The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Previous Instalments:
- The Ambush: Part 1 – Surviving the Cult: A Journey Through Chanthaburi
- The Ambush: Part 2 – Surviving the Cult: A Journey Through Chanthaburi II
- The Ambush: Part 3 – The Ambush: A Tale of Survival in Siam
The Ambush: Part 4
Within the suffocating embrace of the dense Siamese jungle, the air was like humid breath; November of 1908 so far had unfolded like a nightmare – the safety offered by Nang Htoo felt questionable.
As Lydia and Norina; both exhausted followed; clothes torn bodies battered and bruised, followed Nang, a Siamese local with a wide-brimmed hat shadowing his weathered face, and a long coat draped over his frame, moved with a silent grace, he was like a ghost through the undergrowth.
Norina had begun to greatly struggle with all the travel they had done since the ambush; her movements were staggered causing Lydia to glance back towards her; speaking in Italian, she questioned Norina calmly ~”Norina; are you feeling alright”~
Norina shook her head ~”No”~ she answered ~”I am so thirsty”~ she told Lydia
Lydia stopped which caused Norina to stop; the bag dangling across her side, its strap over to her opposite shoulder – she pulled it around, the weight of the Jian sword strapped to the bag felt heavier than usual, her exhausted body was now screaming at her as well; as she fished her hand inside the bag, she finally found a ceramic-bottle fastened securely in place within the confines of her bag, freeing it, she brought it out; checking what contents remain, she pulled the lid free, handing it over to Norina ~”Here”~ she said softly
Norina was surprised, but accepted; drinking a little from the ceramic-bottle before handing it back; Lydia shook her head, pointing to Norina ~”I can’t drink it all”~ Norina said, her eyes indicating disbelief
~”You can”~ she told her softly ~”You need it”~ she told her; with reluctance, Norina finished the remains of water before giving it back; Lydia smiled as she returned it back inside of her back, easing Norina back to walking; Nang, having stopped to observed them also started moving again.
After a little while longer; they finally caught sight of the safehouse; it stood like a forgotten relic amid the tangle of vines and ancient trees – its weathered walls whispering secrets to the wind “Here we are young ones” Nang said, gently pushing the door open, allowing them to enter before him – Lydia, on guard still placed her hand against the hilt of her sword as she kept Norina close – they entered into the building, and the first person they saw; ‘The Monk’
He stood by a set of shelves, his usual dark robes evoking the ancient mystique of a Tibetan monk; his face obscured by a hood, his presence though radiated an otherworldly calm.
Lydia’s breath caught ‘Finally; Safety’ she thought “Welcome” the Monk greeted them as he turned, pulling the hood down, smiling
Miles away; at the Lodging House that had once been a place of safety had now become a makeshift prison; first just for Cathryn and Elizabeth, but, the arrival and subsequent capture of Xian, Damir and Nintau also referred to it as their prison – it had been a few days since those events though, they had been subject to harsh conditions by the Cultists and their two acting leaders; Bartholomew and Jack.
Cathryn though was laying on the cold floor; her fierce determination flickering like a dying flame – she had been a woman forged in the fires of resistance against the Imperium, but now she had been left in a dire state, her arm was wrapped in a blood-stained bandage from a gunshot wound, her greying-raven dark hair matted by dirt and dried blood, her silvery-grey eyes rather distant and almost vacant – Elizabeth, the oldest of her twins, knelt down beside her mother; pushing her blonde hair away from her icy-blue eyes as she tended to her mother as best she could considering the current circumstances “Mum; you need to just hang in there” she whispered softly; her voice was steady despite a feeling of panic constantly building
The door of the lodging house burst open as a new figure arrived; Albert, sent by George Smythe from to oversee Bartholomew and Jack current progress – he was barely twenty with easy looks, short well-groomed dark hair and deep brown eyes – he dressed rather unusually, mixing western and eastern styles with a Talwar sword strapped on his back, and a Lee-Enfield strapped over his shoulder.
