by Kevin Ashman
‘So what are you saying?’ asked India
‘Why take the risk that the girls grow up and leave the order?’ asked Gatilusi, ‘When there are plenty of replacements out there. When one of the Virgins gets too old or starts to ask awkward questions, all they need to do is select a replacement from the big wide world.’
‘But what about the original?’ asked India, ‘What happens to her?’
Gatilusi stared at her before answering.
‘The clue is in the name, pretty lady,’ he said, ‘Mortuus Virgo, The dead Virgins!’
‘No, you must be wrong,’ said India, ‘Despite everything, this is a religious order. They would not condone murder.’
‘The Nuns may not,’ said Gatilusi, ‘But don’t underestimate who you are dealing with here. I have devoted half of my life chasing their shadows, yet at every turn they manage to cover their tracks. Their influence extends in to every walk of life, Police, organised crime, politicians and clergy. Their network extends all over the world and they will do everything in their power to ensure the cult continues and their secrets are kept, and if that means some people disappear, then so be it. Corruption follows them like a bad smell.’
‘Do you think Camille is down there?’ asked India.
‘No!’ said Brandon, ‘Those girls look too well versed in their responses. Camille hasn’t been missing long enough to learn the litanies. I think she is probably being held in one of those locked rooms, waiting for the brainwashing that this lot obviously employs.’
‘Shit!’ gasped India, and she threw herself down behind the wall in fear.
‘What’s the matter?’ asked Brandon.
‘I think he saw me,’ she gasped.
‘Are you sure?’
‘No I am not sure,’ she hissed, ‘He’s wearing a mask for fuck sake, but he raised his head and looked in this direction.’
The three of them stared at each other for a few moments before Gatilusi spoke.
‘We have to go down there,’ he said.
‘Bullshit,’ hissed Brandon, ‘If he sees us, he’ll probably call his security.’
‘We have no other option,’ said Gatilusi, drawing his gun, ‘If he saw the girl, then they are probably on their way already.’
Brandon paused.
‘Do you want that girl, or not,’ hissed Gatilusi.
‘Of course,’ said Brandon.
‘Then its now or never,’ said Gatilusi, and raising himself into a crouch, he ran towards the stairs.
‘Fuck,’ cursed Brandon and followed Gatilusi down into the cavern.
The masked figure on the balcony span away from his followers, surprised at the commotion. He lifted his staff and pointed it at to the two men running down the stairs.
‘Unbelievers,’ he roared, as the ceremony came to a stuttering halt.
For a few seconds, nobody moved as they stared in confusion at the approaching men until one of the young girls saw the gun in Gatilusi’s hand and screamed in fright. Each of the Nuns grabbed one of the young girls in a protective embrace, and faced the interlopers.
‘Nobody move,’ shouted Gatilusi, brandishing his gun as he walked towards the nuns, ‘We don’t want to hurt anyone.’ He pointed the gun upwards to the male figure still on the balcony.
‘You, come down here.’
The man moved slightly and pressed a hidden switch with his foot.
‘You will not get away with this,’ he said, the voice muffled slightly by the immobile lips of the mask, ‘You do not know who you are dealing with.’
‘Let me worry about that,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Now, get your arse down here.’ When the man still did not move, Gatilusi grabbed the nearest Nun and held his gun to her head.
‘Stop it,’ shouted India, running down the stairs behind them, ‘Brandon, stop him!’
‘Last chance, weirdo,’ shouted Gatilusi.
‘No need for that,’ hissed Brandon.
‘We don’t have time for games,’ said Gatilusi, ‘I am too close. Now, why don’t you persuade him to come down here, before this trigger finger gets twitchy?’
‘I suggest you do as he says,’ called Brandon, ‘He has already killed more than one man today.’
The masked priest slowly made his way down the stairs from his pulpit and walked towards the Greek police officer, stopping a few paces before him.
‘Take it off,’ said Gatilusi, pointing his gun at the mask.
