Episode Twenty-Six: Nights like These...

Castor and Tobias are interrupted as Ivetta comes rushing down from the roof. Breathless and scared she says, "I saw the demon! It was huge and dark. Its eyes! They glowed and looked right at me!"

"What?!"

"It crawled up on the houses over in the regular housing area. It screamed that horrible noise and disappeared. Not sure if it can teleport but then it reappeared on top of another house and it looked at the cathedral- right at me."

Castor crosses herself, "hopefully it cannot set foot on hallowed ground. Where did it come from? How big?"

"Big enough I saw it from here. Its eyes were white. I saw it close to Jordan's house.

Near to Lucas and Amanda’s homes. It disappeared after it looked at the cathedral.” She blinks in surprise seeing Hollinzoller up and about, “You’re alright!”

Hollinzoller replies easily, “in no small part to your efforts. But you all have more important things to deal with at the moment.”

“Have you ever seen or heard about anything like this?”

“I know of similar mystical things, nothing like this. The beings are usually animalistic in nature. This creature seems to stop killing during the day. Whatever it is, it's powerful and perhaps controlled by something else. I might not be able to fight it at all.”

Castor asks, her eyebrows knit, “What about your affliction are you still coughing up that…goo?”

“I have taken care of that. Which is why my magic is so limited. Let us stay away from that book and things we cannot control.” They wait to see if the creature would attack the cathedral. It does not but the horrifying screech again echoes in the dark.

After Ivetta’s excitement she retires to bed as does Tobias. Castor meditates with Hollinzoller. He breaks the silence, some hours into their meditating, “you remember what I said about the power of this place?”

She opens her eyes and nods to him, “It's warm, comforting.”

“This magic is chati in nature. If you meditate here, if you use what Elizabeth taught you, you might be able to start your journey.”

“I- I want to try.” He nods to her. “You won’t leave will you?”

“No, but I cannot help you. Once you are there, you are on your own.”

“I know but- you’ll be here just in case…?”

“I will be here.” She gives him a shy half smile and closes her eyes, relaxing her face and giving in to that warm feeling.

After a time, the night gets quiet, everything is black. She wakes up nowhere she’s been before. But she knows she’s in a vision. That she’s where she needs to be to master ashcar.

She opens her eyes, looking all around, she finds herself standing in a lavish area. A palace, with filigree and decor, golds glittering everywhere. Diamond chandeliers hang from the ceiling and grand paintings line the walls. A grand balcony can be seen through double doors.

Castor moves to a mirror she spies on the wall. Her visage takes her aback. She’s dressed in a large white dress. From her hips the dress is elongated at least two feet from her waist, yet the front of it is flat. Her face is attractive, yet her natural beauty is covered in powdery white with bright, gaudy makeup on her lips, cheeks and eyelids. Earrings dangle from her ears, weighed down by jewels. Her hair is piled on her head, ridiculously high, she’s not quite sure if it's real.

She’s drawn away from this new self as she has a vision within a vision. Taken to a large palace many many miles away. It’s cold and devoid of people but it feels like home. Entering a small room she finds it dusty and old. The space feels familiar. On the bed lies an old pendant on a young girl’s dress. The pendant calls to her, beckoning, begging to be held.

She’s back, looking at herself in the mirror. From outside the window, people chant. They sound angry. In the mirror, Castor sees another person in the room. A maid stands, looking down at the floor.

Castor addresses her, “Miss.”

"Yes, my queen?”

“What are those people out there chanting for?”

“I don't know my queen.” She bites her lip and avoids eye contact.

Castor sees her nervous looks, she snaps, “Don’t lie to me, girl.”

“I’m sorry ma'am! They have demands from your husband, the king.They demand bread, food, that sort of thing.”

Curious and perplexed Castor asks, “They have no bread? No food?”

“No, my lady.”

“Well, what is my husband doing to remedy this?”

“I- I don’t know ma’am. I can find out.”

“Do so.” She bows and scurries out of the room.

She returns a few minutes later. In the meantime, Castor takes a peek out the window at the crowd. They are angry.

“He’s seeing his advisors ma'am.”

“Then I will also advise. Take me to him.” The girl’s mouth works as if she were about to speak but she just nods and pulls open the door.

Her heels clack against the polished floors, walking down the halls of Versaille. She arrives at a door, two guards standing at the door. There’s protocol to royal life so they’re completely thrown off, they don't even know what to do.

“L-lady. We-we did not expect you. Your husband is engaged in a meeting.”

“You are saying he is busy for me?”

“My queen the king has declared he and his advisors shall not be disturbed.”

“And what if the mob attacks the palace? Would he be disturbed then?” The guards look at each other.

“I'm sorry my queen.”

Castor sighs, “then summon the master of grain to me at once and tell my husband I wish to speak to him at his earliest convenience.” They bow to her and she turns on her heel. Her vision fades out, blackness over taking her. She wakes next to Hollinzoller to find nothing changed.

In the morning they find the killings are all in the normal housing sector and then the trail of death juts sharply in a b-line toward the cathedral. Another 40 died in the night.

The trio head to Jordan’s house. The house, like most other houses, are connected, like condos. tThe other apartments surrounding Jordan’s abode can be seen through, none are boarded up. But his windows are blocked and boarded. They knock at his door, “Mr. Boudon, are you home?” there is no answer. They call a few more times to no avail. Castor takes out her hammer and breaks the handle and the door. She tries to push it open but a huge metal object blocks it, too heavy for even her to move. They move around to the back of the house and find a back door; she breaks that as well. This time there is nothing in front. The door falls inward.

A kitchen is laid out before them. Left past the kitchen, an arch leads to the main front room. They see a giant safe in front of the door. The house smells of leather and of iron but not death. Lanterns sit about but no candles to be seen. Which is odd.

Castor tries to light a magical orb but fails. Ivetta succeeds. Castor exclaims in glee, “good job!”

Tobias checks the pantry and finds military meals. No layer of dust.

