Chapter 1

The smell of the tide mixed with garbage, seaweed and decaying flesh permeated the tight quarters near Bermondsey on the south bank of the river Thames in an area called "Jacob's Island". Dark coated Constables moved in and about the small streets, a strange sight for the inhabitants of one of the poorest sections of Victorian London. Most of its citizens had faded into the shadows as soon as the first officer arrived, thinking it was some great raid. However, the Constables were not traveling down the debris-filled streets in search of any common thief or prostitute.

Out of place amongst the officers of the law were two men dressed in heavy grey coats. One man, a bear of a man, was much larger than the other, sported a spectacular red mustache but it wasn’t his facial hair that made him stand out. In his hands was a ‘Purdey’ shotgun. The second man clothes were a cut better than his companion and underneath the coat one could see the hint of a red uniform. The man had the air of command about him. Blonde hair and darkened skin showing that he was no stranger to the sun but it was his green eyes that seemed to see everything at once that stood in the darkness. Those who were masters of the night quickly faded away from the pair just from those piercing eyes along. What might have made him a obvious target was in his right hand, he held a cane made out of the finest mahogany. Atop the cane, a red jewel flickered, picking up the light from the full moon above. However if one were paying attention they would notice the jewel would keep the light for a time after the two men passed though the shadows.

“Lord Kinsley.” A voice called out in the darkness. The two men changed directions and headed towards the voice.

“Sergeant Owen, my favorite Constable.” Colonel Kinsley smiled at the Welsh police officer who stood in front of slime-coated stairs. The stairs went down under a huge leather and hide warehouse, which sat directly on the River Thames.

Sergeant Owen doffed his hat and smiled. “I’m sure sir.” His smile faded when he pointed down the stairs. “My superiors would hate to admit you were right.” The Sergeant knew that the discovery below had brought the Colonel out of an important meeting with the same superiors at Scotland Yard.

The young man removed his coat and handed it to his companion revealing a red jacket adored with a number of campaign medals. “Don’t worry about it Owen, Major Guiles is quite adept at catching your typical ruffian, but I assume that this is what I had expected.”

“Yes sir, if you will follow me, sir.”

The three men took the stairs down being careful with their footing and entered a large landing. Stacks of hides and leather sat at the back of the dock ready to be shipped downstream. Away from the river, two Constables stood in front of a solid looking wooden door, which was the entrance into the lower floors of the Warehouse. Passing through the doorway into another room, the three men came across the remains of a half a dozen workers in various stages of decomposing. All of the workers appeared to have died rather violently from some sort of animal attack.

“You don’t see too many deaths from tiger attacks in London.” The gentleman with the shotgun commented.

Sergeant Owen covered his face with a handkerchief. “Tiger attacks, yes, we thought that as well.”

“It does appear that way but even as strange as that might be, Major Guiles wouldn’t have had me come all the way out to Jacobs Island.” Kneeling down by one of the corpses the young Colonel inspected the wounds but made sure not to touch the corpse.

“Yes sir, as you say, sir.” The Sergeant led the two men into another room. “We did not touch the men in the other room as you asked. “

“Excellent, I will have Murray bring in his team in the morning.” The Colonel looked to his companion who nodded.

“Yes Sir, I will inform her Ladyship.”

The Constable looked shocked. “You’re not thinking of bringing Lady Kinsley down here?”

The Colonel laughed. “Trust me, Sergeant; my sister is made of sterner stuff. However, you are correct; she has other responsibilities but she still needs to coordinate with the others on my team. Sargent Osgar you will see to it.”

“Yes Sir.” The red haired man smiled.

“So Owen, why are we down here?” The Colonel looked up the hallway. Two more dead men lay crumpled on their sides obviously mauled by some great cat.

“Oh sorry sir, if you follow me it’s in the next room. We were under the impression that these men were smugglers.”

“Would make sense considering where we are.” Sargent Osgar said kneeling down to look at another ravaged body. “So someone wanted to own a Tiger from India and paid these men to ship it.”

“That was our first guess but then we found this room.” Sergeant Owen turned a corner and stepped over a shattered wooden door. Passed the door was a small room, its walls covered in blood. In the center of the room drawn on the floor was a golden circle.

“Jesus wept.” Sargent Osgar growled pointing his gun at the room.

“I hope that you made sure that no one entered this particular room.”

Sergeant Owen nodded. “Yes sir, as soon as this room was discovered the Sergeant in charge pulled everyone out of the warehouse. “

“Thank the goddess for that.” The red haired man said. “My Lord...a summoning circle?”

“Perhaps, it’s not something I can tell from here.” Frowning he looked back at the Constable.

“All of your men are somewhere else, correct.”

“Yes sir, they have the warehouse surrounded but stand a block away. Only the two men at the side door at the entrance to the lower level are actually near the warehouse.”

Colonel Kinsley pointed to Sargent Owen’s throat. “You still have that amulet your grandmother gave you?”

“Why of course, sir.”

“Take it out then, leave it around your neck.”

The Sargent did as he was commanded. Taking the small amulet in his hands the young Colonel held it for a moment. “That should do it Owen, you may remain with us.” Looking at the small silver amulet the Constable slipped it back underneath his uniform. Moments later, a tingling sensation coming from the amulet spread out through his entire body. This was the third time the Colonel had touched his grandmother’s amulet. How the young Lord knew he wore it the first time they met, Owen never understood.

“Both of you remain here for a moment please.” Colonel Kinsley stepped into the room, one hand placed forward outstretch, the other hand held the cane with the jewel pointed towards the center of the room. Sargent Owen could hear the Colonel whisper but he couldn’t make out the language. When the amulet around his neck began to tingle, the Welsh Constable began to whisper a short prayer.

“My Lord?”

“Stay out there, Osgar, nasty piece of work here.” Kneeling in front of the circle, the Colonel asked. “So how much salt do we have?”

“Bugger...not again sir.” The Scottish Sargent rolled his eyes.

“Salt, why salt?” Owen was confused. Why was salt needed in this room?

“Just a pinch in each of their mouths if you please Osgar, we need them to remain put whilst I destroy this circle. “ Reaching for his watch the young Lord checked the time. “Please be quick about it.”

“Aye sir, come on Owen, we have work to do.” The tall Scotsman pulled the Constable into the hallway and towards the first corpse. “It’s simple you see, we just put a pinch of salt on their tongue.” From inside his jacket Osgar pulled out a small bottle of salt.

“Table salt?”

“Don’t be daft.” The Scottish Sargent took a small pinch of salt and placed it on the tongue of the first dead man they ran across. “If that were the case I’d have a lot more than this on me.” He shook the bottle. Owen eyed the corpse, was it his imagination or did the dead man’s eyes flutter.

“You’re next?”

“What...why do you need me to do it.”

“Why not.” Approaching the second man Owen was shown what to do. Sure enough, the eyes of this one fluttered as well.

The next room contained two more men. “So if we didn’t do this what would happen?”

The Scotsman shrugged. “Worst case, they would try and eat us.”

“You have the oddest sense of humor, Osgar.” Own chuckled but something told him that the Sargent was serious. The two men spoke very little after that, working quickly placing a small pinch of salt in the mouths of each of the dead men.

Returning, they found the Colonel writing down the symbols written on the ground into a small notebook. “Thank you.” Looking up he smiled. “So how did Owen do?”

“Good man, just as you thought my Lord.”

“You might have to make a decision Owen, after this night.” The Colonel placed his notebook back inside his red jacket. “Osgar, if you two can stand back. Perhaps point that gun of yours down the hallway just in case you missed someone.”

“What should I do my Lord?” The nervous Constable stared down the hallway.

“Stay out of the room but watch what I am doing. Afterwards tell me what you see.”

“Yes sir?” Owen had no clue what he was going to see when the Colonel completed his task. All he knew was whenever there was something out of the ordinary appeared it was the Colonel and his companions that were called. In the last couple of years, Owen had been involved in their exploits more and more. Some part of him knew what they were doing; his grandmother was well versed in the ancient stories. However it was one thing to listen to her tales before bedtime; it was quite another to actually be living them out.

“You ready, Osgar?”

“Aye.” Osgar reached into his coat and passed Owen a "British Bulldog" revolver.

“What is this for?”

“Just in case, be sure to hit them in the head. Nothing else will stop them. I would also recommend that you leave one round in the chamber for yourself.”

The Constable felt a chill run down his spine. “Why?”

The Scottish Sargent shrugged. “If we get overrun…”

Owen took a deep breath and nodded. Did the two of them get to all of the bodies? In a few minutes, they would find out. The Constable turned back to the room when he began to hear soft chanting. Lord Kinsley’s voice echoed through the small room and into the hallway beyond. With each word, Owen could feel a tightening in his chest. The floor of the room began to glow, giving off most of the colors of the rainbow. It could have been five minutes, twenty minutes or an hour; Owen didn’t know how long the Colonel chanted, when suddenly it was over.

Rubbing his face, the young lord leaned against the wall. “Well that’s it.” Reaching for his watch, he looked at the time. “We are cutting this a little close, Osgar.”

“Yes sir.”

Owen didn’t know where the two men had to be but he knew it was almost sunrise. “Sir, what should we do with the bodies?”

“Burn them of course, actually this entire Warehouse needs to be burned. Make sure that nothing is removed.”

“Excuse me sir, we just can’t burn the building.”

The large Scotsman laughed. “Of course we can, we do it pretty often.”

“Osgar.” The Colonel chided the Scottish Sergeant. “Owen, the Warehouse needs to be burned. The flames will purify everything. Also we don’t start fires all the time.”

“If you say so, sir.” Osgar laughed while retrieving his pistol from the Constable.

Reaching for his watch again the young Lord frowned at the time. “Osgar, will you please remain and make sure the job is done properly. After you get some rest, report to my sister and please make sure that Mr. Wallace is aware that this place will need some extra care.” Turning to Owen, Colonel Kinsley smiled. “So Owen, what did you see?”

“Colors sir, lots of colors.”

“Good man.” Osgar patted him on the back. “Rachael will just love you.”

Owen looked up at the large Scotsman confused. “Who’s Rachael?”

“Don’t worry about it right now Sargent. I will be sure to inform your superiors of your excellent work and dedication. Unfortunately men like you are difficult to find.”

Owen came to attention. “Yes sir, thank you sir.”

“I’m going to be late; my sister isn’t going to be happy with me.” The Colonel sighed. “Osgar, you did tell Mr. Wallace where to meet me.”

“Yes sir, he should be at the bridge now.” Sargent Osgar reached into his own jacket and looked at his watch. He made a face. “Sir, you don’t have a lot of time.”

“I know...I know.” The young Colonel waved to the two men and began to move quickly through the warehouse.

Own looked at the retreating Lord with concern. “Won’t his Lordship need an escort? There are quite a number of troublemakers roaming the streets even this time of morning.”

Osgar laughed. “I would worry about them, no the Colonel can take care of himself. Trust me.” Reaching into his coat, the Scotsman pulled out four vials of black liquid. “Now, let’s go start a fire.”

Colonel Kinsley moved quickly through the streets, running would be a mistake. The predators of the area would be alerted. Now they just watched, recognizing him as someone that would cost too much to try to detain.

Looking at the sky the Colonel frowned. “By the goddess, she is going to be vexed with me.” Thankfully, he spied the carriage off in the distance. Now at a run the Colonel crossed the small stone bridge near London Street. A burly gentleman stood off to the side, holding the horses while a younger man sat atop the carriage.

“Good morning to you, sir.”

“Young Alex, glad to see you made it. No troubles I take it.” He called out to the coachman. The second man holding the horses gave the Colonel a stiff Prussian bow.

“No sir.”

“Good man.”

An elderly looking man, impeccably dressed, opened the door into the carriage.

“Mr. Wallace, I am glad to see that you are prompt as always.” The Colonel slipped into the carriage and pulled down the blinds.

“Yes sir, I’m afraid that we will not make it back to Bedford Park before the sunrise.”

“Couldn’t be helped.” Reaching around, the Colonel removed his coat and set it to the seat next to him. Suddenly the carriage began to move. “Please apologize to my...sister.”

“Yes sir, I’m sure she will understand.” Mr. Wallace said dryly.

Colonel Kinsley grinned, but it disappeared as soon as the sun broke the horizon. Almost coming off his seat the young Lord arched his back his eyes rolling into the back of his head.

No matter how many times Cedric Wallace watched his master Lord Michael Kinsley change it terrified a small part of his being. The change continued from the top of his hair down to his feet. First, the Colonels hair began to grow long, the blonde very short hair soon flowed down passed his shoulder. His face rippled, shortened becoming classically feminine. As expected, his ribcage contracted but very feminine breasts formed and the changes continued down to Lord Michael’s toes. The piercing green eyes of her male self didn't change, they too never missed anything. Sitting back down, Lady Erin Kinsley noticed that she was not in her bedroom at Bedford Park.

“Good morning, my Lady.”

“Cedric, why am I in a carriage and by the smell, I am guessing we are near the Thames.”

“Lord Kinsley apologizes, his evening outing took much longer than expected.” As usual, there was always some disorientation after the change. Mr. Wallace would wait until she had settled before continuing.

Reaching into her uniform pocket, Lady Erin pulled out a cigar and prepared to light it. However, as soon as it was in her hands Mr. Wallace reached over and took it away. “Cedric, at least you could let me smoke until we make it home.”

“I’m sorry ma’am; Mrs. Robertson would not forgive me if we came home with you smelling like cigars. Bad enough how you’re dressed.” Lady Erin’s Lady's-maid had a definite opinion on how her mistress should dress and act.

The young woman’s eyes opened wide for a moment then she frowned. Pulling down her sleeves, which were now way too long; she rubbed her eyes. “I see that I had...I mean my brother had a busy night.” Since that fateful midsummer, when the goddess Medb had cursed Lord Kinsley every sunrise and sunset he would change genders. During the day he would be Lady Erin and at night Lord Michael.

Cedric never understood why Lord Kinsley insisted that Michael and Erin were two different people. However, they made sure everyone understood that they wanted to be treated that way.

The young woman smiled. “Oh Cedric, if we are up and about let’s go by Oxford-street and get some bread.” By the time, the carriage drove by the stalls they would be set up and their wares ready to be sold.

“I don’t know, my Lady.”

“Oh please, fresh baked bread, clotted cream and some of Mrs. Sullivan’s fresh blueberry jam.” Lady Erin rubbed her hands together.

Sighing, there was no chance of changing his mistress’ thoughts when fresh bread was already on her mind. “Yes my Lady, as long as you remain in the carriage.”

“Of course.” She giggled. Leaning back, she closed her eyes. Since the curse, sleep was no longer required but it still had been a very long night.

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Chapter 2

As the carriage passed through Bath Street on the way toward the commons in Bedford Park, the world around began to wake up to a new day. A number of enterprising nannies were already walking their wards towards the commons park; some gentlemen were stepping out of their houses on the way to work. In many yards, gardeners and ground keepers were starting on the hedges and the flowerbeds. However, most of the work was unseen, inside the houses the household staff, many who had been up for hours were getting ready to greet the masters and mistresses of the houses.