Bartholomew and Jack contrasted with this new figure with their brutish features and fanatical-gleaming eyes, they greeted him with uneasy nods; they’d not been made aware of Albert travel, last they was aware, he hadn’t even left Britain, but, with is presence, it made it clear that if Albert was here, then that would mean George had also recently reached Asia “Show me the prisoners” Albert commanded, his voice as smooth as silk
Bartholomew nodded, getting up to his feet and leading Albert to where they had kept the group held prisoner; as Albert eyed Cathryn and Elizabeth, his eyes narrowed, he was not happy when he saw Cathryn’s current condition – Elizabeth looked at Albert carefully, she recognised him, just like with Bartholomew, when Elizabeth had still be a loyalist devoted to her father, she had worked with Albert, she knew what kind of man he was, what he represented.
Albert shifted his gaze back to Bartholomew “What is this?” he demanded; his tone icy “You’ve injured her; George will have your head for this incompetence”
Bartholomew shifted uncomfortably, he knew his orders, but during the act of capturing Cathryn and Elizabeth, he had acted out of a need for vengeance, he had given the command that had caused Cathryn to get shot – he knew that this did not look good “Ah…, she.., resisted Albert; I had no choice” he lied
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes “Liar!” she snapped “We never even knew you was waiting for us; you open fired on us immediately!”
Albert shifted his gaze to Elizabeth; she was a traitor to the Imperium, to her father; but, George had still given instructions for her capture, along with her sister and mother and that they were to be unharmed – Albert’s gaze shifted to Cathryn, lingering for a moment, a mix of admiration and malice “George wants her alive, and unharmed” he stated firmly, though his voice was calm the anger was within his tone “She is after all his estranged wife; she has her uses to him, just as his daughters do”
Albert’s eyes shifted, he looked towards Elizabeth for a moment before he turned away; his mind already plotting – the Imperium would need to be made aware, George would need to be informed – he wasn’t only there simply to ensure Bartholomew and Jack’s success but to also advance George’s business goals in the region, but, now, things may become more difficult, he will need to tend to Cathryn
Across the Indian ocean; the Dreadnought cut through the waves with the menace of a predator – William stood on the bridge, his steely focus a bulwark against the churning sea – Aware of Cathryn and Elizabeth being held captive, with no word on Lydia – he knew that things were becoming a race, but, he could use all this to his advantage as he played the game from the shadows – his father’s interest in Siam had become crucial since He and Lydia has burned down the Estate in 1905 – it had damaged his father’s reputation massively, George’s current work was trying to rebuild that lost prestige, if William could interfere, he could cause his fathers influence to crumble further, perhaps even break the Cult of the Minotaur during their most fragile state.
A crew member looked over to him, his voice tentative amid the creaking metal of the Dreadnought “What is your plan once we reach Siam?”
William’s eyes, sharp and unyielding stared off into the darkening sky “You will drop me off in Siam; then set sail to Burma, you’ll launch an attack on the port my father was last seen at” he said, his tone icy “My father’s empire will crumble one way or another; the Imperium will denounce him if we can cause enough damage”
Time seemed to slip forwards; as if the calendar itself recoiled from the unfolding terror; by early December, William had arrived in Siam – mounting a horse, he set off, vanishing into the jungle while his Dreadnought sailed once more, now to fulfil his orders by striking at the Cult of the Minotaur’s base of operations in Burma.
Meanwhile, back at the safehouse; Lydia’s patience has shattered like glass under pressure.
She could no longer wait; while Nang and the Monk urged caution – she wouldn’t wait any longer, she needed to go and help her mother, in the dead of night, Lydia slipped out her angelic innocence masking the dangerous fighter she was; her raven-dark hair tied back into a bun once more.
Norina, upon discovering Lydia’s absence followed swiftly – her bond with Lydia pulling her into the same dark abyss.
They both moved through the dense jungle; it took them a few days of difficult travel, but they eventually found their way to the lodging house, it stood beneath the moon like a monstrous silhouette.
Lydia and Norina crouched low, remaining quiet, she shifted her gaze to Norina, her silvery-grey eyes looked into the same silvery-grey eyes of Norina; she spoke in Italian, her voice hushed ~”Wait here for me, if things go wrong, run”~
Norina shook her head, her eyes wide with defiance ~”I won’t leave you; We’re in this together”~ she told her
Reluctantly, Lydia nodded, but still urged Norina to flee if the danger escalated – observing from the treeline, they watched as Cultists patrolled like demons guarding a gate to hell, when there was an opening – they seized it, with stealthy movements Lydia and Norina slipped like ghosts to the back of the building, finding entry easily – too easily.