They hear a creak from above. Castor calls out, “hello? Mr. Boudon?” Ivetta tries to shush her.  There’s no reply. Tobias gestures for them to stay there. Castor does begrudgingly. Tobias tries to stealth up the stairs. But a man sitting in a chair in full military dress holds his gun trained on him. “Hands where I can see them.” Tobias obliges, “Tell your friends to do the same.”

“Ivetta, Castor, come to the stairs please.”

Castor whispers, “close your hand.” She does so, extinguishing the light. They both come to the stairs, hands above their heads. From the vague description of Boudon, this man’s appearance fits the description.

“What is the meaning of this? Who do you think you are!? You're lucky I didn't shoot you on sight.”

Tobias explains, “You hadn't been heard from in some time. What with all the killings people were worried.”

“I'm no coward! I’ll defend my home. I don't see any difference between you and whatever is killing things out there.”

“We’re investigating the killings.”

“You might think that son.”

“If you're thinking we’re here to contribute to the killings, you are mistaken.”

“Someone in this town is or has control over some demonic beast it's killing many people during the night. We want to see an end and are trying to find anyone willing to help in this endeavor.”

“Then go see the end of it and get the hell out of my house!”

Castor interjects, “The beast was close last night! Perhaps you heard something?”

“Leave! Ivetta heads down the stairs. Castor backs up slowly waiting for Tobias. Ivetta makes it to the bottom of the stairs.

“I understand we are not meeting under the best circumstances. But as one soldier to another soldier, does it not matter about the people you fought to protect?”

“The country I fought for no longer exists, son.”

“Do you fight for the country or for the people?”

He contemplates a moment, then lowers his gun slightly. “I’ll answer some of your questions.”

Tobias continues, “As my companion said, the beast was quite near. Did you hear or see something we might be able to use?”

“Last night, as every night, I was wholed up in my room. I don’t peer out. But I could hear it muder indiscriminately.”

“Did you hear from whence it came?” Castor interjects.

“The street outside.”

“That's where is saw it.” Ivetta says.

“Did you notice any irregularities in the routines of your neighbors before the cordon was enacted?” Tobias asks.

“My immediate neighbors all fled.”

“I’m wondering more about the people on the street.”

“There's a boy, Lucas Cordon, knocks on my door to check up on me. Speak to him.”

“Does he know that you are here?”

“I don’t believe so.”

“He wants to use your armaments? It doesn't appear to have an effect on the creature. At least none have survived to claim as much. So many have fled.”

He grumbles, “I recommend the same. It may not work for anyone else, not many are as heavily armed as your friend here. He asks for my help. He seems to think himself a lawman, that he'll find this evil doer. He asks me to come out and join the witch hunt.”

“Is there anyone else who acted strangely?”

“You might want to look into that Algerian on that street. I’ve heard he's not entirely Christian like.”

“We’re planning on heading that way. Thank you for your time, Mr Boudon. He follows them down the stairs and out the back. He slams the door in their faces, it falls off its hinges. Castor gently puts it back up, a sheepish look on her face. He gets angrier and hammers it back into its frame.

They talk in the alley a few houses down to decide what their next move should be. They commit to talking to Amanda.

At Amanda’s house they stop and knock. Once again finding no one at home. They continue along the road and spot Nathanael at the grain hall handing out grain to a line of people. With his left hand he hands out grain and in his right hand he holds a big rifle. Some hand Nathanael money as he gives them sustenance, others just take it. Lisa stands in line as well as Lucas.  Lucas gives the group the side eye.

“Maybe we should talk to Lucas.” Whispers Ivetta, “Tell him we went to see Jordan.”

“I don’t think he’ll want to say anything to us after we stopped his efforts yesterday.” Castor says.

"Nor would Mr. Boudon appreciate his privacy disturbed again." Tobias adds. They wait next to the line to talk to Nathanael. As they do Amanda appears and joins the queue. They join the line behind her. Lisa and Lucas get their goods and leave, the line moves up.

Amanda fluffs her hair and turns to speak with them, "oh you can go first." Without waiting for a reply she moves behind them in line.

"Actually we were hoping to speak with you, Miss Simon." Castor says.

"Me? Look, I already told Mr. Poulin, I'm not doing that any more. We're done."

Not missing a beat, Tobias says, "That's wonderful were just investigating the murders."

"Are you accusing me?"

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"Good."

"If you heard or saw anything last night, that could be helpful. It struck near your home last night." Castor says.

"I was going to fight it last night but my father wouldn't allow it."

Tobais prompts, "Does it frequent your streets?"

"Who do you think you are asking these questions?"

"Simply a traveling priest."

"We're just trying to help. Asking around for any information." Castor supplies. Amanda's body language reads aggressive and indignant.

"You with him?"

Ivetta responds, "Uh, yes but I think the situation-"

“I'm not talking to any members of the third estate.”

“The third what? we’re not-”

“If your consorting with the church you are.”

Tobias redirects, “I expect you've heard to the attack on the cathedral the other night.”

“Maybe.”

“Many innocent people could have died. But my friends and I were here to drive them off. We're not pursuing an agenda, we're here to solve this demonic problem that seems to have beset Paris.”

She purses her lips, “What do you want to know?”

“As my companion stated, the creature appeared down the street. Did you see or hear anything of interest?”

“I heard it pass but I’ve never seen it.”

“Was anyone acting strangely before the beast appeared?”

“A whole bunch of people. Lisa is always strange, keeping to herself, she's weird. Ms. Poulin hasn't been seen for weeks. I know that Lucas has taken to patrolling the perimeter of the city every morning. Works for the revolution. Aubin Gerin also gets up early, although I don’t know where he goes. But then he's always been strange.”

Ivetta asks, “Do you know anything about the Poulin’s relationship?”

“Nothing more than it was arranged.”

“It was arranged? Did she appear happy?”

“She was always happy when they had money, that vein bitch.”

“Did the revolution deprive her of that?” Tobais asks.

“She was nobility, you figure it out.”