The Kinsley or Star House was not as large as the Orchid or Tower House but it lay on a wider piece of property overlooking the park. One aspect that was lost on most was that the Star House was well protected. For the uninitiated, Lady Kinsley’s carriage drove through the tall iron gates crossing powerful mystical wards that kept all but the most determined entities from entering the grounds. Overlooking the home itself, one of the most talked about elements of the estate was the collection of little stone cherubs that looked down from the roof. These playful sprits were always a great delight to see by the many children that walked by the great home. If some of the children said that they had seen them move, or on occasion wave back, the adults paid no attention.

Waiting patiently by the front door, a tall young man, richly dressed in the uniform of the First Footman stood ready as the carriage came to a stop. “Good morning, Lady Kinsley.” If the young man was surprised at his mistress’ dress, he gave no sign.

“Morning, Tom.” Erin lightly stepped from the carriage. In the time of Queen Victoria, where even showing of the ankles was frowned upon, Lady Erin Kinsley’s attire would be considered positively scandalous. She wore no trousers, as they would just slip around her ankles. Nor did she wear undergarments for the same reason. Even her shoes were missing. Out of the carriage, Erin stepped barefoot wearing a men’s shirt, and red uniform jacket of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers that hung past her knees. What was missing from the night before was the mahogany cane.

With one hand, she tossed a small paper bag to the coachman. “Share that among your mates Alex. I’ll need the carriage again before lunchtime.”

“We’ll be ready and thank you my Lady.” Passing the bag to the large burly ex-Prussian solider, the coachman drove around to the back of the estate.

“My Lady Kinsley, should we head in?” The First Footman asked.

“A moment, Mr. Wallace, will you hand a couple of those bags to Tom here?” She shook her head in amusement. Lord Kinsley’s valet held four bags of assorted breads and Danishes in his arms.

“Yes, your Ladyship.”

“My Lady?” First Footman asked again, this time now in possession of two bags of freshly baked bread.

“Give them a moment Tom, Mr. Cooper has everyone scurrying around. Let them at least catch their breath.” The household staff would now be lining up in the foyer. “Let us go, then.” Raising her head, she gracefully approached the front door. Another layer of defense the doorway itself was for most part went unnoticed although some visitors complained of a slight tingling sensation.

“Good Morning, Lady Kinsley” The roomfull of house servants spoke out in unison as she entered the home. Most of them had smiles on their faces; even for Erin her dress this morning was unusual.

“Oh my Lady, how you’re dressed.” An older woman put her hand to her mouth and shook her head in anguish.

“Good Morning, Mrs. Robertson.” Erin smiled; she knew her Lady's Maid was doing her best not to have a fit in the center of the foyer.

“I like your dress Erin...your jacket...color of blood.” Two small redheaded girls dressed as Chambermaids spoke at the same time. Lady Kinsley herself brought the identical twins to the home. Where they came from, her Ladyship would not say.

“Enough, you two.” An older woman, dressed as the Housekeeper curtsied. “Good morning Lady Kinsley, I see your brother was out late again.”

“Yes, Oh good heavens everyone, I’m sure you have better things to do than to sit and listen to me.” She smiled. “Everyone have a pleasant day.” After most of the staff went off to continue their household duties, Erin turned back to the Housekeeper. “Sorry, Sybil, neither the first time nor the last I imagine.”

“Yes, if you wish, my Lady, I would be more than happy to explain to him that having his sister walk around in his shirt is not acceptable.” Looking over at the still stunned Lady’s Maid, the Housekeeper shook her head in disgust. “Mrs. Robertson…Kathy why don’t you see to your Mistress...” Turning around, she pointed at the two redheaded Chambermaids who had not moved. “And you two go draw your lady a bath.”

The two teenage girls moved away giggling into their hands. “Water is nice…clean…” A visitor might think that the two chambermaids were the only unusual members of the household staff but they would be very wrong.

“I see, as usual, Mrs. Evans has everything well at hand.” A tall bald emaciated man approached. Slowly his long thin fingers reached for a pair of spectacles, cleaned them before returning them to his face. The Butler, Mr. Cooper, gave one look about the room before turning his attention to Erin. “Lady Kinsley, a pleasure as always. Before you leave for the day, I have some papers for you to sign.”

Nodding, Erin started to walk towards the long flight of stairs that lead to the living quarters. “Bring them in during breakfast, if you wish, Jonathan.”

Kathy happily stood in the center of Lady Kinsley’s sitting room. She was pleased, as her mistress was now properly attired in bodice, skirt, and a light shawl. Around her neck, she wore a brooch; in the center of the piece was a blue stone that seemed to shine on its own. Although Mrs. Robertson didn’t exactly approve of what her mistress was reading, her appearance was impeccable.

What would be unusual in any Victorian household were the chambermaids sitting in the back of the room feeding each other a berry Danish. “Don’t you two have work to do?” Mr. Cooper entered the room; his footsteps barely heard.

“We finished...all of it...the upstairs…earlier.” They said together.

“Then see if Mrs. Evens has work for you.”

The two girls look at him for a moment, then each other and then to Lady Kinsley who nodded. “We will do…our best.” Before leaving the room, the two girls reached over and hugged Erin.

Setting down the London Times, Lady Kinsley reached for the papers. Household goods needed to be paid for and of course the salaries of those who worked in the house. Checking the numbers for a moment, Erin signed the documents before returning them to Mr. Cooper. “Thank you Jonathan, I will be leaving for the Club within the hour. Please have Alex bring the carriage around.”

Over an hour later, Lady Kinsley’s carriage drove through the late morning London streets, passing the University College on Gower Street and turned towards a stone structure off Bedford Square. Soon disappearing underground, the carriage stopped in front of two-iron bound doors. Etched into both doors were symbols of a pyramid, within a circle and inside the pyramid an eye.

“Alex, you may return home.” Lady Erin Kinsley pulled on a pair of gloves and settled a hat on her head. “I imagine that my brother will find a suitable method of transportation home.”

Once the carriage had departed, Erin reached for the center of the doorway, which opened with a single word. Travelling down the long dark halls, she could feel others watching but they were not important. A third summoning circle had been destroyed last night, why would anyone in their right mind summon a creature from the Other world was beyond her understanding. Even the least powerful could easily drive men mad. The entity last night, Erin could tell was full of hate and fury. It came as no surprise; the body of last night’s summoner was mangled beyond recognition.

Through a brass door also adorned with the symbol of the Society, Erin entered a large room full books and tomes, where a small round man waited for her arrival. “Good morning, Lady Kinsley.”

“Brian, good morning, please tell me that the inscriptions on the crypt from Southwold were identifiable.”

The man nodded a smile on his lips. “Somewhat, Professor Hopkins believes it to be some sort of Icelandic runic mix.” The two began to walk towards another room. “The tomb robbers broke the seal without knowing what lay inside. We determined it was a Vaeitter that possessed the body, easy enough to do by the path of destruction it left and what was left of the creature’s remains afterwards.”

Lady Kinsley frowned. Luckily, for everyone else the tomb robbers opened the crypt as the sun was rising. After dealing with those who awoke the Norse spirit, the rays of the sun destroyed the body of the creature as it made its way to the seaside town of Southwold. Could have been worse she thought, say another mummy waking up at the British Museum for example. “We ben shrewes, every wight and han delyt in wikkednes."

“Quoting Chaucer, yes it does seem appropriate.” Brian laughed. “Do you think Chaucer ever came across an actual Wight?”

“Not bloody likely.” A tall Scotsman sporting an impressive face of red whiskers stood at an open doorway. Inside servants were setting down cups of tea. “The others are waiting, Lady Kinsley.”

Brian nodded at the tall Scotsman. “Lady Kinsley, certain items of interest are now in our possession. The rest of the treasure is in the hands of her Majesty’s government.”

“Thank you, Brian.” Reaching into her purse Erin pulled out a small notebook. “Take a look at these symbols when you have a chance. If possible, I need to know their origin. They appear familiar but I would like a second opinion.”

“Yes, your Ladyship, my pleasure.” The round man took the notebook and headed off towards another room.

Erin turned her head and looked at the tall Scotsman. “Shouldn’t you still be in bed?”

Osgar shrugged. “After I was done last night, Owen’s boys dropped me off here and I took a nap on your brother’s couch.”

Lady Kinsley wrinkled her nose. “Delightful, please have Miss Lane acquire some clean clothes for you Osgar, you smell like a mixture of the River Themes and a bonfire.”

The large Scotsman laughed. “Yes ma’am.” Opening the door wider, he escorted Erin into the room. Two others stood up from their chairs as she entered. The first, a young woman wearing green and brown robes, her hair was the color of the sun and adorned with small white flowers. The second was a bald headed man, dressed all in black. His skin was a pasty grey and one eye was covered in a black eye patch. In his right hand was a cane made of ash, topped with a bright green jewel.

“So Osgar was telling us about last night.” The man in black gave a half smile. His voice sounded like that of a much younger man. “My brother Richard said there have already been complaints about your…brother burning down another warehouse.”

“Jesus, that was quick.” Osgar grumbled but then again, it was the third warehouse full of goods the Society had set aflame this week.

“What, they’d rather have the Sluagh walk among them?” The young woman took her seat as servants came into the room to pour the small group some tea.

“I believe they are more concerned with the goods destroyed then the poor people that live near those warehouses.” The man in black commented while reaching for a small scone. An early morning tea had become a tradition among certain members of the Society.

Reaching for her cup of Cornish cream tea, Erin said. “Don’t worry, Jack; they may complain all they want. Her Majesty’s government is well aware why it’s necessary. Doubtful any of those men will lose a penny.” So far, the summoning circles have been scribed in the poorest sections of London. She wondered what her Majesty’s government would think if the Society burnt down one of those nice estates in Bedford Park. “The question is why?”

“None of the practitioners seemed to have possessed any real ability.” The woman in green said. “I imagine that last night’s circle was no different.”

“Correct, different symbols but it turned out the same. The number of people killed initially was much higher this time. “So far from what they could determine, none of the casters was really gifted and all of them summoned an entity beyond their ability to control it. It appeared to Lady Kinsley as if they were supposed to fail.

“Glad I brought all that extra salt.” Osgar added a little something extra to his tea from a silver flask. He passed it to the woman in green, who looked at it for a second then added some to her tea as well.

“Erin, I heard we have a new member. I assume he will be joining the auxiliaries.”

“You mean the Monster Squad.” Osgar laughed.

“I dislike that name.”

“I agree, Rachael, but that’s what they call themselves.” Erin said. “Let Owen go out with you tonight, if we get any…requests I would like him to be in charge of Hedrick’s squad. They’ll be happy to show him the ropes.”

“I heard the new man saw service in South Africa, took an impi spear in the leg.” The gentleman in black commented, while sipping his tea.

“Ay that he did Jack, discharged him because of it too, in fact almost lost the leg.”

“How is it now, the leg?”

“Right as rain as far as I can tell.” Osgar grinned.

“That’s why I want him in Hedrick’s squad; they will respect him knowing that he can handle himself in a fight.” Erin sat back fiddling with her brooch.

“So Erin, should we expect a fourth circle tonight?” Rachael asked.

“Perhaps, but it doesn’t make any real sense.” Lady Kinsley said. “Why the summoning in the first place?”

“Maybe someone wants to get our attention.” Osgar said reaching for a cucumber sandwich and stuffing it into his face. Noticing the other three were staring, he looked down at his clothes. “Did I drop some food on my shirt?”

“What did you just say?”

Osgar shrugged. ““Maybe someone wants to get our attention.”

“Jack?”

“I think he might be right, Erin.”

“So they have our attention, now what.” Rachael asked, afraid of the answer.

The sun had long since set and now Lord Kinsley sat inside one of the Society’s carriages. The benefit of taking one of the Society’s carriages was that it contained some extra equipment that, on certain nights, might be more than useful.

“So no summoning circle.” Lord Kinsley asked for the second or third time.

Osgar, now looking cleaner and more awake only smiled. He knew his friend’s mind was working a mile a minute, more than likely going over more than a dozen things at once. Once again, he thanked whatever fates brought the two of them together, when this young officer showed up in the middle of the night; pointed to him saying that he needed his services. The British Army had crossed into Zululand to face King Cetshwayo impis. Like most soldiers, Osgar wasn’t even sure what was going on but one night Lord Kinsley showed up in the fire light informing him that he was now under his command. Strange, not one of his officers objected, even though it appeared that the officer wasn’t even part of Lord Chelmsford’s army. All Osgar knew was that the rest of the 24th foot was going to set up camp and relax, while he was wandering around Africa with this mad Major. The other soldiers that marched under his command were even stranger but Osgar didn’t complain, for some reason that night as he walked away from the camp, he had a bad feeling about the location his regiment was heading, a place called Isandlwana.

“Where are you, Osgar?”

“What? Oh Africa...thinking of my old mates in the 24th.”

The carriage came to a stop. “You alright?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good, let’s go see what has Rachael all excited.”

The carriage moving through Queens Hill in Kentish Town slowed down a couple of blocks away from Our Lady of the Immaculate Heavens, a Catholic church. The first person the pair came across wore a familiar face.

“Sergeant Owen, what a surprise to see you this evening.” Osgar reached over and shook the Welshman’s hand.

“Sir.” Owen immediately came to attention when he recognized Lord Kinsley.

“Good evening Owen, don’t worry about that; our group is a little less formal.” Michael took a good look around. Something was in the air, what he didn’t know. Off to the side were a half a dozen blue-coated men, leaning against a wall. Most of the men had Martini-Henry rifles in their hands and all of them appeared very familiar with their use.

“What in God’s name do you have on your back, Hedrick’?” The Scottish sergeant exclaimed.

“One of Tesla’s new creations.” Hedrick voice was a deep bass voice, sounding as if it came from the ground. The tallest man of the squad, he was a huge hulking being with hair as black as coal.

“How does the bloody thing work?” Osgar moved over. It looked like a rifle but a silver coil wrapped itself snake like around the barrel. The coil protruded out of a large silver box on the huge Corporal’s back.

“Point, shoot and blow things up.” Hedrick grinned, revealing odd shaped teeth.

Lord Kinsley shook his head in admiration. It looked heavy enough that only a troll could pick it up, good thing that Hedrick was half-troll. “So where is Rachael?”

“Sir, Miss Dunne’s group is deployed towards the front of the Church. We have been placed here as a reserve.” Sergeant Owen replied.

“You’re wearing your grandmother’s amulet.”

“Of course, sir.”

“Good man, then follow me. Hedrick, I’m going to borrow your Sergeant for a a little while.”

“Yes sir.” The half-troll grinned.

The three men walk across the street, finding another squad of men and a few women standing behind a long stonewall. Next to them, covered in a green cape was Rachael, in her hands was a long staff made from Yew.

“Rachel, so what’s all the excitement about?” Osgar greeted her and the others who stood against the wall.

The blonde haired woman smiled as the three men approached. “We had a report of a disturbance at this Church.”