The air inside was foul; thick with a metallic tang of blood, the murmurs of captive whispers – Lydia and Norina navigated the dimly lit halls, but, as they turned a corner; Albert stepped out and blocked their path; his arms positioned behind his back as he looked at them carefully – they were like twins; but he knew Norina couldn’t be Lydia’s twin, Lydia was the younger twin sister of Elizabeth; the daughter of George and Cathryn.
He regarded them with a somewhat confused expression for a moment, his eyes lingering on Norina; she seemed far too innocent compared to the much more prepared Lydia – the Jian sword noticeable as it hung from Lydia’s bag “Well.., hello there” his said “A lovely sight; you are as beautiful as George described, Lydia” his voice dripped with false charm; his eyes roved over them, a predator sizing up its prey “I was sceptical when George approached my family with an offer, I am glad we did not turn him down; you will make a beautiful bride”
Lydia’s eyes narrowed in confusion “What?” she questioned, she was utterly bewildered
“Your father promised you to me my dear” Albert’s lips curved, a sinister looking smile appearing on his face
For a moment, Lydia looked as though she was considering his words as a possibility; almost like she liked what she was looking at – or, that was how Albert saw it at least, in reality, Lydia was unimpressed by him, she was just utterly confused “You aren’t the British soldier”
Now it was Albert’s turn to be confused; tilting his head to the left, he raised his eyebrow “What?”
“Your not Thomas” Lydia said simply “I don’t like you; I like Thomas”
Albert’s brow furrowed; his confusion was beginning to morph into rage “Thomas?” he questioned “Your father made no mention of a soldier called Thomas”
Lydia shrugged “He wouldn’t; I escaped my father years ago, he has no control over my life”
“You don’t have a say in this Lydia” with a swift motion, Albert drew the talwar sword; the blade whispering through the air “Surrender; Or, I shall force you too” he warned; but it became clear Lydia wouldn’t be backing down as she moved directly in front of Norina
Lydia drew her Jian sword; the movement was fluid and graceful like a dancer – his rage now boiling, Albert flew forwards and soon, the clang of metal echoed through the halls, shattering the fragile peace – Norina gasped as she moved out of the way as a fight erupted.
Lydia moved back carefully, it was clear that Albert knew how to use a sword, she was already being forced onto the defensive ~”Get them and go!”~ Lydia shouted in Italian to Norina, her focus remained on Albert, ensuring he remained focused on her, allowing for Norina to rush to find to where they had heard the whimpering
“Who trained you?” Albert questioned as he swung the talwar sword heavily; it forced Lydia to stumble back, she knew she wouldn’t be able to fight force with force, he was physically stronger than she was – she narrowed her eyes as she kept backing up, she felt herself struggling, and the concern was beginning to show in her face
The Cultists now aware of something happening began to converge inside of the Lodging house.
Norina meanwhile found where Cathryn, Elizabeth, Xian, Damir and Nintau were being held; Elizabeth, as soon as she spotted Norina jumped to her feet “Norina!” she quickly rushed to her, then gestured to her mother “I am not sure if you understand me; but please, help me get my mum up” she said with urgency
Nintau looked to see Jack come through the door; immediately he moved forwards; throwing himself into a kick; his foot landing square on Jack’s chest and throwing him back slightly and causing him to crash down to the floor before he moved to assist with moving Cathryn, Xian quickly took advantage of Jack being knocked down; making a move to grab the pistol that had fallen to the ground when Jack dropped it – he then glanced up, hearing the sound of metal clashing against metal “Lydia?” he questioned quietly; but, he spotted more Cultists coming into the halls, knowing Cathryn was the one in need of urgent help, he decided to turn to help the others instead of trying to help Lydia.
As the group reached the outside; Norina took notice of Xian being the last to exit, worry quickly appeared on her face, nearly letting go of Cathryn she started speaking rapidly in her native Italian – while Xian didn’t know what she was saying, he knew she would be asking questions about Lydia “She’s holding them back” Xian stated, though; he wasn’t even sure himself what was actually happening, he only heard the sounds of fighting, never saw anything – Elizabeth, saw Norina’s desperate need to move, but Xian simply gave a firm ‘No’ to her, while she knew Cathryn was the priority, Norina was clearly upset about leaving Lydia behind to fight.