Castor boldly asks, “What did you mean earlier, about ‘you're not doing it anymore’?”

“None of your business.” she snaps.

“If it establishes somebody's whereabouts, perhaps it might be.”

“It doesn’t.”

“What is your relationship with Mr. Poulin? Is he just a leader of the revolution? Why do you follow him?” Amanda slaps her.

Castor’s face stings, she tries to explain, “I-I wasn't implying- I just want to know why you follow him.”

“Leave me alone!”

“Thank you for your time Ms. Simon.” Tobias inclines his head and walks away leaving Ivetta and Castor behind.

Amanda speaks curtly, “What are you his nuns or something?”

“No.” Ivetta says.

“We're just trying to stop more killings.” Castor says in a small voice, holding her cheek.

Ivetta adds, “My friend, she didn't mean to imply anything unholy between you.”

“Mhm.” her tone is disbelieving.

“Truly. We were trying to understand the connections in town to see who could be behind these attacks.”

“I can't help you any more. Are you going to get your bread or not?”

Castor says, looking at the ground, “There are others more deserving. I am sorry I offended you. Thank you for your time.” Ivetta also offers thanks and both leave to join the father.

Castor hangs back to watch the interaction between the two suspects left. Nathanael finishes the line and takes a few minutes to clean up. Amanda sticks around waiting for him. He looks nervous and sweaty, she looks flustered and laughs nervously. They talk amicably for a moment, then they walk down the street together, presumably heading to their respective homes.

Dusk approaches and the three head back to the cathedral. They are met by the cardinal and Hollinzoller. “Have you made any progress today?” Asks the Cardinal, appearing desperate.

Tobias sighs, “Some but not enough.”

“Well, we managed not to get shot.” Ivetta says half-heartedly.

The cardinal exclaims,“Shot?!”

“Almost shot.”

“Please, be more careful! It will do you no good if you get shot!” Ivetta nods.

Tobias says, “We have suspects lined up for tomorrow and can guess their involvement. I'm afraid we might need more time. “

“I pray we have enough time but I'm sure you will find the solution. For now, get some rest.”

Just as he takes a step back to let them pass, a loud knock pounds on the door.

Revenants bang on the door and newly blocked windows, their unearthly groans cementing their identity.

Tobias starts, “All of you, find somewhere safe. I will take care of them.” He dashes across the hall and leaves out a side door. Castor hefts her hammer to her shoulder, Ivetta readies her spear, and Hollinzoller magically lifts a pew and further barricades a window. The Cardinal runs toward the dungeons. A window smashes. Finally they can see the revenants. These do not bear the bite mark. They are old, desiccated, the flesh hangs off in stands from their bones. They are not freshly dead, nor are they as powerful.

“I've never seen them like this before, have your guards up!” Hollinzoller shouts. He raises another pew and thrusts it at the window. The pew crashes through it like a battering ram murdering four revenants. Castor does the same with a different pew, destroying five.

Tobias takes a look from the stables’ door and sees the flimsy corpses clumped up, trying to get in the same openings they did last time. He pulls himself up on his horse, gallops into the courtyard and takes a shot straight down the line of revenants. The bullet travels through half a dozen and they explode, frail bones and organs splattering the walls. He rides further away, finding them scarily far faster than the ones he knew.

Inside, the three wait for them to break through the windows. They inevitably do but they are well prepared. Ivetta and Hollinzoller attack as they break through. Ivetta spears one in the face. Hollinzoller looks winded from his last attack. He swings at the creatures but glances off the windowsill.

Tobias slashes at the nearest revenant, moves, and fires, killing several more.

Hollinzoller blocks the window just broken through with the bench. Ivetta stabs at them through the blockade taking out another. Castor, at another window whack-a-moles one coming in and crushes it. Brown sludge splattering the walls and floor. Another revenant enters right after and feverishly claws at Castor but her armor protects her. The cardinal reappears from the dungeons with Armond. They both run toward the dormitories. Tobias continues shooting outside and runs down revenants, slicing them to pieces along the way. Hollinzoller calls to Castor, “you’re in danger in that narrow opening.” She squashes the revenant attacking her and jumps over his body to the other side of the window so he can attack them coming in as well.

Tobias on his trusty steed makes a racket, drawing the revenants to him. He outpaces them with ease leading them toward the barricade. The soldiers there shout down to the mass of people to disband immediately. When they do not he warns again, commanding all the soldiers to ready their shot. The revenants claw at the walls trying to get to the noisy soldiers. “Open fire!” the commander shouts. The soldiers let off their volleys and decimate the horde. Tobias gallops back to the cathedral, his plan complete.

The three left in Notre Dame pick off the few remaining zombies with ease. Ivetta follows Armond and the cardinal up to the dormitories, Castor on her heels. Both the cardinal and Armond pant for breath.

Armond cries out, “what was that?!”

Ivetta says, “I know that was scary but this is why we need to find who is doing this!”

“Which is why you shouldn’t have stopped me!” he says heatedly.

“Perhaps this person isn't where we can find them.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying, perhaps the culprit isn't here. Maybe they're outside the town.”

Armond cuts her off insisting she’s speaking nonsense but then he is cut off by the cardinal,

“You will shut your blathering and listen to what she has to say!” Ivetta looks at him with surprise and gratitude.

“Who has disappeared or would have a reason to do this?”

“Only that Jordan character. I was coordinating with the townspeople to find those who were suspect.”

Ivetta asks “Can I ask what happened to your wife, why has she not been seen?”

“She is at home. She keeps the home.”

“Is she ill?”

“Not when I left. Is she?” Suddenly growing fearful, he says, “someone must check on her!”

“We can't go out now but we can in the morning. Why hasn’t she been seen in weeks? She used to be a public figure.”

“She's been staying out of sight in danger. Who knows what comes out at night.”

Castor questions him as well, “How do you determine who is guilty?”

“We the people of Paris do so.”

“Based on?”

“Democracy.”

“Not evidence?”

“While you may not like my methods, they have worked just as well as yours.”

