Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
The Halls of Power
1900 A.D.
The echoing grandeur of the Houses of Parliament; a cathedral of British power, did little to soothe the disquiet in Victor’s stomach; the endless corridors lined with their portraits of grim-faced men, felt like the intestines of a beast slowly digesting the hopes of a nation.
Tonight, Victor found himself trapped within them; with George Smythe, a man that felt like the beast itself.
“The details are…, intricate, wouldn’t you agree, Smythe?” Victor said, his voice was carefully neutral as he gestured towards the politician beside them – a sweating, obsequious of a man, Wilkes; Wilkes bobbed his head like a marionette
George Smythe merely chuckled, a low unsettling rumble within his chest “Intricate…., yes” he said with a smirk “Like how the web of a spider is intricate; designed to ensnare the unsuspecting fly” he slowly nodded his head “This ‘Estates Duty and Amendment Bill, as we’ve dressed it up, will bleed to working class dry” his eyes shifted to Wilkes “They’ll be forced to sell what meagre holdings they have; a surplus of cheap labour for us to acquire” he clapped Wilkes on the back, the sound was like a death knell in the quiet hallway
Victor forced a smile “indeed…, most efficient, we’ll be able to redistribute these resources” he loathed these meetings, he was head of the Imperium – Yes, but, he felt more like a spectator at some obscene play
As they rounded the corner, the long shadows stretched and distorted their figures; Victor stopped, his face hardening “I must admit though Smythe; I am disappointed with the progress, this bill is not moving swiftly enough and questions are beginning to be raised”
George stopped too; his tall frame blocking the light, he emanated an aura of coiled strength; the years of ruthless training radiated from him like heat, it was in his posture, the way his shoulders squared, the barely perceptible tension in his jaw – he was a predator disguised in a Savile Row suit.
He fixed Victor with a glacial stare “From whom?” he questioned “From a few disgruntled socialists and idealistic fools; do you fear reprisal from them, the people of this empire are servile; they will never rise against the pillars of power”
“If we continue to push George; they will, it is a concern many of our Councillors are discussing” Victor watched him
“The people will never rise up; and should the whispers of disobedience begin, we only need provide distraction, to deceive them with methods that ensures they close the collar around their own throats, they serve as they should; they understand they cannot challenge us”
“They can challenge governments; if they gain enough momentum” Victor’s voice sharpened “This bill is crucial for the Imperium’s long-term plans; but it will create unrest, it will sow the seeds of desperation that we need to ensnare them”
Smythe tilted his head, a predatory glint within his eyes “Things are under control Victor, let us not forget who provides the…., lubrication…, for this grand machine; the Cult of the Minotaur and my Families business empire ad the bedrocks upon with this Imperium stands, without these…, contributions…, your grand design would crumble”
The air seemed to crackle with unspoken tension; Wilkes could sense the shift in power and shrunk back.
Victor’s hands clenched within the confines of the pockets of his coat – he knew that this was coming, Smythe was a powerful tool, a blunt instrument capable of wielding massive influence and crushed opposition; but, he was arrogant, convinced of his own superiority.
It was clear that George saw him; Victor, as nothing short of a puppet, a simple figurehead
“Are you questioning my authority Smythe?” Victor asked, his tone hinting at a simmering anger as he shifted his stance to project some form of power within the obvious imbalance between their positions of power
Smythe’s lips curled into a knowing smile “Questioning?; No, Victor, merely stating a fact; you hold the title, but power, true power resides where the resources flow, and I control that tap”
Stepping forwards, George’s gaze was unwavering “Do not mistake my…, cooperation as subservience, I serve the Imperium; Yes, but I serve it on my own terms, and should I choose to redirect those resources, to sever the floor…, your empire of shadows would collapse overnight”
Victor swallowed, the bitter taste of humiliation rose in his throat, he knew Smyth was right – the Imperium, for all its sprawling influence and insidious networks was heavily dependent on Smythe and his families wealth along with the Cult of the Minotaur’s ruthless dedication; without them, the Imperium would struggle – He, would struggle
He forced a smile, the effort costing him dearly “Of course Smythe; I understand perfectly, I appreciate your candour, we are, after all; partners in this endeavour” he offered his hand forwards
Smythe, after a moment of thinking, took it into his grip; both firm and subtly menacing “Indeed, Victor; partners” Smythe repeated, his eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge “Unto the very end”
As they resumed their walk; Victor felt a chill crawl down his spine, he had looked into the eyes of the beast and knew with a chilling certainty, that he was not the one holding the leash, he was simply another fly caught within the web – waiting for the spider to decide his fate.
Written By: Westley H.
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