Lord Kinsley chuckled. “A disturbance I see. Well before we see to that, Owen take out your amulet.”

Owen did as he was told and let the amulet lie on his chest. Rachael eyes opened wide as she approached him. “Owen, may I touch it?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She fingered it for a second. “Rud éigin spéisiáºil”

“I thought as well.” Michael smiled. “I charged it last night; I believe you can teach him to do it himself.”

The blonde haired woman nodded. “I’ll see to it.”

“Thank you, Owen, if you can keep an eye on Hedrick, make sure he doesn’t blow anything up with that new toy of his.”

“Yes sir.”

Osgar watched the Welsh sergeant run back to his troops. “Looks like Black Jack might have a new apprentice.”

“So shall we see what all of the fuss is about?” Lord Michael Kinsley turned and opened the gate walking into the front of the Church. As expected he could feel any number of things, this was holy ground after all but something wasn’t right. Unfortunately, he knew exactly who was causing the commotion. Why had she returned?

The Church doors opened with a gentle touch revealing a darkened vestibule. Lord Kinsley, Rebecca, Osgar and a dozen blue-coated troops quickly followed entering the Sanctuary.

Towards the alter, stood a small female form, dressed in a nun’s habit. With arms outstretched, she stood facing away from the entrance.

“Oh my children, I’m so happy you have arrived.”

Lord Kinsley turned to the blue-coated troopers. “Go ahead outside and surround the church, you’ll not be needed here.” Michael knew that the men and woman behind him didn’t really stand a chance against the creature that stood before them.

“Oh Michael, how come you always take the fun out of things?” The figure turned. Her skin was pale, almost translucent. Her hair was raven black but it was her eyes that caught everyone attention, it was the color of blood.

“Nosferatu bitseach”

“Why Rachael, it’s so good to see you again.”

The woman in green began to move forward but Osgar reached for her and held her back.

“And Osgar as handsome as ever.” The Vampire laughed.

“Luna.” Lord Michael Kinsley put his cane down. “Why are you here?”

The Vampire frowned. “Well, former husband of mine, we need to talk.”

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading!

Elsbeth

PS: For those historically inclined, read what happened to the 24th foot at Isandlwana. They had a very bad day.

Chapter 3

We have nothing we want to talk to you about.” Rachael shook off Osgar and brushed off her robe.

Luna gave her a toothy grin. “Rachael, I thought we were best friends.”

“No.” She shook her head sadly. “I was best friends with Leila; you are nothing more than an undead abomination. You of all people should know that.”

The Vampire stared at her old friend for a moment then turned away to face Michael. “Are you interested in what I have to say or not?”

Lord Kinsley looked at Luna, once Leila, then turned to his companions. “Please leave, I wish to speak to her alone.” Lord Kinsley took a seat at one of the pews.

“Michael.” Rachael objected her voice filled with concern.

“I’m perfectly safe.” He gave her a sad smile. “Please release everyone tonight and tell them good job.”

Osgar looked at his friend for a moment and could see sorrow in his eyes but it was probably for the best. “Come on lass; we don’t need to be in the way of their little reunion.”

“It’s been a while, Osgar.”

“Almost four years since the funeral, Miss.” Reaching for Rachael, he escorted her out of the Church. “If you need me sir, I will be right outside.”

Luna watched the pair leave, then turned her head towards Michael. “You had a funeral for me?”

“No. We had a funeral for my wife Leila.”

“Without a body?”

“We made do.”

“I’m surprised Sarah isn’t here with you.” Besides Rachael, she was also good friends with Michael’s sister. “She at least had a rational head on her shoulders. Well most of the time.” She smiled.

“I buried her next to my wife.”

“What!” The Vampire’s face, if possible, went even paler. Stumbling, she found a seat near Michael. “How, when? When we were running away from Lord Giovanni she seemed to have gotten away.” The Vampire that attacked Leila at home had chased them through the grounds of the estate. Lord Giovanni and his minions were there to inflict revenge on the Kinsley family, for the destruction of almost an entire Vampire clan in Rome.

“She didn’t get away, no more than you did. Arthur found her before she turned.” Michael looked at the floor, there was pain written all across his face. “As a precaution, he decapitated Sarah before we placed her in the coffin.”

“Poor Arthur.” Arthur was Sarah’s husband; they had been married less than a year. “Where is he now?”

“Somewhere in India last time I heard.”

Luna turned and looked at the doorway. Her body was never found, it was assumed it was lost in the battle. Lord Giovanni and most of his minions had been killed that night but Leila was missing. Michael thought she was going to be used as some sort of hostage but Lord Giovanni had other ideas. He would take his most hated enemy’s wife for his own. The Vampire had obviously turned her before his own death. “I assume you would have taken my head if you found me.” Luna had appeared several weeks later in their old bedroom, with the light of the moon shining on her pale body. She was there to turn her husband, so the two of them could be together for all eternity. He declined the offer and she barely escaped. She should have defeated him but he seemed different, stronger something had happened in those two weeks that she didn’t understand.

“What do you want, Luna?”

“Why do you still call me that, Michael? I appreciated the joke when I snuck into our bedroom but my name is Leila.” Since he named her that fateful night, she had actually kept the name as her own. Still, she would have like her husband if no one else, to call her by her proper name.

“Leila is dead. You might possess her body but she is gone from this world.” There were many discussions amongst the magical community whether a Vampire was truly the person that was turned. Most believed that the personality was just a magical construct created in the process and the true person, the spirit was gone. “Why did you leave Barcelona?”

“So you did keep tabs on me.” The Vampire looked at her husband. “Menenius is dead.”

“Impossible.” Michael rose from the pew. Menenius was an ancient Vampire, a Roman scholar, a collector of mysteries and artifacts. Reading old books, studying ancient manuscripts; most of what was known about the world before the fall of Rome was because of this Vampire. Even the Church knew about Menenius and left him alone.

“I would have thought as well.” Luna leaned back on her seat. “You must know I was working for him, roaming around the continent looking for books and whatever else interested him. My” She smiled. “Background made me most suitable.” Sarah and Leila’s job in the society was that of researchers. One of the things certain elements of the Society wanted to do was hunt down Luna because of her knowledge.

“What about the books, artifacts?” Menenius had a massive collection; much of it was things that no one, even those who walked among the shadows, would want released into the world.

“Destroyed, well most of it at least.” Luna returned to Menenius’ underground lair to find it burned out, as if some great conflagration consumed everything within.

“Did you come here just to tell me that? I would have found out eventually.”

“I need your help.” The Vampire begged. “I need your protection.”

“I don’t know if I can do that.”

“Please Michael, whatever killed Menenius is after me as well. I can feel something following me.” Rumors of her husband’s power had filtered back to her. She could sense it now; it was like sitting with Menenius but much more.

“Let me think about it, you know the Society wouldn’t approve.”

“They never had a problem dealing with Menenius. I know he was even invited to a few of their meetings in Spain.” Michael knew he was more than invited; Menenius was actually a founding member of the Society. Only a very few knew that little detail.

“He was a special case.”

“And I’m not? I’m your wife for God’s sake.”

Lord Kinsley stepped forward; his cane began to give off an eerie glow. “Let’s get this straight, Luna, you are not my wife. She is gone, dead these four years. However, as you say you were Menenius’ assistant, it would be wise for us to protect you at least for now.”

“If I’m not your wife Michael why didn’t you kill me?” She whispered. When she climbed through their bedroom window to turn her husband, another part of her wished that he would end her life. She didn’t escape, he let her go.

“Come on, it’s going to be dawn soon and we have a ways to drive before we make it to Bedford Park.”

Luna sat in the carriage her head back listening to the world around her. She wasn’t surprised that Osgar and Rachael were still standing outside when they exited the Church. The Irish Witch threatened her if she harmed Michael; of course, she wasn’t talking about physically.

“You may think this is rather odd but I heard a rumor that you got married.”

“Nothing more than a rumor.”

“I see. You could have married you know.” The Vampire looked at her husband who sat in the darkness off the carriage, his eyes closed. Only the jewel on his cane gave off a warm blue light. Michael didn’t answer her and the two of them sat in silence as the carriage made its way through London. It wasn’t until they crossed the first of the wards that Luna spoke again. Her entire body felt like an electrical shock went through it.

“You aren’t taking chances?” She would not have wanted to cross that ward uninvited.

“I learned my lesson four years ago.”

Stopping in front of the door, Luna expected a footman but when it opened, there was no one there. After helping her out of the carriage, the two of them approached the doorway.

Before they could take another step, the door opened to reveal two redheaded girls. Luna froze, who were these girls? They didn’t appear to be very happy with her presence.

“Luna, this is Macha and Nemain, girls I would like to introduce you to, Luna.”

The three women started at one another but it was Luna who broke off the contest first. “Michael, it’s going to be dawn soon.” For the most part Vampires are perfectly capable of walking about during a cloudy day however direct sunlight was extremely painful. They ruled the night, during the day their powers were reduced considerably.

“Luna you are welcome into my home. Girls, she will be staying in the east bedroom.” As Luna passed through the doorway, she shivered. “Please do not wander around. “ Reaching into his shirt pocket, Lord Kinsley checked the time. “If you need anything just ring for Macha and Nemain.”

“I thought we would talk more.” She felt as if she was being sent away. She could understand that Michael didn’t want the rest of the household servants to know of her presence. It would cause somewhat of a disturbance.

“Perhaps this evening.”

Luna nodded; obviously, he would need to get some sleep. All she wanted to do at this point was to get away from the two girls. The room was on the other side of the house and appeared to get the least sun. With the blinds shut, it should be a comfortable place for her to remain until the evening. The Vampire knew that she would need to feed eventually but there was no one in the house she wanted to touch. The problem would be getting back into the house. Closing her eyes for a moment, she waited.

Little time seemed to have passed when she opened her eyes, looking outside she could see London covered in a thick layer of pea soup. Nothing like the earth covered in a thick heavy fog, to make a Vampire girl’s day. Opening the door, she ventured forth into the hallway. She was positive her husband’s room was at the end of the hall.

Reaching the end of the doorway, she looked into a bedroom. It was very masculine. It smelled like Michael. Entering she looked around. The walls were adorned with images of foxhunting scenes and military art. The dresser held several photographs of Michael in uniform and surprisingly there was one of her and Sarah together on the beach. Luna remembered that day as the two of them stood for a picture in front of the long Irish coast. Female voices in the adjourning room caught her attention.

“So he doesn’t have a wife but it sounds like he has a mistress.” With a slight sway of the hips, she opened the door and entered an obvious female looking room beyond. Whoever furnished this room had excellent taste. To her surprise, she found the twins but also another woman, she didn’t recognize.

Luna stepped into the room, the blinds were opened but the fog kept the room quite comfortable. “Leila, I didn’t expect you to be up so early.” The woman in the chair smiled. It wasn’t a warm smile but neither was it hostile. The two girls, on the other hand, didn’t bother to hide their feelings for the Vampire. Luna thought the feelings were mutual.

“I’m sorry to disturb you.” She gave a half smile. Now who was this woman? It was so unlike her husband to have a mistress, unless he was lying about a wife. Suddenly the Vampire stopped. “Michael?” But it couldn’t be. Even if he was dressed as a female, it was but it wasn’t him.

“Well, yes and no. My name is Erin.”

“Erin is Michael’s grandmother’s name.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I don’t understand.” Was this or wasn’t this Michael?

“After you were turned, Michael was cursed by Medb. On the sunrise I appear as I am now and at sundown I change back into Michael.”

Luna staggered for a second looking for a chair. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. Why would the goddess curse Michael, he was of the old line. His blood ran back to the Ulster Cycle directly back to one of her seven sons. “But why?”

Erin smiled sadly. “When you died, Michael went into the crypts and blamed her for your death. He started to desecrate her shrine when she appeared. They had quite the fight.”

The Vampire nodded. She remembered that Michael used to tell her stories about when he was young, he used to visit the crypts at night and play with the woman he called Grandma. No one in the household believed him of course but he always had their air about him. She knew his blood ran true.

“So why a woman? She could have turned him into anything.”

“She didn’t really curse him Leila, although he doesn’t see it as such. It appears that Michael’s line actually runs back to her only daughter Findabair ‘The White Enchantress’. Medb is very angry with him but she does love him. She was also horrified with what happened to you.”

Leila shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She still didn’t understand but the thought of an angry goddess stopped her from pressing for an explanation. “But you’re him right?”

Erin smiled. “Yes and no.”

Luna put her hands over her face. “I’m sorry this has happened to you. It’s my fault isn’t it?”

“Of course not Leila, how could it be your fault? If it’s anyone’s fault it’s Lord Giovanni and Michael made sure that the Vampire paid for it in full.”

“Michael…I mean Erin why are you calling me Leila?”

“Because that is your name.”

“But he said I was no longer his wife.”

“That might be true but it doesn’t strip the name you were given. Michael cannot…emotionally call you Leila. You understand that don’t you?”

“But why can you?”

“I don’t have the same emotional attachment; you’re more like a sister or sister-in-law. In addition, Leila, names have power.”

Luna didn’t like this side of Michael. He was dangerous for a human however; this side of him was terrifying.

The carriage moved quickly through the foggy streets of London. Inside the carriage, a heated discussion continued that had been going on since the three left the Society.

“I don’t see why she needs to stay at your home.” Rachael sat back with a frown.

Osgar nodded. “We can’t exactly trust her, Lady Kinsley.”

“As I said before, the twins are keeping an eye on Leila.” Erin sat watching the streets go by. “I’m more concerned with what happened to her employer. Menenius has been around before Rome became an Empire. I cannot imagine the power necessary to even breach his wards.”

Osgar and Rachael looked at one another. Michael had obviously been upset about Luna’s return but Erin didn’t seem to be bothered by it at all. “Do you think it’s a coincidence?”

“I hate coincidences.” Rachael said.

“I agree, these strange summoning circles, Menenius death and now this so called experiment.” Lady Kinsley made a face. Another summoning circle had been discovered last night but before anyone could destroy it, the Society was told that another group was available.

The carriage finally came to a stop in front of a warehouse near Wapping Pier. Outside the entrance, stood several men in suites and a half a dozen others dressed in dark green uniforms. A fashionably dressed dark haired man approached the carriage. “Lady Kinsley, it’s an honor to finally meet you. I am Richard Dixon.”

“Richard, yes it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m sorry that Jack couldn’t be here.” Erin greeted Black Jack’s brother, an influential man in the House of Commons.

“Yes, I know he worked late last night. I caught up to him as he was heading off to bed.” He smiled. “You people do live busy lives.”

“So Richard, what exactly is this all about? Jack was going to take care of this last night be he was stopped by Scotland Yard.”

“I am in the dark as much as you, Lady Kinsley. As you know, there has been quite the vocal opposition to your Society’s work these last few weeks.”

“The fires, unfortunately these circles require cleansing.”

“Yes, my brother explained it to me. It makes sense, it’s like cauterizing a wound is it not.”

“Something like that, yes.”