“Thus far perhaps. But so far our methods have shed less blood. Have you ever seen these beasts before, these creatures? Do you know anything about the marks on their necks?”

“It is the mark of the beast, everyone murdered has it.”

“What is your relationship with Ms. Simon?”

“I don't know who you're talking about.”

“The young woman who was with you on stage yesterday.”

“Oh, her. She simply followed me in the path of the revolution. She assisted me in my investigations.”

“You never bothered to learn her name?”

“I can be forgetful…”

“How did she assist exactly?” He rubs the back of his neck. “She was fervently of help during the executions.”

“She was egging on the crowd quite a bit. Any other role she played?”

He scoffs, “I'd never let a woman run *my* investigation.”

“What of the other man helping, Lucas?” Castor presses.

“Lucas simply wishes to be a good soldier.”

“Why does he walk the perimeter of the city each morning?”

“Why don't you ask him?”

“You are the only person we can talk to at the moment.”

Ivetta asks, “Has your wife ever given any indication she was unhappy in your marriage?”

“How dare you!” he snaps.

“I know it was arranged.”

“Many are this way but then I wouldn’t expect a peasant rube like you to understand.”

Castor steps in, “Perhaps not. But I know love cannot be forced. Does she have the same feelings for you?”

“You try to make enemies with me!?”

“I was simply asking if you and she had developed feelings. How long have you been married?”

Begrudgingly he responds, “6 years.”

“What is her opinion of this revolution?”

“A staunch supporter.”

“Then why does she not stay by your side, support your efforts?”

“Like I said, she keeps the home.”

“Why?”

“She listens to her betters.”

Ivetta asks, “She stays at home all day? WHat about prior to the attacks.”

“She would go out, shop and such. But no longer, nt when there are murderers about.”

“I'll say, he’s standing right in front of us.” Castor quips.

His face turns beat-red, “I will not waste any more breath on those who cannot see what is necessary to protect the people!” he turns away disgusted. Father Tobias rejoins them and they decide to call it a night. There’s a chill in the air, they feel uneasy and know that something feels… off.  Ivetta returns to the roof in hopes of seeing that thing again but she falls asleep, not having seen it.

Castor resumes her meditation, returning to Versaille. She begins in her lavish room and awaits the master of grain. After some time a man raps on the door. She bids him enter. He bows low to her stating, “You wished to see me, Lady?” From his dress, Castor assumes him to be the master of grain.

“Yes. Come in.” He shuffles in, head bowed. “There are people chanting out there. Do you know why?”

“They ask for bread, majesty.”

“Do we have enough stores to do so?”

“Yes Lady.”

“Have we opened our store to them?”

“Yes Lady.”

“We have?”

“Your husband bid it.”

“Yet they still gather? Are you aware of what more they seek?”

“They wish for guarantees.”

“Of what sort?”

“They will never face this again. That their children will never go hungry. No more famime or poor crop.They seek plentiful harvest.”

“Surely they do not expect us to control the elements?”

“I do not know, Lady.”

“What has my husband offered?” She sighs to herself, “Not enough as they are still outside. What would you demand if you were they?”

“I do not know, Lady, I am sorry.”

Castor’s shoulders sag in defeat. “Thank you grain master. You are dismissed.” he leaves, leaving her alone with the chanting crowd still outside. Her maid returns and assists her in retiring for the night. When she finishes she curtsies and leaves, dismissed for the night. Castor sits in bed, pondering what can be done.

A soft knock comes at the door. “Come.”

It opens. A tall, rather skittish, but well dressed man enters. “You wished to speak with me, dove?” The pet-name gives him away as her spouse.

Castor, responds in the affirmative, blushes, and asks him to look away so she might be presentable. He stutters, “of-of course” and turns away. She adorns a shift and walks to him. Gently, she touches his shoulder. He flinches. She soothes him, “You have nothing to fear from me.”

“Of course.”

“You are nervous.”

“N-No!” he fidgets.

“There is no need to lie to me.”

“What is it you wish from me?”

“I would like to know what is being done. That crowd out there, they grow ever more restless.”

“I have summoned the chamber of deputies to speak to the crowd on the morrow.”

“Do you think it could turn to violence?”

“They have guards, and we are well protected here.”

Concern etched in her face, Castor asks, “Can we meet their demands?”

“They wish for us to surrender ourselves, to bring us to Paris. To hold us hostage, our children. It cannot be allowed to happen!”

“What is the alternative?”

“We will see when the deputies arrive. We are doing everything to dissuade them. THe chamber of deputies is the last effort of peace.”

Castor contemplates several moments. “Is there any way of leaving? Incognito perhaps?”

“What are you saying? What of the children?”

“I would leave in disguise if it meant their lives. Would you not do anything to keep them safe?”

“I-It would be a disgrace upon the house of Bourbon!”

Desperate, Castor says, “Disgrace or death! That is the choice.”

“My dear, I would never have thought you would have suggested such a thing. Is it so dire…?”

“I feel I would not be here if it were not so.”

He sees the resolute determination in her eyes, “Then I will inform the court and find us disguises.”

“They must be discrete, nothing frivolous. In fact, no, I will get them myself. You get the children.” He nods. Castor rummages through the clothes of the housemaids and finds adequate disguises. A maid’s dress for herself and the children, a groomsman’s attire for her husband. She requests a cart full of chamber pots packing food, a pitchfork, and her children in the back among the pots. Her husband insists on leading the horses.

And thus, they leave in the dead of night, sneaking out from a back entrance. They make it to the forest but a patrolling group of women with torches and pitchforks spot them and demand they halt. “You there! What be your business ou’ ‘ere?”

Castor tries her best to mimic their speech, "Jus' emptying these-here chamber pots for those posh bastards."

