes going on my hands and knees to feel where the edge of the driveway met the grass verge. Occasionally, the blue crystal swung forth, shining brightly in the dense mist, and I hastily tucked it back beneath my sweater in case it drew attention to me. At last I reached the courtyard, and narrowly missed being spotted, as Aquila drove away from the hall, nearly catching me in the Jaguar’s headlights. Pressing myself to the old stonework, I shrank into the mist and remained out of sight.
Walking in through the main entrance wasn’t an option, as I would most certainly have been seen. I had to find another way. Slowly I edged round the side of the hall, feeling the old stone walls beneath my fingers. I continued round the building until I was at the rear of the hall, the lawns and ha-ha falling away behind me. Now I was close to the ballroom, where all the action would be taking place. My excitement stirred as my fingers touched the framework of the large French windows. There was no way the doors would be open, I reasoned, but tried nonetheless. To my amazement, the door swung inwards. I quickly pulled it back and slipped inside.
Holding my breath, I closed the door behind me, thankful to leave the cloying mist outside.
Fortunately, long heavy velvet drapes concealed me, enabling me to look into the ballroom without being seen. I heard a band playing a slow jazz number and, over the top of the music, the sound of people laughing and talking, and the chink of glasses. I glanced at my watch. It was 11.30pm. Determined to take a quick snapshot of the Blue Moon Ball, I took out my cell phone, remembering to turn off the flash and set it to silent. No point drawing attention to myself.
Peering through the curtains, I looked into the room and gasped.
What I saw was all the more shocking for being so unexpected. If I’d thought the ballroom would be full of fashionable men and women, dancing, mingling and enjoying themselves, while musicians played contemporary music, I was wrong. Perhaps I’d seen too many period dramas, but the sight in front of me was so far removed from this, it was almost laughable. This was more like the communal lounge of an old folks’ home.