Richard nodded as the group began to walk to the doors. A portly man, dressed in white and grey approached the group. “Good morning Lady Kinsley, I am Dr. Anthony Myers. I am with the Transaccendo Corporation. I’m in charge of this morning experiment.”

“Experiment? I find this disturbing Dr. Myers. I can feel what is inside that Warehouse and experiments can only lead to trouble.”

“I’m sorry, I thought you knew?” Dr. Myers looked around nervously.

“Lady Kinsley.” A gray haired gentleman approached. “I am Sir Henry Wilcox. I apologize for this short notice but I wanted to make sure that this was done under your observation. Others like myself, appreciate your Society’s hard work and everything you have done for the Empire but it never hurts to take a look at a new approach to old problems.”

“I see, Sir Henry. Then I will keep my opinion to myself until the end of the experiment. Looking at old problems in a different way is commendable.”

A smaller group entered the first room of the warehouse. To no one’s surprise, it contained the bodies of three men that appeared to have been attacked by a wild animal.

As the Doctor approached, one of the fallen men Osgar said. “I’d be careful around them Dr. they tend to bite.”

“Yes, I have seen it happen. We believe that some sort of electrical pulse is produced during these events. The pulse reanimates the dead flesh for a while, much like our own experiments with electricity.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled three vials. “Burning of course is necessary but it should be a local event.” Removing one of the stoppers, he poured a silvery green powder all over the first corpse. In seconds, the body began to burn with a white pure light and moments later, there was nothing left but ash.

“Impressive.” Sir Henry said. “I see that you do not need to use a lot of that?”

“It’s a chemical compound Sir Henry; our scientists have been refining it to enhance its burn potential. Now if you follow me, there are eight others that need to be cremated.”

“That’s quite the compound.” Osgar leaned over and whispered to Erin.

“Indeed.” Erin felt something each time the powder was used.

Rachael looked at the corpses. “I don’t think it was alchemical.”

“You are correct, Ahhh.” Dr. Meyers said.

“Rachael.”

“Yes, Miss Rachael. It is not some sort of archaic alchemical compound. We have found that more modern, scientific methods provided often better results.”

Rachael made a face. “If you say so.”

He smiled. “I do and if you follow me to this last room, you will be most impressed with our work.”

The last room was a summoning room much like the one Michael destroyed a few nights before.

“Are you going to use more of that ‘compound’ Doctor?” Osgar inquired while making sure he had his British Bulldog ready. The good Doctor might have missed a few bodies.

“Oh good heavens no something much more interesting.” He motioned to a group of men in green who wore tanks on their backs and each of their hands held a nozzle. The men pointed the nozzles into the room and white green foam began to fill the space. When the room was full of foam the men in green retreated.

“If everyone could be so kind, please step back into the hallway.” The Doctor produced a vial of a greenish liquid and tossed it into the room. A ball of green white light filled the room then vanished.

“As you can see we have cleansed the bodies and the rooms.”

“What about the rest of the building Doctor? There is a residue left over that must be…” Rachael waved her hands about.

“That will dissipate in time.” The Doctor dismissed the concern. “Such erroneous energies are unimportant.”

“You’re wrong…” Rachael began but was interrupted.

“Thank you, Doctor, that was most enlightening and without the need to burn half of London as well.” Sir Henry said.

“That is unfair, Sir Henry, the Society has accomplished, much more than what we have seen the last few weeks.” Richard Dixon shook his head. “One successful experiment.” He didn’t sound like he thought it was that successful. “Doesn’t give them the right to take over all activities that the Society had been responsible for hundreds of years.”

“Richard, your brother is a member of the Society, so I am afraid your views are somewhat suspect. I have a responsibility to her Majesty’s Government, to make sure that money spent is spent wisely.”

“What do you mean all activities?” Osgar didn’t look happy. Who were these people?

“Yes of course.” The Doctor said smiling. “Obviously someone with your experience could find advancement in our corporation. I’m sure that my superiors would be willing to talk to any member of the Society that wishes to join.”

Sir Henry nodded, bringing in experienced members of the Society would be a windfall to the company. “Lady Kinsley, what do think?”

They were all surprised as they watched her walk away but not before saying something to the entire group.

“Excuse me what did she say?” Sir Henry turned to Erin’s companions.

Rachael watched as Lady Kinsley left the building. “Lady Kinsley said, Sir Henry, that she doesn’t believe in coincidences.”

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Chapter 4

Luna opened her eyes and looked about the dark room, already a week had passed since she returned to England. Although the room was dark, she could tell the sun was still in the sky. Vampires didn’t really sleep; it was more of a meditation state to save energy but only when they felt safe. Positive that someone had been in her room, Luna hesitantly opened the door.

“Do you wish anything from us, Mistress?” At the end of the hallway stood the two red headed chambermaids.

“Were you just in my room?”

“Our duties require…cleaning all of the rooms…including yours.”

“I see.” The Vampire was not very pleased with the two girls in her room while she lay helpless. She began to close the door then stopped. “Is my husband supposed to be back tonight?” Luna had been surprised to find that Michael no longer required sleep. She had been in his house for several weeks and they had only spoken twice. The Vampire was under no illusion that whatever relationship she had with Michael was gone. However, something kept driving her to look at him again to hear his voice, to once again to feel his touch. What she didn’t want to do was to see Erin.

“We do not…know Lord Kinsley’s…plans.”

Luna nodded, Erin seemed to appear every morning but catching her husband was proving difficult. “Will you pass a message to him? I would like to speak to him please.”

“If you tell…us…why you are here.”

“Excuse me?”

The two chambermaids did not repeat their question.

“I asked for his protection.”

“Why does a Vampire need protection?”

Luna was surprised that the one called Macha spoke without her sister’s help.

“The ones that killed Menenius were after me.”

“Why are they after you Lelia?” The one called Nemain asked.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t…know?” The two asked together.

“No?”

“No.” The two asked once more.

“No.” The Vampire growled and slammed the door. Sliding down with her back to the door, she drew her feet to her chest. “Why didn’t you kill me Michael?” She whispered into the darkness.

Deep under Chapel of St Mary inside Westminster Palace, Lady Kinsley curtsied deeply as she backed out of the meeting room. She had spent most of the afternoon discussing the events that had taken place in the last week with the head of her order.

“So how is his Excellency?”

“Quite an unhappy man at the moment. “ Erin gave her friend Osgar a half smile before the two began to move down the hallway. The catacombs underneath St Mary’s were ancient, dating back centuries built by King Edward I in 1297. “He had the pleasure to meet with the Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister last night. Thankfully Princess Louise spoke with her brother before the two of them met with our good Prime Minister.”

“I have always been fond of the Duchess of Argyll.”

Princess Louise, before her marriage, had been an active member of the Society. Although she was much more of an artist than a sorceress, her organization skills were always appreciated. Beyond her love for the Society, as a vocal advocate for the common person, she was outraged that public safety was willing to be compromised over a copper or two.

Erin smiled. “The Prince was infuriated to think that a Royal Charter could simply be dismissed.” The Society’s Charter ran back to Queen Elizabeth granted in 1584.”Gladstone was of course insistent that this was just a simple misunderstanding. Last week’s ‘presentation’ was supposed to make us aware of new technology. He did insist that in the future if such experiments continued to be successful then perhaps our ‘Old Fashioned’ methods should be reevaluated.”

“His Excellency must have been overjoyed to hear that.”

“Quite, thankfully the Prince was also not impressed with Mr. Gladstone’s explanation. Though I’m not sure how much of it was because the Queen is not terribly fond of our good Prime Minister.”

“Her Majesty still blames him for Gordon’s death at Khartoum.” The Sergeant opened a small black door, the entrance to an elevator that would take the pair to the surface.

“You know Sergeant as much as I’m fond of a number of the Prime Minister’s liberal ideas, his viewpoints on the ‘Society’ border on the absurd.”

“In what way?”

“According to him, we are actually part of the problem. Hysterical beliefs, although he did admit sometimes justified, of the supernatural fly in the face of the new religion we call science. If we could just categorize and departmentalize the world around us in a rational manner then many of these so-called supernatural occurrences could be simply explained. “

The conversation immediately turned to the mundane as the pair exited the elevator to the more public parts of the Chapel. Slipping past a number of dignitaries, the two crossed a wide courtyard to an awaiting carriage.

“Jacob, I can see by your unhappy face that your investigation has not been totally successful.” Erin smiled at her old friend as she sat back in the carriage.

“Yes, I’ll tell you about my meeting but I wish to hear what you have discovered first.”

Jacob nodded; he quit being surprised when Lady Kinsley seemed to read his mind. “From the outside, the Transaccendo Corporation seems no different from the dozens of other companies that have started up in the last decade. Good standing with the Chemical Society of London; recently the owners made a great deal of money with the discovery of a compound that’s used in part in iron and steel production.”

“I imagine that they would hesitate to allow us to study some of that compound. Speak with your sister, Jack. Perhaps Emma’s husband can acquire some of that material. “

Jack nodded, his sister married into a particular wealthy family of industrialists.

“Was that the green powder they poured over the corpses?” The Sergeant asked.

“No, I’m afraid that compound only reacts in a high heat environment. Still, I would not be surprised it was included in the powder used during the demonstration.” Jack said.

“Why was everything green?”

“Barium nitrate perhaps” Lady Kinsley said while looking out the window. “It’s very reactive but it’s most likely also used as stabilizer.” She looked back at Jack and smiled. “Sorry, go on.”

“Yes, well unfortunately as of yet we are not able to obtain a sample of that compound either.” Jack looked less than pleased. Returning to the warehouse later that night, his team discovered all of the floorboards replaced and the warehouse thoroughly scrubbed down.

“That’s unfortunate although not totally unexpected. They knew that we would be interested in analyzing that compound. I am not totally convinced that there are no alchemic compounds being used either.” Erin bit her lip she felt something when the bodies were burning, an old memory.

Osgar looked at his Ladyship with concern for a moment and then asked. “What about that Sir Henry chap; he seemed pretty friendly with our new competitors?

“I spoke with my brother; he is going to see what he can make of it. Although according to Richard, Sir Henry is well known as the voice of business, so it didn’t seem out of the ordinary that he would be involved.”

Before the carriage reached the Club, as promised, Lady Kinsley discussed her meeting with the head of their Order. Black Jack didn’t appear particularly amused with its outcome. “They seem to have plenty of friends in high places.”

“And don’t forget lots of money.”

Erin nodded in understanding. “A very dangerous combination indeed.”

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

PS Sorry for the length and it taking a while to get out, me and my Muse are currently discussing where this story will go...and she is winning :) so not to worry VM will be back.

Chapter 5

Rachael sat down on the burnt grass holding her head. Like most of the others, she appeared to be unnaturally affected by the sight. Below the hill, overlooking the Thames stood an abandoned factory. What was out of the ordinary was that everything around the warehouse for dozens of yards was dead. There was no life, no plants, no animals, nothing at all. However, it’s not just the lack of life that concerned the magi, but somehow its mere presence was verging on breaking an ancient pact.

Looking up, Rachel grimaced at her twin sister. As much as she loved and missed her sister, for her to suddenly appear was an ill omen. Brigit was the Society’s intermediary between the mortal world and the Otherworld of the Fae. Showing up unannounced stating that the Fae were ready to start a war put the already unnerved Society into the state of panic. Most Fae had long passed into Tir Na nág, the Undying lands, but those that remained were ancient beings having very little use for the mortal race as a whole. The consequences for those beings to leave their ancient hiding places would be disastrous for the modern world.

Osgar rubbed his head. ‘Unnatural…why all the fuss with the fair folk, Brigit? I would expect them to be more upset with the new rail line being laid up towards Manchester.”

Brigit grimaced; the laying of the railroads was an endless nightmare for the remaining Fae. Unbeknownst to most, the Society spent great lengths at manipulating the directions some of the rail lines would take. “Your right, Osgar, but this is different.” If it wasn’t the rail lines, it was the telegraph; no wonder most of the Fae fled the world.

“In what way?” Rachael smiled as her sister began to rub her head.

“I don’t know but this is old. In addition, the Fae are being unusually quiet, even more than usual, about the details.”

From atop the hill the group looked down at their leader who was already half-way down the hill. To no one’s surprise, the only one who didn’t seem bothered by the warehouse’s aura was Lady Kinsley.

With a small wave of a hand, Erin threw her senses out. She frowned for a moment none of it made any sense. The magics now cast by humans were nothing compared to the Fae but this magic touch was neither. However, what happened here was most definitely a magical event. It was if the gates of Tartaros were left opened. The very thought made her shiver. “The magi was neither human nor Fae.” There were other powers best left forgotten. If they were involved then a war with the Fae would seem like an afternoon rugby match at Sandhurst.

Bridget nodded. “I thought so as well. What I surmise is that the pact might not even be between the humans and Fae...however.”

“However, they expect us to take care of it, correct?”

“Typical.” Osgar growled. The Fae were difficult to understand even at the best of times. They were so ancient and non-human. Their thoughts were so different most members of the Society were impressed that Brigit had not gone mad.

Erin took several more steps down the hill, as if she was taking a leisurely stroll through Trafalgar Square. Reaching a set of stairs, she suddenly stopped. “Rebecca, please take your sister and speak with Professor Hopkins. I am positive he would be delighted to observe this phenomenon. Have him bring a full team down to ward the site as well. He may study it ...” Lady Kinsley raised a finger in the air. “However, no one may enter the grounds without my permission. “ The Wards would keep almost everyone from approaching the site. Elemental watchers would report if anyone with power decided to visit the warehouse again.

“He won’t be liking that.” Osgar smiled looking down at Lady Kinsley. He took a few steps forward but stopped, the feeling of lethargy pulled at him. By sheer strength of will, the former Sergeant remained upright.

“No choice, really.” Rebecca grimaced. Why did it sap everyone’s strength and why was Lady Kinsley unaffected. Looking up she caught her sister’s eye, she too was thinking the same thing.

Osgar’s eyes opened wide as Lady Kinsley started to walk down the stairs. “You’re not thinking of going down there are you, my Lady?”

Surprised how far she walked beyond the group, Erin stopped her descent and looked up at Osgar. “Perhaps you’re right, Sergeant, that might be exceedingly unwise.”

Once again, she paused in her movement forward but thankfully, Lady Kinsley finally turned around and began to walk back up the hill.

Osgar asked, pleased that Lady Kinsley was returning.“So you’re thinking this has something to do with our new friends?”

Erin frowned. "Perhaps, I agree there is too much happening at once to be mere coincidence. How it all fit together is the issue that needs to be resolved and quickly."

“Whatever this is why does it affect us in this way?” Rebecca slowly picked herself up off the ground. Thankfully, her sister was close, as the Irish mage almost sat back down. “Seems to be affecting me most of all.” Turning her head, she looked at her sister. “Why me and not you, dear sister?”