They reply, "Next time leave it in their beds!" Louis looks like he's about to protest but Castor puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Ha! What a brilliant idea! Wish I'd thought of it." The group moves away, back to patrolling. Castor lets out a breath and urges the horse onward. They escape safely across the border and into Germany. They roll up to the palace from Castor’s vision where they find refuge. The King demands an army be sent to Versaille. Meanwhile, after settling her family, Castor enters the room she saw. Like before things are dusty and the small dress is splayed on the bed, the shining pendant beckoning. She takes hold of it, with a rush she knows she’s done it, she’s succeeded.

She awakes next to Hollinzoller. For a moment she looks around confused. “Hollinzoller?”

He turns to her, "You should be meditating Castor, what is it?"

“I think-I think I did it.” Realization dawns on her face, “I did it!” her face cracks into the widest smile Hollinzoller, or anyone in fact, has ever seen on her.

"Are you sure? How do you know?" Hollinzoller seems as excited as a man like him can be, while still remaining skeptical in tone.

She describes what happend and how she got to the necklace. How she can just feel it. "I don't think I have complete control yet but I know next time I try, it'll be me." She positively beams, “I did it! I did it! I did it! I-I didn’t think I could- b-but I did!” Forgetting herself for a moment, she embraces him. She stiffens a moment later and backs off, “I’m- sorry I-”

He returns the embrace, but lets her go when she tries to leave. "I don't know much about Ashar, that was always Elizabeth's domain, if she were here I'm sure she'd have something important to tell you....just, good job, I'm proud of you Castor."

She blushes, her smile sticking but turning embarrassed. "I'm-I'm glad you're here. I couldn't have done it without you. Really, I- t-thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, we should continue our meditation, we have no way of knowing for certain if you've truly mastered Ashar or not, I think continuing is the best course."

“I should tell the others!” She moves to get up but catches sight of the darkness pressing at the windows. Her smile fades slightly but is still present, “I should let them sleep, I can tell them tomorrow.” She sits back, throws a last smile at Hollinzoller, then closes her eyes to continue meditating.

They awake in the morning to a tally of 100 dead in the night. Their first stop is the Poulin residence. As per usual there is no answer to the knock on her door. Castor calls, “Mrs. Poulin? Your husband Mr. Armond sent us.” They break in, finding several candles burning. The place looks lived in but neat. Ivetta calls, “Jennifer, are you here? No one has seen you in weeks, people are getting worried.” Nothing. No movement from upstairs or anywhere for that matter. Ivetta listens attentively for sound but nothing stirs.

Tobias and Castor head up the stairs, trying to be stealthy but Castor once again, trips up the stairs. She drops her massive hammer which thunks down, coming to rest at the bottom of the stair. Sheepishly, she retrieves it. They search the rooms and find no one upstairs. On the bed sits a diary. Tobias picks it up and reads the last couple of entries. She’s terrified. Hearing screams outside each night. She’s worried about her husband as hasn't seen him in a day. He didn't return home last night. “My love has not returned my thoughts besotted with desperate thoughts…” In the morning she will go out to search. They presume she is about town looking for him at this moment so they leave the home. They decide to question the town know-it-all.

Finally, when they knock they hear a voice from inside. “Who are ya? Whatta ya want?”

Tobias says, “we need to speak with you Deborah.”

“Who are ya?”

“It’s the father.” she shuffles to the door and opens it immediately.

Her voice has turned much sweeter, “Oh father, I had no idea. I'm so sorry, what do you need?”

“Were investigating the murders had hoped to ask you questions.”

“Of course, come in! You and your fine nuns. I have much to tell you about the murders. I'm just making tea. Come in, sit!” They enter her cozy home. A gray cat sits on one of the plush seats, doilies dress every surface and a roaring fire makes the space feel homey and warm. They sit at the table. She walks directly to a boiling kettle over the fire and removes it. “I've always prided myself on watching others. There’s nothing I don't know.” She places a cup and saucers in front of each of them. Tobias takes a grateful sip, Castor holds her hands around the warm cup, and Ivetta doesn’t touch it. Deb, herself drains a cup in one gulp and pours herself more. “Who do you want to know about, Father?”

“Does anyone act suspiciously?”

“Everyday I see Lucas, that rapscallion, walks all the way around my house and into the graveyard he must have something to do with this.”

“Based on the knowledge we have, he seems to patrol for safety.”

“He's up to no good. Him and that Nathanael. I’ve seen ‘em both come from the graveyard. And that Lisa, she hasn't been seen in week. Probably practicing witchcraft.”

Castor says, “We saw her yesterday.”

“Her no good mother then.”

Tobias asks, “Was anyone acting strange before the cordon?”

“Lisa. For sure.”

“How so? More than usual?”

“She seemed more quiet, something was off about her. And I saw Amanda and Lucas together, clearly conspiring.”

“What about Mr. Aubin Gerrin?” Castor asks.

“He walks around every morning then goes to his market stall in town.” Through their conversation she repeats that she “has a good eye for these things.” She tells them mostly what they already know, about Lisa’s strangeness, Boudon’s disappearance, etc. but she also says that Jennifer came by earlier looking frantic, searching for her husband.

“If you see her, tell her he can be found at the cathedral.”

She mentions that Nathanael seems sweatier than usual. But then she went off on a tangent about how she not like Jew, he bad.

Tobias redirects her, “Have you heard anything strange at night?”

“Terrible screeching, must be that demon.”

“Others have said it walks about, have you heard this at all?”

“After it stopped last night I thought I heard something in the graveyard but I was too terrified to look.”

“Who has relations there, in the graveyard?”

“Most everybody but two frequent the place. Lucas sits by his grandfather. And the Algerian, his parents are buried there.”

“Anyone frequented it and no longer do?”

“Many people.”

“Is it full? Do they still bury people there?” Castor asks.

“Yes.”

“The vast majority of the victims are in the lower class districts usually, but today it appears one of your neighbors died. Can you tell me about them?” She talks their ears off about her neighbors but nothing strikes them as important.

Eventually, Tobias rises, “Thank you for the tea. I would like to ask, would you be willing to stay in the cathedral for a few nights?”

“Do you think it's best?”

“Safest place to be in these times. We’re trying to coordinate the faithful.”