After a pause, the caped figure raised his hands and lifted the mask, revealing the face of a young man. A quiet gasp escaped the throats of most of the Nuns present, who, until now, were unaware of the identity of their Pontifex Maximus.
‘Jacob!’ said one of the Nuns in astonishment.
‘You know him?’ asked Gatilusi
‘He is the caretaker’s son,’ said the Nun.
India stepped forward and slapped Jacob across the face.
‘Whoa!’ shouted Brandon, ‘What’s all that about?’
‘He’s the man who abducted me from the hotel,’ said India, ‘I have never been so scared in all my life.’
Brandon looked at the man, and recognised the face from the hotel CCTV the previous day.
‘So it is,’ he said.
Jacob rubbed his face slowly.
‘You will regret that,’ he said.
‘I don’t give a shit,’ said India, ‘It feels good right now.’
‘Enough,’ said Gatilusi, ‘You, get down on your knees.’
‘And who are you, exactly,’ answered Jacob.
‘That doesn’t concern you,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Suffice to say you have something I need, and I am not leaving here without it.’
‘And what would that be?’ answered the Priest.
‘The statue of Pallus Athena,’ said Gatilusi.
‘The Palladium?’ said Jacob, ‘You think we have the Palladium here. Oh this is good. If you knew anything about your history you would know it has been buried beneath the pillar of Constantinople for over fifteen hundred years. You have wasted your time friend, the Palladium is a thousand miles and two thousand years away.’
Gatilusi smashed the man across the head with his gun, sending him sprawling to the floor.
‘Enough,’ shouted Brandon, ‘This is getting us nowhere.’
Gatilusi dragged the man back to his feet and placed his pistol under his chin.
‘Okay, Marcus Vibius or Jacob, whatever your name is, I’ll get straight to the point. I know Rubria brought the Palladium here sometime after Nero’s fire. I also know she was the one who founded this cult and based it around the Palladium. Now, if you tell me where it is, no one will get hurt, I will return the Palladium to its rightful home and you can return to your pathetic religious games. However, if you don’t tell me what I want to know, then you or some of your deluded friends are going to meet Vesta rather sooner than you think. Now, it’s very simple. Tell me where the Palladium is.’
‘You think I am afraid to die?’ sneered Jacob, ‘Our existence is ruled by the Pagan Gods and this life is just a stepping stone to the next.’
‘I thought you would say that,’ said Gatilusi, with a false smile, ‘So I came prepared!’ Without any warning he lowered his gun and shot Jacob through the knee.
The Priest fell to the floor, screaming in agony.
‘For fuck sake!’ shouted Brandon and stepped forward to intervene.
‘Stop there,’ shouted Gatilusi and pointed his gun at Brandon’s head. ‘I don’t have the time or inclination to play silly games with this lunatic.’
‘There’s no need for this,’ said Brandon, ‘Let’s just find what we each came for and get out of here. No need for anyone else to get hurt.’
‘Well that’s up to him,’ said Gatilusi.
Brandon looked at the man writhing in agony on the floor. His knee cap had shattered outwards and his lower leg was a mess of blood and cartilage. He had seen injuries like this before in Northern Ireland and knew the man would never walk normally again.
‘You see,’ he said, ‘I have met nutters like you before, and when they are reminded that their ideals seldom match up to reality, then they always change their mind. Now, there are no arteries damaged so you will live, but the longer you hold out the greater the pain will be. In one minute, I will destroy the other knee, followed by both elbows, then your balls. I might even smash all your teeth. You probably won’t die but, but almost certainly end up as nothing more than an impotent torso in no control of his limbs. You will need people like these to spoon feed you porridge and wipe your arse. So, think carefully how you wish to proceed, Mr Priest, but, while you do, let me give you a little reminder of the sort of pain you are facing here.’
He stood up and placed his foot into Jacob’s shattered knee and twisted it downwards causing the caretaker’s son to scream in agony once again.
‘Clock is ticking, young man,’ said Gatilusi.