“Living with the Fae has certain advantages.” She wouldn’t say she was totally unaffected. Perhaps part of her was still human; it was difficult to tell sometimes. Once identical twins, Bridget was now more like younger sister. Bridget had scarcely aged since heading off deep into the ancient woods of Cornwall. Besides her lack of aging, she was also getting this unworldly look to her, a complete opposite to Black Jack who appeared to be in his sixties but was in fact not even thirty.

“Too many pieces.” Lady Kinsley mumbled to herself as she gave the warehouse one more look then turned away. Once again, this felt familiar, but it was as if it was a memory that wasn’t hers.

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth
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Chapter 6

As the carriage made its way through the London streets, Brigit watched Lady Kinsley out of the corner of her eye. The two were alone; the rest of the group following in another carriage. If Erin was uncomfortable with Brigit forcing herself into the carriage she didn’t show it. The others though, especially Osgar, were quite put out. She would have to apologize later.

“It’s been some time since you and I have spoken without the others, Brigit. Tell me, are they treating you well?”

Brigit gave a half smile then shrugged. “As well as can be expected; The Fae are still not totally comfortable with my presence.”

“Give it a century or two.” Erin laughed. “Still, you should be proud of your accomplishments. You have managed to keep the peace, unlike your predecessor, although Master Kern was not totally at fault. As you are well aware not every ambassador has fared well.”

The Irish Sorceress nodded. Unfortunately, it was all too common for a mortal to succumb to the whim of some Fae or another. Thankfully, her Fae patron held significant influence in the old Summer Court. The Court’s power in this world might be waning, however, one would be foolish to think they were without resources, “They speak highly of you.”

“Of me?” Lady Kinsley frowned in confusion. Her personal dealings with the Fae up to this point had been few and far between.

“Yes, they have expressed their opinion on any number of occasions that they wish to remain in your good will.”

“My personal good will, not the Society’s.” When Brigit nodded, Erin gave a small laugh then turned away. “I see.”

Brigit knew something had changed drastically since Michael’s transformation. No, the Fae didn’t just speak highly of Lady Kinsley; they spoke of her as if she was considered their equal or at times their better. Brigit was with the Fae when the news reached her of Michael’s wife’s death and his apparent transformation. At the time, the Court wouldn’t give her the time of day, however that soon changed. Members of the Court soon began to ask her opinion on topics that touched upon the mortal world. They went out of their way to make sure that whatever decision was made, that Lady or Lord Kinsley would approve. Brigit shook her head. No, they rarely spoke of Michael it was always Erin.

The Irish Sorceress looked at Lady Kinsley, who was looking out the window apparently lost in thought. “You remind me of them.” Frightened, Brigit tried to move deeper into her seat as Erin turned around. “I don’t think anyone else notices.” She whispered. At first, the Irish Sorceress thought it was her imagination but when Lady Kinsley walked down the hill, the aura having no ill effect on her pieces simply fell into place. Brigit’s knew what she was feeling was correct. The person who sat across from her was not quite the same person that assigned her the role as ambassador.

“One of the benefits of living with the Fae.” Erin looked at her sadly. “Brigit, are you afraid of me?”

The Irish Sorceress opened to her mouth to deny it but then looked straight into Erin’s eyes. Hiding her face, she nodded. Why was she afraid, Michael was always kind to her? Not that Erin wasn’t, but something primeval inside the core of her very being trembled in fear.

Erin sighed sadly. “Do you wish to go back to the Fae?”

To think that Brigit was comfortable with the inhuman Fae but not with Erin made the Irish Sorceress object a little too loudly. “No please don’t!”

Erin looked at her in surprise. Brigit covered her mouth, shocked that she yelled at Lady Kinsley. Then they both began to laugh, at the absurdity. “Please don’t send me away.” Brigit pleaded, tears running down her face. “Please let me remain.”

Surprised at the sudden turn of events, Lady Kinsley pulled a beautiful embroidered handkerchief from her purse and began to softly wipe the tears from her friend’s face. With warmth in her eyes and voice, she said. “If that is what you wish, then it would be my honor.”

With the moon high in the night sky, Lord Michael leaned on his cane as he looked over the remains of the warehouse. He was pleased to discover that the Society had placed effective wards around the site keeping the curious away. Off to his side, Brigit and Leila now Luna, continued to warily stare at one another, shocked at being in each other’s presence. Their introduction at the Kinsley manor had been unreal. As soon as they spotted one another, Brigit without a thought ran over and hugged her old friend. Leila, who had for the most part been neglected, was shocked to discover that she joyfully returned the greeting. It lasted only a moment then the two literally leapt back. Brigit, who was more Fae than human and Luna who was now a Vampire didn’t know what to do with one another.

“Are we ready?” Lord Michael asked.

“Michael.”

“Yes, Luna.”

She signed, why couldn’t he call her by her real name. “Let me get this straight. You have ignored me for over two weeks and now you drag me out to this God forsaken place and expect me to help you without so much as a by your leave?” What she found fascinating and rather disturbing for those last two weeks she had had no inclination to feed. Now outside, she thought the red thirst would be driving her mad but for some reason she was sedated.

Michael turned towards her and frowned. “It hasn’t been two weeks?” Then he looked thoughtful before returning to his observation of the factory and warehouse.

Brigit covered her mouth and giggled. “Leila, you know how single minded he gets when there is something that needs to be done.”

After returning to the estate, it was quite a surprise when a smartly dressed Lord Kinsley walked into the dining room and not Erin, who had left sometime earlier. Their meal and conversation was light, mostly small talk before departing. Brigit tried to press Michael for more information on the curse, but he refused to speak about it. He also refused to speak about turning into a girl. Unlike Erin who didn’t mind talking about it, Michael was decidedly unhelpful. Nevertheless, no matter how light the conversation, the atmosphere between Michael and Leila was strained. Although the Vampire didn’t eat it was painfully obvious that she relished her time with her husband. To Brigit it was almost too painful to watch. Part of her wanted to pound some sense into Michael; the other half understood. Michael too was in pain. What she didn’t understand was how Erin was involved in all of this. Lady Kinsley was decidedly neutral when it came to Michael’s wife. Erin was Michael, that much was certain, however it was a strange duality. A duality that gave the Irish Sorceress much to think about. Thankfully, neither of them objected to her following them. She knew if given the chance she could be of great use to both of them.

“Gods, he is so infuriating sometimes.”

“Men usually are.” Brigit smiled at her friend, who returned a toothy grin. For a brief moment, it was as if the last four years had not taken place. It was not to last.

“Don’t…dawdle.” The red headed twins commented as they moved past the two to stand by Lord Michael.

Brigit jumped back. Leila just scowled. At least the two women still had one thing in common, neither of them liked the overly possessive twins. To think they were merely chambermaids was laughable. “Don’t you have rooms to clean?” Leila commented rather nastily.

“Brigit, please come over here and hold my hand.”

“Sorry?” Brigit said, not quite understanding what he needed. She couldn't hold his hand, especially with Leila standing right next to her,

“If you wish to join us ...hold his hand.” The twins said, obviously annoyed.

“Girls.” Michael chastised his smaller companions. “Brigit, they are correct. We need to be touching otherwise you will have to remain here.”

Blushing, the Irish Sorceress moved forward to hold Lord Michael’s hand.

Suddenly, Leila leaped forward and linked her arm with her husband. “You refuse to speak to me but you’re willing to hold hands with Brigit?”

Michael opened his mouth, and then let out a exasperated sigh. “Leila, you know as well as I that touch is necessary.”

The Vampire’s eyes opened wide, then she stepped back with a huge smile on her face. “You called me Leila.”

Lord Kinsley just scowled.

Laughing, the Vampire turned to her friend. “Brigit, I expect you to keep him out of trouble.”

Brigit smiled as well, happy for her friend’s small victory.

“You are…not…joining us?” The twins sounded happy.

“What? I can’t if I’m not holding Michael’s hand.”

“You're already dead...how can this hurt you?” The twins began to walk down the hill, immediately followed by Lord Kinsley and Brigit.

Leila just stood there staring at the group as they walked awat. If she was already dead and it was necessary for Brigit to hold Lord Kinsley for protection, who or what exactly were the twins?

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Chapter 7

Luna threw up her hands in disgust. She didn’t really trust the twins. If she wasn’t affected by whatever magic surrounded the warehouse how come they weren’t affected? Walking a few steps behind her husband the Vampire couldn’t help but admire the sight. Michael was such a well-built man, years of horse riding among other things had kept him fit unlike many of his peers who were less active. She couldn’t believe that hours from now her handsome husband would turn into that woman. She knew that the two of them were the same person but then again they weren’t. What exactly happened in the crypt? Michael was being usually closemouthed about the whole incident.

“Does the stone seem strange to you, my husband?”

“Don’t let go, Brigit.” Kneeling down, Michael touched the stone with a bare hand. Using some force it began to crumble under his weight.

“That...is disturbing.” As one of the twins jumped up and down, the stone began to crack beneath her feet.

“Let us continue.” Michael frowned, his grip on the Irish Witch tightening.

Looking at the pair, a slight wave of jealousy squeezed Luna’s chest. Why did Michael bring the Irish Witch along? Obviously as a Vampire, she would be more helpful, as whatever magics were in the air as they did not seem to be both her. Stepping a few paces forward, she began to notice something odd about her clothing as well.

“Michael, stop. Please come take a look.”

Turning, Lord Kinsley approached. “What’s the problem, Luna?”

“My clothes.”

“I don’t see anything?” Brigit commented while studying the well-tailored clothes.

“Look.” Luna with very little effort, pulled her blouse and it began to tear the sleeve.

“Like the stone.”

“Michael, I’m going to be disrobed by the time we make it to the bottom of the stairs.” The Vampire said unhappily.

“Why do...you...care...you’re dead?” Macha and Nemain grumbled.

“Come Luna, hold my hand.”

Pouting slightly, but excitedly happy, she reached over for her husband’s other hand. Although the width of the stairs didn’t exactly make room for three people to walk side by side, the group eventually made it to the bottom of the staircase without incident. Several yards from the bottom of the stairs, Michael let go of the two women.

“Wait.” Luna began.

“Its...fine.” The twins shook their heads. “Did she...always complain this much...in life?”

The Irish Witch giggled.

“Brigit.” Luna rolled her eyes then smiled. “Not usually.”

Michael began walking forward, a half smile on his lips. “Come, we need to get this finished before the sunrise.”

The two women quickly followed as the twins and Lord Kinsley headed towards the largest of the buildings. “Is that because Lady Kinsley promised Osgar not to enter the site?” Brigit asked.

“Michael?”

Michael turned towards the Vampire. “It’s a little more complicated than that.”

“I think Osgar is sweet on Lady Kinsley.” Brigit whispered to her friend but loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I’m not sure what I think about that. It’s confusing at most.” Luna put her hands on her hips. “Michael, is this true?”

“Can we...please stop the gossiping?...We have work...to do”

“Are they always little taskmasters?” Brigit asked.

“Usually only at home.” Lord Kinsley laughed.

“No we aren’t.” Macha loudly complained.

“Actually sister, I think we are.” Nemain giggled.

“Oh.” Looking up at Michael, Micha smiled.

Laughing, he reached down and gently took the two girls by the hand. “Come on you two, let’s get some work done.” Without turning around he called back.

“If you two want to tag along, I could use the help.”

Brigit and Luna looked at one another then followed. “So do you know anything about the twins?” Brigit whispered.

“No, I thought you might.”

“Rebecca said they just showed up, well, with Lady Kinsley one morning. She immediately put them to work as chambermaids.”

“You don’t think they could be….never mind.” Luna shook her head. Such a thing although not impossible wasn’t something that her husband would do.

“You mean his children?”

Luna nodded slowly, looking a little upset. It would have meant that he was unfaithful when she was still alive. Brigit noticed how upset her friend was getting and reached over, slipping her arm through her arm. “No, trust me with this. Since your...disappearance...he hadn’t even looked at another woman. Believe me; it’s not for lack of trying on my sister’s part.”

“What, Rebecca and Michael?”

“So for him to be unfaithful to you in life, I don’t see it. No, the girls are….something else.”

Luna nodded, relieved and concerned all at the same time.

Waking over some rubble the three stopped when they spotted a body. “Stay here.” Lord Kinsley said to the others as he approached. Whoever it was, the body had aged at an amazing rate. The person who lay like some mummified corpse could have been a teenager before whatever calamity befell them. Even their clothes or what was left of them had aged.

“Brigit, what do you feel?”

The Irish Witch nodded, and threw out her senses. The breeze soon held the scent of the forest, touching every building, every stone. Since she was a little girl she could always feel the Otherworld. Brigit was the obvious choice to become the new Ambassador. Senses that had now been greatly attuned to the powerful auras of the Fae, reached out, if there was anything familiar she would know immediately. “No, nothing, I’m sorry.”

Michael nodded. “How about you, Luna?”

“What?”

“Does any of this feel familiar?”

Luna bit her lip, true she was Nosferatu. Her powers were not of the light but from those that dwell in the darkness below. The air no longer smelled of the forest, but of the dead. The sweet smell of decay rolled across the ground touching everything. “This was not done by Necromancy but I had a feeling you already knew that.”

Lord Kinsley shrugged. “It was better if you two verified what Lady Kinsley already determined. Girls, what do you think?”

The twins looked at one another, and then closed their eyes. Suddenly a pained expression washed over their faces. “It can’t be.”

Lord Kinsley let out a long breath. “Let us find out if you’re both right, I do hope my…sister was wrong.”

“What Michael?” Luna moved forward, holding her husband’s hand. “What do you expect to find.”

“More death.” Nemain said sadly.

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Chapter 8

After the first half a dozen mummified bodies, Lord Kinsley turned around. “Please stay closer to me.”

The twins, however, had dropped their hands and were moving off in front of the group. Brigit and Luna reached Michael’s side as he crossed the threshold into one of the larger buildings.

There was a strange taste to the air that Luna found familiar. “I think I felt something like this before.”

“Do you remember where?”

The Vampire shook her head.

“Let us proceed.”

The group had entered a small workshop, passing several more bodies. All of them, like the others seemed as if they were working then simply dropped to the ground and died.

“Reminds me of Pompeii.”

“I hope you’re talking about the bodies.” Michael said absent mindedly.

Luna looked surprised and then rolled her eyes. The Society had been brought in years before when a wall fresco which depicted Priapus, the ancient god of sex and fertility, was causing some interesting side effects in Naples. “Of course.”

Nodding, he reached down to check another body, which lay with face down. Studying it for a moment, Lord Kinsley touched the clothing which suddenly turned to dust. All around them, the tools, equipment and even the structure itself was also showing signs of advanced age.

Brigit was unsure how safe it was to proceed further. The building no longer appeared strictly sound. Suddenly a thought came to her like a bolt of lightning. “Black Jack” She called out.

Michael nodded; he knew she didn’t think the body was him but Jack’s unnatural aging was eerily similar. Very few knew exactly what happened to the young magician but this was certain, esoteric magics kept him functioning, but that too would come with a price.

“Yes.”

Brigit only nodded her eyes wide. Something seemed to pass between them, and then Michael reached for the Fae ambassador’s hand. Luna was about to object, until he took hers as well. “Come, don’t let go.”