“Can I bring Mr. Whiskers?”

“Of course.”

As they step out of the house. A deep sense of foreboding a pit forms in the base of their stomachs, darkness edges the horizon.The trio enters the graveyard. They find dozens of holes in the ground near the headstones. “Perhaps we should speak to Lucas, bring him to the cathedral. Darkness is approaching.” The rush back to the stables, get their horses and gallop to Lucas’ house.

He answers the door. “We're trying to get to the bottom of the killings, we’d like you to come with us to the cathedral.”

“So am I. I don’t see why I need to leave.”

“We're trying to get you to safety. There have been many recent killings near you.” He’s shaken by that and agrees to leave, Getting on the horse with Tobias.

They ride past Amanda’s home, Lucas looks forlorn. They continue on the street. Lucas says, “This isn’t the way…”

Tobias explains, “We’re concerned for Nathanael as well, being master of the grain.

“Yes yes.”

There is no answer at Nathanael's. And with time running out, they head back to the cathedral. Deb has found Jennifer on her way and brought her with. Jennifer is more homely than expected. She and Deb go up to the dormatorties together.

The Cardinal questions them as they return, “please have you caught them yet?”

“We’re whittling down as fast as we can, we need to be sure.” Tobias says, “it is part of the reason I brought Lucas here.”

“Me?”

“Yes, I have several questions for you. Please do your best to remember. It could lead to the arrest of the murderer.”

“I’m sure we have much to share in our investigations.”

“I've been told you frequent the cemetery. Has anything been out of the ordinary?”

“The graves were dug up this morning.”

“Was anybody there the day before yesterday?”

“I thought I saw someone in the morning, definitely a man. But I couldn’t see who.”

“Does Aubin frequent the cemetery?”

“Not that I've seen. He fishes every morning.”

“Dreyfus?”

“I don't know what he does. I thought him always busy with his doctoring.”

“Nathanael?”

“Not usually. But I know his parents are buried there.”

Castor adds, “Have you and he been there together?”

“Not together, I barely know him.”

“You don't know Nathanael. But you know Amanda, yes? What can you tell us about her?”

A wistful expression plays on his face, “She’s fiercely dedicated to the revolution, as am I.”

“Do you hold the same views of the church as she?”

“We have our disagreements. She is difficult to speak to on that topic.”

Tobias steps back in, “You mentioned Nathanael’s parents were in the cemetery. Do you know how they died?”

“Consumption, I think. I didn't know them well either. They died during a rash of it not long ago.”

Castor asks him, “you patrol the perimeter each morning?”

“I do.”

“Do you carry a weapon?”

He straightens, “My body is my weapon.”

“You'd fight a demon with your body?”

“There are those who wish to break the quarantine. It would be detrimental to the revolution if they did. I would stop them if they tried.”

Tobias pats him on the shoulder, “You have a strong sense of duty. That is a good trait in a soldier.”

He smiles, “Thank you sir.”

Hollinzoller breaks away from their meeting. He stands tensed, his ear cocked. “Do you feel that?” he says quietly. Castor and Ivetta listen for a moment.

Castor says, “that fuzzy warm feeling, I don't feel that feeling anymore.” The buzz of the magic around them to which they had grown accustomed, has faded away. It had stopped so slowly they hadn’t noticed until he pointed it out.

“Is it because I-” Hollinzoller puts his hand up. She falls silent.

Tobias says, “If the beast is a person they could be unaware of that fact.”

Ivetta says, “then it could be anyone.”

“It’s too early to jump to this conclusion.”

“Should we be performing exorcisms on our guests?” Prompts the Cardinal.

Ivetta says, “It will do nothing or we’ll be right.”

The Cardinal, followed by Lucas, goes and starts performing them upstairs.

They retire to a few pews while they sit and discuss.

Hollinzoller says, “I can feel whatever is out there, its power is growing.”

“Does that mean we’re not safe in the cathedral anymore?” Castor asks nervously.

“I don’t know.”

“Where could they be drawing their power?” Ivetta asks.

“There were 100 more killed today.” Castor suggests.

Tobias points out, “But they’ve been burned.”

“The beast is becoming more powerful from its consumption.” Castor says, “it kills them and takes their souls. Do you think exercising will really do anything?”

“It can't hurt to try.” Ivetta says.

Tobais sighs, “Of the people, our list, I think… we haven't talked to Aubin but it could be Lisa, Dreyfus or Nathanael.”

They rest and discuss into the night. They hear nothing from outside. Even after a few hours they hear no screeches, no destruction, nothing.

Suddenly, Hollinzoller bolts up and looks at the door. “Something’s coming!”

From the door, a knock. It echoes through the hall. A calm noise. Everyone readies weapons and inches toward the door. The knock comes again, weaker. Tobias puts his ear up to the pews of the blocked door. He hears labored breathing, an animalistic, yet human wheeze and groan. He moves to the window and shifts a pew just far enough to peak outside.

A roughly human sized figure collapses, convulsing on the ground. He spots a trail of…something leading down the steps from whence it came. Tobias shifts the pew further, hefts his gun and steps outside to approach it. “Hello? Who is there?” It groans.

He starts getting close. It begins to stand up. But it rises, further than any human height. Its back grows longer and longer, rising higher and higher. Its arms flow out of its cloak, long, gangly, and clawed.

He takes a second to aim and shoots at it, immediately after, jolting inside. It rears up and screeches. The cry is deafening. It shakes the foundations of the cathedral, and the footing of all inside. (yo preemptive 70 damage)

The thing claws up the wall toward the window. Its claws on the stone sounding like a hailstorm. It reaches inside the narrow window, grabbing for Tobias. It takes hold of his legs and crushes. They hear a crunch as his leg is broken. It screams, scratching and clawing, trying to widen the opening. Tobias drops his rifle, momentarily blinded with pain. He draws his pistols. He fires three rounds from his futuristic pistol and one from his flintlock. It screams in pain as the bullets hit, the cries echoing in the halls of the cathedral, but it does not let go.