‘It’s not here,’ shouted Jacob through the pain, ‘I don’t know where it is.’
‘Shame,’ said Gatilusi, ‘The doctors may be able to fix what is left of your leg. Oh, you’ll have a severe limp, but if I do the other one, it’s at least a wheelchair job. Thirty seconds to regain your memory.’
India walked over and joined Brandon.
‘There’s no sign of her,’ she said, ‘I’ve checked all the cells and Camille isn’t here.’
‘I don’t understand,’ said Brandon, ‘She must be here somewhere.’
‘Ten seconds,’ said Gatilusi.
‘Don’t do this,’ said Brandon.
‘Shut up,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Time’s up!’ He aimed the gun at Jacob’s other knee
‘Stop!’ shouted Sister Agnes, ‘For the love of God, you have to stop this madness.’
‘And who are you?’ asked Gatilusi.
‘I am Sister Agnes,’ said the Nun. ‘Nothing is worth the death of any individual. Why are you here, what is it you want?’
Gatilusi lifted his gun.
‘At last,’ he said, ‘Someone with a bit of sense. It is very simple, Sister, I want the Palladium and your Master here reckons it’s not here.’
She looked down at the semi conscious man.
‘He is telling the truth,’ she said, ‘It isn’t.’
‘Wrong answer,’ said Gatilusi, and aimed the gun again.
‘Wait!’ shouted the Nun. ‘I am telling the truth. The Palladium is not here and hasn’t been for two thousand years.’
‘That’s not true,’ said Gatilusi, ‘I know it is here. We have evidence that Rubria came to Britain and brought the Palladium with her.’
‘She did,’ said Sister Agnes, ‘But it is not here in this convent.’
‘Do you know where it is?’ asked Gatilusi.
‘In a manner of speaking,’ said Agnes.
‘Then what are we waiting for?’ asked the Greek, ‘Take me to it.’
‘I can’t,’ said Sister Agnes.
‘Oh for Christ’s sake,’ said Gatilusi looking upwards, ‘Will everyone stop playing these fucking games.’ His voice rose in anger. ‘Last chance, Sister!’ he shouted and placed the gun against Jacob’s head, ‘Take me to the Palladium or this man dies right now!’
‘I can’t,’ shouted Sister Agnes in terror, ‘It is buried with Rubria.’
The room fell silent before Gatilusi spoke again.
‘What do you mean?’ he asked.
‘You are correct,’ said Agnes, ‘Rubria did indeed bring the Palladium here and this place stems from her devotion. But she never got to see this Temple. Not long after she arrived she died in childbirth. The following she had already built up, buried the Palladium with her in tribute to her holiness.’
‘In here?’
‘No, this place came later.’
‘Then, where?’
‘Nobody knows. There was probably a tomb at one stage but it has been lost over the centuries. The Palladium, along with the remains of Rubria has been lost forever.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said Gatilusi eventually.
‘Why would I lie?’ asked Agnes gently, ‘I have nothing to gain.’
‘Except to retain possession of the Palladium,’ said Gatilusi.
‘The Palladium was a piece of wood,’ said Agnes, ‘We worship the Holy Mother. Her aura is of peace, love and family, not pain and death. We do not need a redundant piece of wood to honour her name.’
Gatilusi lowered his gun.
‘This is true?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ said Agnes, ‘In the name of all that is holy, I give you my word.’
‘And nobody knows where she is buried.’
‘Not that I know of.’
‘You said she had a child,’ said Gatilusi, ‘Are there any descendants?’
‘No records,’ said Agnes, ‘We know she had a girl, but history has forgotten her.’
‘Then who built this?’ he asked, looking around.
‘Her slave,’ said Agnes, ‘The one after whom we take our name. Rose.’
‘Santa Rosa,’ murmured India, as she realised the link.
‘She carried on the message,’ said Agnes, ‘And we base our devotion on hers. She ensured the traditions continued long after Rubria’s death.’