Lord Kinsley had already noticed that the twins stood at the top of a long flight of stairs. The doorway seemed out of place, as if it had been added recently, even with its apparent age. “We will…take care of… the stairs.”

The twins moved first taking a few steps at a time. Luna could see the stairs, although metal would have crumbled at a mere touch without the assistance of the girls. However, neither Brigit nor Luna could tell exactly what they two girls were doing.

Standing at the bottom of the stairs, the group stood before a pair of massive bronze doors. They too seemed out of place, their very nature at odds with the warehouse. Even the doorframe was of an unfamiliar design. The doors opened at a mere touch, swinging inward revealing a huge auditorium like chamber. Inside the chamber were the dead. Not one, not two, but hundreds. Men, women, children filled the room.

All of the dead lay in crumbled heaps, lying around the room in decreasing circles. On the stone floor below them were ancient symbols, which Luna found difficult to look at. “I don’t understand.” Although she was a Vampire, the amount of dead bothered her. Her old self screamed, such magics were of course forbidden on such a large scale. Indeed it was like Pompey, some scholars believed that the Mt. Vesuvius eruption was not a natural disaster.

“Not enough to even release, so why?” Nemain turned to her sister. “A test perhaps?”

“Look sister, these runes. Those scrolls were thought destroyed.” Wandering over towards a pile of corpses, Macha with a wave of her hand moved them out of the way. “I wish this was not true.”

“What?” Luna turned towards Lord Kinsley who looked at the runes on the floor with anger in his eyes.

“They tried to release something thought to be forgotten, lost in time, that even the Fae don’t remember.”

Brigit looked up at Lord Kinsley with concern. His voice was different, what was going on?

Shaking his head, Michael turned to the others. “Not here, not in this place. Can you two take care of this, or do you need me?”

The twins looked at one another, then nodded.

“Please be careful and return home when you’re done.”

To Luna’s and Brigit’s complete surprise, the room disappeared from view.

Colonel Helmut Kuntz ignored the thick smell of oil and metal as the blue coated soldiers passed through the aerodrome. Passing underneath Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin’s creations, the Colonel stopped before a tall blonde man. Dressed in black pseudo military garb, the Colonel came to attention and saluted the man.

Returning the smart salute, the man smiled and shook the Colonel’s hand. “I see you have fared well, Helmut, since South Africa.”

“Ja, I was under the impression that farmers would not make very good soldiers. You proved me wrong. Still I am surprised to see you.”

“Although my employer is not a fellow countryman, he understands out plight and that of many others who have been in similar positions. Our ranks are full of those who desire freedom. He also believes that we should remember of our friends. So in South Africa you helped us, we are now returning the favor.”

The Colonel nodded. “So my friend, are you the voice of your new employer?”

“No, I am merely here for an update on Count Zeppelin’s wondrous creation.”

The Colonel smiled, it was highly unlikely that the man in front of him was just here because of wanted to check on investments. “Your machine is not quite finished. There were some interesting changes that your men suggested. It is taking time to complete them in the time you require. We are also having issues with these metal cylinders you have requested to be added to the airship.”

“I understand, I will tell my employer the information, however some delay is understandable. I do expect some issues with the new engines that will help with the weight, however the rest of the changes should be pretty straight forward.”

“If you say so.” The Colonel smiled. “I know very little of the workings of these machines, however with your help we should both have a fleet of them soon enough. The Deutsches Kaiserreich will rule the skies. “Looking at the nearest airship he frowned. “Wonderful machines, I hear that the French are also in the middle of similar plans.”

“And the British as well, however, trust me Helmut, your government is well ahead of anything that either of those countries can put in the air. Plus with your new weapons, you shouldn’t be too worried about other European powers.”

“I am sure that the Emperor will be very pleased to hear that.”

“As long as you can supply us with what we need Helmut, we shall continue to help you as well. As you know we have common enemies.”

The Prussian Colonel smiled. “Very true, come let me show you your ship, so you can tell your employer that we believe in taking good care of our friends as well.”

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Chapter 9

Rebecca sat off to the side of the Tea room, watching as other members entered. Much to her surprise, the day started when a messenger arrived at her home informing her to proceed to the Kinsley estate. Leaning over, she whispered to an older looking gentleman dressed all in black.

“Why are we here so early?”

Black Jack smiled. “What are you talking about; I haven’t been to sleep yet.”

“You do know something, don’t you.”

“Can’t say that I don’t, Rebecca, let’s say I hope what I know to have happened is wrong. I can then go to sleep peacefully."

Before the conversation continued, two Sergeants entered the room. Jack had to smile when his apprentice approached and stopped himself from saluting. “Good morning, Owen, and how is your lovely wife doing?”

“Very good sir and a good morning to you…although I guess it’s almost good night.” He half stood at attention, while eyeing the food over in the corner. “My wife at least is getting used to my odd hours.”

“Help yourself to the food my good apprentice; we are still waiting for the others to arrive.” Turning his head Black Jack had to keep himself from laughing. “Good lord Osgar, I hope at least you had a good time last night, you look absolutely horrid.”

Rebecca frowned. “Indeed, what were you doing last night, Osgar?”

“His Lordship had me spend the night at Madam Love’s establishment.”

“What?”

“Didn’t get any sleep did you, girls keeping you up all night.” Black Jack grinned.

“That they did.” Osgar rubbed his face.

“He did not.” Rebecca looked astonished. Osgar spent a night at a brothel under Lord Kinsley’s orders, that was absurd.

Before Osgar could explain, Black Jack laughed. “So did you find what you were looking for? Besides the ladies.”

“Jack!” Rebecca frowned.

“Behind one of the walls, apparently the creature only comes out at night when a certain type of man is sleeping in a particular room; Nasty piece of work, to seal her up like that.”

Rebecca looked confused.

“Both our good Sergeants and a squad spent the night waiting for a ghostly apparition to appear. None of the ladies working there tonight were actually working girls; in fact they were some of our own people.”

Rebecca remained silent as Black Jack continued the story.

“Apparently every month, when one of our soldiers spends the night with one of the girls they are attacked by some sort of wild animal. Thankfully there haven’t been any deaths. What’s rather odd according to the owner, these incidents are new. Oh, they were aware that the place had a history of hauntings, but never something so direct. Normally such establishments are close mouthed about such things; however one of our men knows the owner.” He shrugged, wasn’t any of his business. “So last month after an especially brutal attack, they came to us for help.”

“So why all the subterfuge?” There was no reason why they needed a squad to pretend to be prostitutes. Even Jack’s apprentice could discover if a place was truly haunted.

“Because on our initial investigation we found nothing.” Osgar nodded thanks as Owen passed him a cup of tea. “Owen, who had more experience dealing with these types of people, suggested that perhaps it was some competitor trying to put them out of business.”

Owen nodded. “We have seen this before Miss, where an establishment hires a rogue magician to force the closing of a competitor. Normally we have another department that handles such incidents, but eventually...”

Black Jack smiled. “It comes back to us. We thought that perhaps we would just skip the whole middle man and deal with it ourselves.”

“So why did you dress our women as prostitutes...”

Osgar laughed. “We didn’t, Rebecca; it was nothing more than an illusion. True, a master of the arts would be able to see through it, however the ones who do these sorts of things are hardly master class magicians. If you physically touched any of our people, you would feel their uniform. Of course, all of the volunteers were male. Except for Corporal Pendleton”

Black Jack chuckled. “Well no one is quite sure what race the good Corporal is much less its gender.”

“Yes well, at the stroke of midnight as the owner foretold; a creature, more like a black hound, appeared inside one of the hallways. Deathly silent until it passed through the walls and attacked Corporal Pendleton and myself.”

“What happened?”

“Corporal Pendleton banished it.” Osgar shrugged. “Apparently it was a curse. We followed its source to an older part of the building. Inside an abandoned storeroom behind a false wall we found the remains of a chained up woman.”

Rebecca put his hands to her mouth. “How dreadful, so she cast the curse?”

Black Jack nodded. “We believe so; however the woman had been dead for quite some time.”

“So what caused the curse to activate? Was it a competitor as you suggested or something else?”

“Something else.” A voice answered from the across the room. Lady Kinsley entered the Tea room, followed by Luna and Brigit.

“Brigit?” Jack looked surprised.

The Irish Witch moved quickly throwing herself into the arms of the older looking but quite young gentleman. Such displays of affection were not typically the norm in a polite society, however with Brigit living with the Fae most of those human cultural mores have fallen to the way side. Of course her friends, being her friends, just smiled.

“When did you get here? No one told me about it.” Black Jack looked towards Rebecca who only smiled.

“Surprise.” Brigit kissed him lightly on the lips.

“Brigit” Lady Kinsley said affectionately. “We do need to talk about other things; I will give you to plenty of time alone, but for now.”

“Yes, your Ladyship.” They both said at once taking a seat next to one another.

“Osgar, I assume that you were successful in last night’s endeavors?”

The Sergeant stood up straight and gave a very formal report on the events that took place in the London brothel. Covering those involved, who should receive commendations for a job well done and future plans to follow up on other incidents.

“That makes what, four or was it five such incidents this month?”

“Eight actually Lady Kinsley.” Owen said. “According to my friends at the yard there has been a rise in sightings in various locations. Most of what we have seen is in London proper, however there have been reports that such events are also occurring further away.”

“An increase in activity is not all that unusual; we often see it during certain times of the year.”

“True, Rebecca, still until recently that curse was not active. We are not even sure the unfortunate soul had any real power to begin with.” Osgar commented.

“Next time this happens.” Luna spoke up, trying not to look at Rebecca who was currently giving her an unfriendly look. “I would like to be included.”

Lady Kinsley turned to the Vampire. “I don’t think accepting your help at this time, Leila, is proper, not everyone is comfortable with your current situation.”

“I agree.” Rebecca nodded.

“Michael didn’t mind last night dragging me clear across London.”

“I don’t mind, Lady Kinsley, my squad tends to be more open minded than most.” Black Jack offered.

“If that is acceptable to you, Jack, then Leila thank you for your kind offer.”

Sergeant Osgar frowned. “Where exactly did you say you were last night, Miss Leila?”

“Some abandoned factory...”

Sergeant Osgar turned to Lady Kinsley unhappily. “I thought you said you were not going to enter the grounds.”

“Such things...matter not...Sergeant.” The twins Nemain and Macha entered the room, turned around and closed both door. Quite a few in the room were surprised when the two girls began to cast several powerful wards, covering most of the house.

“My manor is already heavily warded; no one will notice a few more.” Erin said.

The others around the room could only nod, the seriousness of the situation suddenly becoming apparent.

“As you are aware our Society is being pressured from several different fronts, politically, magically and from what I have discovered, financially.”

“Financially?” Rebecca looked confused.

Owen nodded. “My brother explained to me that some of our more wealthy donors are being pressured from various sources not to donate to the society anymore.”

“However, I believe this attack is to keep us off balance and keep our attention away from what is truly going on.” Lady Kinsley nodded thanks as Nemain served her a cup of Cornish cream tea. “Not everyone is aware of what went on last night at the Warehouse, nor why we were alerted in the first place. However that particular incident is but one of a chain of events starting with the death of the Vampire historian Menenius.”

Black Jack nodded. “It was to make us blind.”

“Yes, I believe so.” Lady Kinsley smiled, something passed between the two before Erin continued. “We have had an ever increasing incident of hauntings and other manifestations in the London area, including at least thirteen of some group or groups attempting to summon a creature from the Outer Darkness.”

“Foolish.” Luna frowned.

“I agree, however all of these incidents have spread our resources dangerously thin. Unfortunately, we are unable to call for assistance from our European brethren, because they too are having similar issues.”

The room became deathly quiet, the ramifications that this was becoming not just an English problem but a Continental problem, did not bode well.

“Although happily, the Society in London only seems to be having political issues.”

Most understood the reason for that. Although there have been for centuries people with the ability to band together during times of troubles, the Society itself began in England, and was considered its main office.

“Rebecca, what do you know about the overthrow of the Titans by the Greek gods.” Lady Kinsley asked seemingly out of the blue.

Rebecca opened her mouth then nodded. Obviously this was going to be part of the discussion, how she wasn’t sure. “The Titanomachy began with the rise of Cronus, overthrowing his father Uranus and becoming King of the Heavens. Cronus along with his siblings killed their father, who in turn said that they too would be overthrown by their children. Which is exactly what happened, Zeus with the help of Athena, Apollo, and Artemis cast Cronus out of the heavens.”

“What happened to the Titans?”

“They were cast into Tartarus and sealed away.”

Lady Kinsley nodded. “Brigit, what do you know of the war between the Fae and the Fir Blog.”

Brigit nodded. “The Tuatha Dé Danann fought the giant race, thought to be almost gods themselves. The Fae King Nunda wished to live in the fair lands but the Fir Blog king refused. The two kings and their armies met in battle where the Fairy King Nunda fought the Fir Blog champion on the fields of Balagatan and lost his hand. However the goddess Morrgian slew the Fir Blog king. Afterwards they were finally cast out of the lands and forced into the Aran Islands and the fortress Dáºn Aengus.”

“Of course, we do not need to go over the war in the heavens with God and Satan.” Erin smiled. “So, Owen, what do all these stories have in common?”

Owen looked surprised being asked. “Lady Kinsley?”

“What happened to the Titans, Fir Blogs and the Devil and his minions?”

“They were all banished and thrown out of the heavens.”

“And sealed away.” Rebecca nodded.

Lady Kinsley sighed. “Those stories are not uncommon; they can be found in most cultures throughout the world. There is a reason for it, although most, even the Fae, who are almost immortal have long forgotten.”

“Menenius would he have had knowledge of such things?” Rebecca asked.

“Yes.” Luna answered. “He would have known something.”

“We come to believe that there are certain forces that are attempting to break those seals. Their attempts are causing tears between the Otherworld and our own. “

“So that is why we are seeing more hauntings among other things.”

“Correct, Osgar. Also, the abandoned factory that most of us have visited opened a portal into that prison for a brief moment. However to do such a thing required the death of well over a hundred people.”

“Why?” Owen shook his head, who would be insane enough to do such a thing.

“We don’t know Owen.” Lady Kinsley said sadly.

“Lady Kinsley, if this seal is broken the Fir Blogs, Titans or whoever will be released.”

“Well yes, however Osgar, those beings locked away are much more terrible than the evil gods of those stories.”

Macha began to sing quietly.

"Brár muno beriaz ok at bnom veráa
muno systrungar sifiom spilla.
Hart er á­ heimi, hárdámr mikill
–skeggld, skálmld –skildir ro klofnir–
vindld, vargld– áár verld steypiz.
Mun engi maár árom áyrma."

"What?" Osgar looked confused.

"Brothers will fight and kill each other,
sisters' children will defile kinship.
It is harsh in the world, whoredom rife
–an axe age, a sword age –shields are riven–
a wind age, a wolf age– before the world goes headlong.
No man will have mercy on another"

Black Jack translated. "Ragnarák."