Hollinzoller runs in and grabs Tobias’ arm and pulls. He can’t quite get a gripa and falls on his ass. He shouts in a language they don’t understand. His verbal spell activates, brilliant, white hot fire erupts from his hands hitting the creature's arm. It drops Tobias.

From the glimpse they saw the creature’s skin is slimy and deathly white, nealy albino. Veiny, long pointy ears, jut out of its head. Beady black rats eyes blaze with hate and, caked under its fanged mouth is disgusting black goo and blood.

Castor runs and aims at the creature in the window. Ivetta prepares her spear, ready to stab. The thing pulls back from the window and returns to the door pounding on it. The wood cracks further.

Tobias props himself up on his musket. He addresses Hollinzoller, “Keep it busy in the antechamber. I’ll take shots from behind.”

“You can't go out there again!” Hollinzoller insists.

“I know,” he hobbles through the archway leading back into the cathedral, Hollinzoller nods in understanding. Hollinzoller runs into the main hall. He raises his hands above his head as if holding a massive beach ball. A small spark forms in the center, growing larger and larger. When the fire reaches the tips of his fingers he launches it forward. It burns the wood on the doorway, leaving nothing else burned. It screams from the doorway and it does not reappear. Tobias grabs a splintered piece of wood and makes himself a splint, allowing himself slightly more mobility. Castor tries to listen for where the creature is but she tries so hard she distracts herself and loses her aim. Ivetta drops her spear, and gets out her gun. Running up the stairs of the tower, she urges Tobias to come with her.

From the courtyard they hear a scratch and squelching. Ivetta hears a squeak in the stairwell. “Wait, Ivetta don't go alone!” Hollinzoller calls and ascends the other stairwell. Castor, still in the main hall, calls out to the monster, “Come in here and fight you coward!”

Ivetta bolts back down the staircase, “I heard it in the stairwell above us!” Hollinzoller makes it upstairs to a catwalk that connects the two staircases. From below, Castor sees his shadow. He shifts a moment disappearing before the stone explodes outward. Hollinzoller is launched all the way to the very front of the cathedral, landing in the confessionals. Castor is barely able to register what happened before a massive chunk of stone comes flying at her. She dodges but for a brief moment she feels as if it had hit her full on, opening a huge gash in her forehead. Thankfully, it only grazed her, but blood still trickles down her temple.

The silhouette of the huge creature then slams into the ground in front of the doors. It doesn’t hesitate, immediately charging at the only target in sight: Castor. It barrels into her. She’s sent flying across the room, sliding to a stop in the aisle.

The Cardinal, Lucas, and a few priests come down to see what the commotion is. Tobias yells, “Lucas,” hold the stairwell!” as he hobbles toward the stables.

Extremely bruised Castor runs for cover behind a pillar. Desperate, she sings under her breath trying to put the creature to sleep but she feels the mana leave her body but nothing happens. She shakes herself and, with no time to aim, she fires the blunderbuss. It screeches in pain and charges her again. She twirls around the pillar and out of the way. It crashes through pews sending them flying and bursting into a billion shards of wood. Castor ducks and covers her face. It pivots and targets the newcomers from upstairs, rushing toward them but it doesn’t quite make it. Castor screams at them, “run for your lives!” Tries to pull her other loaded gun but her trembling fingers fumble. It falls and misfires. The group, including Lucas, turn tail and run back upstairs.

Tobias bursts through the window riding his horse and fires at the creature. It recoils in pain. Ivetta makes it back up the stairs to where Hollinzoller was thrown from, pulls out her own gun and aims at the creature, not yet firing.

The thing charges at Tobias, swiping at the horse’s feet but the noble steed leaps majestically over the razor sharp claws. The creature turns on Castor again and slashes at her. Her armor takes some, but her flesh takes the brunt. Her hand tries to staunch the blood, looking rather worse for wear. Tobias slashes at it with the saber in one hand and turns to shoot it as he charges out through the opposite window.

Castor tries to follow him outside but she can’t quite clear the stone sill and knocks the wind out of herself. Taking a breath she turns to face the creature. She closes her eyes. They blaze yellow when she opens them, her body rises into the air, wind whipping and blowing her hair. The feeling of incredible knowledge and power courses through her veins. She raises her hand palm horizontal to the ground and slams it down. The monster flattens to the floor. The pressure begins to crack the flagstone. Holding it there, Castor raises her other hand. Hollinzoller’s body lifts from where he landed, gently placed on a pew. The wounds on his body heal. Cuts and bruises mend, broken bones right themselves.

Castor curls her hand squeezing the creature, trying to force its surrender. The creature gets smaller and smaller, finally becoming a tiny bat. She lets up, releasing her grip. It falls to the floor, trying to claw itself away, to escape. It grows in size again and Castor cages her fingers pulling cobblestone from the floor forming a pen for the pitiful thing on the floor.

Castor closes her fist and pulls toward herself, yanking all its mana out. A purple blue aurora leaves its body hanging in the air briefly before infusing into her.

Her aschar runs out, she drops to the floor. The pillars she pulled up, sink back into the floor. On her hands and knees, she pants for breath.

Ivetta catches up her spear and runs to her side and tries to give her some mana, it sparks, failing. Hollinzoller is up and conscious. Both he and Tobias limp over to them. No one says anything.

The creature is now reduced to a quivering mess of rags. Blood slowly oozes onto the floor, the puddle growing larger by the second. Ivetta approaches apprehensively before hearing its breathing stop. Extremely shakily, Castor stands, using the pillar as a momentary crutch. She pushes off of it and stumbles toward the body, using her foot to flip it over.

There lies the bloodstained, lifeless, pained face of Nathanael. Unfortunately, the motivations he might have had died with him. Castor says nothing, simply turning away to sink to the base of a pillar. She sits there, pained and exhausted, she closes her eyes and leans back her head, her face drawn. Tobias assists Hollinzoller to sit on the pew closest to her. Then he turns and begins hobbling his way toward the cardinal's quarters. Ivettta approaches the open door and looks out into the night, watching for further disturbance.