Elizabeth though was silently questioning why no body had tried; Norina was helping her, with Cathryn; her mother – but that never stopped anyone else, though her expression did not show it, she was just as angry about it as Norina was upset.
Back in the hallways; Lydia was still struggling; backing up more and more – her usual graceful and fluid movements offered her little protection against Albert’s raw strength – but, his constant switching in style also created an air of confusion, from moments of heavy swinging, Albert also used similar graceful movements to Lydia, causing twists and spins
She made a quick movement catching Albert’s talwar and forcing it to the side allowing for Lydia a chance to move closer and kick at Albert’s knee; though being closer also allows Albert to grab at Lydia’s hair; jerking her head back and forcing her downwards as he also stumbled.
Lydia felt her grip loosen on her sword as she went backwards; crashing down against the floor; the heavy thud knocking the wind from her; when Albert suddenly moved over her, she jerked herself against the floor as she managed to just barely move her leg upwards in front to hit Albert with her knee as gravity brought him down towards her, it clearly hurt him, but didn’t stop him, as he forced her back downwards against the floor, noticing silver gleam out of the corner of his eye, he shifted his gaze to spot a small throwing knife that Lydia clearly dropped at some point, reaching over, he gripped it and moved it quickly to her throat “Give up; Now!”
Lydia swallowed she felt a sudden increase in her breathing as she stared up at him, but, she stopped resisting; staring up with a defeated expression present on her face
“Good girl” he said with a grin; his tone was condescending , oozing a sense of superiority from him
“So; we have got one captive?” Bartholomew’s voice broke the sudden silence between Albert and Lydia
Forcing Lydia up to her feet, Albert kept the small blade against her throat; his eyes never once leaving her “Then go after them Bartholomew; don’t let them escape” he tone was icy
Bartholomew narrowed his eyes, slowly, he turned to follow Albert’s order; leaving Albert with Lydia.
In the distance William’s horse thundered through the jungle he was surprised when he noticed movement ahead of him causing him to pull back on the reigns of his horse, urgently trying to stop – luckily, he managed to do so just as Elizabeth and Norina crashed through the foliage struggling with Cathryn “William?” Elizabeth shouted in surprise
“Elizabeth?” He questioned with equal surprise; then his eyes landed on Xian, Damir and Nintau – but he also noticed there was no sign of Lydia “Where is Lydia?”
“We abandoned her” Damir stated with anger, his eyes turning to Xian
“We have no choice!” Xian snapped; hearing voices in the distance, Xian shifted his gaze back to William “They are armed; turn back now, you wont be able to save your sister right now”
William’s eyes burned with rage; but, seeing Cathryn’s state, he leaned slightly “Get her up!” he snapped
Elizabeth was surprised; but gesturing to Norina; the two carefully tried to get Cathryn up onto the back of William’s horse; Damir moved to assist quickly when voices began to sound nearer; the situation becoming more urgent, once Cathryn was up, resting against William, he used his left hand pull a map free from within his jacket “Follow that marking on the map; I will meet you there” turning the horse; the group watched as William set off
Glancing back, the group then did as suggested; setting off in urgency to get away from the pursing Cultists.
Back at the lodging house; Lydia sat on a bench, she looked at the bindings now around her wrists “Really?” she questioned, her eyes returning to Albert
“You’ve already proven you are capable of fighting; I am not taking a risk of you trying to fight me again” he told her, a smirk present on his face “Besides…, nothing wrong with how it makes you look submissive”
Lydia’s eyes narrowed; but she didn’t say anything further; turning her gaze away from him instead.
Shifting his attention to a Cultist that comes into the room; he immediately instructs for them to send a telegram back to the bureau in Burma, to let George know of what has transpired and how he now plans to transport Lydia back to Burma with him; the Cultist raise’s his eyebrow with a confused expression “I am not risking her escaping” Albert states before waving the Cultist off, treating him as though he was something he had scraped from his shoes
The Cultist; Martin, left to go and do as instructed, though he wasn’t intending to send word to Burma; he instead intended to send word to another Cultist group; Martin was aware of a French Cultist group that was seeking to undermine George’s intentions in Siam – the air of betrayal and secrets was thick.
Written By: Westley H.
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