‘Wait a minute,’ said Brandon, ‘There’s a Temple of Vesta less than five miles away. Why build that so close to here?’
‘We are not quite sure but believe it was as a sop to local Roman dignitaries. They focussed on the marble and ceremonies of the typical Roman Temple while the true devotions continued down here out of public view.’
‘Bullshit!’ said India suddenly.
They all turned to face her.
‘What?’ asked Brandon.
‘You heard me,’ said India, ‘She is lying.’
They turned to the Nun.
‘I don’t know who you are, young lady,’ said the Nun ‘But I assure you, I am telling the truth.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said India, simply.
‘Why would I lie?’ asked the Nun.
‘I’ll tell you why,’ snapped India, ‘To take the focus from what it is you really do here and to ensure that this sick cult of abduction and murder is never opened up to the scrutiny of justice.’
‘Murder?’ gasped Sister Agnes, ‘What on earth are you talking about?’
‘You know exactly what I am talking about,’ said India, ‘I am talking about abducting innocent children and forcing them into your service and them disposing of them brutally when they are past their sell by date.’
Sister Agnes stared at her in horror.
‘I have no idea what you are on about,’ she said.
‘Then look around you,’ shouted India, ‘There are six children here, all forced against their will to serve some defunct deity instead of running around in playgrounds having fun. Heaven knows what torture their parents are going through. They probably think they are already dead.’
‘I think you misunderstand,’ said Agnes.
‘Then why don’t you enlighten me?’
‘The parents of every child here have placed them here voluntarily. All were either destitute or terminally ill and saw our order as the chance for their children to have the best start in life. They are well fed, have daily schooling, and if you had bothered to look around, you would see we have dormitories and even a playground. Yes they are schooled in the ways of Vesta, but there is no difference to any other religion. They are happy, here, and, when the time is right, they have the option to either leave the order and return to the world or stay within the vows of the order and take our message of peace and love across the world.’
‘But the cells…’ started India
‘Ceremonial purposes only,’ said Agnes, ‘Used only on special occasions to recreate the glorious days of Vesta.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said India, hesitantly.
‘Then ask them yourself,’ said Agnes standing to one side.
India
did not move.
‘Then why was India abducted?’ asked Brandon.
‘I have no knowledge of that,’ said Agnes.
Brandon turned his attention to the wounded man at his feet.
‘What about you, Jacob,’ asked Brandon, ‘You must know the answer, why did you abduct India?’
‘Please, I need an ambulance,’ answered Jacob weakly.
‘Answer the question,’ snarled Gatilusi.
‘You heard him,’ said Brandon, ‘Answer the question or I won’t be responsible for his actions.’
‘I was ordered to,’ said Jacob, still staring at the floor.
‘Speak up!’ shouted Gatilusi.
‘I was ordered to, all right!’ shouted Jacob, ‘I was given her name and location from one of the elders over the phone and told to use her as leverage.’
‘But why?’ asked Sister Agnes.
‘Because they were getting too close to the truth, they thought that we could use the girl to make the cop back off.’
‘And if I didn’t?’ asked Brandon
‘Then you would both be disappeared,’ answered Jacob quietly.
‘But to what purpose?’ asked Sister Agnes, ‘We have nothing to hide.’
Jacob laughed sarcastically.
‘You really don’t know, do you?’
‘Know what?’
‘What this place really is, or rather, what it has become.’
‘I don’t understand, tell me.’
‘Have you ever met the parents of these children?’ asked Jacob.
‘No, but…’
‘Exactly, and you never will. The girl is right, most were abducted at an early age and have no memory of their previous lives. When they leave this place, they don’t go back to their families, they spend the rest of their lives in relative slavery for some of the most wealthy people on the planet.’
Sister Agnes gasped.
‘No,’ she said, ‘It is not true. They leave this place at the age of sixteen and join convents all around the world.’
‘They are sent all around the world, all right,’ said Jacob, ‘Shared out between the elders of the cult for their own perverted pleasures. Rich old men pay good money for Virgins these days.’