Sergeant Osgar chuckled. “Sounds like you’re talking about the end of the world.” Looking at at Lady Kinsley and the twins, his smile disappeared.

“Yes Osgar, that’s exactly what we are talking about.”

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Chapter 10

Luna sat back, looking over the map that adorned the wall inside Black Jacks office. The team had just returned from another night dealing with a curse that had been re-energized. The curse from a long dead Roman woman had been particularly nasty. Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni, had sacked London, once called Londinium putting 25,000 of its citizens to the sword.

“Can’t say that I blame her really.” The mage, named Black Jack, walked into the room passing his jacket to a large troll like man. “Tell everyone good work, and I will see them this evening.”

“Who were you talking about?” Luna asked.

“The Roman Priestess, Boudicca, men killed.” It took some effort but the group found an old wall that had once been part of a Temple of Mithras, buried underneath the remains of the woman was found along with bones of four small children.

“Look at the map.” The Vampire marked the map with a small red flag; at least a dozen other similar flags were marked the map as well.

“It’s well within range of what we have expected from the incident with the factory.”

All of these strange curses and haunting had been within a three mile radius of the factory where the gate of the ancient entity’s prison had been opened.

“Jack?”

“Hmm.”

“Thanks.”

Jack looked up at the Vampire and shrugged. “No need, we can use the help and in fact you have been helpful. I don’t think we would have found the Priestess tonight without you.”

With an affinity to the dead, Luna had been able to find the mournful ghost. Unfortunately in her grief, six London street workers had lost their lives from the curse cast almost two thousand years ago.

“Plus, who am I to object, have you seen my team? We have two half trolls, a Indonesia snake Shape shifter, and let’s not forget Mora who no matter what she says I am pretty sure is a Leanan Sidhe…”

“Corporal Pendleton” Luna smiled. “Sorry, he isn’t undead.”

Jack sighed. “No real surprise there. And of course the team leader…me” He smiled, pointing at his chest.

“You’re not…”

“How many twenty-seven year old men look like they’re in their eighties?” Jack shrugged; reaching into his jacket he took off a gun belt and placed it into a drawer. “Go ahead and ask, I know you’re wanting to. Is what happened to me related to what happened at that factory?”

Luna nodded.

“About a year after your…disappearance, we ran to ground an end of the world cult. Sounds familiar, right?” Reaching into another drawer, the mage pulled out a bottle of scotch and a couple of glasses. After pouring, he sat back on his chair holding his glass. “Two teams were responsible for their capture. The first team went through the front gate; the second went around back through an old tunnel. Funny, but it seems so long ago.”

Tilting the scotch into his mouth, he reached for the bottle and poured himself another. “No one is sure exactly what happened. However, they must have opened the portal for a brief moment. At the end, there were only four survivors. From my team; Grim, one of the half trolls, add sixty years to someone who lives to be three hundred and not a lot happens. Corporal Pendleton of course.” Jack smiled. “And finally myself.”

“So what happened to you, for someone who is eighty you seem rather…”

“Spry?”

The Vampire nodded.

“I was the furthest away when it happened. My outer appearance changed, but internally I am still twenty-seven. Most of the time anyway.” Jack Black made a face and poured another scotch down his throat.

“Who was the last survivor?”

“I don’t have to tell you, obviously you know that already. In fact, she was the closest person besides the poor devils opening the gate, on the other side of a sealed door apparently.”

“Erin.”

“Lady Kinsley” Putting the cap back on the scotch, the mage put it back into the drawer, replacing it with a stack of papers. “Well, I for one am not done for tonight. I have some paper work to do before I can go home. Well actually, I plan on taking Brigit out for breakfast, and then I plan on going to sleep.”

Luna nodded; she could feel that the sun would soon be up. “I need to get home.”

“Good night to you, Leila.” Jack absentmindedly waved as he turned to his paperwork.

The Vampire looked at the mage for a second, and then happily left the room to search for her own breakfast.

Twenty miles north of Paris, a group of French officers walked across a factory floor. All around them, workers toiled away, moving thick sheets of steel into place. Watching the activity for a moment, the group headed towards the foreman’s office.

Leading the group Colonel Jean Kellerman stopped before a tall red haired man. Dressed in black pseudo military garb, the Colonel came to attention and saluted.

Returning the smart salute, the man smiled and shook the Colonel’s hand. “I see you have fared well, Jean, since that little expedition in Vietnam.”

“Yes but if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be here. I doubt we would have been able to move our guns at Paper Bridge.”

“I was just happy to help.”

“And now you’re here to assist our government once again. This machine of yours is wonderful. It can deflect all rifle fire, and even lighter cannons…simply amazing.”

“And you have no problems with production?

“Not at all, it’s well within our ability. In fact, since the Germans appear to be more active as of late, our military’s budget has been increased.”

“That’s always a good thing.”

“Yes for you as well, although I’m a little confused that in payment we are offering you chemicals.”

“We simply don’t have the means to produce the amount needed.”

The Colonel shrugged. “No need to explain, my friend. Simply just curious that’s all.”

A roar of an engine from behind the ground startled everyone, as a monstrous land machine moved across the factory floor.

“The wonders of steam power, it moves our trains and soon it will help us win wars.”

As the slow moving tracked vehicle passed the group heading off towards the testing grounds, the red haired man turned towards the Colonel.

“You gave our land ship a new name.”

The French officer smiled. “We need to keep our enemies from discovering what we are doing. No one is interested in water storage containers on our farms.”

The red haired man nodded as the land ship began to gain speed, smashing through several wooden walls. “Well Jean, your tank is a fine weapon.”

“I have heard our friends have similar plans?”

“Trust me Jean, your government is well ahead of anything that any country can put in the field. The age of horses is over. Plus with your new weapons, you shouldn’t be too worried about other European powers.”

“I am sure our government will be very pleased to hear that.”

“As long as you can supply us with what we need, Jean, we shall continue to help you as well. As you know we have common enemies.”

The French Colonel smiled. “Very true, come let me take you to the factory, so you can tell your employer that we believe in taking good care of our friends as well.”

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Chapter 11

Captain Jean Demount opened up his morning paper, one of the few luxuries from home. Sundays for the garrison was a day to rest; most of it spent reading through last week’s Le Figaro which had been sent to him by his wife Claudette all the way from Paris to his post on the Alsace-Lorraine border.

After the Franco-Prussian War in the 1870, the land had been given to the Prussians as part of punitive measures. Not a popular move, even among the Germans, it had earned eternal hatred from the French. Most believed that it was only a matter of time before it was returned to the people of France through force of arms.

“Sergeant, if you wish you may have the paper after I am finished.” He nodded to the much older man, who smoked a pipe with his back against the wall. The Captain knew that the newspapers would eventually get to his men to read.

A veteran of the 1870 wars, Sergeant Dumas had grown rather fond of the young Captain. “Merci beaucoup, mon Capitaine”

Half way through breakfast, the Captain was suddenly disturbed by what sounded like gun fire off in the distance.

“I don’t believe I ordered any firing drills today. Sergeant, please go to Lieutenant Roch with my compliments and have him investigate the noise. Perhaps he will know who is running around and disturbing everyone’s peaceful Sunday morning.”

“Sir, it’s most likely Private Reynard shooting rabbits again.” A small red headed Corporal, serving coffee commented. The private was considered the best shot in the regiment and often added some much appreciated meat to the men’s meals.

“Well then, you happen to speak to him see what he can do about the quality of the rabbits. The last two he pouched were a bit on the skinny side.” The Captain said with a smile which faded at the sound of gunfire that was entirely different.

Reaching for his blue cap, he placed it smartly on his head, before leaving the small building heading directly towards the armory. Except for a few guards, most of the company’s weapons would be locked away. Noticing that a number of men now looked towards the forest just over the ridge, he quickly began to give orders.

Although there had been no news of Prussian maneuvers in the area, the firing continued along with that sounded like machine gun fire. He had first heard its terrible sound in central Africa. Reaching into his jacket, the Captain of Voltigeurs pulled out a small pad and wrote a quick note.

“Take this to the telegraph office, if you please, Private.” The Captain handed the slip of paper to the closest man, who saluted and ran off as quickly as possible.

As he watched the man run off, he turned to the Corporal who still stood with a pot of coffee in his hands. “Call out the guard, if you please, Marcus.”

“Look at this, Michael.” Rebecca sat across from his Lordship, the two of them going through reports of the week’s events.

“A news article?”

“Remember when Jack mentioned the attack on the French outpost last week.”

“Yes, unknown attackers who came in numbers, however the officers were giving orders in German. Only the quick thinking of their garrison commander kept the loss of life on the French side to a minimum.”

The raid had caused a general uproar all over the continent. Many in Britain knew that Alsace-Lorraine would most likely be the cause of the next war between France and Germany.

“According to the paper, the French attacked a German garrison in retaliation. And of course, both sides were blaming one another while neither claimed responsibility.”

Lord Kinsley made a face, such things often happened on occasion, but both times the garrison was attacked by a force larger than a raid.

“German garrison didn’t fare as well. I would have expected their commanders to be on guard for such a thing.”

Rebecca looked at Michael for a moment. “You don’t look too surprised.”

“I half expect them to go to war yearly. At least the French government appears to be less excited about the entire incident.”

“Can you imagine what would be happening now if Boulanger had been successful?” Rebecca sat back, shaking her head.

Georges Ernest Jean-Marie Boulanger, a very anti-German politician, had attempted to overthrow the French government last year. “Still both sides are not happy with one another. Her Majesty apparently is sending mediators to see if there is a way to keep the peace.”

“Good morning, Sir Lee; if is not too much of an imposition, do you think I might have a few minutes of your time.”

Sir Henry Lee looked up from his breakfast, surprised to find one of the least liked members of the press standing in front of him. “Sam, I would like to say that I’m surprised to find you here, but I’m not.”

Samuel Johns grinned before taking a chair in front of the one of the members of the delegation sent to speak with both the British and the French. To most the friendly atmosphere between the two would be odd however they had face fire and death together.

As young journalist, Sam had been sent to South Africa to cover the war in Zululand. He had spent many nights playing cards in Sir Lee’s tent.

“I don’t imagine you can tell me anything the Ministry hasn’t already released.”

“Not bloody likely.” The once British Colonel of the Royal Lancers muttered under his breath. “I imagine you know as much as I do.”

The newspaperman shrugged. “At least people won’t be shooting at us this time.”

Sir Lee chuckled; for a newspaper man, his friend had been quite steady under fire. Hopefully he was correct, the Queen had been quite adamant about keeping Europe peaceful.

“That is our intention, although I, as you know, am just one member of the delegation. Lord Helmsley is actually in charge.”

“Yes but his Lordship won’t allow me in the same room as him, much less at the same breakfast able.” The newspaperman reached over and began buttering a small piece of toast.

“The marmalade is also quite excellent.” Sir Lee sat back on his chair trying to suppress a grin. Looking through one of the small portholes, the Knight wondered when the coast of France would be coming into view.

“Sir Lee as a military man, can you comment on the rumors of new inventions, both countries now possess.”

“For example?”

“War balloons or whatever they are called, for one.”

“Nothing new I assure you. The Americans used balloons during their last war, what forty years ago.”

“True, however what I hear, the German war balloons are much larger and sport quite a number of weapons.”

“As I said, Sam, nothing new, all countries have looked into lighter than air transport. Arming such vehicles seems quite prudent, especially if you run into another such vehicle similarly equipped.”

“And how far is our government in the production of such balloons?”

Sir Lee smiled. “That’s not my department Sam, I am merely a diplomat.”

The Knight of Bath knew better then to even hint of what he had seen recently. If the Ministry could actually get those ships into the air in numbers, the British people wouldn’t have to worry about German War Balloons.

“Right, and I’m the Queen of Sheba.” The newspaperman laughed.

Rising from the table, the two men went on deck. Putting aside their responsibilities, they spoke of family and of friends lost.

“Long way from Ulundi.” Sam leaned on the railing, taking a good look at the coast of France as it came into view.

The two men had been at the last battle for King Cetshway’s army, when Lord Chelmsford’s army had massacred the Impi’s outside the royal compound. With the loss of only about eighty men, the British had inflicted over two thousand casualties. Stationed near the Gatling guns, Sam couldn’t fathom what other terrors the future of warfare would bring.

“What’s that?” Sir Henry Lee finger pointed to two small, what appeared to be white wakes heading straight for the ship.

When the first torpedo slammed into the small ship, both men were knocked to the ground. With the second one, they were thrown into the sea. They were indeed fortunate, as the ship and the rest of its passengers disappeared under the waves only a few minutes later.

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

 © Copyright - Elsbeth 2011/2013

Chapter 12

Sir Henry Lee last thoughts were of his wife and children as the cold settled into his bones. He could hear his old friend Samuel Jones calling out to him but it didn’t matter, the two of them were too far off the coast to swim. The freezing water simply took the fight out of him, making him lethargic, calling out to him, enticing him to sweet oblivion.

“Good you’re awake, the doctor will be in to see you in a moment.”

Turning his head in surprise, he watched as a white coated French nurse left the room. “Still cold.” Sir Henry mumbled closing his eyes once more.

“I sent the doctor away.”

The British diplomat opened his eyes once might, noticing that night had fallen, how long he had been asleep. Turning his head, he got a glimpse of the man standing at the foot of his bed. As his vision cleared a bit, he gave a half smile. “You’re Arthur’s boy, Michael?”

“Yes sir, I am and I have heard some interesting stories from my father about you and him in the Crimea.”

Sir Henry chuckled as the young man walked over and closed the window, the light of the moon giving him an unearthly visage. Then with the help of his old friend’s son, he sat up in bed.

“How long?”

“Only a couple of days. Luckily, you weren’t in the water very long. News was sent to your wife about your rescue.”

“I will need to send her a letter.” With his wits becoming clearer, he asked. “How is my friend, Samuel Jones? We…ended up in the water together.”

“Remarkable man, he was out of bed the next morning. From what I have been told, he left yesterday to attend to some business matters but he left you a letter.”

“I imagine his business has to do with the editors of his newspaper. I’m surprised you didn’t stop him.”

Lord Kinsley smiled. “Well, the two of us had a pleasant conversation yesterday concerning appropriate information to give out. He understood of course but I did promise him an interview once this matter has been dealt with.”

“He is a good man, he understands security.”

Sir Henry closed his eyes for a moment. He had so many questions, and if the rumors proved to be true, the young man in front of him would know most of them.

“If possible, Lord Kinsley, do you know what happened? We were obviously attacked. The whole delegation was on board as well. Sam and I stood on the deck when the attack occurred…”

“I’m sorry, only the two of you survived the sinking. Lord Helmsley and the others in your party did not make it.” Lord Kinsley said sadly.

Sir Henry nodded. “I will have to send a letter to his wife. What does her majesty’s government…”

The young man held up his hand before pulling up a chair. “Let me apologize first. According to our sources, we were expecting some sort of attack. Included in the additional personnel on board, we had several French ships and a pair of German Zeppelin in the air to keeping watch.”