She calls out to the night, "come on out Amanda! Your servant is dead!" The night lies still. Several minutes pass.

They all feel a wave of dread, subtle at first but growing each moment. All the candles in the cathedral are snuffed out, casting them into darkness, only pale moonlight shining through the broken windows. An energy rises, swirling a gust of cool wind swirls through the hall. A chill runs up their spines. Then, small at first but growing larger and larger a purple smoke swirls in the courtyard. The either forms an oval, amassing in a terrifyingly familiar portal.

Hollinzoller shoots a look at Castor and Ivetta, each looking fearful and both bolt to hiding spots. Ivetta behind a wall to the right of the door, Castor behind a central pillar. Hollinzoller himself ducks behind his pew, flattening himself to the floor. Father Tobias heads for cover as well, taking the chance to aim his pistol right at the doorway.

From the portal tangible anger approaches. The measured, hollow click of heels echoes up the steps. She stops at the top, surveying the cathedral. They see her silhouette in the moonlight, back-lit purple, the sorceress. The purple fades as the portal closes behind.

Tobias fires. The bullet hits home but bounces from her invisible shield, not even grazing her. He calls out, his words filling the space, “You are not welcome here in the house of God, witch.”

Her reply is flippant, “I don't care.” She flicks her wrist left. And, with the ease of flicking a pea from a tabletop, he's flung bodily through the window and hits the ground with a crunch, knocked unconscious on impact. Castor stifles a scream of terror, covering her mouth to keep silent. Ivetta moves imperceptibly further into hiding, up the staircase.

The heels move again, to Nathanael’s body. She kneels down. She looks over his broken form and runs the back of her knuckles over his cheek, stroking, almost lovingly. Her feminine voice, metallic, sounding just...off lilts, “Oh, Nathanael I had hoped you'd have done better than this. But like all the others, you have failed me.” She plunges her fist into his head. He explodes, blood splattering everywhere, covering every surface in a 20 foot radius.

Still kneeling and nonchalant, she asks, “mmm, what's this?" She raises a glittering trinket off the ground. She runs its chain through her fingers and hangs it from her belt. Rising once more, she walks forward, speaking again, her tone toying, "Hmm, I can't find you Castor but I know you're in here. Won't you come out to play?” Castor tries to silently sidle around the pillar, keeping the sorceress on the opposite side and out of view as she passes.

"There you are!" She turns to face the pillar the exact moment Hollinzoller leaps up and blasts her with his most powerful electric attack. She's caught off guard, she turns back to defend.

Hollinzoller shouts, “RUN!” Castor bolts toward the nearest window and vaults over its sill. She presses herself against the wall beneath, and pops up slightly. She sees the shiny object on the sorceress’ belt, sensing its power.

The sorceress and Hollinzoller are locked in battle. Electricity pushed at each other. He grunts with effort, his knee slowly sinking to the ground as she overpowers him.

Ivetta makes it through the top of the crossway, sees he's fully crouching, the sorceress advancing, her posture easy-going. Ivetta aims and shoots at her. It bounces off her shield again. She ducks to the side afterward. The sorceress turns, using one hand, shoots a laser from her palm, the blast piercing through the stone like butter. The blast surely would have hit Ivetta if she hadn't moved. She turns back to Hollinzoller and concentrates both her hands on him again.

Hollinzoller lets out a yell of pure determination followed by a magical wave of energy. It reverberates in the hall throwing the sorceress backward and flinging the object from her belt. It hurtles through the window, landing at Castor’s feet. He falls back to the floor, drained.

She tentatively picks it up studying momentarily. It's a metal contraption on wood which moves up and down. She holds it in her hand praying the waypoint works. Nothing happens. Her instinct tells her she has to touch everyone who is coming with, filling her veins with dread.

She runs to Tobias, tries desperately to wake him to no avail. She then throws him over her shoulder and tries to run inside. She screams to Ivetta, "get down here! We need to go!" She makes it to the bottom of the stairs and Castor, to the window but then they both feel a kernel of rage begin to amass.

The sorceress rights herself screaming, "BITCH! BITCH! COME OUT HERE YOU BITCH!"

Castor flattens herself to the wall, avoiding her view. Ivetta tries quietly to heave herself out the window. The clacking of heels coming toward her. She jumps. Yet her feet don't hit the ground. She floats inches from the ground, unable to move, caught in the sorceress' magic. Her distorted metallic voice leaks through the gaps in her mask, "And here I thought I would just settle for the master." She calls out, raising her voice, baiting, "Castor! Are you going to let both of your friends die tonight?"

The sorceress rotates Ivetta's frozen body in the air to face her. Ivetta tries to struggle away but to no avail, her eyes grow fearful. Blood soaked knuckles stroke down the side of her cheek leaving a smear. Ivetta flinches internally, her breath catches, then her eyes roll back into her head. She's dropped, unceremoniously to the ground, crumpling in a heap. The sorceress turns on her heel, furious her bait caught naught.

"Show me where she is! Never useful when I need you! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" she's tearing the place apart, launching pews and screaming so violently, any intact glass now shatters.

Castor, heart in her throat, tries to move silently to Ivetta but as she passes the window, she knows she's been seen. Hollinzoller's limp body sails out the window, mere feet from where she last stood. Hope fills her briefly that she can bring everyone but it is dashed as he flies too far. She has to get Ivetta first.

Sensing imminent danger for Ivetta, and knowing her luck is running out, Castor sprints as fast as she can for the window. She dives through it. Ivetta's body rises from the floor by the sorceress' spell. As if in slow motion the sorceress yanks her fist toward herself, Ivetta is pulled away. Castor reaches desperately for her. For a split second she believes she's missed but miraculously, her fingertips barely graze Ivetta's foot. Praying vehemently that Hollinzoller won't be left behind, she activates the waypoint.

TBC

Episode Twenty-Seven: Just South of Safety