“She is still very young. Perhaps if you were to approach her just one more time, showing her tenderness, she would respond to your liking.”
Standing, he turned to face her. “I will not be told how to conduct my affairs, Celeste.”
“My apologies, Duke,” Celeste said, her head sinking to her chest, “I was only attempting to help your cause.”
“Then do as you are told.”
“Yes, Duke. I will do everything you ask.”
“Good. See that she stays sedated until we are ready,” he said, leaving Celeste alone to look after Celine.
Chapter 30
Michael and Damien made their way to the garden around quarter to ten in the evening. They hadn’t seen Celine since earlier this morning after breakfast. She had not appeared for lunch, tea or dinner. Celeste apologized on her behalf, stating that she was ill and resting in bed. The explanation did not sit well with Damien and Michael. Aware of the circumstances of what had transpired between Duke Northcott and Celine, they hoped it meant she was avoiding further contact with the Duke and an impossible social situation and was not indicative of a deeper problem.
They waited in the moonlight, looking at the cloudless sky. “It’s amazing how many stars are up there,” Michael said.
“Yes, you never notice what light pollution drowns out until you witness a world without it,” Damien responded.
Soon there was movement along the path and they could make out a figure coming toward them, from the opposite direction of the house. As he approached, they recognized the form of Theodore. “Gentlemen,” he said as he approached. “I hope you are ready for the evening. It promises to be most interesting.”
“We are ready, sir!” Michael said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
“Looking forward to an interesting evening,” Damien added.
“Good, good. You’ve come on a good night,” Theodore said, leading them down a path toward the shore. “We are inducting a new member this evening, so you can witness a little of the process that is required of you to become a full member.”
“Member, sir?” Michael questioned.
“Yes, oh, it’s a very exclusive club. You were fortunate to have found your way to us.”
“I see,” Michael answered. “What all does the club do?”
“Oh, mostly dalliances here and there, but let me tell you there are great benefits to joining.”
“Benefits?”
“Why yes, many men have seen a positive change in their fortunes after joining. The already fortunate have grown more so. As a young lad starting out in your own ventures, this could be useful to you to build your fortune, attract a good wife, and build a lifestyle other men can only envy.”
“I see, well it sounds like we were very fortunate to have happened upon you when we did,” Michael surmised as they neared the beach.
Theodore stopped just short of the sand, moving toward what looked like a stone wall. Michael and Damien were surprised to see it was a cave opening as they neared the rocky outcropping. They followed Theodore into the cave after exchanging a wary glance. This was not the best place to be, given only one entrance and exit existed, however, this was most likely what the group intended.
They followed Theodore through a series of tunnels that wound further and further into the cave. The air grew cold and damp, the walls wet to the touch. Deep inside, one of the tunnels opened into a large cavernous space. Candles were placed around, casting shadows throughout the space with their dim light. Theodore picked up a few black robes that had been placed on a stalagmite near the cavern’s entrance and passed one to each of them, donning one himself. “Please wear these robes and take your place over there.” He motioned toward the back of the cavern. “I caution you, do not interfere with the ceremony in any way. You are here only to observe, your time for entry into the group will come after a series of tests, tonight being one of them. Do you understand?”
They both nodded their agreement and took their place near the back of the cavern.
“I am completely creeped out right now,” Damien whispered.
“Me, too. What is under that black sheet?” Michael whispered back.
“I don’t know. Looks like some kind of altar. Oh man, I really hope it’s not like a sacrifice or something.”
“Why did you have to say that? Now that’s all I’m thinking about.”
“Celeste is here, too, see her blond hair poking out of her hood up there? Near the altar.”
“Yeah, looks like she’s a member, along with her husband. I don’t see the Duke.”
“Me either, or Celine, but look, next to Celeste, a book. Could that be the Book of the Dead?”
“I don’t know but I’d bet it is. How are we going to get it?”
“No idea, but I think I spotted an opening behind us. It’s hard to tell, it’s so dark back here, but we might be able to run out through there if we have to.”
“Good to know,” Michael said, as a gong sounded. “Here we go.”
At the sound of the gong, a low chant began to fill the chamber. From another tunnel, Duke Northcott appeared, wearing a similar long black robe, the hood thrown back. He approached the altar, stopping in front of it. The chanting continued growing louder and louder.
“Tonight,” he said in a loud voice as the chanting lowered to a murmur, “we welcome a new member to our group. A very important member, a member who will stand by my side as we continue to make our mark on the world. Let us begin.”
Turning toward the altar, he pulled the black cloth off of the altar revealing what was underneath.
“Oh my God,” Damien said, putting his hand over his mouth that was agape. “It’s Celine.”
Celine lay on her back, unmoving; her eyes were closed as if she was asleep. Duke Northcott fingered a lock of her hair, staring down at