“I wasn’t aware of that. Neither the French nor the Germans seemed interested in speaking to one another.”

Michael nodded. “As I mentioned before, we received reports of an attack and that a third party might be involved. Although there was some hesitancy on their part, direct intervention of her majesty and our ambassadors allowed us to at least start the negotiations. At that point we were able to get them to agree to cooperate in protecting the British delegation.”

“So, we were bait, as it were?” Sir Henry was hoping for a better explanation but wasn’t counting on it.

“In a sense, Lord Helmsley knew about it, of course, and approved. We were hoping with the security in place we would be able to catch those responsible. Most of us believed in some sort of surface attack, obviously we were wrong.”

“You didn’t expect an attack from below.”

“Let’s say it appeared to be highly unlikely.”

“I have read that the French have been conducting experiments with some sort of submersible.”

“Yes, the Gymnote. It has successfully completed its sea trials; however currently it is in dry-dock in Bordeaux.”

Sir Henry nodded. Even though the French government had been assisting the Crown, there was a chance that they were involved in the attack anyway.

“With what you are saying, I believe Mr. Jones and I were quite fortunate. With so many watching our ship there was little chance the sinking would have gone unnoticed.”

“True” Lord Kinsley nodded. If the ship had simply vanished, it would have caused political pressure among all three countries.

The two spoke for another half an hour before the head nurse came by to inform Lord Kinsley that he needed to leave.

“Sir Henry.” Reaching for his coat, he passed a large envelope to the diplomat. “I have included all the information we currently have on our investigation. Also, I have a letter from the Queen herself placing you in charge of the British delegation which will make you the liaison between both the German and French governments.”

“Indeed.” The startled diplomat took the folder hesitantly.

“Congratulations sir, also I will be adding a number of my own people to your secure detail if that is acceptable?”

“Of course, thank you, Lord Kinsley.”

With a smile, the young man left Sir Henry to look through the contents of the envelope.

++++++++++

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Victorian Days & Nights Magic & Mayhem in Victorian England by Elsbeth

Chapter 13

Normally not overly impressed with professional diplomats, Lord Kinsley admitted that the meetings between the three governments had gone fairly well. Of course, ignoring the rhetoric that filled the European newspapers, no one wished for another war, at least not yet.

With the memory of the last one fresh in everyone’s mind, it took little effort to get the French and German governments talking to one another. Although personally he had not been involved in all of the meetings, it had been time well spent.

On the other hand, spending an entire evening listening to the platitudes of several members of various magical societies had most definitely been a waste of his time.

“So, Colonel, how was Herr Hauptman tonight?”

Knowing that the propensity for drink of the current head of the Society on the Continent was somewhat of a legend, Sargent Osgar refrained from smirking, as not befitting someone of his station.

“Surprisingly sober.” Lord Kinsley motioned to the tall man towards one of the side sitting rooms. Making sure they were alone, he quickly cast a ward that would cause any non-magicals to find another room.

“And?”

“According to the French Sorciá¨res of the Silencieux Ordre, they were unable to determine what if any powers were involved; coming to the conclusion that it had been an entirely non-magical event.”

“Are they daft?”

The Sergeant stopped himself from further speaking ill about their French magical allies but then frowned, remembering a conversation Lady Kinsley had with a Coven leader a few days ago.

“You never thought the French were actually serious in investigating the destruction of that library? Even with, according to Black Jack, the stone walls of the monastery catching on fire.”

The English mage shrugged. Very few believed that the conflagration that destroyed the lesser-known magical library had been anything but magically ignited. Nothing else would have destroyed it. For the Silencieux Ordre to claim otherwise made little sense; but then again, if rumors proved to be correct they might have had a hand in destroying it.

“I believe the French have their own agenda that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the other issues that we are all facing. And, as usual, they are willing more than willing to offer us assistance but not without promises, or shall we say Oaths on their behalf.”

“Bloody hell.” The older man grumbled, then realized what he said.

Waving his hand Lord Kinsley agreed, the Silencieux Ordre were trying at times. “I actually had some misgivings beforehand, so I reached out to an old friend.”

“Who?”

“Madam Ordonez”

“No wonder Herr Hauptman stayed sober.” The tall Sergeant thought to himself. “Do you think that was terribly wise?”

The Silencieux Ordre, after the fall of Napoleon, purged its ranks of the disloyal. For a time, actual open conflict broke out between the so-called magical royalists and those who followed the Emperor. Madam Ordonez, once mistresses to the Emperor, took the whole matter rather personally.

“I believe so; she is well experienced and brings a certain opposing viewpoint to the table.”

“Ahh, she’s in this hotel, isn’t she?” The Sergeant nervously looked about.

Lord Kinsley couldn’t help but smile at his friend’s antics. The sorceress simply adored the man sitting across from him, kidnaping him once so they could spend a week together on some unknown island in the Mediterranean.

“Well I am sure you’re not aware but she has just been named Prima Hechicera of the Spanish covens, so how could she not but attend. Although I was the one who made the initial contact, the Assistenten Gilde actually added her as part of their delegation.”

“The Germans, really? Does the Silencieux Ordre know?”

“They were in the same room when she was introduced.” The Colonel grinned remembering the looks at the French leader’s faces when she calmly entered the meeting room.

“That must have been, interesting.”

“Indeed, now she didn’t accuse the Ordre of lying, at least not directly but you could see the obvious disgust on her face. However, she did make sure everyone understood her beliefs.”

Although her dislike of the Silencieux Ordre was well known, most practitioners were also aware that the two hundred year old half-Fae Sorceress’ guesses were usually better than other people’s facts.

“She also brought up concerns about other worldly powers that might be involved.”

The Sergeant grimaced, the hair on the back of his neck standing on edge. “Did any of them offer an opinion about what we have been encountering back home?”

“I brought it up, but as expected most believe it to be an English issue.”

He had already garnered assistance from their magical allies within the Society, so no one really cared about what others thought one way or another.

“And Madam Ordonez?”

“She insisted on meeting with 'my sister' at a luncheon tomorrow. I wasn’t invited; you on the other hand are expected to attend.”

They had much to discuss, the fire at the French monastery had much in common that destroyed the Vampire Menenius ancient library. Including the types of books in each collection.

“Yes sir” He said reluctantly. Not that he disliked the sorceress, quite the contrary; he just had no desire to become husband number eight.

“Actually, she might get a chance to meet with ‘my sister’ sooner than expected.”

Madam Ordonez of course knew of the two Kinsley sibling’s connections; however, for the past month their daily transformation had started to occur well before dawn. Since then, his nights as Lord Kinsley had grown uncomfortably shorter.

“Yes, sir.”

Sargent Osgar pursed his lips. As much as he enjoyed being in the company of Lady Kinsley, her other-self had been a comrade in arms for many years. The thought of actually losing the Colonel forever didn’t sit well with the Sergeant.

Smiling at the morose man, Lord Kinsley said. “By the god’s, man, it’s not like I have a fatal disease. Anyway, I probably should have listened to you.”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“Entering that accursed factory, I believe has affected my magic somehow.”

The Sergeant couldn’t say he wasn’t surprised at the revelation. The first members on scene had gotten too close to the factory and now suffered the consequences, most of them fatal.

“You think so, sir? Perhaps there’s a way for you to reverse it.”

“Perhaps, but I believe that’s right now, that’s the least of my concerns.” Lord Kinsley chuckled.

“Yes, sir.”

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Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

Victorian Days & Nights Magic & Mayhem in Victorian England by Elsbeth

Chapter 14

Since time immemorial, numerous civilizations had ruled the lands in and around France. As with most of Europe, ancient Romans too had once flourished among the hills and forests, so stumbling across remains of their ancient glory was not uncommon.

In western France, down a rocky path, the ruins of a temple of Minerva, the goddess of knowledge, stood. For some, such a sight filled them with awe and wonder at ages past. For others, it was an opportunity to pillage that same ancient past.

Among the broken walls and of beautifully carved pillars, piles of debris grew as in men black uniforms labored. At first glance, one might believe that the men were nothing more than explorers looking for artifacts; however explorers did not simply toss away or shatter priceless urns and other items.

“General, Sir” A ratfaced soldier had walked up a small rise that overlooked the site. Speaking with a heavy southern American drawl, he stood at attention in front of another man astride a large black horse.

The general, a handsome man, tall blonde-haired, with an aristocratic bearing, looked down with disinterest. His strong voice spoke of one who would be comfortable speaking in the House of Lords or commanding troops on a battlefield.

“Yes, Sergeant”

“Message from Leftenant Maddox “

Nodding, the officer quickly read over the message before slipping it into his jacket. Although a number of other mounted men surrounded him, he spoke to no one in particular. “Apparently Miss Sarika requests my presence at the second site.”

“Sir.”

Pausing for a moment, he gave a small smile. “Captain Arundel, your men are dismissed from further work on the site today. Please compliment them from me for their good work.”

Riding through camp, the general dismounted in front of a simple looking shrine. For most, age had wiped out almost all recognition of the goddess for whom followers once set small offerings. For those with the sight, the stone wall gave away to a set of stairs leading down into a dark cave.

“Remain here.” The officer commanded the small group of black uniformed men who had accompanied him.

Entering the cave, the general slowly made his way down a long set of carved stairs. On the sides of each wall depicted the everyday life of ancient Romans. However, such wondrous treasures did not tempt the black uniformed man.

“Master.” A musical voice spoke in the darkness.

“Sarika ,what have you found?” Approving of the bloody runes written all over the chamber, he lightly stepped over the fallen body of a young girl dressed in local villager clothes, without giving it a second thought.

The woman of Indian descent smiled, revealing razor sharp teeth. Reaching down, she moved her dark blue sari out of the way before touching the center of a circle drawn in blood. Suddenly, it began to give off a soft light. As the circle of light touched the wall, each rune written in blood began to glow as well.

“Ingenious.” The man said, walking towards one of the walls. “Doors within doors. The vampire obviously could not have hidden his life’s work in that small cave.”

“Yes, my master.” She spoke in a light musical voice, her eyes full of worshipful adoration for the man looking over her bloody work.

With a wave of the general’s hand, the runes flared brightly.

“Excellent.” Without another word, he disappeared through the back wall, only to return a few minutes later.

“Very good, you have done extremely well, Sarika. I will summon Mr. Cavendish tonight. He and his associates should have little trouble retrieving the remaining items in the room.”

Realizing he had stepped on something, he looked down at the young woman’s corpse, as if noticing her for the first time. Smiling sadly, he said, “Apparently I will need to get you another servant, Sarika. Still, don’t you wonder what type of family could so easily part with a child for something as simple as a monetary transaction?”

“I have no complaints, my master.”

Stepping closer, the general caressed the woman’s face. “Of course you don’t, Sarika. Neither have I”

Looking into Sarika’s eyes, the officer gently removed her sari one layer at a time before pulling the now nude young woman down to the chamber floor.

++++++++++

As night gave way to day, the streets of Paris began to fill. For those who lived in the normal world, it was just that; another morning. However, to those who lived in and out of the other world, the Hotel Massena appeared to be the center of the universe.

Since the first Magi came to power, they jealously guarded their own secrets. The Society and other organizations that had arising during the Renaissance were exceptions to that rule. Even then, those orders rarely met. In the early Paris morning, no less than six of these societies came together to talk.

Rebecca, a Magus of the English Society of Mages, nervously sat while watching as numerous people came in and out of one of the hotel’s many ballrooms. “Is she really here?”

Black Jack, one of the youngest Master Maguses of the Society, chuckled. “You’ve asked that before.

“Shut up.” She whispered. Suddenly, she looked around the room concerned. “Where is Lady Kinsley?”

“Here she is.” Black Jack pointed to the woman as she approached, with Rachel’s twin close behind. To their left, a heavily robed person walked behind her, its face covered by a thick midnight blue cowl. She joined the group as well.

“I imagine that your discussion with the Dutch didn’t go well?”

“They are nervous, Jack, rightfully so.”

“Why?” Rachael rose from her chair to get a better look at the two Dutch mages who were now arguing with a tall Scandinavian looking woman.

“You would too, if two great neighbors were planning for war.”

“Why, they could just stay out of it. Couldn’t they?”

Black Jack shrugged. “Perhaps, Rachael, however the flat land between the two countries must be a terrible temptation to go through to get at one another.”

“Oh.” The young woman nodded, then turned her attention to the blue robed figure. “Why is she here?”

Lady Kinsley sighed. “Because I asked her to be here, Rachael.”

“Can’t be safe.” The young woman grumbled, giving the robed person a unhappy glare. “Just keep your fangs to yourself, Vampire.”

“Rachael.” A tired voice spoke from beneath the hood.

“Don’t speak my name.” She hissed.

“Enough, Luna, you and Brigit will accompany me. Jack, please take Rachael and find Osgar. I believe he’s still asleep.”

“Didn’t he just go to bed?” Jack grinned.

“Yes, well something like that.” Lady Kinsley grimaced before looking towards the doorway to one of the other rooms. “She isn’t going to be happy. Alright, fine, leave him be. You might as well all join me then.”

+++++++

Through a side door revealed a well-decorated room, its center dominated by a beautiful Mahogany table. On one side of the table, a half dozen men and woman stood. In the center, there was a tall willowy woman with raven-black hair. At first glance, she appeared human but upon closer inspection she had an almost inhuman beauty.

Madam Ordonez stood tall, catlike and smiled as Lady Kinsley entered the room. Ignoring the fact that she had seen several centuries already, the woman giggled with joy as she crossed the room to kneel in front of Lady Kinsley.

“Mother, you came.”

Erin sighed painfully and then reached down to pull Madam Ordonez up, ignoring the shocked looks from everyone in the room. “Gods, Astoria, are you trying to make my life more difficult?”

“Of course, my love.”

Madam Ordonez looked around, finding the tall red jacketed man was absent. “I see Osgar managed to slip away from me once again.”

“Sorry; I let him sleep, he had a long night. “

“No matter.” The woman laughed before leaning forward to kiss Erin on the lips. Shocking as that type of behavior might be, even in the magical community, the mere fact that Lady Kinsley happily returned the kiss left the rest of the room speechless.

“I think we broke them, Erin.” Madam Ordonez grinned.

Suddenly everyone jumped from the hissing sound, coming from under the hood of the blue robed Vampire.

“Luna!” Madam Ordonez exclaimed happily. “It’s been ages. Don’t worry my dear; I’ll make sure that they include something with our breakfast that will be tolerable for your particular palate.”

Reaching into her gown, the woman’s once playful attitude suddenly fell away, as the raven haired woman pulled out a small purple envelope before passing it to Lady Kinsley.

“I spoke directly to His Holiness, Erin.”

“Truly?” Lady Kinsley said in surprise before taking a seat to read the contents of the small letter. When finished, Erin looked directly at Madam Ordonez in shock before cursing in a most unladylike way under her breath.

Madam Ordonez slid next to Erin, ignoring the rest of the people in the room. “As you see, we have much to discuss.”

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Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth